When you’re struck and injured in a car accident, you’re already dealing with a major headache. You’re hurt, your car may be totaled, and the at-fault party may be trying to place the blame on you. You may have insurance, but you may also be worried about the time and difficulties you may have to settle your claim.
If you’re worried about your insurance claim, reach out to a car accident lawyer at The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers Your lawyer can help you act on your claim and seek compensation for the damages you suffered.
Notifying the Insurance Company After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you may first need to seek medical attention and get help recovering from your injuries. Even if you feel fine, a serious injury can take its toll on you, so you may need to ensure you didn’t suffer a head injury, spinal cord damage, or broken bones, among other severe injuries.
Once you’ve contacted emergency services, your next step is to contact your insurance company. South Carolina is a fault state, which means your settlement should be paid by the liable party. But your insurance company still needs to be notified so that the insurance adjuster can record the accident.
In some cases, you may even seek your compensation through your own insurer. Your company may offer you a settlement and seek repayment from the at-fault party, or certain factors, like an uninsured driver, may mean you must use your own insurance to cover your damages.
Determine What Your Claim Is Worth
Once the insurance company has been notified, the insurance adjuster will begin work on your claim. That means they’ll start by determining whether you’re eligible for compensation and how much your settlement is worth based on your damages.
Calculating a settlement can be complex. They may review the costs to repair your car, your health, and whether your injuries are impacting your life. For example, you may be unable to work because you need surgery for a spine injury. This should be considered in your settlement offer.
What if My Claim Is Denied?
Of course, you may not receive the settlement offer you’re due, or you may not receive one at all. The insurance company may try to lowball your claim or refuse you unfairly. Insurers are for-profit companies, and paying for an expensive car accident hurts their profits.
Because of this, you may need to take your insurance company to court with a lawyer’s help. We can help you seek compensation if your insurance company is using unfair business practices to avoid paying for the damages you suffered.
Take Your Claim to Court with a Lawyer
When you’re hurt in a car accident, it can take a major toll on your health, your finances, and your life. Your insurance policy should cover your damages, but when that fails, your lawyer at The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers can help. Start with your free consultation when you call 803-592-6231 or fill out the following online contact form.
