Experienced Attorneys Answer Frequently Asked Questions at Personal Injury Law Firm in Wilmington, North Carolina

Many people have never worked with a personal injury law firm before, so common questions arise when they experience an unexpected injury. Here, we will address several issues presented in a Q & A format; for additional information, visit the FAQ section of our website.

At Speaks Law Firm, we help our clients in Wilmington, North Carolina, when they have suffered an injury to themselves or their property. If you have suffered an injury, we invite you to read through the frequently asked questions below to discover the basics. Call (910) 341-7570 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced legal team so we can assess your personal injury case.

What Does Negligence Mean In The Context of My North Carolina Personal Injury Case?

A personal injury case in North Carolina generally depends upon proving that one party’s negligence led to the injury of another. Negligence is the failure to exercise a duty of care owed towards others; essentially, negligence is carelessness.

A personal injury case will center on arguing that the other party’s carelessness led to your injury, making them responsible. Other important factors may be at play, and it is important to note that workers’ compensation cases are not based on proving negligence. However, workplace injuries, in general, can be more complicated. Consult with our personal injury legal team to identify how negligence may factor into your case.

Will I Have To Go To Court For My Personal Injury Case in North Carolina?

Many people feel anxious about participating in a trial environment and wish to avoid the perceived drama and hassle associated with such an experience. However, most cases settle before trial. We will generally seek to settle if we can reach fair and appropriate settlement terms for a client.

We present evidence to the insurance company that they should pay the claim, which is more cost-effective for them than going to court. From there, we present any settlement offer from the insurance company to you so you can decide whether to accept it. If we cannot reach a fair and appropriate settlement with the insurance company, we will prepare to represent you in court.

Although a trial of your personal injury case is unlikely, we would prepare you thoroughly if it comes to that. It’s rare for an insurance company not to make a settlement offer; therefore, going to court hinges on the denial or absence of settlement offers.

What Happens if You Admit Fault in a Car Accident?

If you are at fault in a car accident in North Carolina, you can be held responsible for all injuries and property damage it caused. North Carolina is a contributory negligence state, which means you could not recover compensation if you share any of the fault.

Admitting fault compromises your case and can make you or your insurance company liable for the injuries suffered to the other side and damage to the vehicles. Avoid saying anything that could be perceived as an admission of fault. Even a simple apology could be misconstrued in this way. Admitting fault places you at a severe disadvantage as you move forward to argue for your interests. While you may let your insurance company know you were in an accident, do not admit fault to them.

Consult an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney to determine your next steps. Your attorney may handle communications with the insurance companies and other parties involved in your case.

Can I Handle My Injury Case On My Own, Or Do I Really Need a Lawyer?

While you may not be required to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you, doing so places a knowledgeable advocate for your interests into the equation. Insurance companies are looking out for their company's bottom line, no matter how much they give the impression that they care about your injuries. Police and doctors fulfill their employment responsibilities; their interest is not to pursue your interests.

By at least consulting with an experienced North Carolina personal injury lawyer, you gain an advocate in your corner who can inform you regarding the options in your case and the likely implications of actions you may take as you move forward. If you continue without an attorney, you will face people who spend every day making a living out of minimizing the amount of money people in your position will collect. Your first step should be to schedule a free consultation to assess your situation and identify strategic next steps.

What Is The Value of My Personal Injury Case?

We need to assess the details of your case to determine the extent of injuries or damage, the insurance involved, and various other factors. If you have suffered an injury that inflicts long-term effects or requires long-term treatment, your case may be worth more. Still, that information may depend on the opinions of knowledgeable medical professionals.

To assess the viability of your personal injury case and approach an estimate of its value, the first step is to schedule a free consultation with an experienced North Carolina personal injury lawyer.

Work With an Experienced North Carolina Personal Injury Attorney at Speaks Law Firm in Wilmington

We can answer many more personal injury questions and guide you through the process. Complete our online form, or call our experienced NC personal injury attorneys at Speaks Law Firm at (910) 341-7570 to schedule a free consultation.

If you have suffered an injury in Wilmington, North Carolina, don’t search for “personal injury law firms near me.” We help individuals in the Wilmington, NC, community when they need it most. Who speaks for you? We do.