Car crashes can cause grave injuries and extensive property damage to all parties involved. A Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer from our team at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward can help you after your collision. You may receive funds to cover your medical costs, lost pay, and more.
Our Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyers help accident victims bounce back after someone else causes a car wreck. Our team strives to return all calls within 24 hours because we know your time is valuable. Let us help you get back on your feet after your accident.
Take charge after an accident with help from the Thumbs Up Guys. When you’re ready to get results that matter, our attorneys are ready to help.
A motorist calls his insurance company after a collision. Our Myrtle Beach car accident attorneys can calculate your losses and help you seek compensation.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident: The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer ASAP
Experiencing a car accident can be stressful and confusing. Knowing the steps to take immediately afterward is vital for your safety and any potential claims.
- Prioritize Safety: Check for Injuries. Ensure everyone involved is safe. If there are injuries, call emergency services right away. If feasible, relocate vehicles to prevent further accidents.
- Call the Police: Always report the accident, regardless of severity. An official police report is crucial for documentation.
- Document the Scene: Capture images of vehicle damage, the scene, and any injuries.
Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance details from other drivers and witnesses. - Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately obvious. A medical check is important for your health and documentation.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurer promptly to inform them of the incident and provide the necessary details.
- Consult a Lawyer ASAP: Contacting a car accident lawyer quickly will ensure that your demand letter is sent in a timely fashion. A lawyer can guide you to avoid common pitfalls, help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and handle insurance negotiations.
- Avoid Mistakes: A lawyer can guide you to avoid common pitfalls, ensuring you don’t settle too quickly or make damaging statements.
- Maximize Compensation: An experienced attorney can help you pursue all potential compensation, including medical bills and lost wages.
What Compensation Do You Get After a Car Accident?
A car accident could leave you struggling under the pressure of your financial losses. You could be in a challenging position if you don’t have health insurance.
The car accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach from our team may help you recover your financial losses after a negligent driver injures you in a collision. The compensation you may be entitled to recuperate includes:
Medical Expenses
A personal injury attorney may help you seek fair compensation for any healthcare costs associated with your collision. We often help clients secure funds to cover their:
- Ambulance transportation
- Emergency medical care
- Surgery
- Medications
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
We understand the expenses associated with medical treatment and take these losses seriously. We aggressively pursue the at-fault party to bring you damages.
Lost Wages
In addition to covering your medical expenses, the at-fault driver may have to cover your lost pay, bonuses, and raises. Sometimes, car accidents leave drivers with permanently disabling conditions.
In this situation, your car accident attorney may help you secure damages to cover your diminished earning capacity.
Property Damage
After a motor vehicle accident, the insurance company may have to cover the costs to repair or replace your vehicle. We understand the claims process for seeking a fair settlement for property damage following a collision.
Non-Economic Losses
Auto accident lawyers may also help you seek funds to cover your non-economic damages. This form of compensation can cover your pain, suffering, emotional anguish, and mental trauma after an accident. Our legal team takes these losses seriously.
You may be able to recover additional expenses related to your accident. A Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer can review your case to determine how to get the most value out of your claim.
Can a Lawyer Help After a Deadly Accident?
Sadly, traffic accidents may result in fatalities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.35 million people die in motor vehicle crashes every year.
If you lost a loved one in a Myrtle Beach car accident, our law firm can help you file a wrongful death claim to recover:
- Your loved one’s accident-related medical bills
- Funeral or burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
We provide compassionate care and support while going over your legal options after a deadly accident. We understand that financial compensation does not bring back your loved one, but it can help your family deal with the pressures associated with this kind of loss.
When Should You Get an Attorney for a Car Accident?
You may not necessarily need to hire a lawyer after every car accident. It might still be in your best interest to consult with one.
For example, after a minor collision with little vehicle damage, you may expect your auto insurer to take care of you but fail to receive the money you need to repair or replace your car. Other occasions when you should enlist legal assistance include:
- The police accident report is inaccurate
- Someone died in the crash
- Someone sustained injuries
Even if these situations don’t sound like your case, you may still benefit from speaking with a car accident lawyer. Our law firm can help you understand your rights and the laws that apply to your case.
Why Pick Our Team After a Myrtle Beach Car Accident?
Our team has years of legal experience handling personal injury claims for clients recovering from car accidents. We use our experience to help with potentially complex claims, including those involving:
- Road rage or reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
We use our knowledge and resources to handle all legal issues on your behalf while providing you with open communication about your next steps. We keep you in the loop and discuss the best ways to resolve your specific claim.
We’re proud of our record of success with car accident claims. We’ve brought millions in compensation to clients after collisions. You can review specific examples by going over our case results.
Additionally, our experience allows us to help with other kinds of collisions, including motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and truck accidents in Myrtle Beach.
What Will an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
You can hire an experienced car accident attorney on a contingency basis. Therefore, you’ll only have to pay legal fees after the law firm resolves your claim and brings you compensation for your automobile accident.
Contingency pricing means that the law firm receives a percentage of your final financial award. Therefore, lawyers receive a different amount of payment for each claim they handle.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Myrtle Beach?
Under S.C. Code § 15-3-530, your car accident is subject to a statute of limitations. You have up to three years from the date of your car crash to initiate a claim in South Carolina. The same time limit applies to wrongful death lawsuits.
If you attempt to file your claim after the statute of limitations runs out, the court can dismiss your case. Teaming up with the Thumbs Up Guys allows us to file your claim promptly. Don’t miss your chance to recover damages for your injuries.
Can You Get Compensation Quickly After a Car Wreck?
The time to resolve your personal injury claim can vary significantly after a car accident. In many cases, the time frame depends on the extent of your injuries and the method you choose to resolve your claim.
Our team can generally resolve insurance claims more quickly than lawsuits. However, each situation presents unique challenges. When you contact us for a risk-free consultation, we can provide more information about resolving your case.
The Process of Filing an Insurance and Personal Injury Claim After a Car Accident
Navigating how the insurance claims process works for accident victims after a car accident can be daunting. Understanding how it works can help you manage your expectations and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s a detailed overview of the insurance claims process and what you should expect when dealing with insurance companies.
- Report the Accident: Notify Your Insurance Company: After an accident, inform your insurance provider as soon as possible. Most policies require you to report accidents promptly. If law enforcement is involved, ensure a police report is filed. This document can be crucial for your claim.
- Collect Information: Gather details from the accident scene, including photos of the vehicles, damage, injuries, and any relevant road conditions. If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information and statements, as they can support your claim.
- Initial Claim Submission: Contact your insurance company to file a claim. You will typically need to provide details about the accident, including the date, time, location, and circumstances. Prepare to submit documentation, such as the police report, medical records, and any repair estimates.
- Claim Investigation: After filing, your insurer will assign an insurance adjuster to investigate the claim. The adjuster will review the evidence, interview involved parties, and assess damages. They may also consult with specialists if necessary.
- Determining Fault: The insurance adjuster will determine who is at fault based on the evidence and police report. In some cases, the fault may be shared. If you are partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
- Settlement Offer: Once the investigation is complete, the insurance company will make a settlement offer based on the assessment of damages and liability. Carefully evaluate the offer. It may not fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiation: If you believe the initial offer is inadequate, you can negotiate. Provide additional evidence or documentation to support your claim for a higher settlement.
- Professional Representation: Consider working with a car accident lawyer during this process. They can negotiate on your behalf and help you secure a fair settlement.
Claim Resolution - Acceptance of Offer: If you accept the settlement offer, you will sign a release form, which may prevent you from pursuing further compensation for the accident.
Payment: Once the agreement is finalized, the insurance company will issue payment for the agreed amount. - Dispute Resolution (if necessary): If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Review the denial letter to understand the reasons for your appeal and gather additional evidence. If negotiations fail and you believe you are entitled to more compensation, you may consider filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
- Stay Informed and Organized: Maintain organized records of all communications, documents, and evidence related to your claim. This documentation can be vital for any negotiations or legal proceedings. Regularly check in with your insurance adjuster to stay updated on the status of your claim and ensure timely processing.
Call a Myrtle Beach Car Accident Lawyer Today
Call a Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer from Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys for assistance after your collision. We can help you file an insurance claim or civil suit. The Thumbs Up Guys can offer you a free case review.
We can explain your legal rights after a negligent driver injured you in a collision. We understand the shady practices insurance companies may use, and we can advocate for you.