Over the years, this Columbia car accident lawyer has represented hundreds if not thousands of people. Many of these people were involved in motor vehicle accidents of one sort or another. By the time they come to us it’s usually because their insurance claim has already been denied. Most of them seem utterly confused as to why they’re claiming would have been denied in the first place. They’re absolutely sure that they did not cause the accident and they’re not happy that they’re left holding the bag.
While we can certainly understand how they feel, there’s usually a very simple explanation for why their claim was denied. When a new client first comes into the office, one of our Columbia car accident lawyers will meet with them and review their case. They will ask them for their version of what happened and ask if they’ve already made a statement to the police. Just as importantly, they’ll need to know if you’ve already made a statement to the insurance carrier. If you have, your attorney will have to do some backpedaling to set things straight. If not, then your Columbia accident lawyer can file an appeal on your claim and he means that the insurance company pay for it.
Here, we will talk about some of the biggest mistakes people make after their car accidents in South Carolina. We’ll also remind you how to avoid making these mistakes in your own case so you don’t jeopardize your chances of getting compensation. If you still have questions about your case all you have to do is contact our office directly. We will set up a time for you to come in and meet with one of our Columbia car accident lawyers right away.
You Have to Call the Police No Matter What
For some reason, car accident victims are afraid to call the cops. Even if they know they’ve done absolutely nothing wrong, they are afraid that the cops will find some reason to ticket them. The truth is, you’re legally required to report any car accident that results in damage to either another person or vehicle. The defendant knows this as well.
The reason you need to call the cops is because they will come out and do a thorough investigation of the accident scene. They will look to see whose story jives with what evidence there is on the road. They will also be able to speak to any eyewitnesses and find out what really happened. More than anything else, however, the cops will do their investigation and report their findings in their report. This report will become available to yourself and your lawyer within a day or so. It is your responsibility to go get a copy so you can bring a copy to your Columbia accident lawyer. The information in that report can make the difference between winning and losing your case.
Never Make a Statement to the Insurance Company Without Your Columbia Accident Lawyer Present
One other piece of advice we will make is that you never make an official statement to the insurance company unless your attorney is present or there to witness it in writing. It’s the insurance company job to find a way to avoid paying out any claims. If they can read anything into your statement that makes it look like you were partially at fault they will. Your Columbia accident lawyers’ purpose is to make sure that you’re fairly compensated for these injuries. At some point, both parties will need to make a statement to the insurance adjuster. You can refer the insurance adjuster to speak with lawyer if you’d like. You cannot be forced to speak against your own interest.
One thing we’ve found is that when people don’t have a lawyer present, they say much more than they should. What might have been a slow tap on the brakes turns into you jamming on your brakes because the other car came out of nowhere. elaboration and embellishment will get you nowhere when it comes to your car accident case in Columbia, South Carolina.
Do Not Refuse the Ambulance Ride to the Hospital
Like it or not, you cannot refuse to go to the hospital after your crash. You have no idea if there’s something wrong with you. Just because you look and feel okay that doesn’t mean that aren’t injured. You could have suffered a traumatic brain injury or other internal damage. If left untreated, these injuries can prove fatal.
For example, you experience a traumatic brain injury when something serious blows your head. The signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury or the same as they are for any other sort of injury. When you get to the hospital the doctors is going to run all the necessary diagnostic tests to see what kind of injuries you may have suffered some of these tests include:
- MRI
- CC scan
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- physiological examination
- neurological examination
These tests will let the doctor know if there’s anything serious with you. The doctor will make notes of these tests in your medical records. Your medical records will also demonstrate that you suffered some sort of injury. Your Columbia car accident lawyer is going to need these records in order to prove that you were hurt and, therefore, that you’re entitled to compensation. Otherwise, this will turn into a she said, he said situation that’s so that if even.
Do Not Post About the Crash on Social Media
Another mistake many car accident victims make is they post about their crash on social media. Despite your obsession with posting every little thing about your life online, you need to do your best to refrain from doing so when it comes to your car accident. The defendant and their attorney are going to look into see if you posted anything online it makes it look as if you’re not as injured as you’re claiming to be.
Contact a Skilled Columbia Car Accident Lawyer Immediately
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident and aren’t sure what to do next, give us a call. We offer all clients a free, initial consultation. Sit down with one of our Columbia car accident lawyers and see if you have a shot at collecting damages.