Dealing with a Greenville car accident claim can become very challenging after a car accident especially if you have to understand difficult terminologies involved in your claim. The majority of car accident victims are aware of the insurance claim process along with the language and terminologies used by personal injury attorneys and insurance companies.

Accidents not only cause physical injuries but leave emotional distress and financial burden on the victims. In 2019, around 36,096 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents. Accidents can happen anywhere, it is essential to know about the terminologies used in proceedings. You wouldn’t know if you are receiving fair compensation or not until you are aware of the relevant terms used in your claim. For the same reason, there are some key terms you should know.

Basic Terms in Your Greenville Car Accident Claim & How A Lawyer Can Help:

Here are some terms you might not fully understand, but that our Greenville car accident lawyers will:

• Bodily Injury Liability (BIL):

Coverage for victims’ losses is provided by bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance especially when one driver is proven negligent in causing the accident. Every driver is required to carry BIL coverage worth $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in South Carolina. If you are filing a claim on a fault basis most likely you will be filing under their BIL insurance policy.

• Negligence:

Liability is judged by negligence as it is the legal parameter to determine the liability of the accident. If a person fails to uphold the duty of care, their actions are considered negligent. For instance, all drivers are required to drive their vehicles safely, if any driver breaches this duty by speeding or driving under influence then they are responsible for negligence behavior under the law.

• Economic Damages:

You are entitled to receive compensation for economic damages in a Greenville car accident claim. The economic damages include your medical expenses; current and future, loss of wages, loss of earning capability, or any other direct expenses associated with the car accident.

• Non-Economic Damages:

Car accident victims are eligible to receive compensation for non-economic damages. You should seek professional help from an attorney for non-economic damages compensation. Non-economic damages include pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of support, loss of society, disfigurement, and scarring.

• Liability:

You need to establish liability on the other driver or a third party for a fault-based claim. Liability means the other party is legally obligated to pay for your losses. If you fail to establish liability, you cannot recover compensation for the damages.

• Burden of Proof:

When you file for a compensation claim for your injuries, you have the burden of proof which means you have to prove that you are entitled to receive the compensation. While negotiating with the insurance provider you need to convince that you will be able to establish the burden of proof at the trial with substantial evidence.

• Personal Injury:

Personal injury includes all types of accident claims; including both economic and non-economic damages. Personal injury can include vehicle collisions or any other injuries in which another party was at fault.

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP):

Auto insurance that covers a part of medical and loss wages expenses is known to be personal injury protection (PIP). According to legal perspective, it is not mandatory in South Carolina yet it is better to avail it if you can afford the insurance. Regardless of the fault, you can seek payment up to your policy limit.

• Pain and Suffering:

Pain and suffering include the physical and psychological impact that occurred due to serious injuries in an accident. You are eligible to receive compensation for financial expenses, however, you can also seek compensation for the emotional damages and other non-financial losses.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM):

It is mandatory insurance coverage in South Carolina that must have the same minimums as BIL insurance. You can utilize your UIM policy in a hit-and-run accident. If you or the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you can receive compensation for damages through this insurance coverage.

• Settlement & Verdict:

In a settlement, both parties agree on the terms and you agree to resolve the claim in exchange for the payment provided by the insurance company. If negotiations fail, you need to take your case to the court. A verdict is the outcome of your case as awarded by the judge or jury.

Get in Touch with a Greenville Car Accident Attorney Today:

If you or your loved ones suffered a tragic accident, know your legal rights through our experienced Greenville car accident attorneys. Our attorneys have years of knowledge and expertise to provide you the compensation you deserve.