College towns, like my home town of Chapel Hill, have a unique energy—students on foot, biking to class, rideshares buzzing around, and campus events bringing heavy foot traffic. Unfortunately, this combination also increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. If you or someone you care about has been hit by a vehicle while walking, especially in a college town like Chapel Hill, Winston Salem, Raleigh, Greenville, or even Buies Creek, hiring an attorney quickly is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen More Often in College Towns

College towns tend to have high pedestrian activity. Students walking to class, late-night outings, and congested campus streets create situations where drivers and pedestrians are in close proximity—and sometimes, in conflict. Add distracted driving or speeding into the mix, and accidents become all too common.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,388 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2021. That’s about one death every 71 minutes. Many of these incidents happen in areas just like ours: high-traffic zones with a lot of people on foot and drivers who aren’t always paying attention.

What You’re Up Against After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been hit by a car, you may be dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, and time away from work or school. Insurance companies often act fast to minimize their liability—and if you’re a student, they may assume you’re inexperienced or not in a position to push back. That’s where I come in.

I’ve handled personal injury cases since my first year of practice back in 2001 (before you college kids were born), and I know how to navigate these situations. Whether it’s gathering evidence, dealing with insurers, or making sure your medical bills are accounted for, I make sure your case gets the attention it deserves.

Timing Matters—Don’t Wait to Get Help

Pedestrian accidents are often more complex than they seem. The longer you wait to speak with a lawyer, the harder it can be to track down key evidence like surveillance footage or witnesses. That’s why I always encourage people to get legal help right away. You can read more about why you shouldn’t wait to hire an attorney after an accident here.

What I Do for You

When you hire me, you get personal, one-on-one attention from the moment you call. I investigate the facts, talk to the insurance companies so you don’t have to, and work to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent injuries or disfigurement

If the driver who hit you was speeding, drunk, distracted, or otherwise negligent, I make sure that gets documented and brought to light.

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If you’ve been hit by a car, don’t try to go it alone. Call me, Jeffrey Allen Howard, and let me deal with the nonsense while you focus on healing.

📞 Call 919-929-2992
🌐 jeffreyhowardlaw.com

t’s one of the most overlooked issues in auto accident cases: whether or not you have health insurance. Most people focus on the strength of their personal injury claim—who was at fault, how badly they were hurt, whether there’s insurance coverage. And those things do matter. But here’s a hard truth that surprises a lot of people: even with a “good case,” you can still end up in a financial bind if you don’t have health insurance.

Let me explain why.

There’s Often a Limit to How Much Money Is Available

In North Carolina, the driver who caused the accident typically has liability coverage through their auto insurance, but that coverage is often limited. The state minimum is $50,000 per person for bodily injury as of 2025 (it was $30,000 per person for 2024 and before cases). If your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering exceed that amount, you may be stuck—unless the at-fault driver has more coverage or you carry underinsured motorist protection (and even then, those policies have limits too).

In other words: the value of your case may be high, but the available money may not be.

Health Insurance Can Keep Your Case From Sinking

When you have health insurance, your medical providers usually bill your health plan first. The insurer then pays a discounted, negotiated rate. These discounts—often called “adjustments”—mean the actual amount you owe for your treatment is often far less than the full sticker price.

For example, if a hospital bills $10,000 for treatment, your health insurance might only pay $3,000 and write off the rest. That’s a $7,000 reduction in your total medical bills. And when it comes time to settle your injury claim, those reductions can make a huge difference in how much money you get to keep after all the bills and liens are paid.

If you don’t have health insurance, you may owe the full $10,000—and that can leave you in an impossible position when the settlement money runs out.

No Insurance? You Could Be Stuck With Medical Debt

Here’s where things get tough. Without health insurance, you may be treated on a “lien basis,” where providers agree to wait for your case to settle before getting paid. But they still want full price—and they may not budge. That can drain most (or all) of your settlement, leaving you with little or nothing to show for your case.

You may even end up worse off financially than someone with less serious injuries, just because you didn’t have coverage to negotiate your bills down.

The Bottom Line

Having health insurance is not just about access to care—it’s a critical tool that helps preserve the value of your injury claim. It gives you leverage, reduces what you owe, and protects your financial well-being when a case settles.

Even if the other driver was 100% at fault, and even if your injuries are clearly related to the accident, you still need to think about how your medical expenses will be handled. Health insurance makes a huge difference.

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If you’ve been injured in a car accident and have questions about how to protect yourself financially, contact Jeffrey Allen Howard, Attorney at Law, PLLC. I’ll help you understand your rights, your options, and how to get the most from your claim—without unnecessary surprises.

In North Carolina, many people have heard of a Prayer for Judgment Continued, or “PJC,” and assume it’s a get-out-of-jail-free card for traffic tickets. The logic goes: just ask for a PJC, and poof—no points, no insurance increase, no consequences. But before you try to handle a ticket on your own and rely on this legal tool, it’s important to understand what a PJC actually is—and more importantly, what it isn’t.

What Is a PJC?

A PJC is a unique sentencing option in North Carolina where a judge may choose not to enter a final judgment of guilt for certain offenses, even when the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty. This can mean that, in some cases, license and insurance points may not be assessed. See this old video of mine for some more detail.

Sounds great, right?

Not So Fast My Friend — The Catch

Here’s the part most people don’t understand: a PJC is not guaranteed. It’s completely within the discretion of the judge, and whether it’s appropriate depends on the charge, your driving record, and even local court policies. Some judges in some counties are more receptive to PJCs than others, different District Attorneys may have different policies about when they’ll object to it, and certain offenses may disqualify you from even being eligible.

And here’s another wrinkle: The PJC, even if it’s allowed, may not be your best outcome anyway! Oftentimes, it’s the third best outcome, depending on what you’re charged with. This is not to mention that you’re typically only allowed one PJC every three years per household for insurance purposes and two every five years per person for DMV purposes. Use it wrong, and you could burn your only chance or the chance for someone in your family to use it when it would’ve been better saved for a more serious charge.

The Local Factor: Why County Policies Matter

Each county in North Carolina has its own unwritten rules and tendencies when it comes to PJCs. What might be an easy PJC in one courtroom could be a non-starter in another. Judges and prosecutors have varying policies that all play a role, and understanding those local dynamics can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

That’s why it’s so important to talk to a local attorney—someone who knows the ropes in your specific county and can advise you on the best course of action based on the court’s usual practices.

The Bottom Line

If you try to handle your ticket on your own and just ask the court for a PJC, you may end up doing more harm than good. You could waste your eligibility for a PJC, hurt your insurance, or make it harder to resolve future tickets.

Hiring a local attorney who knows the law, the courtroom, and the practical realities of how traffic tickets are handled in your area is almost always worth the cost. You get one shot to do it right—don’t gamble with your driving record or your wallet.

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If you’ve received a traffic ticket in North Carolina, contact Jeffrey Allen Howard, Attorney at Law, PLLC today. I’ll give you honest, informed advice and help you make the right decision—not just the easy one.

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian is a traumatic and overwhelming experience. In North Carolina, the legal system can present some difficult challenges for injured pedestrians seeking compensation. If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle, hiring an attorney is essential to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Law Can Bar Your Claim

North Carolina is one of the few states that still follows the strict doctrine of contributory negligence. Under this rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies often try to use this law to deny claims, arguing that the pedestrian was partially responsible. An experienced attorney can help mitigate this risk and potentially fight back against these tactics if the facts are right.

Insurance Companies Will Try to Minimize or Deny Your Claim

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line—not your best interests. They may attempt to get you to make statements that could be used against you or offer a quick, lowball settlement that doesn’t fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney will handle all communications with the insurance company, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Proving Liability Requires a Strong Legal Strategy

Determining liability in a pedestrian accident case can be complex. An attorney can gather critical evidence such as:

• Witness statements
• Police reports
• Accident reconstruction analysis

Without legal representation, you may not have access to these resources, making it harder to prove the driver’s negligence.

You May Be Entitled to More Compensation Than You Realize

Pedestrian accident victims often suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. An attorney can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

If a loved one was fatally injured, an attorney can also pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family, but it’s even more important to act quickly on that due to the shortened statute of limitations on those cases.

Time Is Limited – Act Quickly

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, waiting too long to seek legal help can hurt your case, as evidence may disappear and witnesses’ memories may fade. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible ensures your case is handled properly from the start.

Contact Jeffrey Allen Howard, Attorney at Law, PLLC

As a solo practitioner, I am dedicated to providing personalized, attentive representation for injury victims. If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian in North Carolina, don’t face the legal battle alone. Call me today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss how I can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call me at 919-929-2992.

If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident, you may find yourself receiving a quick settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. I call these “drive by settlements” because in the olden days, the adjusters would literally come to your house, sometimes while you were still on pain meds, pressuring you to settle your injury claim. While the promise of fast cash may seem appealing—especially if you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and other financial strains—it’s crucial to understand the risks of accepting a settlement too soon.

Why Do Insurance Companies Offer Quick Settlements?

Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts, NOT on making sure you get everything you deserve. By offering a quick settlement, they aim to:

• Close the claim quickly before you have time to assess the full extent of your injuries.
• Avoid long-term liability for future medical expenses related to your accident.
• Prevent you from hiring an attorney who could negotiate a fairer settlement on your behalf.

The Risks of Accepting Too Soon

1. Underestimating Your Medical Costs Many injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage, may not fully manifest until weeks or even months after an accident. Accepting a settlement early could leave you responsible for costly medical bills that arise after the claim is closed.
2. Lost Future Wages and Earning Capacity If your injuries impact your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages—not just immediately after the accident, but in the future as well. A quick settlement may not account for long-term financial losses.
3. Pain and Suffering Compensation Insurance companies rarely include fair compensation for pain and suffering in an early settlement. If you accept too soon, you may miss out on damages you rightfully deserve for the physical and emotional toll of your injuries.
4. Signing Away Your Rights Once you accept a settlement, you typically sign a release of liability, preventing you from seeking any further compensation—even if new injuries or complications arise later.

Protect Yourself: Speak with an Attorney

Before agreeing to any settlement, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Jeffrey Allen Howard, Attorney at Law, PLLC, can help you:

• Evaluate the full extent of your injuries and financial losses.
• Negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
• Pursue additional compensation if necessary.

Don’t let the insurance company pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Contact me today for a free consultation to discuss your case and protect your rights. 919-929-2992

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience. If you are facing this situation, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial compensation for your loss. However, North Carolina law imposes a strict time limit on filing these claims, making it critical to act promptly.

The Two-Year Deadline

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is only two years from the date of death. This is much shorter than the three-year period that applies to most personal injury claims. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this two-year window, you risk permanently losing the right to seek compensation.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

The legal process takes time, and waiting too long can jeopardize your case. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and insurance companies may use delays to their advantage. Acting promptly allows for a thorough investigation and gives your attorney the best opportunity to build a strong case on your behalf.

Additionally, wrongful death claims are typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. If an estate has not yet been established, this can add extra steps to the process, making it even more important to begin as soon as possible.

Don’t Wait—Contact Me Today

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, do not wait until it is too late to pursue justice. As an experienced wrongful death attorney, I am here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact me at Jeffrey Allen Howard, Attorney at Law, PLLC today for a consultation. Let’s take the first step toward securing accountability and financial relief for you and your family.

As someone who regularly drives on highways and around town, you likely often share the road with large tractor-trailers. 

While these commercial vehicles are essential to our economy, transporting 72.6% of the nation’s freight by weight, they also present unique risks that all drivers should be aware of. In fact, around 70% of deaths in crashes involving large trucks are occupants of other vehicles.

In my law practice, I care about your safety and want to ensure you’re well-prepared when navigating the roads alongside these massive vehicles. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

1. Stay out of blind spots (“No Zones”). Tractor trailers have large blind spots on all sides, especially on the right side, directly in front, and behind the trailer. If you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, they likely can’t see you. Always be mindful of these “No Zones.”
2. Maintain a safe following distance. Due to their size and weight, trucks require a much longer distance to stop. Keeping a safe distance is crucial to avoid rear-end collisions, especially if the truck stops suddenly.
3. Pass safely and quickly. When passing, do so on the left side, where the driver has better visibility. Avoid lingering in their blind spot, and make sure you can see the entire truck in your rearview mirror before merging back into the lane.
4. Avoid cutting. A truck’s stopping distance is significantly longer than that of a car. Cutting in too closely in the front can lead to dangerous situations and potential accidents.
5. Give extra space when turning. Tractor-trailers make wide turns and may swing into adjacent lanes. Give them the space they need to complete these maneuvers safely.
6. Be prepared for wind gusts. Large trucks can create wind gusts that affect your vehicle’s stability, especially when passing. Keep both hands on the wheel and be prepared for changes in air pressure.
7. Use caution in poor weather. Rain, snow, or fog can compromise visibility and stopping distances. Increase your following distance and drive more cautiously around trucks in these conditions.

If you ever find yourself involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer or another vehicle, I’m here to help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Your safety and well-being are our top priority — reach out any time at 919-929-2992. 

At Jeffrey Allen Howard, Attorney at Law, PLLC, I frequently advise clients on how to handle their medical payments (MedPay) coverage after an auto accident (short version: LET ME DO IT!). One of the biggest mistakes you can make is allowing your MedPay benefits to be paid prematurely—which can leave you personally liable for outstanding medical liens.

Why Medical Payments Coverage Matters

MedPay is a part of your auto insurance policy that covers medical expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. This coverage can help pay for:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgeries
• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapy

While MedPay is a valuable benefit, how it is used and to whom it is paid is crucial to protecting your financial interests.

The Risk of Failing to Protect Medical Liens

Many clients believe that as long as their medical bills are paid, they are in the clear. However, if you fail to properly handle healthcare provider liens or health insurance subrogation claims, you could end up personally responsible for unpaid debts.

1. Health Care Provider Liens

Many doctors, hospitals, and treatment centers have a legal right to payment from any insurance settlement or MedPay benefits. If your MedPay funds are distributed incorrectly—such as being paid directly to you or to the wrong entity—you could be held liable for not honoring these liens.

2. Health Insurance Reimbursement (Subrogation Claims)

If your health insurance company has covered any of your accident-related medical expenses, they may have a legal right to be reimbursed from your MedPay benefits. If those funds are exhausted elsewhere, you could be left personally owing your health insurance company. In addition, you might also put your coverage in jeopardy.

How to Protect Yourself

To ensure your MedPay benefits are used correctly and that you don’t become financially responsible for unpaid liens, follow these steps:

1. Let your Attorney handle your MedPay Benefits
   • Your lawyer can review any liens or subrogation claims and advise you on how to properly handle your MedPay funds.
2. Do Not Sign Away MedPay Benefits Without Legal Advice
   • Some providers may ask you to assign your MedPay benefits directly to them, which could create issues with other lienholders.
3. Help your Attorney Verify All Liens and Subrogation Rights
   • Your attorney can ensure that all valid claims are accounted for before MedPay funds are distributed, but without your cooperation, s/he might not know all the places to look!
4. Work with Your Attorney to Negotiate Liens
   • In some cases, an experienced attorney can reduce or negotiate medical liens, helping you retain more of your settlement or MedPay benefits.

Final Thoughts

Your MedPay coverage is meant to help cover your medical expenses, but improper handling can leave you liable for unpaid medical liens or insurance reimbursement claims. Before making any decisions, consult with an experienced attorney who can protect your interests.

At Jeffrey Allen Howard, Attorney at Law, PLLC, I help clients navigate the complexities of medical liens and insurance claims to ensure they are fully protected. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact me today for a free consultation.

When you’re injured in an accident, it’s tempting to handle the insurance claim on your own. After all, how hard can it be to explain what happened and get compensated for your losses? Unfortunately, the process is often far more complicated than it seems, and going it alone can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Here’s why letting an experienced attorney handle your injury claim is almost always the better choice:

1. Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, no matter how valid your claim may be. They may use delay tactics, offer a lowball settlement, or even try to deny your claim outright. Without a knowledgeable advocate on your side, you might accept far less than what you’re truly owed—or nothing at all.

2. You Might Undervalue Your Claim

Determining the value of an injury claim involves more than adding up medical bills. You also need to consider future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Many people overlook these critical elements, leaving significant compensation on the table.

3. Mistakes Can Be Costly

Filing an injury claim involves navigating a maze of deadlines, legal paperwork, and insurance requirements. A single misstep, such as missing a statute of limitations or failing to document your injuries properly, can jeopardize your entire case.

4. Your Focus Should Be on Recovery

Dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and negotiating a settlement is time-consuming and stressful. After an injury, your energy should be focused on healing, not the minutiae of a legal claim. An attorney takes the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to prioritize your health.

5. An Attorney Can Level the Playing Field

Experienced personal injury attorneys understand the tactics insurers use and know how to counter them. They can negotiate effectively, gather compelling evidence, and, if necessary, take your case to court. This can lead to significantly higher settlements than those obtained by individuals handling claims on their own.

6. No Upfront Costs for Legal Representation

At Jeffrey Allen Howard, Attorney at Law, PLLC, I work on a contingency fee basis, which means I don’t get a fee unless I get you a recovery of some sort. This ensures that you can access high-quality legal representation without any financial risk.

Conclusion

While it might seem like handling your injury claim is the quickest and cheapest option, the risks and challenges often outweigh the benefits. By working with a skilled personal injury attorney, you can protect your rights, maximize your compensation, and focus on what matters most—getting better.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact Jeffrey Allen Howard, Attorney at Law, PLLC, today for a free consultation.

I’m sure I’ve heard someone say, “Timing is everything.” I’m also sure they’re right.

I could give you a million examples of good and bad timing, but let’s talk strictly about injury claims in North Carolina.

If you’re hurt, mention it as early as possible. The longer you wait to bring up a condition or problem that you want to relate to an accident claim, the less likely your new condition or problem will be taken seriously. Sure, there are exceptions to every rule, but generally when you wait a long time to bring something up, it just looks more suspicious than anything else.

If ANYTHING at all feels differently after an accident, mention it, no matter how silly. You want that complaint on the record (at the hospital, urgent care, pcp, chiropractor, whatever…) as soon as possible. If you complained about it right after, that gives us a stronger causation argument. But the later you complain about it…

For one example: Let’s say a client is in an auto accident on 1/1/25. He complains of neck and back pain and goes to a chiropractor. Six weeks later, he says he fell out of bed because his knee hurt, and then he’s diagnosed with a knee issue. That looks suspicious, right? If his knee was hurt in the original accident, how come it didn’t cause any problems in the 6 weeks since? The answer looks to be that it probably wasn’t hurt, and if anything maybe he hurt it in the fall, which had nothing to do with the auto accident.

Timing is everything. Make sure you complain early and often. Also, don’t make $#!* up.