South Carolina Lawyer Blog
“Personal Injury” is the broad term used to describe any type of physical or emotional injury that is caused to a person as the result of someone else’s negligence or carelessness. An individual can suffer a personal injury on the job, in a car accident, as a mistake during medical care or treatment or as a result of using a faulty or defective product. There are also many other ways an individual can suffer personal injury as a result of the negligence or carelessness of someone else.
If you suffer a personal injury in South Carolina due to the negligence or carelessness of someone else you need to contact a South Carolina personal injury lawyer right away.
Many individuals who are injured, particularly in automobile accidents, attempt to handle their insurance claims on their own, hoping that they will get a quick settlement. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies treat victims of personal injuries fairly. The obligations of the insurance companies are to their own policy holders and shareholders, not to people who have been injured.
A lawyer who is experienced in South Carolina personal injury law knows how the court system works, can deal effectively with the insurance company and make sure that you receive compensation you deserve due to your injuries.
Attempting to negotiate a case on your own often leads to mistakes which can cost you money. It is a mistake to enter into discussions about the accident with the other driver’s insurance company. You must keep in mind that the insurance adjuster works for and is paid by his insurance company and his job is to save the company money.
When someone is involved in an accident it is always stressful and confusing. The following are the procedures you should follow immediately if you are in an accident.
1. Stop immediately, try to stay calm and do what you can to avoid blocking traffic. Never leave the scene of an accident that you or your car was involved in no matter how slight the collision.
2. Check to see if anyone is injured. If they are, call 911.
3. Call the police.
4. If at all possible, get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the witnesses and make a written or mental note of what the witnesses say.
5. If an insurance adjusters shows up at the scene, do not sign anything.
6. Go to the doctor or the emergency room to be examined right away if you believe you have suffered an injury, no matter how minor you think the injury is at the time.
7. Contact your insurance company.
8. Call a South Carolina personal injury lawyer right away to discuss your claim. At the Louthian Law Firm you can come in and speak with one of our lawyers for free with no obligation.