Best Car Accident Lawyers in Florence

FAQs

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

  The Florence Police Department can be reached at (843) 665-3191.

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

  To obtain a police report from the Florence Police Department, accomplish the FOIA Request Form by clicking the link below:

  http://www.fcso.org/images/site_images/FOIA-Request-Form-6-21-17.pdf

  And then mail it to the:

  Florence County Sheriff's Office ATTN: Office of General Counsel 6719 Friendfield Road Effingham, SC 29541

  You can call the office at (843) 665-2121.

• How long does it usually take for insurance companies to pay out car accident victims in Florence?

  It depends on whether or not the claim is contested. Usually, the higher amount, the longer it takes. You can expect insurance companies in Florence to be offering some form of resistance as paying out claimants will count as a loss in revenue. Still, some non-complicated cases take just days or weeks to finish.

• Are there any streets or roads that see more accidents in Florence than others?

  Yes, there are. Motorists who are traversing the area are advised to practice caution when going down any of these roads in Florence:

  • I-95 and I-20
  • Highways 51, 52, 76, and 351

  However, the intersection that connects Barringer Street, Church Street, and the East National Cemetery Road is considered the most dangerous.

• What are the things that an attorney in Florence can help you with regarding your car accident case?

  If you hire a Florence attorney, you will have the aid of someone who can:

  • Gather evidence and review it
  • Perform extensive investigations to establish your innocence and negligence of the other party
  • Calculate your losses
  • Go over your documents to correct any errors
  • File your claim or lawsuit, if needed, within the statutes of limitations

• Can a driver who was partially at fault for a car accident in Florence still hope to recover financial compensation?

  Florence, and the rest of South Carolina, follow the comparative negligence law. This means that a jury will decide the degree of responsibilities of both of the drivers involved, after which the amount they receive in compensation will be deducted by it. For example, if the claimant was found to be 20%, then instead of receiving the original $100,000 in damages, they would only get $80,000. However, they receive nothing if found to be more than 50% responsible.

• How does the local government of Florence help victims of car accidents who have suffered serious injuries?

  The Florence Police Department has a team of car accident experts called Fatal Accident Investigation Team (FAIT). It conducts investigations at the scene of the accident and utilizes special tools to document the events and reconstruct the crash. The members of the group receive special technical courses and extensive instructions in data interpretation that relate to the physics and geometry of the accident.

• 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.