FAQs
When you suffer an injury caused by someone else’s carelessness, the road ahead can feel uncertain and confusing. Many people aren’t familiar with how personal injury claims work or what steps they need to take to protect their rights. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, a workplace incident, or a slip and fall, knowing what to expect can make a significant difference in how you navigate the process.
From understanding how compensation is calculated to learning about insurance claims and legal deadlines, the information here is designed to help you make informed choices. Our goal is to guide you through this challenging time with confidence and clarity so that you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a car accident, your priority should be safety and medical attention. Call 911 if necessary, avoid admitting fault, and collect information such as photos, witness contacts, and police reports. Notify your insurance company but avoid giving detailed statements before consulting a lawyer. Seeking legal advice early can protect your rights and help you navigate insurance claims and potential compensation.
North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning if you are found even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. This makes it crucial to have strong legal representation to minimize or dispute fault and protect your ability to receive compensation.
Our firm handles a broad range of personal injury cases including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, slip and fall injuries, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, product liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, and premises liability. Our experience covers many scenarios where individuals are harmed due to someone else’s negligence.
While minor accidents might be resolved without a lawyer, it is advisable to consult one especially if injuries are serious or liability is disputed. An attorney helps navigate insurance claims, negotiate settlements, and ensures you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Generally, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in North Carolina. For wrongful death claims, the time limit is typically two years. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to compensation, so timely action is essential.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. They take a percentage of the settlement or court award, which allows clients to pursue claims without upfront legal fees.
Compensation may include medical bills (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and in some cases punitive damages if gross negligence is proven. The amount depends on the severity of the injury and specifics of the case.
Bring all relevant documents such as police reports, medical records and bills, insurance information, witness contacts, and photos of the accident and injuries. This information helps the lawyer evaluate your case thoroughly and advise you properly.
The length varies depending on case complexity, severity of injuries, and cooperation from insurance companies or defendants. Some cases settle within a few months, while others may take years, especially if they go to trial. Your lawyer can give you an estimated timeline after reviewing your situation.
Insurance companies evaluate claims to determine liability and payout amounts. They may try to settle quickly for less than you deserve. Having an attorney ensures that you do not accept an unfair offer and that your rights are protected during negotiations.
North Carolina’s contributory negligence law means if you are found even 1% at fault, you generally cannot recover damages. It is important to work with an attorney who can analyze fault issues and build the strongest possible case for you.
Important evidence includes photos of the accident scene and injuries, medical records and bills, police reports, witness statements, and any communication with insurance companies. This evidence supports your claim and helps prove liability.
A settlement is an agreement reached between parties to avoid going to court and usually results in faster compensation. A trial involves presenting the case before a judge or jury who decides the outcome. Trials are more time-consuming and unpredictable but may be necessary if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
Our firm offers free consultations, handles all legal paperwork, negotiates with insurance companies, represents clients in court if necessary, and provides regular updates. Our goal is to reduce your stress and ensure you receive effective legal representation.
Before accepting any settlement offer, consult with a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often offer less than what you deserve. An attorney will evaluate the offer, consider future expenses, and negotiate to maximize your compensation.
Yes. North Carolina law allows you to hold manufacturers, distributors, or sellers responsible for injuries caused by defects in product design, manufacturing, or marketing. Product liability claims require specialized legal knowledge, so it’s important to consult an experienced attorney.
A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to another party’s negligence or intentional harm. In North Carolina, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file the claim on behalf of surviving family members to seek compensation for losses related to the death.
Catastrophic injuries require thorough investigation and often involve complex legal and medical issues. Our firm works with experts to build strong cases, aiming to secure compensation for extensive medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, and long-term needs.
Mass tort cases involve multiple plaintiffs harmed by the same product or action, such as defective drugs or medical devices. Our firm has experience representing clients in mass tort litigation, providing dedicated attention to each case while working with a larger group.
You can contact us by phone or through our website to schedule a free consultation. We have multiple offices in North Carolina and are ready to provide expert advice and representation tailored to your personal injury case.
