Best Car Accident Lawyers in Mount Pleasant

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina?

  The Mount Pleasant Police Department's non-emergency contact number is (843) 884-4176.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina?

  You can secure a copy of your crash report by visiting the Mount Pleasant Police Department, located at 100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. You will be required to pay a fee of $5. You can also call their records division at (843) 884-4176 to request your document. If you wish to obtain your crash report via mail, send a letter of request along with a personal check for $5 payable to The Town of Mount Pleasant to the address mentioned above.

• Who is responsible for your losses following a car accident in Mount Pleasant?

  In some situations, it is easy to identify the person who caused a car collision. In other cases, other parties might be held accountable. The cause of the crash and any injuries that resulted from it may have been influenced by property owners, product makers, and other parties who were not directly involved in the accident. It is advisable to contact a reputable Mount Pleasant car accident lawyer who can help you determine who is responsible for your damages.

• How much will it cost you to hire a car accident lawyer in Mount Pleasant?

  The majority of personal injury lawyers in Mount Pleasant work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case, and you obtain compensation. You will never be required to pay a cent out of pocket. Instead, if you do receive compensation, your lawyer will take a percentage of that sum as payment for their services. During your initial session, you can inquire with your lawyer about the method of payment.

• What would happen if an Uber driver caused a car accident in Mount Pleasant in which you were injured?

  Uber carries a $1 million uninsured and underinsured motorist policy. If an Uber driver caused your Mount Pleasant car accident, there is a $1 million fund available to cover medical expenses and damages. However, since Uber drivers are independent contractors, the company disclaims responsibility for any harm brought about by any willful act on the part of one of its drivers. The $1 million commercial insurance policy is used if the Uber driver was working and carrying a passenger when the collision occurred. The only insurance that might be available if the driver was off-duty is their own personal auto insurance.

• Does Mount Pleasant follow a fault-based system for car accidents?

  Mount Pleasant follows a fault-based system in addressing car accidents. This indicates that any losses or damages sustained as a result of a car collision are the responsibility of the at-fault party and their insurance company. The victim's insurance provider does not necessarily have to be involved in the case. Nonetheless, an injured plaintiff who was not responsible for a car collision may ask their insurance company for reimbursement. The victim's insurer then requests payment from the at-fault party's insurer.

• What should you do if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident in Mount Pleasant?

  After getting involved in a hit-and-run accident in Mount Pleasant, it is important to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Take pictures of the accident scene and exchange contact information with any eyewitnesses. Then, call the police to report the incident. In hit-and-run incidents, the guilty individual is rarely apprehended. This means that your insurance provider usually covers your damages. You should consult with a skilled car accident lawyer who can help you compile vital evidence to back up your claim and recover the compensation you deserve.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.