What to Do if You’re an Injured Passenger in a Car Accident in Rock Hill, SC?

A silver car with front end damage after a passenger side accident.As an injured passenger, you have several avenues for compensation, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. The driver of the car you’re in, or another vehicle may be responsible for the wreck.

South Carolina law requires drivers to have liability insurance to cover injuries in an accident. This means you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.

What to Do After the Accident

Seek Medical Care

  • Immediate Action: Your health and safety are the most important concerns after an accident. If you are injured, get medical attention right away. Call 911 if necessary.
  • Minor Injuries: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s still crucial to see a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could become serious over time. A professional evaluation ensures that any potential issues are documented and treated promptly. If you wait too long to get treatment, insurance companies will use your delay to downplay the severity of your injury.

Gather Information

  • At the Scene: If you are physically able, collect as much information as you can at the accident scene. This includes the other driver’s auto insurance details, names, contact information, and vehicle registration numbers.
  • Police Report: The investigating officer will gather this information as part of their accident report. If you cannot get the information yourself, it will be available in the official report. Make sure to obtain a copy of the police report later, as it will be essential for your insurance claim and any legal proceedings.

Avoid Giving Statements

  • Insurance Companies: Do not give any statements to insurance companies, either your own or the other party’s, without first consulting a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to say things that could undermine your claim.
  • Legal Counsel: An experienced personal injury attorney can advise you on whether giving a statement is necessary. They can also help you prepare and ensure that any statement you do give is accurate and does not harm your case. This is particularly important if the accident report clearly establishes fault and you are seeking compensation.

Consult an Attorney

  • Fair Compensation: If the insurance company does not offer you a fair settlement for your damages, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver after a car accident.
  • Legal Guidance: Consulting with a skilled Rock Hill car accident attorney is crucial. They can help you understand your rights, evaluate the extent of your damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

Why Follow These Steps?

Following these steps after a car accident helps ensure that you protect your health, gather necessary evidence, and receive the compensation you deserve. It also minimizes the risk of making mistakes that could harm your claim or legal case.

Important Note

  • Timeliness: In South Carolina, there are statutes of limitations that restrict the time frame within which you can file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s essential to act promptly and consult an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing these deadlines.

Insurance and Compensation

If the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your injury claim, you may look to your own personal auto policy or that of a family member you reside with, which may have underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. UIM coverage protects you by paying the amount over and above the at-fault party’s coverage, up to the limits of the UIM policy.

Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Passenger in Rock Hill

As an injured passenger, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Understanding these rights is the first step toward protecting them. You may need to file a claim against the driver of the vehicle you were in, the other driver involved in the accident, or both, depending on the circumstances.

Why Legal Guidance Is Important

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies and potential legal action. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney can provide you with the guidance and support you need. An attorney can help you:

  • Understand Your Options: A lawyer can explain the legal process, your rights, and the options available for pursuing compensation.
  • Deal with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, but an attorney can advocate for your best interests and negotiate on your behalf.
  • Secure Fair Compensation: An experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and any other damages.

Filing Deadlines in South Carolina

In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. While this may seem like plenty of time, it’s critical to act sooner rather than later. Delays can complicate your case, so speaking with an attorney as soon as possible ensures that all necessary steps are taken on time.

Legal matters can be complex, and having a knowledgeable attorney on your side is invaluable when navigating these deadlines.

Evaluating Your Legal Options

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, particularly as a passenger, it’s important to know what your legal options are.

At Auger & Auger, we provide free consultations, where we’ll listen to your story and explain the next steps for pursuing compensation.

Our team of experienced car accident lawyers in Rock Hill, SC, will guide you through the process, helping you identify claims for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other applicable damages.

No Upfront Costs with Our A&A Zero Fee Guarantee

At Auger & Auger, you’ll never pay out of pocket for our legal services. Our “A&A Zero Fee Guarantee” means you don’t pay unless we win your case, and our payment comes directly from the settlement. This eliminates any financial risk to you. We handle the upfront costs and take on the financial burden, only accepting cases in which we are confident we can win.

Maximizing Your Recovery

Our top priority is ensuring that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. We take care of everything—from collecting evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and reducing medical bills—so you can focus on healing. With our expertise, you’re likely to recover more than you would alone, especially for damages that aren’t immediately apparent.

According to research, those who hire attorneys typically secure settlements 4.4 times larger than those without representation.

Call For a Free, No-Risk Consultation With Our Rock Hill Car Accident Law Firm

There’s nothing to lose by reaching out to us for a free consultation. Whether your injuries are mild or severe, it’s important to understand your legal options. Contact Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-strings-attached consultation.

We’ll thoroughly review your case, explain the process for pursuing compensation, and work to get the best possible outcome. You can then decide whether to proceed with us or handle things independently.