North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, meaning if you are found even partially at fault for the accident, you may not be entitled to compensation. However, there are circumstances where this can be overcome. This is one of the reasons it's important to get an experienced North Carolina auto accident attorney involved immediately before speaking to the insurance companies.

The timeframe for settling a personal injury case varies depending on the complexity of the case and negotiations with the insurance company or other parties involved. Most claims get resolved within six to nine months. However, it really depends on the extent of injuries and treatment required. You rarely want to settle case before you've reached maximum medical improvement.

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation for your case. At Paul Robinson Law, we never ask for money from our clients. This is why it's so important to deal with an experienced North Carolina personal injury firm. If you're with a firm that does personal injury cases on a part-time basis or a new firm, they may not have the financial resources to see your case through to resolution and may even advise you to settle when it's not in your best interest.

Yes, you may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering resulting from the accident and your injuries. Pain and suffering damages are considered general damages, also called noneconomic damages.

It is recommended you consult with a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement offer from the insurance company to ensure that you are fairly compensated. Many times the insurance company will offer you a small amount and then some larger amount to cover bills. However, once you sign a release, there is nothing requiring the insurance company to continue paying those bills. And once you sign off on the settlement, there is no going back. It's over.

Yes. You may be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or other sources, depending on your insurance policy. In North Carolina, every auto insurance policy is required to carry uninsured motorist coverage. Be aware that even though it's your own insurance, they are still going to treat your claim like any other and going to try to pay as little as possible. Even if the claim is against your uninsured motorist coverage, it's best to speak with an experienced North Carolina auto accident lawyer first.

No. It is best to avoid providing a recorded statement to the insurance company without first consulting with your attorney, as it can be used against you later on. You may be required to provide a statement to your own auto insurance company to help them with the investigation of the claim. However, you're not obligated to assist the at-fault insurance company. An experienced North Carolina auto accident attorney should be consulted before you give any statement to the at-fault insurance.

It is important to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to determine if you are still within the statute of limitations for filing a claim. In North Carolina, there is typically a three-year statute of limitations to file a lawsuit. However, there may be factors that can overcome that. It's important to speak with an experienced North Carolina auto accident lawyer as soon as you can to know what your options are.

Your attorney can gather evidence and work to establish liability to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions. But it's important to get an experienced North Carolina auto accident lawyer as soon as possible so that evidence is not lost and your case is handled properly.

It's possible but unlikely. While many personal injury cases are settled out of court, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to pay upfront fees for their services.

Absolutely. But why? Statistically, even with the 1/3 contingency fee, folks who have attorneys walk away with more money than when they handle it themselves. There's not really a good reason to handle a personal injury claim yourself, unless an attorney doesn't think they can add enough value to justify their fees. Even then, we'll send you our Roadmap to Handling your Auto Accident Case yourself.

You may still be entitled to compensation for the extent to which your pre-existing injuries were worsened by the accident. Additionally, at fault drivers are responsible for compensating you for activating any dormant conditions, such as arthritis, or re-injuring a pre-existing injury that you might have healed from. Your attorney can help determine the impact of these injuries on your case.

A personal injury attorney can provide crucial legal representation, negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, assess damages, and advocate for your rights to help you secure fair compensation for your injuries.
These are general FAQs and answers, and the specifics of each individual case may vary. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney for personalized advice tailored to your unique situation.