4 Important Things To Know Following a Car Accident (For 2024)
There are several crucial things to know following a South Carolina car accident. Knowing these things can have long-term implications and truly benefit you. It can help you protect your legal rights. Below, we share four important things to know following a car crash;
- You Can Seek Compensation
After a South Carolina car accident, you may have the right to seek financial compensation from the other driver. In South Carolina, when a car accident results from another driver’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim against the other driver and seek compensation. Common examples of negligent acts in car accident cases include speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and fatigued driving.
- You Can Seek Several Types of Damages
If you are injured in an SC car accident because of another driver’s negligence, you can recover different types of damages, which can be categorized into two main types: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the measurable, tangible losses resulting from the accident. Economic damages include lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage. On the other hand, non-economic damages cover intangible and subjective losses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement.
In addition to recovering economic and non-economic damages, if it is found that the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, willful, or grossly negligent, you may be eligible to recover punitive damages. While economic and non-economic damages, also called compensatory damages, are meant to pay for your losses, punitive damages are paid as a form of punishment for the defendant. Punitive damages are a way of deterring other people from acting negligently in the future.
- Photos Can Help Build Your Legal Case
After a South Carolina car accident, you need evidence to prove your claims. Among the best types of evidence in a car accident case are pictures. Photos can help provide an accurate representation of what happened. However, it is crucial that you take pictures as soon as possible after the accident. Ideally, you should take pictures immediately after your accident as long as it is safe to do so and your condition allows you to do so. Accident scenes change quickly, so you shouldn’t wait to take pictures. If you are unable to take pictures immediately after the accident, you can have someone else at the scene help. You may also be able to obtain photos later through other means, such as witnesses’ phones or cameras or surveillance cameras.
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Waiting to seek medical attention after a car accident can harm your health and well-being. It can also harm your legal claim. Not seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident can make it difficult to establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries. It can result in the defendant’s insurance company arguing that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
- Insurance Companies Are Concerned About Profits
Finally, you should know that most insurance companies are only worried about maximizing profits and will employ various tactics to protect their interests and minimize the amount they pay to claimants. Some common tactics used by insurance companies that you need to be prepared for include;
- Offering a quick settlement
- Requesting a recorded statement
- Delaying the claims process
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you are involved in a car accident, our Charleston car accident lawyer at the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
