If hurt in an accident or slip and fall, you may not be sure what to do. You may think you’re fine and don’t need medical treatment and you may wait a few weeks and then realize you’re hurt. You may even disregard an injury only to realize a year later it’s gotten much, much worse.
One thing any good personal injury attorney in South Carolina will tell you is to never refuse treatment. It is important that you seek treatment immediately following an accident. This will ensure that you have medical documentation to prove your injuries. You will need this proof later in your lawsuit. You will also need it for any insurance claims you have to file.
Statute of Limitations in South Carolina
If you are hurt and it’s somebody else’s fault, you need to file a claim. The law in South Carolina only gives you three years to file a lawsuit. The three years starts on the day of the incident. The court won’t extend this time. It is outlined in South Carolina’s statute of limitations.
Most states only give you two years to file your case. South Carolina offers a year more than most states. This gives you plenty of time to decide if your case is worth pursuing. It gives you time to retain an attorney. It also gives you a longer period of time to discover all of your injuries.
Insurance Companies Have their Own Deadlines
Do not confuse the statute of limitations with the insurance company’s rules. Most insurance companies require that a claim is reported within a reasonable time of the accident. They consider a couple of days to be a reasonable time.
If you are seriously injured, it may take you longer to file your claim. For example, if you are in the hospital for days or a week, you may need time. You will need to prove this to the insurance company. They will want proof of a good reason for the delay.
It is, therefore, best that you have a third-party handle things for you. Contact an attorney right away. They can file a claim on your behalf. They can ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Proving Damages
We mentioned earlier that the statute of limitations in South Carolina is three years. This does not mean you should wait three years to act. The longer you wait, the harder your chances will be to win. You want to seek legal help immediately following your accident.
Lawsuits are all about what you can prove. The more time that goes by, the harder it is to prove your case. Whether you file a suit against a person or a company, you don’t want to wait. It is important that you act right away.
If months or years go by, the other side is going to argue a few things. They will argue that you weren’t really injured. They will claim your injuries were caused by someone else and will say that you made your condition worse by waiting so long.
Let an experienced personal injury lawyer in South Carolina handle this for you. They know the law in South Carolina and are familiar with the courts. They will preserve evidence and help prove your case.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in South Carolina
If hurt, you need to call a personal injury attorney in South Carolina. They will walk you through what you need to do. They will be there with you every step of the way. Instead of trying to navigate the legal system yourself, you can have an experienced lawyer by your side.
The attorneys at Brumback & Langley have years of experience handling personal injury cases. They will make sure get your claim filed in time. They will review your documentation and see what kind of evidence you have.
A good personal injury attorney in Greenville will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. They will sit down with you and review your case. They will focus on the legal side of things so you can focus on getting better.
Contact the offices of Brumback & Langley today to schedule your free consultation. They will review your case and tell you what they think it is worth. They can answer any questions and concerns you may have. Remember, you pay nothing until you win your case.
