If you are the victim of a car crash, there is no turning back once you enter into a settlement agreement with the insurance company. That is exactly what we had to tell one of our clients when she sent us a text message, hoping we could help her friend the same way we helped her.
Unfortunately, because the friend had already accepted a low-ball offer from the insurance company, there was nothing we could do. After a car accident victim settles their case, it is final. This is true even if they did not have the benefit of legal counsel during the negotiations.
Sometimes car accident victims avoid hiring an attorney because they don’t want to pay legal fees. Sometimes the insurance adjuster is quick on the draw and convinces the victim that they don’t need a lawyer before they even have a chance to consult with one. No matter the reason for not hiring a lawyer, it almost never results in the car wreck victim receiving more money from the insurance company. Having an attorney is a game changer. Below are a few of the reasons why.
We foresee what tactics the insurance company will likely use to pay you as little money as possible, or even at all. For example, they will almost inevitably argue that you were actually at fault, at least partially. They will also often try and convince you that you will never convince a jury to award damages for future harms, like long-term physical and mental pain and suffering. They might even tell you that your doctor’s assessment isn’t good enough and you need to submit to an examination by a doctor they choose. At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers, we know better!
Insurance companies will use every trick in the book to tie up your claim to make you desperate enough for money that you are willing to settle for an amount less than what you deserve. They know an automobile accident often results in a litany of financial troubles. If you don’t have health insurance, it’s hard to get the medical treatment you need, and, even if you do, the bills for your deductible and co-pays still add up. Your income might have been curtailed because you were hurt and couldn’t work. You might even have new expenses, because of the wreck. There are infinite ways a car wreck can negatively impact your finances and the insurance companies know how to use all of them to their advantage. At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers, we know how to move your case forward to make sure you not only get the compensation you deserve, but also that you get it as soon as possible.
Insurance companies know that picking a fight with an experienced and proven personal injury lawyer will eventually cost them more in legal fees than the claim is worth. Of course, if the injury victim doesn’t have an attorney, the insurance company doesn’t have to factor legal fees into their cost-benefit analysis. Insurance companies also know which lawyers and firms are willing to pull out all the stops to make sure their clients are fairly compensated. At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers, we never take a case if we aren’t willing to go all the way. If we take your case and the insurance company won’t make you a fair offer, then we’ll go to trial. Attorney Dana Adkins has the experience to know her way around a court room and shines in front of a jury.
There may be additional parties who are legally responsible for your damages. For example, if another driver runs a red light and hits your vehicle, there could be multiple parties responsible. If that driver had been slamming on their brake but the car wasn’t stopping, the manufacturer of their brake pads or the mechanic who installed them incorrectly may be liable, If the traffic light was faulty, the government may hold some responsibility. If the driver was drunk, the bar that served them may be liable. At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers we will leave no stone unturned! We will investigate your claim and uncover every detail to ensure everyone who is responsible for your injury is held accountable.
Let's be honest, when considering hiring a lawyer after a car wreck everyone’s first question is - Will I get more money if I hire a lawyer, than I can get on my own? A study conducted by the Insurance Research Council suggests people who have suffered bodily injuries in an auto accident due to driver, manufacturer and/or government negligence win 3.5 times more in settlement compensation while represented by an attorney than injury victims who don’t hire a personal injury attorney. In fact, the study found that in 85% of cases where an insurance company does settle an injury claim, the injured party had hired an attorney.
Like most personal injury attorneys in South Carolina, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we are paid a percentage of the settlement. Just like the old adage says - We don’t get paid until you get paid!
Don’t let the insurance company win. If you’re injured in an automobile accident, let us fight for you! Consultations are always free. Call or text us anytime at (843) 823-6237.
コメント