- July 11, 2023
Car accidents are a traumatic experience for anyone involved. Besides physical injuries, they can also cause financial strain due to medical expenses and lost wages. If you’ve been in a crash in Greenville, South Carolina, you might be wondering how long it will take for your car accident claim to settle.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question as every case is unique and depends on various factors. However, by understanding the process of settling car accident claims and working with an experienced Greenville car wreck attorney, you can ensure that your settlement amount is fair and just.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why car accident claims may take longer than expected to settle.
Your Lawyer Needs Time to Collect and Analyze Evidence
After a car accident, the first step in filing a claim is to hire an experienced Greenville car wreck attorney. Your lawyer will then begin collecting and analyzing evidence related to your case. This process can take some time as it involves gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other relevant documents.
Your lawyer will also need to investigate the scene of the accident to determine who was at fault for the crash. They may visit the site of the accident or consult with experts such as accident reconstructionists to gather more information.
Once your attorney has collected all necessary evidence, we will analyze it thoroughly before determining how much compensation you are entitled to receive. We will consider factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage when calculating your damages.
It’s important not to rush this process as any missing or incomplete information could harm your chances of receiving fair compensation. Be patient while your attorney works through this stage so that he/she can build a strong case on your behalf.
Economic Damages Can Be Estimated After You Reach Maximum Medical Improvement
After a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine right after the crash, some injuries may not become apparent until later on. Once you have received treatment, your attorney will need to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before estimating the cost of your economic damages.
MMI is the point at which your condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve any further with additional treatment. At this stage, it becomes easier for your attorney to estimate how much money you’ll need for future medical expenses related to your injury.
In addition to medical expenses, economic damages can also include lost wages or income due to missed work because of the accident. Your Greenville car wreck attorney will gather evidence such as pay stubs and employment records in order to determine any potential loss of income.
The Insurance Company Will Dispute Your Percentage of Fault
After a car accident, one of the first things insurance companies will do is determine who is at fault. Even if you believe that the other driver was clearly responsible, it’s not uncommon for insurance providers to dispute your percentage of fault in an attempt to reduce their own liability.
In South Carolina, we follow a modified comparative negligence rule. It means that compensation can be reduced based on the level of responsibility each driver had for causing the accident. If you’re found to be partially at fault for the collision, it could significantly impact how much compensation you receive.
Insurance adjusters may try to argue that you were speeding or distracted while driving and therefore contributed to the crash. The more they can shift blame onto you, the less money they’ll have to pay out in damages.
That’s why having an experienced Greenville car wreck attorney by your side is crucial. We can help gather evidence and build a strong case proving why you shouldn’t be held entirely or even partially at fault for what happened. With their guidance and expertise, hopefully, your claim will settle fairly and justly without any unnecessary delays or disputes.
The Insurer Will Dispute the Value of Your Claim
After you file a car accident claim, the insurance company will likely conduct its own investigation and assessment of your damages. Unfortunately, they may dispute the value of your claim in order to minimize their payout.
Their first tactic may be to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you have claimed or that certain medical treatments were unnecessary. They may also try to downplay the impact of non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
In addition, the insurer may use various tools such as software programs or past settlement data to undervalue your claim. This can result in an initial offer from them that is far below what you deserve.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses looking out for their own bottom line. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an experienced Greenville car wreck attorney who can accurately evaluate and negotiate the full value of your claim on your behalf.
Your Lawyer May Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your Greenville car wreck attorney may have to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is not an ideal situation as it can extend the length of time it takes for you to receive compensation for your damages and injuries.
Filing a lawsuit means that your case will go through the court system which can be a lengthy process. Your lawyer will need to prepare legal documents, attend hearings and potentially participate in mediation or trial.
However, filing a lawsuit can also be beneficial as it shows the insurance company that you are serious about obtaining fair compensation for your losses. It also gives your lawyer more leverage during negotiations and increases their ability to negotiate higher settlements on your behalf.
In any event, having an experienced Greenville car wreck attorney by your side throughout this process can increase the chances of receiving maximum compensation under South Carolina law.
Let an Experienced Greenville Car Wreck Attorney Negotiate Your Claim!
Navigating the legal process of a car accident claim settlement can be overwhelming and time-consuming. However, having an experienced Greenville car wreck attorney on your side can make all the difference.
An experienced attorney at our law firm will not only advocate for you but also help collect and analyze evidence, estimate economic damages, dispute fault percentages, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. We will ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident in Greenville, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. Contact an experienced lawyer today to help guide you through this difficult time. We offer each new client a free case review, so contact us today at 864-310-7897!
