f you or your loved one have been injured in a car accident in South Carolina, call Luke today at (843) 379-3285 for a free consultation. We will fight for your justice!
When you need to recover your losses after a car accident in South Carolina, the best-case scenario is to obtain a fair settlement as quickly as possible. Of course, this is easier said than done. How can you improve your chances of obtaining a settlement? How long does a car accident settlement take? How can you make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve? Here’s what you need to know:
Factors Affecting the Timeline of Car Accident Claim Settlements in South Carolina
Several factors can affect the timeline of the settlement process after a car accident in South Carolina. As a result, while accident victims frequently ask us, “How long do car accident settlements take?”, this question doesn’t have a single, straightforward answer.
When you hire an experienced car accident attorney to represent you, your lawyer will explain all of the factors that can speed up or slow down the settlement process. Some examples of these factors include:
- Who (or what company) is responsible for causing the accident;
- The severity of your injuries and the extent of your treatment needs;
- The severity of your pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and any permanent scarring or disfigurement;
- Your employment status, current income, and how long you will be unable to work as a result of the accident; and,
- The insurance company (or companies) involved in your case.
To be clear, while quickly obtaining a fair settlement is the best-case scenario, a settlement is not guaranteed. Regardless of the facts of your case, your attorney cannot force the insurance companies to offer the full compensation you are owed. But, working with an experienced lawyer will significantly improve your chances of obtaining a fair settlement—and there are some steps that you can take to improve your chances of recovering just compensation without going to court as well.
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Get Help NowTips for Expediting the Settlement of a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina
What can you do to increase the chances that the insurance companies will quickly offer to settle your claim for just compensation? Here are some tips for expediting the settlement process in South Carolina:
- Prioritize your medical care, and do your best to keep copies of all of your medical records, bills, and receipts.
- Keep track of any other costs you incur as a result of the accident (i.e., prescriptions and medical supplies).
- Locate your recent pay stubs and keep copies of any communications with your employer about missing time from work.
- Hire an attorney to investigate your car accident as soon as possible and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
- Work closely with your attorney throughout your claim, and respond to your attorney’s texts, emails, and voicemails as soon as possible.
Again, while following these tips can help improve your chances of quickly obtaining a fair settlement, there is no guarantee that you will receive a fair settlement offer—or that you will receive any settlement offer at all. While most successful car accident claims settle, there is always a possibility that you will need to take your claim to court in order to seek the full compensation you deserve..
What You Can Expect if Negotiations Succeed
If you hire an attorney and your attorney is successful in negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf, you will have the ultimate say on whether to accept. It is your claim, and you get to decide when it is over. If you accept a settlement offer, you will be required to sign a settlement agreement waiving your right to additional compensation, and then the insurance company should send a settlement check to your attorney.
What You Can Expect When Negotiations Fail
If the insurance companies refuse to settle your claim for just compensation, then you will need to rely on your attorney to take your claim to court. While this is relatively uncommon, it does happen in some cases. If going to court is your best option, you will need to be confident that your attorney has the skills and experience required to effectively fight for just compensation at trial.
Contact Us for a Free Car Accident Consultation Today
Are you wondering, “How long does a car accident settlement take in South Carolina?” If so, we invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. To discuss your accident claim with attorney Luke Paulick in confidence, please call 843-379-3285 or request an appointment online today.