Connolly

The Importance of Un- and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

So, what happens if you are in a serious wreck and the at-fault party has no or little insurance coverage? If you are smart you would have planned for that unfortunate occurrence when you renewed your automobile insurance.

For example, I try to spend as much time riding my bike as possible.  Unfortunately, more time on the road also means greater risks of an accident. In my line of work, I’ve seen enough incidents involving cyclists being hit by cars to make me more than a little nervous when I strap on my shoes for a ride. Sure, there are certain precautions you can take to prevent an accident from occurring (wear visible clothing, stay near the shoulder, don’t ride during high traffic), but there is not much you can do to prevent a careless or distracted motorist from hitting you. You can do everything right and still be the victim of a negligent driver. 

I have seen many individuals who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of others. This is especially true in bike-car collisions. Best-case scenario, you’d be out for the season; however, more likely than not, your life and that of your family may be forever changed. 

If you are hurt in a bike wreck and it is someone else’s fault, your expenses could be substantial. Many drivers only carry minimal liability coverage ($30,000.00 in North Carolina), meaning that if you were seriously hurt in a collision, you could be personally responsible for medical bills, lost earnings, rehabilitation expenses, and you’d receive no recovery for your pain and suffering or your long-term damages. Do not count on the average driver to have adequate insurance coverage to fully compensate you for the expenses you would incur in a serious wreck. In North Carolina, about one in four drivers are either uninsured or underinsured. To protect yourself from their negligence, it is important to purchase something called uninsured and underinsured motorists’ coverage. You can easily add this coverage to your own automobile insurance policy. This insurance will kick in and pay your damages when the careless driver has no or inadequate insurance. The cost of this coverage is minimal. For instance, I pay about $15.00 a month extra to get $1,000,000.00 in uninsured and underinsured coverage. Uninsured and underinsured insurance will protect you from financially irresponsible drivers and provide you with peace of mind as you are pedaling down the road.  Call your insurance agent today.

For more information on uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage click on the video in the “Bookmarks/Favorite” section of this month’s newsletter. 

Ryan Connolly is a partner with Crabtree, Carpenter & Connolly, PLLC, in Durham, NC. The firm helps injured parties from all over the nation recover from injuries caused by the negligence of others. Ryan is an avid runner, cyclist, and swimmer and competes in triathlons around the state each year.

Crabtree, Carpenter & Connolly Announce Firm Recognitions

Firm.jpg

Durham law firm Crabtree, Carpenter & Connolly, PLLC (CCC) is honored by the recent firm recognitions our lawyers have received from our peers and the business community. 

CCC has been named a Tier 1 firm in the Research Triangle area for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, by US News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in 2016.  Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor. 

In addition, CCC has been selected as a winner in the Corporate America 2015 M&A Awards for Best Commercial Transactions – North Carolina.  The Corporate America M&A Awards identify and commemorate the successes of prominent professionals across a variety of different fields who are excelling in their industry. All of the awards are handed out solely on merit and are given to commend those most deserving for their exceptional service over the last 12 months. 

Attorney at Law Magazine's Law Firm of the Month

We are excited to be featured as Law Firm of the Month in the latest edition of Attorney at Law Magazine North Carolina Triangle Edition.

"One ingredient in a kettle by itself is okay but when you add lots of ingredients and stir them all together you've got a pretty tasty stew," said Durham Attorney Charlie Carpenter, referencing the formation of Crabtree, Carpenter & Connolly, PLLC.

Hear more from Charlie Carpenter, Guy Crabtree, Ryan Connolly, Mal King, and Tracy Lischer by reading the full story...

Durham's Cycling Law and Liability

Cyclist Workshop Law and Liability
Ryan Connolly

Ryan Connolly

Attorney and cyclist Ryan Connolly recently spoke at Bike Durham’s Cycling Law and Liability Workshop. Bike Durham is a group of individuals and organizations working for bicycle-friendly change in Durham. Ryan discussed your legal rights and responsibilities as a cyclist and how to protect yourself financially in case of an accident. 

Crabtree, Carpenter & Connolly to Start New Law Firm

Charles F. Carpenter, Managing Partner of the Durham law firm of Pulley Watson King & Lischer, PA announced today that effective January 1, 2015, he, Guy Crabtree and Ryan Connolly, all currently members of the Pulley Watson law firm, will reorganize and begin practicing as Crabtree, Carpenter & Connolly, PLLC. Malvern King, founding partner of Pulley Watson, will be Of Counsel to the new firm. Richard Watson, co-founding partner, has withdrawn from the firm and opened his own practice.

Crabtree, Carpenter & Connolly, PLLC will continue to provide innovative and effective legal representation to injured individuals and families and legal expertise to individuals and companies in commercial transactions and business disputes. Mr. King will continue to represent business clients and work with individuals for estate planning and administration. The new firm will be located in the former offices of Pulley Watson in Brightleaf Square in Durham.