If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may be unsure whether you need a personal injury lawyer to assist with your claim. Generally, it is a good idea to consult an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a collision. While some small claims can be resolved without representation, most people have no way of knowing the potential value of their claims. You may also be unaware of the rights you’re giving up if you make an agreement with the insurance company.
Unfortunately, the insurance company representatives never lose sight of their objective. They make money by maximizing the premiums they collect and minimizing costs–including the cost of paying out claims. So, it’s usually in the insurance carrier’s best interest to talk you into a quick settlement, before you have the opportunity to gather more information. In some cases, that also means before you know the full extent of your damages. Often, the insurance company representative will seem quite concerned for you, and talk in terms of wanting to get a check out to you as soon as possible because they know you’ll need it. That’s a red flag.
The Hartman Law Firm Offers Free, No Obligation Consultations
Attorney Frank Hartman knows how important it is for you to have reliable information before you make any decisions about how to proceed with your case. And, he knows that the sooner you have that information, the better. That’s why he offers free, no-obligation consultations to people who have been injured in car accidents in and around Charleston. You can schedule yours right now by calling 843-300-7600 or filling out our contact form.
Signs You Should Talk To a Car Accident Lawyer
It’s always a good idea to talk with an attorney after an accident, but it’s especially important if:
- A family member has been killed in the crash
- You have been seriously injured
- You have injuries that are expected to be long-term or permanent, or you don’t know what your recovery timeline is
- The insurance company is pressing you to settle your claim quickly
- Multiple parties may share responsibility for the collision
- You were the victim of a hit-and-run
- The driver who hit you did not have insurance
- The driver who hit you was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Of course, this isn’t a comprehensive list. Any time you have concerns or are uncertain, it’s better to get advice than guess. Seemingly small mistakes can have a serious impact on your claim.
How to Choose Your Charleston Car Accident Lawyer
It can be difficult to know where to start when you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer. Many people turn to friends and family for referrals when they need an attorney. That can be helpful if that person has had a claim similar to yours. However, the generalist attorney who handled your neighbor’s divorce or your sister-in-law’s bankruptcy may not have the experience you need for a car accident case–especially one involving serious injuries.
When you search the web, you’ll find a mind-boggling number of advertisements and web pages for personal injury law firms. So, it’s important that you know what to look for.
Experience Counts in Car Accident Cases
First and foremost, you should be looking for experience with cases like yours. You can get an idea of that experience from looking at the attorney’s website and reviews, but you should also ask more specific questions about it during your free consultation.
Next, you should look for reviews and testimonials. The people best qualified to tell you about the quality of the attorney’s services are those who have used those services.
Making the Most of Your Car Accident Consultation
When you meet the attorney during your free consultation, pay close attention to how the attorney listens to and responds to your questions. You will likely be working with your car accident lawyer for many months, if not years. It’s important that you are comfortable communicating with the lawyer and confident that they will pay attention to your concerns and take the time to answer your questions thoroughly and clearly.
Also, use your free consultation to gather information about what you can expect as your case moves forward. For example, will the attorney be your main point of contact, or will there be another person you work more closely with as your case moves forward? How long will it take for someone to get back to you if you have questions?
Be wary of car accident lawyers who make big, dramatic promises. While an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea of how long it typically takes to resolve a case like yours, the types of damages you may be entitled to, and even approximately how much your claim may be worth, they can’t guarantee outcomes. In fact, an attorney who does is violating the Rules of Professional Conduct.
When you go to your free consultation, remember that there’s no reason you have to make up your mind instantly. If you’re confident you’ve found a good fit, there’s no reason to delay. But if a law firm is pressuring you to sign the contract before you leave the office or before you get off the phone, even though you’ve said you’d like time to think…take time to think.
Start with a Free Consultation
The best thing about a free consultation with an experienced Charleston car accident attorney is that you’ll have the opportunity to gather information and insights that will help you make an informed decision. The next best thing is that there’s no risk: the consultation is free and there’s no obligation, so you have nothing to lose by educating yourself.
Call us today at 843-300-7600 to schedule your free consultation.