Dealing with the aftershock of a car accident can be challenging, especially if you were injured in the accident. In the days following, you will have to talk to an insurance adjuster about compensation for any vehicle damages, personal injuries, and/or income lost due to your car accident and injuries—but how do you seek the compensation you truly need?
Here are 4 helpful tips to pursue the compensation you require after a car wreck:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
When you’re in a car accident, adrenaline is released, which allows your body and mind to be more alert and deal with the trauma of the accident. Fortunately and unfortunately, your body’s natural response to the trauma you’ve experienced can hide the after-effects of the accident—like pain. Because of this, pain may not be present until days to weeks after the accident. This is why it’s vital to see a doctor right away. If the accident is serious enough, you need to make sure any unknown injuries you sustained are not life-threatening or something that could worsen over time.
Seeking immediate medical attention proves that you were concerned about being injured at the time of your accident and will create a written record of any medical evaluations, diagnosis, or treatment plans, which can all help with your claim.
2. Start Your Claim As Soon As Possible
After seeking medical attention, be sure to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. This makes it easier to recall the important details of your accident. However, be warned that you do need to be mindful of what you say over the phone because anything you say can be used against you if you do decide to settle your claim in court. If you need help talking to your insurance company about your claim, it’s always a good idea to ask a lawyer BEFORE you call.
3. Keep Detailed Records About The Accident
When you’re in the midst of a personal injury settlement, keeping an accurate and chronological file of your accident details can help move your settlement along. This file should include documents like police reports, any medical evaluations, records of doctor’s visits, and anything applicable to your accident. So channel your inner Monica Geller and get organized.
4. Know When To Hire A Good Attorney
If you’re not able to come to a fair settlement with your insurance company, it may be time to hire an accident attorney. The job of insurance companies is to make a profit, and they do that by offering you the lowest possible settlement amount. An experienced lawyer will have the education and experience necessary to fight on your behalf and get the settlement amount you need and deserve.
Conclusion
Unexpected accidents can result in huge life changes. These traumatic events can shake your world and bring about challenges to your health, mental state, and finances—but you should know that you’re not alone. Our personal injury attorneys here at the Hammack Law Firm in Greenville, SC are confident in our ability to help get you back on your feet after a tragic accident. We will fight on your behalf! Give us a call or fill out our website form if you have been in a car wreck in the Upstate of South Carolina. Our team is here to serve you!
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.
