- May 4, 2021
In today’s world where traffic has started increasing, so have car accidents, unfortunately. When it comes to car accidents in Greenville, SC, particularly, the number is not the best.
What’s more unfortunate, is that car accident victims are not aware of the laws that come with these car accidents. All too often, individuals are unaware of the next steps to take once they are caught up in such an unpleasant situation.
10 Things That Aren’t Recommended for a Car Accident in Greenville, SC; What Our Greenville Car Accident Lawyers Suggest
When it comes to car accidents in Greenville, SC, there are certain steps that one should abide by. At the other end of the spectrum, there are certain things that one should specifically not indulge in.
The following list of actions is something that our lawyers do not recommend you take under any circumstances if you are involved in a car accident:
1. Not Reporting the Accident to the Police
A common mistake many victims make when it comes to being involved in a car accident is that they don’t report the car accident to the police. This is against the motor vehicle laws of South Carolina, especially if there is any injury or death.
If you are involved in a car accident, ensure that you notify the authorities to keep them in the loop. In some cases, it might also be needed that you notify the South Carolina DMV. Failing to comply can result in a fine of $500 as well as 30 days in jail.
2. Not Filing a Claim
Insurance companies require their clients to notify them at the earliest if the clients are involved in a car accident. For some cases, there is a defined number of days within which the claim has to be filed.
Delaying the process of filing your claim can give your insurance company ground to deny your claim if not reduce it.
3. Ignoring Any Pain or Assuming You Haven’t Sustained Any Injuries
Injuries after a car accident are quite common. If you feel that you are experiencing any pain after a car accident, do not ignore it and consult a doctor right away. The longer you delay doing this, the more difficult it gets to prove that your injuries were not sustained during the accident. The delay in your recovery or the worsening of these injuries is also a separate debate.
In some cases, symptoms of pain may not appear right away. For the same reason, a trip to the doctor is recommended, regardless, after a car accident.
4. Giving Control of Your Claim to the Insurance Companies
Always gain control of the situation once you have filed a claim. Not doing so will only give the insurance companies a reason to reduce your claim. A good example of this is that many victims don’t receive compensation for loss of income, since insurance companies will try to reduce the payable amount in any way possible.
5. Not Looking at Other Sources for Financial Compensation
Filing for an insurance claim is definitely recommended. However, there are other options you can look into as well, such as:
- The other driver’s employer (if they were at work during the time of the accident)
- The vehicle manufacturers of the vehicles involved in the accident
- A repair shop that repaired the vehicles involved in the accident
- A bar or restaurant (if it was a case of drunk driving)
- The state or local government agency responsible in case there was a fault in the road
These options however are subject to certain conditions. Your attorney will be able to guide you through the way forward in case any of these situations apply.
6. Not Calculating Your Losses Before Settling for Compensation
Losses come in many forms when we’re talking about car accidents. The insurance company will try to reduce the number as much as possible to minimize their costs. Non-financial losses are usually discarded. However, do not accept the settlement until you are fully satisfied with the amount.
7. Go into Debt
If you are forced to take an unpaid leave from work or your medical bills are piling up, there are options available other than drowning in debt. An attorney can look into options for you, such as pre-settlement lawsuit funding or delayed medical billing until your claim process is complete.
8. Post About Your Accident on Social Media
Insurance companies can use people you’ve spoken to about your accident, as witnesses. The same goes for your accident-related posts on social media. This can be used as evidence against you, by the insurance companies.
9. Dealing with the Situation On Your Own
It is not recommended for any car accident victim to deal with the entire situation on their own due to the multiple factors involved that need to be looked into. Dealing with a car accident in Greenville, SC requires immaculate preparation and precision. For the same reason, be sure to involve an attorney who can take up your case.
Get in Touch with an Auto Accident Lawyer in Greenville, SC
Car accidents are not meant to be handled alone. Help is available and all you have to do is reach out. If you or your loved ones have been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our Greenville car accident attorneys. We will ensure that everything is carefully looked into and the compensation you deserve is provided to you, as well as justice.
