Claims for pain and suffering from a car accident are among the most challenging aspects of recovering from a serious car accident. These noneconomic damages (damages that are non-monetary) extend beyond medical bills and lost wages, encompassing the emotional and physical toll the accident takes on you and your life. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a car accident can preserve your rights and set the stage for pursuing fair compensation for your pain and suffering. In this blog, we’ll cover the steps to take after a car accident and how a car accident attorney can help you with a personal injury claim.
If I Am Seriously Injured in a Car Accident, What Should I Do?
We recommend these 9 steps to take after a car accident, whether you suffer serious car accident injuries or not, especially as you may not realize you are injured until after you have left the scene of the accident.
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Don’t Leave the Scene
Remain on the scene of the accident until all the necessary information has been exchanged between those involved and law enforcement permits you to leave.
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Check for Injuries
Call 911 if someone has been seriously injured. Do not move those who are seriously injured until emergency services have arrived and assessed them.
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Get to Safety
If it is safe to do so, move all vehicles and people involved out of traffic.
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Call Law Enforcement
Call law enforcement and file an official report, even for minor accidents, to help with possible insurance claims and legal proceedings.
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Don’t Admit Fault
Do not admit fault. An investigation will be conducted to determine who is legally at fault.
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Document It All
Document everything, from the accident to treatment following the accident. Gather contact and insurance details from those involved, take photos of any injuries and the surrounding area, and request a copy of the police report. If you receive any type of medical care, obtain copies of your medical records.
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Notify Your Insurance
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, preferably while still at the site of the accident, to begin the claims process.
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Get Medical Attention
Life threatening injuries from car accidents, like internal bleeding, may not be noticeable at first, so it’s important to seek immediate care whether your injuries appear severe or not.
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Consult a Car Accident Attorney
An attorney knowledgeable about car accident laws can help you with car insurance negotiations, legal advice, and understanding state-specific laws.
Following these 9 steps after a car accident preserves evidence and protects your legal rights. Additionally, if you obtained serious car accident injuries, in South Carolina, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Consulting a car accident attorney in South Carolina can clarify state timelines and requirements.
How to Calculate Pain and Suffering in South Carolina
Before learning how to calculate pain and suffering because of a car accident, we have to understand what the law considers pain and suffering, as this can vary from person to person and state to state. In the case of serious car accident injuries, damages are often broken down into two categories: economic and noneconomic.
Economic damages, or tangible losses, are monetary, like lost pay or medical expenses. Noneconomic damages, or intangible losses, are hard to assign monetary values to. This is where pain and suffering are categorized. Pain and suffering from a car accident can include inconvenience, physical impairment, emotional distress, loss of a limb, and more. But to calculate pain and suffering following life-threatening injuries from car accidents, you’ll need to prove these effects with medical reports, daily records, witnesses, etc.
Calculating pain and suffering after a car accident often involves gathering strong evidence, such as medical reports, daily logs of your recovery, and witness testimony. These elements help establish the impact of the accident on your life and the extent of your suffering. To ensure your pain and suffering car accident claim is accurately valued and supported, consult a car accident attorney experienced in South Carolina laws. They can guide you through the process and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Pain and Suffering?
While you do not need a lawyer to file a pain and suffering car accident claim, it is a challenging and lengthy process, and hiring a car accident attorney is recommended if you hope to recover adequate compensation. A car accident attorney can help build your case by obtaining witness testimony and supporting documents, as well as help you determine the amount of money to request as part of your pain and suffering car accident claim.
Navigating a pain and suffering claim without legal guidance can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from serious car accident injuries. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney ensures your case is handled professionally and efficiently, increasing your chances of securing fair compensation. Let a trusted attorney manage the complexities so you can prioritize your recovery and well-being.
Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Beaufort, SC
When filing for pain and suffering in a car accident claim, having the right legal support can make all the difference. These claims are often complex and require thorough documentation and understanding of the law. Partnering with a skilled car accident attorney ensures you have an advocate who can navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Protect your rights and focus on healing while an experienced professional manages your case.
Harvey and Battey is your full service law firm in Beaufort, SC with over 100 years of experience and a strong reputation. With Harvey and Battey, you get the personalized attention of a small firm combined with the knowledge and resources of a large firm. Our attorneys have years of experience in many practice areas such as personal injury, family law, real estate, estate planning, and more. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in Beaufort, SC and learn how we can be your law firm for life.