The law recognizes that whenever possible and to the extent of injury, individuals who are harmed due to the negligent actions of another party deserve compensation. Car accidents are one of the primary forms of negligence.
The United States has some of the busiest roads, with over 286 million operating cars. This, combined with factors like distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence, contributes to an estimated 6.3 million accidents every year.
This leads to over 3 million injuries, ranging from minor to severe, and about 40,000 deaths. These figures show how worrying auto accidents can be and why you should seek justice if you are a victim of one caused by a careless motorist.
A car accident can upend your life, leaving you struggling with hefty medical bills and other losses. The team at McDougall Law Firm understands this and has acquired the necessary experience and resources to help victims in Hardeeville, SC.
If you or a family member is a victim of a car accident, call us at 843-438-4386 for professional assessment and representation.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
There are situations where the liable party can settle without leading to a lawsuit, but some cases require the help of a professional. Getting a car accident lawyer can help you in many ways, including the following:
Legal Expertise
Auto accident claims have numerous intricacies, including traffic laws, liability determinations, and insurance policies. A reputable car accident attorney has comprehensive knowledge and experience in all these fields.
They understand the legal system complexities and can guide you through the whole claims process, making sure you make the right decisions. They have experience in similar cases, meaning they will be able to gather the right evidence and come up with a solid legal strategy for you.
Determining a Claim’s Value
A major reason to hire an auto accident attorney is to make sure that your claim’s worth is accurately determined. Many victims don’t have a background in personal injury law, and therefore, they may not know the full extent of damages they qualify for.
An experienced attorney will give you a comprehensive evaluation, considering factors like medical bills, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and other aspects of your life that have been affected as a result of the accident.
Gathering and Preserving Evidence
Showing liability in a vehicle accident is more than just demonstrating physical injuries. It also calls for collecting and preserving crucial evidence, which can be tricky for people without legal expertise.
A lawyer with experience in car accident cases will do a thorough investigation of the incident and garner all the relevant evidence, including surveillance footage, police reports, witness statements, medical tests, and more. They will also take the necessary measures to preserve this evidence, aiming to create a solid case for you.
Handling Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance providers is one of the most daunting stages of seeking compensation. This is especially the case when they try to deny your claim or lower the settlement. They tend to use several tactics to undermine your claim, and this makes everything more stressful.
A good attorney can help level the playing field as they have dealt with insurance adjusters for years and know how to negotiate a fair settlement. They will ensure that your rights are protected and represent your interests until you receive the amount you deserve.
Court Representation
While most car accident claims don’t reach this phase, you may fail to come to a fair agreement during the negotiation stage. Well, a seasoned car accident lawyer has the skills and resources needed to take your case to court and represent you accordingly.
They will ensure your claim is well presented and argued before the judge, keeping your interests in mind. Throughout the trial, the attorney will be tasked with presenting evidence to substantiate your claim, summoning witnesses for testimony, and giving a compelling argument to justify your eligibility for a fair settlement.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
One of the primary things that causes most auto accident victims to avoid representation is thinking that they cannot afford the legal fees.
However, it’s important to note that most firms provide a free initial consultation to learn what occurred, determine whether you have a viable case, and discuss your legal options. In addition, reputable lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
In this agreement, the client doesn’t pay upfront fees, and the attorney will only be paid when they get successful results, either through normal settlement or by verdict. The legal fees are usually a percentage of the total monetary compensation, and the exact amount depends on the complexity of the case and if it goes to court.
Most auto accident victims get a higher settlement in such claims if they use a competent lawyer than if they do it on their own. So, even if you may owe legal fees in the end, chances are you will recover more damages than if you handle the case yourself.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In South Carolina, as stipulated in S.C. Ann §15-3-530, car accident victims have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim.
There may be some exceptions that might render the deadline to file a lawsuit shorter or longer, but overall, you can lose the chance to seek justice and receive compensation for your injuries or losses if you delay suing.
The liable party may claim that your injury was not severe or was pre-existing, and waiting gives them time to come up with tactics that may work against you. Witnesses are also integral to your lawsuit, and waiting may cause them to forget intricate details about the accident.
That said, the best course of action is to hire a South Carolina personal injury lawyer, as they will advise you about your specific deadlines.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney Today!
Car accident statistics show that collisions injure countless people every year.
Getting involved in a car accident and sustaining injuries has the potential to ruin your life, especially if you’re unable to work for an extended period. If you or a family member has been injured or experienced loss due to the negligence of a motorist, call us at 843-438-4386 as soon as possible.
We are a team of Hardeeville car accident lawyers dedicated to helping those in Hardeeville secure maximum compensation and the justice they deserve.
