If you’ve been hurt in an accident and you’re covered by Medicaid, you’re probably anxious to get your settlement check and move on with your life. I get it. But if you’re wondering why it’s taking so long, let me give you the short version:
It’s because we’re waiting on Medicaid.
And they don’t exactly move at lightning speed.
What’s the Hold-Up?
When someone on Medicaid gets a personal injury settlement, the law says Medicaid has a right to be paid back for any medical expenses they covered related to the injury. That’s called a Medicaid lien, and we absolutely have to know what that amount is before we can finalize your case and send out any money.
Sounds simple, right? It’s not.
Getting that lien amount from Medicaid takes weeks, sometimes even months. We have to request it, wait for them to process it, sometimes follow up multiple times, and only then do we get the final number. Until that happens, I can’t legally or ethically release any funds.
Can’t You Just Estimate It?
Nope. I wish I could. But the rules don’t work that way. If we guess wrong and don’t withhold enough, Medicaid can come after me—and worse, they can come after you. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take with your money or my law license.
Here’s the statute that governs it: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 108A-57. It lays out exactly what has to happen before settlement money can be distributed when Medicaid has paid for any of your treatment.
If you’re on Medicaid and you’re expecting an injury settlement, please be patient. The delay is not about me dragging my feet—it’s about waiting on the government to tell us what they’re owed. I follow up. I push them. I keep your case on my radar. But this part is outside of anyone’s control except the folks processing the lien.
When I say I’ll get you paid as fast as the law allows, I mean it. Just understand that when Medicaid’s involved, “fast” is a relative term.
📞 Have questions about your injury case and Medicaid? Call me. 🖥️ jeffreyhowardlaw.com
Let me deal with the red tape—so you don’t have to.
Big changes are coming to North Carolina’s traffic laws in July 2025, and if you’re a young driver—or the parent of one—you need to pay attention. The state is overhauling how insurance companies treat things like Prayers for Judgment (PJCs) and traffic infractions, and it’s going to be a lot harder to keep your insurance premiums under control in the event of a ticket.
Let me break it down for you.
1. One PJC Every Five Years—That’s It
Starting July 1, 2025, insurance will only ignore one Prayer for Judgment every five years. That’s per policy, not per driver. Criminal court might still let you use two PJCs in five years to avoid license suspension, but don’t expect insurance companies to give you the same break. If you’ve used a PJC 3–4 years ago and try to use another, your rates could spike.
Translation: That PJC you thought was a get-out-of-jail-free card? Not anymore. Use it wisely.
2. “Clean Record” Now Means 5 Years, Not 3
Used to be, if your record was clean for 3 years, a small speeding ticket (like 10 mph over the limit, or less) wouldn’t affect your insurance. That grace period is now 5 years. One little mistake—like driving 44 in a 35—can now cost you a 40% rate increase if your record isn’t squeaky clean for five full years.
3. Certain Convictions Will Haunt You for 5 Years
If you’re convicted of a traffic offense that carries 4 or more points (think Reckless Driving), that conviction sticks with you for 5 years instead of 3. Some of these offenses can result in 90% or higher rate increases, and now you’re stuck with that penalty for two extra years.
4. Young Drivers: The Surcharge Now Lasts 8 Years
Previously, the “Young Driver Surcharge” (that lovely little penalty for just being young and breathing behind the wheel) lasted 3 years. Now, it’s going to last 8 years for anyone who gets their license after July 1, 2025.
Here’s the kicker: they’ll dangle a little “safe driver discount” carrot after the first 3 years—but any conviction (even a PJC) kills your chance of ever qualifying for that discount. Forever.
One mistake in those 8 years = no discount. Ever.
5. Miss Court? Insurance Might Jack Your Rates
There’s a new twist on what counts as a “conviction.” Now, not just guilty pleas and verdicts count—so do bond forfeitures, meaning if you skip court and don’t get your bond reinstated, it could show up on your insurance like a conviction.
Lesson: Don’t miss court. Ever.
So, What Does This Mean for You?
It means that every traffic ticket, every decision you make after getting pulled over, just got a lot more serious. What used to be a minor hiccup can now jack up your rates for half a decade, or cost a young driver thousands in unnecessary premiums.
And this is where I come in.
If you’ve gotten a ticket—or your kid has—and you’re not sure how to handle it, don’t wait. Don’t just “pay it off.” The insurance impact alone could cost you more than legal representation. I know how to navigate the new laws, minimize the long-term damage, and advise you on whether that PJC is really worth using.
📞 Contact me today before your “minor” traffic ticket becomes a financial headache. 🖥️ jeffreyhowardlaw.com
Let’s fix it before it gets expensive. 919-929-2992
Let’s talk about bad reviews. Every attorney—scratch that, every professional in just about any service industry—has one. Maybe two. Sometimes more. And if you’ve been practicing law long enough, you’ll notice a pattern: The loudest, nastiest reviews rarely come from people who had a bad case outcome due to bad lawyering. They come from people who lost because of their own actions or failure to act—and needed someone else to blame for it.
I know this might rattle a few egos, but let’s get real. When someone leaves a one-star review for an attorney they barely listened to, didn’t follow instructions from, or expected miracles from in impossible circumstances, that review says a lot more about them than it does about the lawyer.
Bad Reviews 101: A Guide to Dodging Responsibility
Here’s the classic setup:
Client gets into a mess—legally, financially, medically, or all of the above.
Client hires an attorney.
Client expects said attorney to immediately turn water into wine and somehow erase all consequences of their own decisions. Client refuses to follow attorney advice, even in simple matters, that could help their outcome.
Reality sets in. The legal system doesn’t work like a Marvel movie. Client maybe doesn’t get what they want due to their own actions/inactions, or sometimes they DO get what they want, despite themselves, and still are mad at the world.
Instead of accepting that they’re (nominally) an adult and have some agency, they slam out a keyboard tantrum in the form of a Google review.
Now, to be clear: I’m not above criticism. If someone has a legitimate complaint about my service, I take it seriously. But 99 times out of 100, the people leaving bad reviews aren’t really reviewing the attorney—they’re venting about their own life choices and frustration that I couldn’t legally time travel to fix for them, or they’ve simply refusing to accept any degree of responsibility for their own actions or failure to act when advised.
What’s REALLY frustrating about this for attorneys is that the Bar tells us we can’t explain the situation in response to the review, as to give details about the representation would be a betrayal of attorney/client privilege. That’s horrifying, because what it really means is that we are at the total mercy of some keyboard warrior anytime they’re pissed off at the world. They can give us as many 1-star reviews as they want, even when we’ve performed admirably, and those reviews can cost us THOUSANDS of dollars.
As a result, I won’t give a lot of detail in response to any bad reviews I get (they are thankfully few and far between). But if you happen to see some on my profile or another attorney’s, here are some translations that might be helpful to understand what probably really happened:
“He Didn’t Care About My Case”
Translation: I didn’t get the result I fantasized about, despite doing very little to help myself, ignoring advice, and possibly lying during intake.
“She Didn’t Communicate With Me!”
Translation: I called fifteen times in one week and expected a personal TED Talk every time I had a random thought about my case.
“He Was Mean To Me!”
Translation: I wanted this attorney, who deals exclusively with X and Y, to give me advice on A and B, and he refused to answer my questions. Or I asked a really stupid question repeatedly, or made really offensive assumptions, and he pointed out my stupidity.
Now, this one has a special place in my heart, because I can sometimes be quick to call people out on their nonsense. If I don’t handle family law cases, or defense work for civil claims, or whatever, then I not only won’t give you any advice, I CAN’T because I don’t know anything about it. Be cool! I might be a bit brusk, that’s certainly a fault of mine (if you see it like that), but I prefer the adjectives “real” and “honest.”
“She Said THIS and THAT Didn’t Happen!”
Translation: I didn’t actually listen to what the attorney told me and only heard what I wanted to hear.
“He Didn’t Fight For Me”
Translation: I expected courtroom drama and shouting matches, but what I got was an attorney who quietly and professionally tried to negotiate a good outcome for me in a system that runs on facts—not feelings.
Let’s Be Honest
Legal representation is not magic. It’s strategy, law, timing, and evidence. I’m not your therapist, your dad, or your co-conspirator in delusion. I’m your lawyer. My job is to give you the truth, use the facts, and work within the law to get you the best possible outcome. If you want someone to validate your bad decisions, I recommend TikTok or a Reddit support group.
So the next time you read a one-star review of a lawyer, consider the source. Then scroll past it and ask:
Did the person follow their attorney’s advice?
Were they honest and realistic?
Or were they looking for someone to blame because they couldn’t handle the consequences of their own actions?
If you’re looking for an attorney who’ll shoot straight with you, fight smart, and treat your case like it matters (because it does), I’m here for that. If you’re looking for a scapegoat—keep scrolling. There are plenty of lawyers who’ll tell you what you want to hear, right up until the moment your case falls apart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
