QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Personal Injury/Auto Accidents FAQs
What should I do first?
Your first concern is your health. Seek the advice
of a medical professional who can help you heal and record
your injuries.
Should I take photographs?
Yes, it is important to document injuries and property
damage. You will need photos to prove your claims. Take
pictures even though your insurance adjuster has probably
done the same.
The insurance company wants me
to provide medical records, a recorded statement or a
release? What should I do?
Do not sign any insurance papers until you consult an
attorney. Once you sign a release of claims, your case is
over. Be wary of an insurance company that wants to settle
before you have seen a doctor or while you are receiving
treatment. Be careful–anything you say to an insurance
adjuster can be used against you in valuing a claim.
Contact Howard, Stallings, From &
Hutson, P.A. or call 1.800.822.4182 for your free
consultation.
What is an accident report?
This report is prepared by an officer at the scene of the
accident. It is used to officially document the
circumstances of the accident and can be used in settling
your claim. Be sure to read the accident report as it can
answer many questions,
North Carolina is an at-fault
state. What is an “at-fault” driver?
The at-fault driver is the one who caused the accident.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company must pay for the
damage to your car and for your personal injuries. If the
at-fault driver has no insurance, then we can help you
negotiate with your insurance company to pay your claim.
How do I pay my medical bills?
Use your health insurance to pay your medical bills.
Unpaid bills affect your credit and reduce the amount of
money you receive at final settlement. If you do not have
health insurance, let us know... We can help by reviewing
your options for other ways to pay for medical treatment.
How do I pay for vehicle repairs
or replacement?
If you were not at-fault in the accident, then the
at-fault driver's insurance company will pay for your car repairs and a rental
car while your car is in the shop. If your car is totaled
(the repair costs are 75% or greater than the car’s value),
you will be paid the total current retail value of your car.
If you have collision coverage on your auto insurance policy
it may also help cover the costs of auto repairs regardless
of which driver was at fault. In any
case, we can help determine what coverage you have and how
it will best serve your needs.
How is the value of my case
determined?
If you were not at-fault in the accident then, you are entitled to receive money
from the at-fault driver's insurance company for your injuries
including medical bills, lost wages and expenses, pain and
suffering, emotional distress, and resulting disabilities
and scars. Compensation will also include costs to repair or
replace damaged property.
When will I receive
compensation?
You will receive compensation for your claims when your
case is resolved either through a settlement or after
obtaining a judgment in Court. We can work with you to
determine when the time is right either to settle your case
or go to Court, and we will use our experience to maximize
your compensation for your injuries.
Contact Howard, Stallings, From & Hutson, P.A. and let
us put our experience to work for you.
