Filing a Personal Injury Claim? 5 Things You Need to Know
Accidents can happen in the most unlikely of places, and even seemingly minor injuries have the potential to significantly impact your health and financial security. Our South Carolina personal injury attorneys meet with clients regularly who suffer serious repercussions as the result of so-called “minor” accidents, including temporary and even permanent disabilities that prevent them from working or enjoying hobbies and activities with their loved ones and friends. If you have suffered this type of injury and are considering filing a personal injury claim, here are some important things to know.
Facts About Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Personal injuries are an unfortunately common occurrence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 30 million people end up suffering serious harm, largely due to accidents that could have otherwise been prevented. Unfortunately, many victims are unsure of how to hold responsible parties accountable for these accidents or fail to take the actions necessary to help ensure a successful case. If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, the following are five things you need to be aware of:
- Any accident or injury should be reported immediately. Reporting even a minor accident to the property owner, manager, or a security guard ensures the event is on record and can help to substantiate your claim.
- Even if your symptoms are minor, get medical attention and follow all doctor instructions. Failing to seek treatment for injuries and not following instructions in terms of activity restrictions work against you when seeking compensation.
- Do not discuss your accident or injuries with others or post about it on social media.Keep the details of your pending personal injury claim private. Insurance companies and investigators routinely use social media as a way of getting information to dispute your claim.
- Once you accept an insurance company settlement, you will be unable to receive any future compensation. Realize that once you sign any documents accepting a settlement offer, you forfeit rights to any further compensation for additional expenses that could arise.
- You have up to two years to file a personal injury claim. Under Title 15 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, you have up to two years to file a lawsuit against the at fault party, which allows time to attempt negotiations with the insurer and to collect evidence in your case.
- At Anastopoulo Law Firm, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless your case is successful. You may be leery of hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you out of fear of incurring expensive fees. We understand these concerns and offer assistance with these matters on a contingency basis. You owe nothing unless we get money for you, and our fees are generally included as part of your settlement or award.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Get Help With Your Case Today
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm today. We act as a strong legal advocate on your behalf, protecting your rights while assisting you in getting the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
