It is no secret that insurance companies are not on the side of people injured in an accident. They often do everything they can to avoid paying out claims. This includes settling cases quickly and for as little money as possible.
Imagine that you are driving down Highway 21 in Rock Hill, South Carolina when you are suddenly struck from the rear by another driver. An insurance company may try to settle your claim right away before you even know the full extent of your injuries or damages. Another method used is to drag out or delay resolution with the hope that the frustration of the process discourages you from pursuing a claim or causes you to accept less for your claim in frustration of the process.
At the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our Rock Hill personal injury attorneys have over three decades of experience handling personal injury cases. We know how to deal with insurance companies and get our clients the amount they deserve for their injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation if you have been injured in an accident. We will fight for you and ensure that you get the justice you deserve.
Personal Injury Law in Rock Hill, South Carolina
South Carolina’s personal injury laws are designed to protect people who have been injured due to the negligence of another party. These laws give accident victims the right to seek compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Insurance Companies Don’t Always Play Fair
Although the law is on your side, insurance companies often do not play fair. They may try to lowball you with a quick settlement offer that doesn’t begin to cover your costs. In the alternative, insurance adjusters may drag their feet, hoping you will give up and go away.
7 Things Insurance Companies in Rock Hill, SC Don’t Want You to Know
If you have been injured in an accident, there are some things you should know that insurance companies would prefer to keep hidden. Here are seven of them:
You Don’t Have to Settle for the First Offer
Insurance companies often make low initial settlement offers in the hopes that you will accept the first offer and close out the case. You are under no obligation to accept the first offer and adjusters usually have a range of valuation for your claim. The trick is making sure that you obtain the high end of their valuation range and that you do not settle for the first offer or low end of their range.
For example, if you are pursuing a premises liability claim against a store owner, the insurance company may try to offer you a few thousand dollars to go away. But, your injuries may be more serious and entitle you to recover more from the insurance company.
You Have the Right to an Attorney
You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you in your injury case. Many choose this because an experienced attorney can help them get the compensation they deserve.
You Don’t Have to Give a Recorded Statement
Insurance companies will often try to get you to give a recorded statement, but you are not always required to do so. Consult with an attorney before providing any statement so that you know your rights and obligations under the insurance policy that is in question.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the time you have to settle an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for negligence in an automobile accident is generally three years from the date of the accident, but can also be only two years if the defendant is a governmental defendant. You should consult with one of our South Carolina licensed attorneys as soon as possible after a wreck to make sure that your claim is filed within the time allowed by law.
You May Be Entitled to More Than You Think
Many people do not realize that they may be entitled to more than just medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. An insurance adjuster will often try to downplay these damages, but an experienced attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
You May Not Have to Go to Court
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. This means you will not have to go through a lengthy and expensive trial. However, if the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, you may have to take your case to court.
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to know your rights. Insurance companies will often try to take advantage of accident victims, but you don’t have to let them. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can get the compensation you deserve.
You May Be Entitled to Recover for Loss of Use
While your car is being repaired, it is common for an insurance company to pay for a rental vehicle. However, you may be entitled to recover damages for not having the use of your vehicle even if you do not rent a vehicle (think under the age of 25 and not allowed to rent from some companies or do not have a major credit card required by some companies). An experienced attorney will know how to include these damages in your claim so that you receive all of the compensation that you deserve.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Accidents are unpredictable and often life-changing events. You may face a long road to recovery if you’ve been injured in an accident. You may be unable to work, pay your bills, or take care of your family. The last thing you need to worry about is whether or not you can get the compensation you deserve.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. They will handle all the paperwork, phone calls, and negotiations with insurance adjusters, medical providers, and opposing counsel. This will allow you to focus on your recovery.
You should not have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence. Contact a personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to get started on your case.
What Types of Damages Can I Get in a Rock Hill Claim?
When people think of personal injury claims, they often only consider medical expenses and lost wages. However, there are many different types of damages that you may be entitled to in a personal injury claim. These include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover the lost income you would have made were you not hurt.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage can be difficult to quantify. It includes physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: If your property was damaged in the accident, you might be able to recover the cost of repairs, the fair market value of the property immediately before the loss or replacement.
When investigating a case, insurance adjusters don’t consider the full picture of what an accident victim has gone through. They are only concerned with minimizing the amount of money the insurance company has to pay.
However, a personal injury attorney will help you calculate the value of your damages and fight for your right to full and fair compensation. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we will use your medical records, bills, pay stubs, and other evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
Cases We Handle in Rock Hill, SC
Car Accidents
Car accidents are the most common type of personal injury case. In 2020, Rock Hill was listed as number five for the most accidents based on the percentage of all drivers with previous at-fault vehicle collisions. South Carolina requires drivers to carry car insurance or pay an annual uninsured fee.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we can help you communicate with the claims adjusters, get your car repaired or replaced, and ensure you are fairly compensated for any injuries suffered in the accident.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are some of the most vulnerable drivers on the road. They do not have the same protections as those in a car and are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in an accident.
Motorcycle riders often face bias when speaking with the insurance claims adjuster. The insurance company may try to downplay the accident’s severity or blame the rider for being on a motorcycle. An experienced attorney can help you fight these stereotypes and get the compensation you deserve.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are often more complicated than other types of motor vehicle accidents. This is because multiple parties may be involved, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the truck manufacturer or its parts. If you have been injured in a truck accident, we can help you navigate the complex legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging things a person can go through. If your loved one was killed due to someone else’s negligence, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim. This claim can help you recover damages such as medical and funeral expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Premises Liability Cases
These cases involve injuries that occur on another person’s property. If you have been injured in a slip and fall or another type of accident, you may be able to recover damages from the property owner.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have experience handling personal injury cases. We will fight for your right to full and fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Rock Hill Today for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor. We offer a free consultation, so you can learn more about your rights and how we can help. Call or contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
