Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Car or Truck Accident Attorney in South Carolina

Dealing with the aftermath of a car wreck or trucking accident can be an incredibly stressful time. Giving the police a statement and notifying your insurance company is often just the start. Then the real headache begins when you have to wait for the check to come in to cover the cost of repairs, find a rental vehicle, or, worst case scenario, when you’re forced to purchase a new vehicle. And if you’ve suffered an injury during the accident, finding a personal injury lawyer to handle your settlement can be yet another stressful task.

If this is your first time hiring an attorney, it’s normal to have questions about the process. But finding a personal injury lawyer in Greenville, SC doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll need to take into account before getting started searching for an attorney in the Upstate South Carolina area.

Do I really need an attorney?

If you’ve suffered personal injury as the result of a car or truck accident, hiring a qualified lawyer is the only way to ensure maximizing the insurance settlement. It’s no secret that insurance companies are protecting their bottom line, often at the expense of paying the full personal injury settlement you’re due. Insurance companies are invested in their own best interests, which is why it’s crucial to hire a qualified attorney with experience negotiating on your behalf.  

What should I look for in my attorney?

• Personal Attentiveness

A good attorney will listen carefully to the details of your specific case to make sure they fully understand all of the facts. They should also invest time in discussing all of your potential legal options with you. It’s important to remember that no two cases are the same, and a good lawyer keeps this in mind when helping you to decide on the best course of action to secure a personal injury settlement.  

• Prompt Communication

Timely communication is a good indicator of a law office that’s well organized and client-focused. The time it takes for someone from the law office to reach out to you after your first consultation is normally a good indicator of how reliable they will be. This is particularly important when dealing with personal injury cases since there are strict deadlines to meet when filing paperwork. 

• Honesty

You may have an idea what your car accident case is worth, or you may have no idea. A good personal injury attorney will be honest with you from the start. After reviewing your case, they should set clear expectations both for what you can expect in terms of financial compensation and how long it will take to resolve your case. While no two insurance settlements are alike and there are no guarantees, an experienced lawyer can help you to understand the possible outcomes in advance, so you are not surprised later. 

• Documentation

A verbal agreement should never be considered sufficient. A good personal injury attorney can be expected to provide you with a thorough, written agreement that clearly outlines the responsibilities of all parties and gives you absolute clarity on any fees that may arise. If you have received an agreement, make sure you read it thoroughly and ask any questions you might have upfront. Remember, a good injury attorney will act as your partner throughout the case, so they won’t have any problem making sure you understand what it is that you’re signing. 

• A Champion to Your Needs

Some unscrupulous lawyers will pressure you to accept a personal injury settlement prematurely. They do this because fighting for the full settlement you need takes time. A swift settlement, however, guarantees them a quick payday. Other lawyers may do the opposite and pressure you to pass on settling, opting for a larger settlement in order to pad their own resumes. The fact is that the final decision on what to do should always be your own. If your attorney has been forthright with you from the beginning, setting reasonable expectations and providing timely updates, you should feel comfortable about taking the next step, whether that is accepting a settlement or going to court. It’s every good lawyer’s job to provide counsel, but if you feel undue pressure to take action against your wishes, it may be time to seek new representation. 

What should I expect to pay? 

Your personal injury lawyer should not demand payment in advance. If an attorney is trying to charge you before you receive a settlement, that’s a red flag. In general, a personal injury attorney will charge a fee between 30-40% of the insurance settlement you receive. While it may sound expensive, it’s important to remember that an experienced attorney can secure an insurance settlement of significantly more value than you would without legal counsel.  

Can the Hammack Law Firm help me? 

Yes! The personal injury attorneys at the Hammack Law Firm in Greenville, SC are experienced in every aspect of personal injury law. We fight hard to help you get back on your feet after an accident and to ensure that you get the personal injury settlement you’re due. Give us a call or fill out our website form if you or a loved one has been in a car wreck in Upstate South Carolina. Our team is here to serve you!