What is the Role of Insurance in a Car Accident Case?
Car accidents are inevitable. Whether you were rear-ended at a stoplight or injured as a passenger, insurance plays a vital role in covering your financial losses. At least, it should. Unfortunately, car insurance is a for-profit business in South Carolina. This means liability adjusters are looking to minimize their financial losses, not maximize your benefits, after motor vehicle collisions.
The compassionate car accident injury lawyers at Ryan Beasley Law understand that filing a simple car insurance claim is often anything but simple. Let us worry about insurance while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Understanding Your Auto Insurance Policy and Available Coverage
Car insurance exists to compensate victims of motor vehicle accidents, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, for their injuries and resulting lost wages. After a South Carolina car crash, the parties should exchange insurance information, and the adjusters will discuss the claim. They will generally review the police report, photographs, and witness testimony before assigning liability for the accident. This liability determination dictates which insurance company will pay, though a personal injury lawyer can challenge these decisions.
Like most states, South Carolina requires vehicle owners to carry car insurance. Owners of standard passenger vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks, must have a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 in coverage per accident, and $25,000 in coverage for property (vehicle) damage. The state also requires owners to carry uninsured motorist benefits in the same amount to cover hit-and-run accidents. Commercial insurance policies have higher minimum limits, and vehicle owners can always carry additional coverage. A car accident lawyer will request relevant insurance declaration pages to determine available compensation after a devising traffic crash.
Filing Car Insurance Claims in South Carolina
Though many claims can be filed online, even through your insurance company’s phone app, victims of motor vehicle accidents should consult with a personal injury attorney. This allows a legal advocate to fight for your right to a fair liability determination in serious injury cases. If the other driver’s insurer accepts liability, you may recover damages up to the policy limits for the following:
- Ambulance and hospital bills
- Doctors’ costs
- Surgery fees
- Medical Transportation
- Household help
- Lost wages and benefits
- Future anticipated medical expenses and losses
- Pain and suffering
Most car accident cases settle with liable insurers before going to trial. In many cases, more than one insurer might be responsible for your injuries.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer to Maximize Your Car Insurance Settlement
If you suffered from serious injuries, such as paralysis, broken bones, burns, or head trauma, after a South Carolina car crash, insurance minimums may not be enough. Trust the compassionate motor vehicle accident attorneys at Ryan Beasley Law to hold liable parties accountable for the crash that changed your life. We might even provide personal injury representation without any upfront fees or costs. Schedule a case analysis with our legal team today by calling (864) 679-7777 or contacting us online.