Personal Injury FAQ

Q: What to do after an accident?

If you have recently been involved in a car accident or any other type of motor vehicle accident in North Carolina, you will need to follow these simple instructions.

First, dial 911 to speak with emergency personnel, especially if you are injured. You will need a police officer to help you file a report and medics to treat any injuries you may have or to take you to a hospital.

• If the accident is a fender-bender, and you have not sustained any injuries, you will want to take photographs of the damage and take down the other party's information. Be sure to include their name, phone number, insurance information, driver's license number and license plate number. Additionally, you will want to write down the make, model and year of their vehicle, in addition to any other important information regarding the accident. Even if something doesn't seem significant, you will need to remember it for future reference. Taking down notes regarding speeds, how the other person was driving and things they may have said may all come in handy in the future.
• You will also need to take statements from any witnesses to the accident. Talk to them, take down their name and phone number so that you can contact them if you need to in the future. Having all of this information will prove to be extreme useful in the future when working with your personal injury lawyer.
• After you have collected your own evidence and have been treated for any injuries you may have, talk to a personal injury attorney at a law firm that focuses on personal injury and car accident law.

Q: How do I find the right attorney?

Openly discuss your concerns and expectations. Ask questions and first satisfy yourself that you've found someone that you're comfortable working with and can trust. Ask the attorney to share with you the depth of his or her experience and what you can expect to happen over the course of your representation.

Q: Do I have to pay for an initial consultation if you don't take my case?

We do not charge for an initial consultation, and there is no obligation to hire our firm. In fact, we do not receive any compensation unless we recover money from the insurance company on your behalf.

Q: How will I pay a personal injury attorney?

We represent our clients on a contingency fee basis recognizing that injured people often don't have available resources to pursue their rights otherwise. This means that we will be paid fees based on a percentage of the amount recovered. Fees usually range between 25 to 30 percent while other attorneys charge 33 to 40 percent. We may advance the case expenses until the case is resolved and there is a recovery. You owe us nothing for our services if there is no recovery.

Q: What is the statute of limitations?

This is a fixed period of time dictated by law in which you must file a lawsuit. These fixed periods of time may vary by state, type of case and for various other reasons. This is why you should always consult with a lawyer experienced in these matters. Failure to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations may forever prevent you from seeking compensation for your injury.

Q: How much is my case worth?

The value of every case is different. We carefully evaluate each case in great detail considering the type of claim, the injuries and damages suffered, and probable future damages. Monetary damages such as medical expenses and lost wages are objective and can be easily calculated. Other compensable damages: suffering, pain, scars and disfigurement, physical impairments, etc. do not have a predetermined value. We are committed to each of our clients and work diligently to recover the compensation you deserve for all recoverable damages.

Q: Will I have to go to court?

Not all cases go to court, but some do. If the opposing party is willing to offer a fair settlement, it may not be necessary for us to file a lawsuit on your behalf in order to obtain a recovery. If the opposing party is not willing to consider a reasonable settlement, it may be in your best interest to file a lawsuit. Cases may settle after filing a lawsuit but before a jury trial.

Q: Who will work on my case?

An attorney is always working on your case. You can rest assured that you will have a skilled legal team working for you.

Q: How long will my case take?

No lawyer can promise you how long your case will take. Many things outside of our control can affect the timeline: the severity of your injuries, the length of treatment, the willingness of medical providers and the opposing party to cooperate, etc. Our many years of experience and talented staff enable us to manage your case effectively and efficiently in achieving the results you deserve in the shortest time possible.