When you or someone you love is hurt due to another's carelessness,your world changes in a blink of an eye. A traumatic injury following a car accident puts your entire life on hold. Unfortunately, the rest of the world keeps turning and you must protect your rights in the critical hours and days following the accident or wreck. It is not an easy thing to do, which is why hiring a lawyer who deals with car wrecks and accidents is critical.
Mr. Geier has practiced as a personal injury attorney on cases both large and small. As a former insurance defense lawyer for one of the largest insurance companies in the United States, Mr. Geier will honestly evaluate your personal injury and/or car wreck case and work aggressively to get you fair compensation for your injury.
Call our office at 843-271-6839, toll-free 888-595-5672, for a free consultation. You may also contact us by e-mail.
No one does all of the right things when dealing with an accident, but to the extent you can:
1. Call 911: The sooner trained professionals are on the scene to care for any injured party, the better.
2. Try to help any one else with injuries: The steps you take before EMS arrives may save a life.
3. Locate witnesses: Witnesses to an accident can disappear in an instant. If you are able to, speak with the people on the scene and find out what they saw. Ask for their phone numbers, addresses and e-mail addresses so you can contact them later. Trying to track down witnesses without their contact information can be next to impossible.
4. Assist the police in locating the witnesses: Sometimes it is hard to tell who is at fault, even for the police. If you spoke to a favorable witness, tell the officer who you spoke to and give them the witness's contact information.
5. Go to the ER or see your family doctor: You must document your injuries as they arise. If you are hurt at the scene, go to the ER. If you do not develop pain until the next day, go the next day. It could be that your pain will subside in a few days and you'll be fine. If you continue to have problems, however, you may damage your case by waiting too long for treatment.
6. Be honest with your doctor and take his or her advice: If you are hurting, tell your doctor that you are hurting. This is no time to put on a brave face. Be honest with your doctor and tell them all of your complaints. If you are feeling better but you are still experiencing pain or discomfort, tell your doctor. If your doctor refers you to a specialist, go to that specialist.
7. Be careful when dealing with insurance companies: Insurers want to move cases and settle for the lowest possible amount. Other than informing your insurance company of the accident, do not give a statement, sign any documents or checks until you have spoken with a lawyer experienced in car accidents.
8. Interview lawyers who handle South Carolina accident cases: Everyone will have a different opinion as to the value of your case. Talk to as many attorneys as you can and choose the one you feel the most comfortable with. A lawsuit following a car wreck can take months or even years to resolve in Beaufort County, so be certain your lawyer is someone you can speak to and who understands your concerns.