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If you find yourself in a car accident, you may wonder when it’s necessary to hire a lawyer. Not every car accident case requires legal representation, but having a skilled lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Shealey Law Firm offers consultations for car accident claims. Here is guidance on when you should consider hiring an experienced Columbia car accident lawyer after a car accident.
Signs You Need a Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash in Columbia
Situations where you may want to hire a car accident lawyer include:
- Injuries: Injuries are significant enough to seek medical attention, are worse than they initially appear, or the prognosis of healing is uncertain.
- Disability: An accident causes permanent disability.
- Fault disputes: The other driver accuses you of causing the accident.
- Drunk driving: The other driver is charged with drunk driving, reckless driving, or another crime.
- Insurance disputes: The insurance company denies liability, or there are other questions about what insurance applies
- Exceeds insurance limits: There are damages beyond the limits of an insurance policy, or the other driver doesn’t have insurance.
- Significant property damage: Your vehicle can’t be driven from the scene because of property damage.
- Commercial defendant: The defendant is a corporation, organization, or driving service.
- Multiple defendants: More than one party is responsible for the accident.
- Settlement too low: A claim is worth more than the insurance company is willing to pay to settle the case.
- Non-cooperation: The other side refuses to provide information or discuss the case.
- Lost earning capacity: You miss a significant amount of work, or your long-term ability to work is impacted.
- Wrongful death: You have lost a loved one in the accident.
If one or more of these circumstances apply, hiring a lawyer may be right for you. Having an attorney by your side can also make you more comfortable in taking legal action.
What should you do if you don’t know when to hire a lawyer after a car accident? At Shealey Law Firm, we offer free consultations, can review your situation, and answer your questions.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
You shouldn’t need to hire a lawyer for a minor car accident. The question is whether the accident is truly minor. A minor car accident occurs at low speed with only slight property damage; there are no injuries. Usually, vehicle towing isn’t required. Even if no one gets hurt, an accident can be significant if there is considerable property damage or if criminal charges are brought against someone involved.
In South Carolina, about 75% of car accidents result in property damage only (2023 SCDPS statistics). Richland County, including Columbia, ranks third in South Carolina for the total number of car accidents (12,450 reported in 2023).
If an accident is truly minor, you may not need a lawyer, unless you want help with the claims process. Our lawyers provide honest advice about whether your accident is minor and how a lawyer may assist you.
When Insurance Companies Refuse to Offer a Fair Settlement
When the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, you may need to hire a Columbia car accident lawyer. Even if fault is undisputed and you have clear medical records and damage estimates, the insurance company may not offer what your case is worth. They may undervalue your pain and suffering.
A lawyer can give you an informed opinion about the true value of your case. Having a lawyer also shows the insurance company that you’re serious about getting your compensation.
How Serious Injuries Increase the Need for Legal Representation
Serious injuries cause physical pain and increase the overall impact of a car accident on your life. Serious injuries increase the value of the case, including medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and disability.
With increased damages may come additional challenges, such as gathering evidence and a higher likelihood that others involved will dispute fault. These factors can increase the need for legal representation.
What Happens If Fault Is Being Disputed?
If fault is disputed, you must prove your right to compensation. All factors that may have caused the accident are considered. South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence system to apportion fault and award compensation.
Even with disputed fault, most claims settle. However, you must diligently build the evidence to prove your case.
How a Columbia Car Accident Lawyer Can Protect Your Claim
A Columbia car accident lawyer can:
- Evaluate if having a lawyer is right for your case
- Preserve evidence
- Value the claim
- Identify insurance policies
- Interact with insurance representatives
- Make your claim more efficient
- Explain your options
- Negotiate on your behalf
Your lawyer can also move your case to court, if necessary, and can tailor their representation to your specific needs.
How Soon After an Accident Should You Contact an Experienced Columbia Car Accident Attorney?
If you’re in a car accident, seek medical attention and report the accident to law enforcement immediately. Then contact an experienced Columbia car accident attorney. We invite you to contact us. Shealey Law Firm is taking new cases now.