Even a slow-speed car accident can cause injuries and property damage. Some victims require months of rehabilitation and cannot return to work, which can lead to overwhelming debt.
If you were injured by a negligent driver in South Carolina, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and noneconomic damages by making a personal injury claim. However, making a successful claim can be an uphill legal battle – especially if the at-fault driver denies liability or the insurance company undervalues or denies your claim.
As such, it is important that car wreck victims take steps to protect their interests. The process of making a successful claim begins immediately after the collision. Your actions and statements at the crash scene can help or hurt your ability to recover compensation.
In particular, you should avoid saying these three phrases:
- “I’m okay…”
- “I’m sorry…”
- “I think….”
One of the smartest steps you can take after suffering injuries in a car crash is to consult an injury lawyer. If the incident happened in South Carolina, contact the Hammack Law Firm.
Paul Hammack is a car accident attorney in Greenville who understands the tactics that insurance companies use to undervalue and deny claims. He will aggressively represent your interests and help you fight for the maximum settlement.
Call (864) 766-7108 to schedule a free case evaluation. Read on to learn why you should avoid making the aforementioned statements after a collision:
1. “I’m okay…”
The immediate adrenaline and shock of a collision can mask the symptoms of injuries. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, it can take hours or even days for symptoms to manifest.
If you say that you are fine and injury-free, this statement may wind up in the police report. The defendant or insurance company may use this report to fight your claim.
As such, even if you feel fine after a collision, you should seek medical attention immediately. Tell your doctor how the collision happened and which body parts sustained an impact.
2. “I’m sorry…”
Apologizing may be an instinctual reaction, but it can compromise your ability to prove that the other driver is liable for damages. If the other motorist denies fault, your apology may hurt your ability to make a successful claim. Even if you believe that you caused the collision, it is best not to apologize or admit fault.
3. “I think…”
It is normal not to know the answers to questions that insurance adjusters ask. However, you should never lie or say “I think” or “I’m unsure.” You should simply state that you do not know the answer. Otherwise, the insurance company may construe your misstatements to hurt your credibility, or to undervalue or deny your claim.
Our Client Bill of Rights offers a 30-day unconditional satisfaction guarantee —no costs and no fees. We serve our Greenville clients in all areas of personal injury, including auto and motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and boating accidents.
To get started with our Greenville personal injury law firm, please simply contact us online or call (864) 766-7108 for a free consultation.
With over 25 years of legal experience, Paul Hammack provides his clients with a level of trial expertise and strategic insight rarely found in personal injury litigation. Having spent the first eight years of his career working within major insurance defense firms across Georgia and South Carolina, Paul gained an intimate understanding of the “other side’s” playbook. This insurance industry background serves as a unique differentiator for his clients; he knows exactly how insurance carriers evaluate risk and what motivates them to pay top dollar for a claim.
In 2008, Paul founded Hammack Law Firm to move away from the “plaintiff mill” model and focus on building personal relationships with those he represents. As a seasoned litigator, he has tried dozens of first-chair cases to verdict, specializing in high-stakes litigation involving catastrophic injuries and complex truck accidents. His dual-state practice allows him to provide aggressive representation across both South Carolina and Georgia, ensuring victims of negligence receive the maximum financial compensation possible regardless of which side of the state line the accident occurred.
Paul’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his record of significant achievements, including a $10 million tractor-trailer wrongful death settlement and a $3.9 million moped-versus-truck recovery. His credentials and bar admissions in both South Carolina and Georgia underscore his deep roots in the regional legal community. Beyond the courtroom, Paul is a dedicated advocate for his local community, contributing his time and resources to organizations such as the United Way, Red Cross, and Hands On Greenville, all while working to make South Carolina a safer place for everyone.
