South Carolina Car Accident Claim Attorneys

The aftermath of a serious South Carolina auto accident can be almost as confusing and stressful as the accident itself. Once the dust has settled and the injured person has received initial medical treatment, the job of determining whether a claim should be filed begins. Many individuals try and go it alone and handle the claim themselves, dealing directly with the insurance companies involved in the process. While every accident and potential claim is different, handling it yourself is generally a bad idea. It is important to remember that the job of the insurance companies, without exception, is to settle the matter while offering you as little compensation as possible. Insurance companies do NOT have your best interests in mind and have no obligation to advise you of your legal rights in their discussions with you.

For this reason, it is always advisable to seek the advice of a qualified South Carolina auto accident attorney. This is especially true of accidents where catastrophic injury or death have occurred. In these cases, many have found that it is difficult to get a fair settlement from an insurance company without the help of an experienced car accident lawyer. Attorneys like those at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers have years of experience dealing with various types of accidents and insurance companies. This experience is invaluable in determining the potential value of a claim, the type of compensation you may be entitled to, and the time at which settlement is advisable.

Following an accident there are many things that an individual can do to ensure that they protect their rights under South Carolina law. This is a short list of steps you should take if you are involved in a serious auto accident in South Carolina.

• Seek medical attention immediately: It is important that you care for your own safety and well being first. Regardless of the type of accident, the types of injuries you have sustained, and how you “feel” following an auto accident, it is imperative to seek the advice and diagnosis of a medical professional. Many serious injuries do not make their symptoms known immediately and only a trained professional can anticipate and treat injuries that could have serious medical complications.
• Do not speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company: If you are contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company following an accident, it is advisable to politely decline discussing the case. Liability insurance carriers can often gather information from interviews that they conduct that can be damaging to your ability to seek compensation for your injuries. Once you have hired a lawyer, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is legally required to speak with your lawyer instead of you.
• Do not sign ANYTHING from the at-fault driver’s insurance company: Liability insurance carriers often offer potential claimants a lump sum of money in an attempt to quickly settle what could be a costly claim for them. It is important that you do not sign any documents the at-fault driver’s insurance company provides you with as you may be forfeiting your right to sue for just compensation.
• Record your injuries and medical treatment: Keep a log of how you feel on a daily basis and be sure to save all documents regarding your accidents. This type of information can be invaluable if your potential claim goes to court.

If you decide to pursue a claim, you may be entitled to damages like all of the financial costs of the accident, as well as compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering. If you have sustained a permanent disability or lost a close family member, you may also be entitled to compensation for those injuries. Financial costs include future medical bills and the cost of missing work, among other things.

Regardless of the specific circumstances of your potential claim, if you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one due to a South Carolina auto accident, we urge you to contact an experienced auto accident claims attorney today for a consultation of your specific situation. A qualified, experienced S.C. auto accident attorney, like the ones at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can help protect your legal rights following a catastrophic accident.