North Carolina Pedestrian Accident: Victim’s Legal Avenue to Justice, Compensation
“Each year more than 2,400 pedestrians and 960 bicyclists are hit by vehicles in North Carolina, making North Carolina one of the least safe states in the US for walking and bicycling,” according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, including a recent $29.25 million dollar verdict, and our mission is to help the victims these tragic and senseless accidents.
I Was Seriously Injured in an Accident. What Assistance Can an Attorney Provide?
After an accident, our Clients come in with a number of questions and concerns. Many of these relate to insurance negotiations, medical care and property damage. In some tragic circumstances, a loved one has been lost in an accident and grieving family members are uncertain of how to proceed. A dedicated, experienced personal injury firm should be able to immediately provide victims of motor vehicle accidents with a strategic plan to navigate the coming days, months, and years. Each case is different and should be customized to the needs of the specific victim. Your initial consultation should be free, thorough and provide you with a solid understanding of your legal options.
Should I Speak With or Hire an Attorney that Contacted Me Directly, In the Hospital, Through Social Media, or Through an Investigator?
The American Bar Association Rule 7.3 states that a lawyer “shall not” contact a prospective Client through a “live telephone” or an “in-person” visit. If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.
Do I Need an Attorney to Negotiate with Insurance Companies?
Sadly, insurance companies are all too often more concerned with limiting their own financial exposure than providing victims with the compensation and long-term medical care they need. An experienced personal injury attorney will handle all negotiations with insurance companies to get victims the maximum recovery they deserve. Be sure to ask any potential attorney about their experience negotiating with insurance companies. Having an experienced personal injury attorney during this complex negotiation process can mean the difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation and medical care.
How Do I Handle Medical Billing and Long-Term Medical Care While Waiting on the Driver’s Insurance?
A comprehensive personal injury firm will assist Clients by acting as a liaison between their medical care providers and insurance companies. The firm should handle all communications and negotiations with medical billing offices and an exceptional attorney will even coordinate long-term medical appointments and Client transportation to medical providers, if needed.
Can I Afford an Attorney?
Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.
You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing cyclists and pedestrians injured by drivers. We offer our legal assistance, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
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