Whether at the beach, on the boardwalk or Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach has a little bit of everything to offer visitors and locals alike. However, with so many attractions drawing thousands of people to Myrtle Beach every year, accidents are bound to happen. An accident can happen at any time—in the workplace, on the roads during rush hour, or when you’re enjoying a bit of exercise on your bike. It is impossible to predict if and when you will experience an injury due to an accident, but by gaining a bit of knowledge about the steps to take after an accident, you can be prepared if one does happen. One of the most important things to remember is that even if you initially feel like there are no options, speaking to an experienced attorney might give you a different perspective on your situation.
Some people are reluctant to talk with a lawyer after they’ve been injured because they worry that the added financial strain on top of medical bills will be too much. However, at Hughey Law Firm, our lawyers work for you on a contingency fee, meaning you do not owe us anything unless we collect a verdict or settlement on your behalf.
Dealing With the Insurance Companies
There are certain stresses involved when you incur an injury in an accident. For example, if you experience an injury in Myrtle Beach, you know the amount of pressure you are put under by insurance companies to settle early. Insurance companies are in the business of turning a profit, and although you pay a premium each month for coverage in the event an injury, they are still going to work to minimize your claim as much as they can.
Insurance companies will often use certain tactics to get you to settle early, reduce, or even deny your personal injury claim. Oftentimes, they will:
- Request a personal statement. It might seem completely harmless to speak to an agent from the insurance company after your accident. Many times, they will reach out and seem to be genuinely concerned with your well-being and the details of the accident. It is a mistake to offer any information without a lawyer present. The insurance companies will take any opportunity they can to get you to talk about the accident. What you might not realize is that they will go through your statement and see if there is anything contradictory to your claim. This is a standard way the insurance companies attempt to discredit your case and reduce your settlement.
- Review your medical records. Some people opt out of receiving any medical treatment after they are injured in an accident. They might think that their injuries are minor, only to develop more serious symptoms days or weeks later. Other people might not think that they can afford medical care. Skipping a visit to the doctor after an accident can cost you. The insurance companies will take a close look at your medical records when putting together their estimate of how much your claim is worth. If they see that there is a gap or lack of medical care, they will often make the argument that your injuries were not that serious and don’t warrant compensation.
- Delay the claims process. When you start to feel the financial strain of mounting medical bills and lack of income due to time off work, it can seem like a smart idea to take any offer that is on the table. Insurance companies understand this and often will attempt to delay the claims process to the point that the injured victim feels like they have no choice but to accept whatever initial settlement offer is given. An experienced attorney can put pressure on the insurance companies and encourage them to speed up the process.
This behavior from the insurance companies is not fair to you or those who are dependent upon you. At the Hughey Law Firm, we will make sure that your Myrtle Beach personal injury case is taken care of from start to finish so that you have the best chance possible of collecting the compensation you need to start paying off those bills and get back to your life. Some of our practice areas include: