After a car accident, one of your first priorities is getting treatment for your injuries. But as the hospital and medical care bills start piling up, you have to start preparing to file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver. The question is: should you hire a Greenville personal injury lawyer to get a better car accident settlement? Or should you handle it on your own?
Here are some reasons why having legal representation will always result in a larger settlement amount:
1. Attorneys Know How to Prove Fault
South Carolina uses a comparative negligence principle to determine who has the right to file a car accident claim. You have to be less than 50% at fault than the other driver to have this right. And this where insurance adjusters know they can manipulate facts if the car accident victim does not have a lawyer.
They will claim that you were actually more at fault than the other driver. An experienced attorney knows how to find and use evidence to support your claim and show that you are actually the one entitled to recover damages.
2. A Lawyer Will Estimate Your Damages Correctly
When you are handling your accident claim on your own, you may not even be aware of all the types of damages you can recover. You are probably thinking of medical care costs and lost wages. However, a car accident generates many other economic damages:
- Cost to repair or replace your car
- Costs with physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Loss of earning potential if you have to retrain for a new job due to a permanent disability caused by the crash
- Cost to rent a car while yours is being repaired
- Other pocket expenses – such as taxi fares to go to and from medical appointments
You are also entitled to seek non-economic damages for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- PTSD
- Loss of companionship
Experienced car accident lawyers know how to make a fair and realistic evaluation of these damages and actually get the insurers to pay them.
3. An Attorney Will Prevent Insurance Adjusters from Tricking You
One of the most important reasons why you should consult with an experienced Greenville personal injury lawyer is that you don’t want to get tricked by an insurance adjuster. These are ruthless professionals who will do everything legal (or barely legal) to avoid paying a claim.
Their tactics include:
- Pressuring you to accept a lowball settlement offer
- Tricking you into admitting fault in a recorded statement
- Persuading you that you do not have the right to file a claim
- Delaying the final decision on your claim until the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit (3 years) almost expires
4. Lawyers Know How to Negotiate with Insurance Companies
The most important benefit of having legal representation during a car accident claim is the negotiation skill. This is something attorneys acquire after years of experience and in-depth knowledge of South Carolina tort laws.
They know how to persuade the insurance adjuster to accept a fair car accident settlement or face the risk of losing the case in court.
5. The Lawyer Acts as a Gatekeeper for the Insurance Adjuster
Some adjusters will resort to badgering people without lawyers in order to persuade them to drop their case. They will call constantly, show up at your home to check if you are really injured and make all sorts of hurtful comments, such as “you don’t appear to be in as much pain as you claim.”
These things will not happen if you have an attorney. The insurance adjuster will have no other option but to negotiate with your lawyer. And if they keep badgering you, the attorney can help you file a complaint against the adjuster.
Consult with an Experienced Greenville Personal Injury Lawyer!
Car accident victims often have to battle severe injuries and face long term expenses for physical therapy and rehabilitation. However, insurance adjusters will claim that you only suffered minor injuries and offer a very small settlement, which does not cover even half of your damages.
This is where a Greenville personal injury lawyer comes in. An experienced attorney knows how to evaluate your damages and get the fair car accident settlement you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation with us: 864-263-1679!
