I serve as counsel and lead co-counsel in serious injury and death cases arising from vehicle accidents. I am especially well qualified when there are complex insurance issues and/or commercial vehicles because I spent 11 1/2 years as a partner in a large firm representing insurance companies, trucking companies, and corporations.
I advise and counsel individuals and small businesses on insurance and coverage issues. I spent 11 1/2 years representing insurance companies in coverage and first party defense matters. I have successfully represented many client with claims against insurance companies, insurance agents, underwriters, and claims' handlers. I am very experienced in handling cases involving unfair claims' handling and bad faith.I often am brought in by other lawyers to serve as co-counsel in insurance cases.
Besides the specific types of injury and death cases described, I represent people injured in other ways not specified--for example, people injured or killed by dangerous conditions or poor maintenance of property.
I spent 11 1/2 years representing trucking companies. For 22 years, I helped those injured or killed in truck accidents. I am very familiar with the laws, regulations, engineering, physics and science of tractor trailers, trucks and commercial vehicles. I know how drivers and trucking companies cheat, and I know how to catch them.
I have successfully represented many families in wrongful death cases. I take pride in being able to spend personal time helping the families understand the law in this area and counselling them through the process of healing and grieving their losses.
I grew up in Raleigh and attended public schools. I graduated from UNC in 1977 and from UNC Law School in 1980.
I returned to Raleigh in 1980 and practiced at the largest law firm in North Carolina which exclusively represented insurance companies and corporations for 11½ years. I handled large accident cases; represented trucking companies and truck drivers; defended hospitals and doctors; represented product manufacturers; defended retail stores and businesses; and represented insurance companies and insurance agencies against their policyholders and clients.
I tried many cases and handled many appeals, but I wanted to help people and stop fighting against individuals, families and small businesses.
After changing sides in 1991, I’ve used what I learned to help people and small businesses get what they deserve. My practice is limited to only those type cases where I have experience, and I control my work load to give my clients the best possible representation.
I also have been privileged to have many fine lawyers associate me as co-counsel on their largest and most serious cases. I have represented clients all over North Carolina, but most of my cases are from Raleigh to the coast.
My wife and I have three children. Despite the passion for my job and commitment to my clients, I stay fresh by devoting time to my family and life outside the office, including time with church and friends, I enjoy golf, fishing, yoga and exercise. Keeping balance in my life helps me empathize and serve my clients better.
Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.
What determines Avvo Rating?
Experience & background
Years licensed, work experience, education
Legal community recognition
Peer endorsements, associations, awards
Legal thought leadership
Publications, speaking engagements
Discipline
Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.