After a car accident in Columbia, Forest Acres, Cayce or anywhere in South Carolina, you likely have a lot of questions. From figuring out who’s going to pay your compensation to understanding how to find the best car accident lawyer for you, we understand that the legal process can be overwhelming. 

This article will discuss our South Carolina injury lawyers’ candid tips on how to find the best car accident lawyer for you and your case. If you have any questions about a car accident or the information covered in this article, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today by calling (803) 888-2200, emailing info@ctlawsc.com, or completing our secure online form. We’re always here to help!

Tips For Finding The Best Car Accident Lawyer in South Carolina For You

1. Look For Lawyers With Ample Experience

Many law firms will mention that they handle personal injury cases such as car accidents.

However, it’s critical that you dive deeper and ensure that they have ample experience handling car accident cases, both inside and outside of the courtroom. We recommend looking to see if the lawyer has won any awards or received any recognitions in the injury field. Another thing to look at is their highlighted case studies or car accident verdict and settlement results.

Knowing that the lawyer you are researching is experienced in car accident law and cases directly is critical, as this is a niche area of the law.

2. Learn About Their Results and Experience With Cases Like Yours

Another thing to research or discuss with your potential law firm is whether or not the lawyers have experience handling the type of car accident you were involved in. For example, if you were involved in a:

While every single car accident is unique, knowing if they have experience handling cases like yours can give you an added layer of protection and peace of mind.

3. Think About What YOU Want

Thinking about how you’d like your case to be handled is another very important consideration. 

For example, would you like a local, smaller car accident law firm that has a more personalized experience? Or a national, less personal experience? 

Would you like a firm that keeps you updated at each step or do you prefer less communication from your attorney? 

Do you prefer to meet in an office, at your home, or over the phone? 

Understanding what you’re looking for in your law firm experience can help you identify which law firm can provide that experience for you. 

Car Accident Lawyer Near Me: Where Should I Look?

After understanding what you should look for in a law firm and what you want your experience to look like, it’s time to start researching law firms that handle cases in your city. You may use a variety of sources, such as:

Google

Many people start their research for a reputable lawyer online. When doing so, we always recommend taking the time to review the law firm’s most recent Google reviews. This can help you get a better understanding of what it’s like being a client at that firm. You can do this by Googling the law firm’s name and going through the reviews that show up. 

On Google, right above the written reviews, you can also see keywords that reviewers commonly mention in their reviews. This can help you quickly get an unbiased opinion on the firm’s client experience. For example, our firm’s reviews tend to include words like team, heart, respectful:

Community

Another way to find a reputable law firm for your case can be by asking your local community through social media, forums, and more. If hiring a law firm that supports your local community is important to you, check and see if they have any information on community involvement on their social channels or website.

Friends/Family

If you know someone who has worked with a car accident lawyer before, ask them about their experience and who they recommend. At Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, we are honored by the fact that many of our clients come from friend and family referrals, as personal referrals are the greatest compliment any law firm can get. Reaching out to your network is always a great idea when looking for a lawyer for your car accident case.

Other Attorneys

If you know, like, and trust an attorney who does not handle car accident cases, ask them if they have someone they recommend. Then, conduct your own research to ensure that they are a good fit for you. Remember, Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC offers free consultations so you can meet with one of our attorneys before you decide to hire us. 

What Advantages Does Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Bring To My Case?

If you were injured in a car accident, there are many benefits to hiring an experienced car accident lawyer. After signing on with a firm, you can expect your legal team to:

Give You Peace of Mind – After an accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is navigating the South Carolina personal injury claims process. From tricky insurance adjusters to lowballed settlement offers, hiring a lawyer will ensure that your legal case is optimized and protected, allowing you to focus on recovering and a brighter future ahead.

Protect You From The Insurance Company – Lawyers are experienced and trained in negotiations with the insurance company, know what tricks to look out for, know how much your case is worth, and understand how hard to push to get you what you’re owed. 

Optimize Your Claim – A car accident lawyer will gather critical documents, uncover important evidence, organize your medical records, value your case, and prove liability to ensure you get the entirety of what you’re owed under South Carolina law for your physical, financial, and emotional damages.

What to Expect During Your Free Consultation

Many car accident injury firms offer free consultations, also referred to as free case evaluations. At Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, these are directly with a reputable personal injury attorney so you know you’re getting the most value possible.

Typically, consultations last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more, and may be held over the phone or in-person.

During your consultation, you will get to know the lawyer, understand your options under South Carolina law, and get a better idea about what it’s like working with the firm.

Typically, there are a few items you may want to bring with you to a free consultation with a lawyer following a car wreck, such as:

  1. Any documents you have related to the accident, such as the accident/police report
  2. Photographs/videos of the accident scene
  3. Witness statements
  4. Related medical bills
  5. Your insurance information
  6. The at-fault party’s insurance information

If you have any questions regarding what to expect during your initial conversation with a law firm or what to bring, we recommend reaching out to the firm directly prior to your meeting.

10 Questions To Ask During Your Legal Consultation

After an unexpected car accident, you may have a million questions, or perhaps you have no idea where to start. Below is a list of questions we recommend asking during your initial conversation:

  1. What Do You Believe Are Potential Outcomes For My Case?
  2. What Damages Can I Recover?
  3. What Experience Do You Have Handling Similar Cases?
  4. Do You Have Experience Going To Trial?
  5. Are You Willing to Go to Trial If Needed?
  6. Who Will Handle My Case?
  7. How Often Should I Expect to Receive an Update on My Case?
  8. How Do You Charge For Your Services?
  9. How Should I Handle Communication With the Insurance Company or Adjustors?
  10. What Should I Do If They Contact Me About the Accident?

Contact the Columbia Car Accident Attorneys at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC Today

You don’t have to go through the legal process alone. Our lawyers are here to help you seamlessly navigate the South Carolina personal injury claims process after a Columbia car accident, so you can focus your time and attention on healing. 

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today. We are available via phone 24/7 for you at (803) 888-2200. For your convenience, you may also contact us via our secure online form or by emailing info@ctlawsc.com, and a member of our team will reach out shortly.

With offices in Columbia and Mount Pleasant, our lawyers travel and represent clients throughout the state of South Carolina.