Do I Need a North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer

Do I need a North Carolina personal injury lawyer for my car NC wreck claim or injury claim?

This is a question that we get asked almost every day from potential new clients.  Unfortunately, we know that some law firms always tell a potential client that they definitely need a lawyer even though it might not be true.  There are many factors that affect the decision as to whether you need a lawyer for your North Carolina personal case.

First, who was at fault for the wreck.  If liability is clear and the insurance company has acknowledged its responsibility to pay the claim, that is certainly a step in the right direction.  However, despite how friendly the adjuster may seem, the insurance adjuster is not your friend.  Insurance adjusters have a job to do and one of their jobs is to make the insurance company money and this happens when they pay you less money for your claim.  So, if you are going to handle your claim without an attorney, be careful what you say to the insurance adjuster.  And, despite what the adjuster is telling you, you are NOT required to give them a recorded statement.

Second, how badly were you injured and have you missed work due to your injuries.  If you were badly injured and your medical care has involved many different health care providers, gathering the information necessary for your claim can be a challenge.  Most personal injury lawyers know exactly where to look for complete medical records and billing statements.  For instance, at most major hospitals in North Carolina, the physicians at the hospital bill separately from the hospital so you need to gather medical bills from both sources.  If you have missed work due to your injuries, most personal injury lawyers know how to obtain and present documentation supporting your lost wage claim.

Third, do you need to pay any doctors or insurance companies from your settlement and how much do you need to pay.   If you have Medicare or Medicaid, you will need to pay Medicare or Medicaid back from your settlement or recovery.  If you have an employer sponsored health plan, you probably need to pay the health plan for any medical expenses related to your injury claim.  Many hospitals in North Carolina assert lien claims against a recovery which, under our lien laws, must also be paid back.  Sorting out these payment responsibilities can be tricky, particularly on larger claims and most personal injury lawyers are experienced on these issues.

These are just some of the issues you should consider when deciding if you need a lawyer for your North Carolina injury claim.  If you have questions about a North Carolina injury claim, feel free to give us a call at 919-420-0475 for  free consultation.  Ask to speak with attorney Mike Malone.

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