If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Beaufort, South Carolina or anywhere in the state, you may be feeling overwhelmed about what comes next. And that is completely understandable. As with most things in life, knowing what to expect will help take some of the stress off your shoulders.
To help ease your worries, let’s go through what you can expect from the moment you contact us.
Step 1: Your Initial Call To Our Office
When you first call the office, we’ll have a friendly conversation about your situation. This is a chance for me to understand what happened, and for you to ask any questions you may have. You don’t need to worry about being pressured; my goal is to make you feel comfortable and informed. We’ll discuss your injuries and the accident, and I’ll explain how I can help.
Step 2: Investigating the Accident
Once you decide to hire me, I get to work right away. While you’re focusing on your recovery and getting the treatment you need, I’m investigating your accident. This involves gathering evidence, talking to witnesses if necessary, and getting the police reports. During this phase, there may be periods when it feels like not much is happening. This is a normal part of the process. But, when I represent you, you can expect monthly updates from me, so you’re never left in the dark about your case.
Step 3: Treatment and Recovery
Your health is top priority. Your case typically does not move forward until you’ve completed your treatment. Why? Because we need to know the full extent of your injuries and how much it’s going to cost to get you back on your feet. Once your doctor says you’re as healed as you can be, that’s when we start gathering your medical records and bills.
Step 4: Gathering Medical Records and Bills
Collecting all of the medical records and bills can take some time. Hospitals and doctors’ offices don’t always rush to send the records to us, but we will stay on top of them to make sure we have everything we need. This step is crucial because these documents are the foundation of your case. They show the insurance company exactly how much you’ve been through and why you deserve compensation.
Step 5: Writing the Demand Letter
Once we have all or your medical records, bills, and the facts of the accident, I write what is called a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter lays out your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and any other damages. The goal with the letter is to push for a fair settlement, so you’re compensated for everything you’ve lost due to the accident.
Step 6: Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Once the demand letter is sent, the negotiation phase begins. I’ll work diligently with the insurance adjuster to advocate for you and negotiate a fair settlement. Throughout this process, I’ll keep you updated on any offers from the insurance company and discuss our strategy moving forward.
Step 7: Deciding Whether to Settle or Go to Trial
In most cases, we’ll be able to reach a settlement that reflects the compensation you deserve. However, if the offer is not satisfactory, we’ll sit down together to discuss your options. You’ll have a choice: accept the settlement or consider going to trial for a potentially better offer. I’ll be right there with you, providing guidance and support as you make this important decision.
What Makes Swann Law Different
Throughout the entire process, you’ll work directly with me, your attorney. You won’t be moved around between various people or left wondering what’s going on. I will keep you updated, answer your questions, and make sure you always feel supported. My goal is to make this process as smooth as possible for you, so you can focus on healing while I handle your case.
From your first call to the final settlement, I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me. Let’s work together to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.