Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer After a Minor Accident?

If you’ve recently been in a South Carolina car accident, you may be wondering whether you need to hire a car accident lawyer, especially if the accident was a minor one. The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the accident’s severity, whether you sustained injuries, and whether you were at fault.

Our team at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward will discuss whether you should hire a South Carolina car accident lawyer after a minor accident and what The Thumbs Up Guys can do for you.

What Is a Minor Car Accident?

A minor car accident is typically defined as an accident that causes little to no damage to the vehicles involved and no injuries to the drivers or passengers. These types of accidents may include a fender bender in a parking lot, a low-speed collision on a residential street, or a minor rear-end collision.

In a minor car accident, the damage to the vehicle may be limited to scratches, dents, or minor damage to the exterior. In some cases, the vehicles may not show any visible signs of damage. However, even if the damage appears to be minimal, it is still important to assess the extent of the damage and obtain an estimate for repairs.

In addition to vehicle damage, a minor car accident may involve property damage, such as damage to a fence or mailbox, or personal belongings, such as a laptop or phone. It is important to note that even if an accident is considered minor, it can still be a traumatic experience for those involved.

The emotional impact of the accident, including anxiety, stress, and fear, should not be overlooked. It is important to seek support and resources to address the accident’s emotional or psychological effects.

Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer After a Minor Accident in South Carolina?

If you were involved in a minor car accident, you may be wondering whether hiring a South Carolina car accident lawyer is necessary. The answer depends on several factors, including:

The Severity of the Accident

You may not need to hire a lawyer if the accident was minor and caused little to no damage to the vehicles involved. However, suppose the accident caused significant damage to your vehicle, another person’s property, or multiple vehicles. In that case, consulting with a car accident lawyer may be in your best interest.

Whether You Sustained Injuries

Even if the accident was minor, it’s important to consult with a car accident lawyer if you sustained injuries. We can help you go through and understand the legal process and make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Additionally, a car accident lawyer can help you pursue a personal injury lawsuit if your injuries are severe or long-lasting.

Whether You Were At Fault

You may still benefit from hiring a car accident lawyer if you were at fault in a South Carolina accident. A car accident lawyer can determine if you were at fault and build a strategy for your case.

Additionally, it’s wise to consult with a lawyer if the other driver or drivers are involved in the accident dispute fault or if there are complicating factors, such as a hit-and-run or commercial vehicle involved.

What Can a Car Accident Lawyer Do for You?

A car accident lawyer in South Carolina can provide several valuable services after a minor car accident. Here are a few ways The Thumbs Up Guys can help:

• Conducting an investigation: A car accident lawyer can investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your case. This may include obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: A car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and any property damage.
• Representing you in court: If your case goes to court, a car accident lawyer can represent you and argue to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

At Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and determine whether you have a viable claim. If we take on your case, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.

Our fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs or hourly billing.

Why Should You Choose Our Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case?

Our law firm has over 5 years of experience representing clients in car accident cases, including minor car accidents. We understand the emotional and financial toll a car accident can take on you and your family, and we are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve.

We have a proven track record of success and have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Additionally, we offer personalized attention and dedicated representation to each client. 

What Should You Do After a Minor Car Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a minor car accident, there are several steps you need to take afterward. After a minor crash, you should:

Check for Injuries

The first step after a car accident is to check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and wait for medical assistance to arrive. If you suspect a serious injury, it’s best not to move the injured person until medical professionals arrive, as moving them could worsen their condition.

Move to a Safe Location

If possible, move your vehicle safely away from traffic to avoid further accidents or injuries. If your vehicle cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights to signal other drivers that you are distressed.

Exchange Information

After a car accident, exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver is important. Obtain their name, phone number, and insurance information, as well as their license plate number and make and model of their vehicle.

Be sure to provide your information to the other driver as well.

Document the Accident

Take photos of the damage to both vehicles and the surrounding area. This documentation can help support your insurance claim and provide evidence in case of a legal dispute.

Also, obtain the names and contact information of witnesses who saw the accident. Witnesses can provide valuable information about the accident and may be able to support your claim.

Report the Accident

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance company will need to know the accident’s details and the damage’s extent. They will also want to know whether anyone was injured and whether a police report was filed. 

Remember, even a minor car accident can be a traumatic experience. Follow these steps to protect your safety and legal rights after a car accident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Car Accident?

The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim varies by state. Still, according to South Carolina Code of Laws section 15-3-530, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. 

However, it’s best to consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to make sure that you don’t miss any important deadlines.

Contact Us to Learn More How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

At Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward, The Thumbs Up Guys can answer any questions you have after you suffer injuries in a minor car accident. We’re ready to help you determine if you need to hire a car accident lawyer.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.