There are many things that insurance companies don’t want you to know when it comes to personal injury cases. They would much rather have you believe that dealing with an attorney is unnecessary and will only lead to more headaches and expenses.
The fact of the matter is, however, that working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can often mean the difference between getting the compensation you deserve and being left out in the cold.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have over 25 years of experience serving and helping clients in Columbia, SC, with their personal injury claims. Whether we are handling your insurer or the other party’s insurance company, we know how to get the job done right.
The Role of the Insurance Company
After your accident, the insurance company will conduct its own investigation by sending out an insurance adjuster. Insurance adjusters’ job is to gather evidence and information that can be used to minimize the amount of money that the company will have to pay out on your claim. The insurance company may also contact you directly to get you to give a recorded statement about the accident. It is important that you not do this without first consulting with an attorney.
5 Things Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know
They Are Not On Your Side
Insurance claim adjusters and insurance companies are not on your side. They have one goal: to pay as little money as possible on your claim. Especially if you’re a victim who has been injured by one of their policyholders, you can expect them to do everything in their power to minimize the amount of money they must pay.
They May Try to Contact You Directly
After an accident, the insurance company may try to contact you directly and get you to give a recorded statement about what happened. It is important to know that you do not have to talk to them without your attorney, and it’s best that you don’t. The insurance company is not looking out for your best interests, and anything you say could be used against you later.
They May Offer You a Quick Settlement
The insurance claims adjuster may offer you a quick settlement to get you to sign away your rights to take any further legal action. It is important that you do not accept any settlement offers without first consulting with an attorney. Once you accept a settlement, you will likely be unable to take further legal action against the responsible party.
They May Try to Deny Your Claim Entirely
The insurance company may try to deny your claim entirely by coming up with any number of excuses. If this happens, you will need to hire an attorney to help you file a lawsuit against the insurance company and get the compensation you deserve.
They May Try to Blame You for the Accident
The insurance company may try to blame you for the accident in an attempt to minimize their liability. They may even try to use your own words against you. This is why it is so important that you consult with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to the insurance company.
What Can I Do to Help My Case?
If you’ve been involved in an accident, there are a few things you can do to help your case:
- Get medical treatment immediately and track all your medical records and expenses.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance company without first consulting with an attorney.
- Save any evidence from the accident, such as photographs or videos.
- Keep a journal of your injuries and how they’ve affected your life.
Insurance claims adjusters will look for any holes in your story. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to deal with them and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
How Much Money Can I Recover in a Columbia Personal Injury Case?
The amount of money you can recover in a Columbia personal injury case will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical bills you have incurred, and whether or not you were able to return to work. In some cases, you may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering. If you have been involved in an accident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to get a better understanding of what you may be entitled to.
Modified Comparative Negligence in South Carolina
The modified comparative negligence rules in South Carolina apply in personal injury cases. This means that if you are found to be even partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages, but your percentage of fault will reduce your total recovery. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages, but your total recovery will be reduced by 20%.
It is important to note that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you will not be able to recover any damages. This is why it is so important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney who can help investigate
The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor – Fighting for the Rights of Injury Victims
At the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims. We have a team of experienced personal injury lawyers ready to help you get a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free consultation.
