Yes, you can make a personal injury claim yourself in South Carolina. However, many people choose to work with a Greenville personal injury lawyer because the process can be confusing, and insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. At Smith Jordan Attorneys at Law, we help injured people understand their options and decide whether handling a claim on their own or seeking legal help makes more sense.
What does it mean to represent yourself in a personal injury case?
When you handle your own claim, you are representing yourself in a personal injury case. This means you do the same work that personal injury lawyers normally do. You would need to:
- Gather medical records
- Keep track of medical bills and lost income
- Collect evidence to support your claim
- Speak with insurance adjusters
- Ask for payment from the liable party’s insurance company
- Decide whether to file a personal injury lawsuit
Though it may be doable for a simple case, handling these tasks on your own can take time and careful planning.
What challenges can come up when handling your own claim?
Many people do not realize how much work goes into a claim until they begin. Insurance companies handle these cases every day, and their goal is often to limit what they pay. Some common challenges include:
- Knowing what your are entitled to under the law
- Insurance companies misrepresenting their duties
- Understanding how to prove your case
- Getting copies of medical records
- Calculating the value of pain and suffering
- Keeping track of medical expenses
- Responding to calls from insurance companies
- Paying medical bills and negotiating liens
Insurers may also push injured people to settle quickly. If you accept money too soon, it may not cover future medical treatments or other losses. Also, insurance companies often try to take advantage of unrepresented clients by misrepresenting things such as what damages they are obligated to pay.
When does hiring a personal injury lawyer make more sense?
Sometimes a person can handle a small claim alone. But many situations make hiring a lawyer the safer choice. You may want to hire a personal injury lawyer if:
- Your injuries required ongoing medical treatments
- You have large medical bills and lost income
- The other driver or company denies fault
- Your injuries affect your daily life
- The insurance company offers less than you expected
An experienced personal injury attorney understands how to gather evidence, calculate damages, and protect your rights during the claims process.
Can you negotiate directly with the insurance company?
Yes, you can negotiate with insurance companies yourself. After an accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company will often contact you. They may ask for medical records and bills, proof of treatment, and details about the accident.
While you can negotiate on your own, insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Many people feel more confident when they have legal representation during these conversations.
How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina?
South Carolina law limits the time you have to take legal action. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If the deadline passes, you may lose your chance to recover compensation for your injuries. Because of this, it is important to understand the timeline before deciding how to move forward.
Can a lawyer increase the compensation you recover?
In many cases, yes. Personal injury lawyers know how to build strong claims and show how an accident affected your life. They can help pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Other accident-related losses
An attorney can also handle communication with insurance companies, gather evidence, and present a clear case showing why you deserve fair payment.
Talk to a Greenville personal injury lawyer about your options
It can be hard to know what steps to take after an accident. You can handle your claim alone, but you may feel more comfortable with professional guidance. Getting legal representation from Greenville personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights.
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, our team at Smith Jordan Attorneys at Law is here to help. Contact our office today at (864) 343-2222 to schedule a free consultation and learn about your options for seeking compensation for your injuries.