At the Law Office of Gary Poole in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, I want each person visiting my office to feel comfortable and have a good understanding of my firm and approach to handling auto injury cases. To that end, I have provided answers here to some frequently asked questions. For answers to other questions you may have, please contact my firm today and schedule an initial consultation.
Do you offer car accident free consultations?
Yes. When you call me we can discuss all of your questions, including: how the insurance company of the driver at fault will reimburse you for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering (how you were injured and how those injuries affect you) and any permanent injuries; how will the damage to your vehicle be handled; and do you need an attorney. If it looks as if you do not need an attorney then I will give you some free advice on how you can handle your own claims with the insurance company.
If you handle my case, how and when do I pay you?
I work on a contingency fee basis. This means that I am paid a percentage of the settlement amount in your case. In other words, I am only paid if I am able to get you the compensation you deserve.
Do you make home or hospital visits?
Yes. I am happy to meet at the most convenient location to you. With Covid, though, we just need to make sure that we can property distance.
Will you travel to meet me?
Yes. I routinely travel throughout North Carolina to meet with individuals to talk about their cases.
What happens if the other driver has little or no insurance?
When this situation occurs, you may have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage under your own auto insurance that can be of help to you. I have significant experience in representing individuals who have had to use their uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage under their own auto insurance policy to get compensation.
What exactly does it mean to have a personal injury case?
It means that your injury is the result of another party’s negligence.
What does compensation entail?
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another driver, you receive payment from the insurance company of the driver at fault, which is referred to as a settlement. A settlement is a lump-sum payment made up of any of the following items that apply to your situation: medical expenses, lost earnings, past and future pain and suffering because of your injuries, and permanent injuries.
What about damage to my car or truck?
When I represent an individual in connection with their injury claim, I will also assist them in obtaining compensation for the repairs to their vehicle or the total loss of their vehicle. I will handle these property claims at no charge.
Do you collect a percentage of the property damage settlement?
No. I only collect a fee for handling your personal injury claim. Obtaining compensation for damaged property is simply part of my service to you.
Will I have to deal with insurance companies?
No. As your auto accident lawyer, I will deal with your insurance company.
How long have you been in practice?
I have been practicing for over 38 years.
Do you represent individuals outside of the Triangle area that have been injured in car accidents?
Absolutely! Over the years I have helped a number of people outside of the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area. Here is a list of the North Carolina counties where my car accident clients have come from over the years:
Alamance County, Caswell County, Chatham County, Cumberland County, Davidson County, Durham County, Forsyth County, Franklin County, Granville County, Guilford County, Halifax County, Johnston County, Lee County, Orange County, Person County, Vance County, Wake County, and Wilson County
And, here are some of the cities, towns and communities where my car accident clients have been from over the years:
Apex, Bahama, Bullock, Burlington, Butner, Carrboro, Carthage, Cary, Cedar Grove, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Clemmons, Creedmoor, Durham, Efland, Elon, Fayetteville, Fuquay Varina, Garner, Gibsonville, Graham, Greensboro, Haw River, Hillsborough, Kernersville, Knightdale, Leasburg, Lexington, Littleton, Mebane, Morrisville, Newport, Norlina, Oxford, Pittsboro, Raleigh, Roanoke Rapids, Robersonville, Rolesville, Roxboro, Sanford, Siler City, Sims, Smithfield, Snow Camp, Stem, Timberlake, Wake Forest, Warrenton, Weldon, Youngsville, and Zebulon
Do you represent individuals from other states who have been injured in North Carolina car accidents?
Yes. I know that many individuals living in Virginia and South Carolina will routinely come into North Carolina. There are many individuals who are from other states that vacation in North Carolina and some are unfortunately involved in an accident here in North Carolina. I also know that there are a lot of people that drive through North Carolina up and down I-95, and some find themselves involved in a serious interstate accident.
If you would like free consultation to discuss your auto accident, give me a call directly at 919-942-1181, send me an email at garyrpoole@mindspring.com or complete our online contact form.