Car accidents are common in South Carolina, and incidents rise steadily daily. Unfortunately, many victims may hesitate to pursue legal action due to a lack of familiarity with the procedures involved in filing a car accident claim.
There are several steps to follow in any car accident claim, and our South Carolina car accident attorney can guide you through the compensation process. Evaluating the accident is vital for gathering evidence to substantiate your claim.
Once your lawsuit is initiated, attorneys have distinct privileges to interrogate involved parties, a process that can greatly influence whether the case is settled or proceeds to trial. If you have suffered from car accident injuries in South Carolina, contact our car accident attorneys. They can explain the expected timelines for recovering your settlements.
What Are the Steps to Filling a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina?
Filing a car insurance claim is an essential process that begins right at the accident scene. Below are steps to guide you from the immediate consequences of an accident through the completion of your insurance claim:
Gather Essential Information:
At the accident scene, gather important details such as the other driver’s vehicle and insurance information, contact details of witnesses, and any relevant particulars related to the incident. It’s advisable to avoid admitting fault immediately; in non-no-fault states, the fault is determined by insurance companies and law enforcement.
Take photographs of the damage to all vehicles involved, but protect your personal information by not allowing pictures of your driver’s license. Be sure to get a copy of your South Carolina police report.
Reach Your Insurance Provider:
Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as it’s safe. Call while still at the scene after ensuring your safety and completing necessary exchanges with the police and the other driver.
Many insurers offer the option to initiate claims via an online platform or a mobile app, though speaking directly with a representative might provide clearer guidance on the required steps.
Engage With a Claims Specialist:
An insurance agent will record the accident details and assign a claims specialist or adjuster to your case. This specialist is your point of contact throughout the claim process, helping you go through the steps to secure compensation for damages per your policy limits. They also handle communications with the other driver’s insurer if the other driver is at fault.
Damage Assessment:
The claims specialist evaluates the damage to your vehicle to determine whether it needs repair and costs or is a total loss. This evaluation might be based on an in-person inspection, documentation, and photographs from the repair shop. Add-ons like new car replacement coverage or gap insurance can influence this part of the process and affect the compensation you receive.
Receive a Repair Estimate:
Once your vehicle is evaluated and not deemed a total loss, you’ll receive a repair estimate from your insurer. While insurers may recommend specific repair shops for quicker service, you can choose any service provider. Ensure you do not authorize repairs until you receive and agree to the insurance estimate.
Monitor Your Claim and Address Issues:
A competent insurance company and claims specialist should facilitate a smooth claim process. If complications arise, contact your insurer for assistance.
If issues persist, such as dissatisfaction with the compensation or handling of your claim, your state’s Department of Insurance can assist. Many states provide online resources, including complaint forms, to support policyholders.
What Is the Time Limit for a South Carolina Car Accident Injury Claim?
In South Carolina, the standard estimated time to pursue legal action following a car accident is three years from the date of the incident, as outlined under SC CODE § 15-3-530.
This duration, known as the Statute of Limitations, establishes the deadline for filing a lawsuit for any injuries or damages incurred. However, certain circumstances might alter this timeline.
For instance, if the accident involves a government vehicle, such as a police car or an ambulance, the time allowed to file a claim is reduced to two years. This adjustment reflects the legal frameworks that apply when the party involved in the accident is a governmental entity. Knowing these timeframes ensures that legal actions are carried out within the permissible time limits.
What are some Suggestions for a Successful Car Accident Claim?
Knowing how to file an accident claim can help you in the long run for your legal process. One wrong action can hurt your chances of receiving the compensation you are valuable to.
Here are some of the guidelines for making the most of your claim process easier.
- Exchange Information Smoothly: Although emotions may run high, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault, maintaining a calm and polite demeanor is essential. Calmly exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. This strategy fosters a non-confrontational environment and ensures you collect all necessary details for your claim.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: It’s natural to want to apologize after an accident, especially in tense situations. However, even a simple apology can be interpreted as an admission of fault. To avoid complications with your insurance claim, refrain from making statements that suggest you are responsible for the accident.
- Keep Detailed Records: Document every aspect of the incident and its circumstances. This includes keeping receipts and records of all related expenses, such as medical treatments, car rentals, and any lost wages due to time off work. Detailed documentation will sustain your claim and potentially expedite the compensation process.
- Understand Your Insurance Policy: Review your insurance policy before initiating a claim. Knowing the scope of your coverage, including what is and isn’t covered, will help you follow the claims process more effectively and set realistic expectations about the outcomes.
Why Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer for Your Lawsuits?
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm understands the influence of a car accident injury. Car accidents can impact your life physically, mentally, and financially.
We always prefer to put our clients first and help them hold the negligent party legally and financially accountable for their actions. Having an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney by your side will help you manage the legal system so that you can focus on your recovery. We have years of industry experience dealing with insurance companies and can ensure you can get full compensation for your losses.
Our car accident attorneys are committed to assisting you maximize the significance of your claim in several key forms:
- We passionately collect essential evidence to build a strong case, including witness statements, video recordings, and relevant receipts. This comprehensive proof collection is then effectively presented to the insurance adjuster to support your claim.
- We enlist the assistance of specialists who can demonstrate the long-term effects of your injuries on your daily life, further substantiating your compensation claim.
- Our team conducts detailed investigations to identify all parties responsible for the accident, ensuring that no potential source of compensation is overlooked.
- We engage with insurance companies to negotiate assertively on your behalf, aiming to secure a settlement that fully compensates for your losses and damages.
- We handle the setup and negotiation of medical liens, working to reduce the amounts owed, which can help preserve more of your settlement for your recovery.
- If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial, advocating for your rights in court to achieve the best possible outcome.
Our clients are our priority, and whatever we do, we do it with all our heart. We respect, compassion and empathy for you and your family. If you have been injured in South Carolina by a careless driver, our professional lawyers are here to support you until the end. Call us for a complimentary consultation, and we would be honored to help you protect your legal privileges.
Is it Better to Determine My Car Accident Claim Early or Take it to Trial?
Determining whether to settle your car accident claim early or proceed to trial can be clarified after the deposition phase. If the discovery process reveals clear evidence regarding the cause of the accident, insurance companies are generally more inclined to offer a fair settlement that sufficiently covers all your damages.
In such cases, settling may be advantageous as it avoids the uncertainties of a trial and brings about a quicker resolution. On the other hand, if the responsibility for your injuries remains ambiguous even after depositions, the offered settlement may not reflect the full extent of your losses. Under these circumstances, preparing all gathered proof for a courtroom presentation becomes essential.
Our South Carolina personal injury attorneys are devoted to assuring you the compensation you deserve, whether negotiating a better settlement or advocating for you at trial.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Car Accident Lawyers Today!
Car accidents can be painful as well as traumatizing events. The financial burdens and legal complications victims may face later can be equally challenging to bear.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to face it all alone. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm team is here by your side, ensuring you receive the compensation you need to move forward with your life after being injured in a South Carolina car accident. It would be an honor to help you and your family with the legal recovery process.
Call our South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer at (864) 664-3865 or schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll help you explore your legal options.
