Many collisions are fender benders and involve only vehicle damage. You may handle a car repair claim on your own without a lawyer. But if you or your loved one has sustained serious injuries in a car accident and another driver was at fault, then you should seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. The consultation is free.
Crash victims and the immediate family of people fatally injured in car accidents may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses and other accident-related losses. If you do not have a lawyer representing you, the insurance company is more likely to dismiss your claim or propose a low-ball settlement offer. It can be much harder to get the money you need to cover your lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses with legal representation.
The South Carolina car accident lawyers at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, have fought for the rights of crash victims since 1977. The sooner you contact our law firm, the faster an attorney can get started investigating the accident and gathering evidence to support your claim. That improves the chances of helping you maximize your potential compensation. Get started today with a free initial consultation.
Why Should You Call a Lawyer Before Talking to the Insurance Company?
It’s always advisable to talk to a car accident attorney before you speak to an insurance company. An attorney can help you understand your rights and avoid common pitfalls.
You need to be extremely careful about anything you say and what documents you provide to an insurance company. The insurance adjuster is looking for any information they can find to deny or minimize your claim. Most personal injury claims after a car accident are resolved in out-of-court insurance settlements.
A lawyer can review any information you send to the insurance companies to ensure it is accurate and won’t damage your case. A lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance company and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf. Getting an experienced injury lawyer involved early in the auto accident claims process is a smart move for car accident victims.
How Can a Lawyer Help You After a South Carolina Car Accident?
If you’ve never had to file an insurance claim after an accident, you might not know what is involved and what a lawyer can do to help. Here are some of the things the legal team at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, can do to help with the claims process:
- Gathering evidence — To claim the maximum amount of compensation after a car accident, you need to prove that another driver was at fault and that their negligent actions were what caused your injuries. You’ll need solid evidence to support your claim. A car accident attorney can gather police accident reports, photos from the crash scene, eyewitness testimony, medical records, and other evidence to build a compelling case for compensation.
- Documenting your injuries — You’ll need proof of all the different losses you’ve suffered in the accident to maximize your potential compensation. In addition to the direct financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of vehicle repairs, you can also demand compensation for your pain and suffering and emotional distress. A South Carolina injury lawyer who has experience handling car accident injury claims can help you show the full extent of how you were injured in the accident.
- Talking to insurance companies — Auto insurance companies are looking to reduce the value of your personal injury claim, and there are many tactics they can use. Our experienced car accident lawyers are familiar with insurance company tactics and know-how to counter them. By handling the settlement negotiations on your behalf, an attorney gives you a much better chance of maximizing the value of your claim.
- Bringing your case to court — The vast majority of auto accident claims are resolved in insurance settlements without a trial. But there are occasions when an insurance company will not negotiate in good faith. When this happens, it may be necessary to go to court and ask the court to order the insurer to pay for your losses. If your case goes to trial, you want a lawyer to represent your interests in court.
What Should You Do After a South Carolina Car Accident?
Here are the key steps you need to take after a car accident:
- Call 911 — You may have significant injuries that need prompt medical treatment. The police will file an accident report that documents who was involved in the car accident and provides useful information such as the drivers’ insurance company.
- Take photos of the scene — While you’re waiting for the police and an ambulance to arrive, take pictures of the crash scene if you are able. If there are any eyewitnesses, try to get their names and contact information as well.
- Get medical attention — Make sure to see your doctor as soon as possible if you aren’t brought to a hospital by ambulance. Early treatment is the best way to minimize long-term damage from your injuries, and your doctor can start documenting your injuries.
- Talk to a lawyer — You want to consult with an attorney before dealing with the other driver’s insurance company or providing a recorded statement. The attorney can handle all the communication on your behalf. If contacted by any insurance companies, let them know you’ll be hiring a lawyer. Once you’ve hired a lawyer, they’ll start building your case for compensation. Please note, there IS a set time period in which you can file a lawsuit for your personal injuries. For the state of South Carolina, that Statute of Limitations is three years.
Contact Our South Carolina Accident Law Firm If You Have Recently Been Injured in a Car Accident
The South Carolina car accident attorneys at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, are committed to protecting the rights of crash victims in Rock Hill and other nearby communities. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, get your consultation today to answer your questions and discuss your legal rights.
