When Minor Crashes Become Major Legal Issues
There is a common misconception that if you are involved in a minor crash, you should negotiate repairs with the other driver and skip the hassle of going through insurance. The reasoning is usually this: If you only experience minor damage in a collision, you may as well pay out-of-pocket for repairs, since most insurance policies institute a deductible that you must meet before collision insurance kicks in. However, a minor crash often encompasses more than just vehicle damage, with accident victims experiencing symptoms that may not appear right away.
While a minor crash may seem like no big deal, the legal ramifications can be significant. Even minor injuries can cost you thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost income. If you have recently fallen victim to a motor vehicle crash, the car accident lawyers at Oxner and Stacy in Georgetown, SC, are available to make you aware of your legal options.
Minor Crashes with a Major Impact
Many people associate a minor crash with cuts, scrapes, and bruises, but injuries can be more severe. In some situations, an individual may experience whiplash, straining the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the cervical spine (neck). Whiplash is most common in rear-end accidents. However, the pain may not be present until up to 12 hours after a crash.
Whiplash is often compared to the cracking of a whip, in which the neck is forced back and forth in a sudden motion. Even though whiplash is considered a minor injury, with most people recovering within a few days or weeks, the pain can be debilitating. Common symptoms involve neck stiffness or pain, headaches, and dizziness. Although surgical intervention is sporadic, an accident victim who experiences whiplash may require physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other medical treatment. If the pain is substantial, you may have to miss work until it subsides or is under control.
Hiring Legal Counsel in a Georgetown Car Accident Case
As a car accident victim, you are understandably stricken with worry over how you are going to pay accident-related costs. This means that you are more likely to take the first settlement offered to you, even if it is far less than the worth of your car accident case. Recovering your losses involves properly navigating the claims process, which is best left to someone with experience.
The insurance company is interested in maximizing its profits while minimizing your damages. Under SC Code §15-3-530, a personal injury victim is only permitted three years to take legal action. After this time, you will be barred from compensation. This timeline does not increase depending on how long insurance negotiations last.
A claims adjuster is aware of this and may be stalling negotiations for this purpose. At Oxner and Stacy, we are well acquainted with insurance delay tactics. Our team of professionals is trained to spot “bad faith” claims and will fight for the compensation to which you are entitled under your policy. The last thing that we will allow is having you financially bullied.
Reach Out to Our Georgetown Car Accident Attorneys Today
With approximately 2.4 million people suffering injuries in car accidents annually, crashes are only on the rise. If you or a loved one were recently involved in a crash due to another’s negligence, our legal team is ready to help. Our Georgetown car accident lawyers understand that accident expenses can add up quickly, making it difficult to pay your everyday bills. If you would like to learn more about our services, do not hesitate to contact Oxner and Stacy, online or by calling (843) 983-2352. We offer free consultations to new clients.