Have Questions?
Being in a car accident is stressful and worrisome. It is only natural to have questions, especially when it is your first car accident. A lot of people are telling you that you have to do this or that and a lot of times you just want to know whether what is happening to you is normal or not. Please visit our Be Informed page for information about other common questions and topics that may help injured individuals. Below are the most common questions that Jess receives from clients just after they have been in a car accident and the answers she provides.
What should I do immediately after an accident?
This is the most common question a personal injury attorney gets and normally it is asked too late. That is why Jess has authored the The Glovebox Guidebook a quick and simple reference to print off and stick in your glovebox so that you immediately know what to do if you are in an accident. It contains the ten things you should do after an accident to protect yourself and your loved ones in easy to read and simple action item instructions. You can download a FREE copy of The Glovebox Guidebook here.
I was not at fault but can't afford to go to the doctor and don't have health insurance, what should I do?
The legal system is a reimbursement system, which means that the auto insurance company is not going to pay your medical bills directly. If you need treatment relating to a motor vehicle accident and no one will see you, please call the Jessica Corley Law Firm today so that Jess can hopefully help you find the care you need and deserve. 803-200-1772.
Do I need a lawyer? Is my case "big" or "serious" enough for an attorney to handle?
Clients often are worried that their matter isn't "big" or "serious" enough to hire an attorney. As part of Jess's commitment to transparency, if she cannot add value to your case, she will tell you. But the only way to know if an attorney can add value to your case, is to call them and let them decide based on the facts of your case. The reason you need legal advice is because you may not realize how different parties, locations, or behaviors can impact the value of your case in a big way. Remember, if you don't ask, the answer is always "no."
However, there are certain instances where it is always necessary to hire an attorney. If you were hit by a drunk driver or hit and run driver, even if you only have property damages, Jess believes you need a lawyer. The complexities of those cases and pursuing punitive damages on your behalf will require research and legal knowledge that only a lawyer can provide. Every one of those cases are "big enough."
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions and nuances to this rule, which could reduce that time frame, dependent upon who is at fault. It's crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you meet all deadlines.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
The value of your personal injury case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. To guess the value of any case without all of the information is irresponsible. We can provide a more accurate assessment of your case after reviewing the details during your FREE case evaluation.
Will I have to go to court?
Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlements without the need for a trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, Jess is prepared to advocate for you in court. Jess's goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, whether through negotiation or litigation.
How much will it cost to hire an attorney?
Jess works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay any upfront fees or costs. Jess only gets paid if she successfully recovers compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. The attorney's fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered on your behalf. If suit is filed on your case, the fee is 40%. If no suit is filed on your case the fee is 1/3 of the total recovery. Costs are reimbursed to Jessica Corley Law Firm from the settlement proceeds as well.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
South Carolina law allows for an injured party to recoup their damages from an at fault party as long as the injured party is not 50% or more liable. If you are unsure how liable you are, Call TODAY so Jess can provide a FREE case evaluation. 803-200-1772.
Can I still pursue a claim if the at-fault party is uninsured or doesn't have enough insurance coverage?
Yes, you may still have options for pursuing compensation even if the at-fault party is uninsured or doesn't have enough insurance coverage (this is called being "underinsured"). Jess can explore alternative sources of compensation, such as your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or other liable parties. There may be coverage you don't even realize exists, do not let an initial determination that there is no insurance keep you from contacting Jessica Corley Law Firm for your FREE case evaluation TODAY!
How long will it take to resolve my case?
The timeline for resolving a personal injury case varies depending on the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and other factors. Jess strives to resolve cases efficiently while ensuring you receive maximum compensation as quickly as possible given the factors of your case.
I need a rental car after being in a motor vehicle collision, what do I do?
Exactly how to handle this depends on your coverage and how clear it is that the other person was at fault for the collision. For a more in depth discussion of this topic visit the Getting a Rental Vehicle page here.
I live in a different state, but was travelling in or through South Carolina when my accident occurred, should I get an attorney where I live or in South Carolina?
If you were injured while a tourist of South Carolina or in the state for business when an accident injured you, you should hire a South Carolina attorney. South Carolina law will govern the substantive legal issues surrounding your accident, including how fault is assessed and how damages are divided amongst all liable parties and what evidence is and is not admissible at trial. In this situation, your best chance at your best recovery will be using an attorney that is intimately familiar with South Carolina law.
For personalized legal advice and guidance tailored to your specific situation, let's talk TODAY! Call 803-310-JESS