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You should consider hiring a car accident lawyer in Rutherfordton as soon as possible after your crash. Insurance carriers often seem friendly and supportive, but they are hoping you will agree to a lowball settlement offer or make statements that accidentally hurt your claim for compensation.
It may seem easier and cheaper to handle your insurance claim on your own, but having a personal injury attorney on your side after a wreck ensures your rights remain protected and you have someone who knows what to expect when managing the claims process for you.
Hire an Attorney If You Were Hurt in the Crash
If you suffered an injury that required medical care, you should discuss your case with a car wreck lawyer as soon as possible. You may find it difficult to know how much your case might be worth since many accident victims underestimate their financial losses related to a crash. When you work with the personal injury lawyers from our team, we will:
- Ensure your medical expenses are fully documented
- Work with experts to estimate future treatment costs and lost wages
- Document your pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
- Avoid lowball settlement offers from insurance companies
- Protect your right to seek maximum compensation throughout the legal process
Insurance companies know that injured people are vulnerable, and they will not hesitate to take advantage of your desire to close this chapter of your life quickly, hoping to recover money for your injuries and outstanding bills. However, you need to ensure you understand the full extent of your damages before agreeing to a settlement.
Hire a Lawyer if the At-Fault Driver or Their Insurer Disputes Fault
If the at-fault driver or their insurance company tries to blame you for the wreck, you should call an attorney immediately. Proving liability is crucial to recover compensation after a car wreck.
In some states, like North Carolina, you’re barred from recovery if you contributed to causing the wreck in any way. In others, like South Carolina, your compensation is reduced based on your share of the blame. You need to ensure you have the strongest accident claim possible to absolve yourself of any possible fault in your case.
To this end, your attorney will:
- Investigate the crash and gather photographic and physical evidence
- Collect and preserve evidence such as the police report, medical records, and witness statements
- Work with experts if needed
- Protect you from unfair accusations of negligence
- Prevent you from accidentally saying something that could hurt your case
The sooner you have legal representation on your side, the easier it is to gather evidence. Some evidence disappears as time passes, making it more difficult to build a strong personal injury claim.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (828) 286-3866
Hire a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Is Delaying or Denying Your Claim
Insurance adjusters work for large corporations that are focused on protecting their bottom line. They want to pay as little as possible to close each case. The company’s health comes before ensuring you receive the compensation you need based on the facts of your collision. It is not uncommon for insurers to delay, undervalue, or outright deny valid claims.
If this happens to you, it is time to call a personal injury lawyer who can:
- Demand timely responses from the insurance adjuster
- Submit a formal demand for fair compensation
- Negotiate aggressively on your behalf
- File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary
If an insurance adjuster makes an offer, let a lawyer review it before you agree. The attorneys can explain if it is fair based on the facts in your case and help you negotiate a payout that covers your expenses and losses.
Hire a Lawyer if Asked to Sign Documents or Make Recorded Statements
After a crash, you may have an insurance adjuster from the at-fault driver’s company ask you to provide a recorded statement, sign a medical records release, accept a settlement, or waive your right to sue. You do not want to do any of these things without an attorney on your side.
These actions can have serious legal consequences. For example, a recorded statement can be twisted or taken out of context, and they could claim you admitted to causing the wreck or that you did not suffer injuries.
Before signing anything or giving a detailed statement to the insurance company, talk to a personal injury lawyer. Your attorney will protect your rights and guide you through this process.
Hire an Attorney If a Loved One Died in the Wreck
If you lost a family member in a fatal wreck, a wrongful death case might allow you to recover compensation for your family. A car wreck lawyer can handle your case while you focus on grieving and healing. The compensation in these cases could include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering of the deceased
Each state has its own laws about recoverable damages, who may file these lawsuits, and when. Your attorney will provide information based on the applicable laws during your initial consultation with their team.
Hire a Lawyer If the Statute of Limitations Is Approaching
Every state has a statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover fair compensation. In the Carolinas, you generally have three years to file an injury case based on
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 in North Carolina and S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530 in South Carolina.
You may have less time to file a wrongful death lawsuit or if the at-fault party was a government entity. An attorney can review your case and explain which deadlines and exceptions apply to your case.
Talk to Our Legal Team About Your Car Wreck for Free Today
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we have six attorneys and five locations to serve both North and South Carolina. We provide free consultations and handle cases based on contingency. Contact us today to get started.
