FAQs - Automobile Accidents
1. If my car has been damaged and the wreck was the other driver’s fault, how can I make sure my car is repaired quickly and that I get a rental car?
Exchange insurance information, names and addresses with the other driver at the scene. Get the name and badge number of the officer and the name of the police agency for which he works. The officer's final report may have insurance information recorded on it. Get the name, address and phone number of the wrecker service which tows your vehicle. Notify your insurance company and the other driver's insurance company as soon as possible and advise them of the location and description of your vehicle. If there have been any estimates of repair made on your vehicle, get them to the insurance company for the other driver by the fastest means.
2. Should I go to the doctor?
If you are injured, go to the doctor or the emergency room. Often timely medical intervention will lessen the impact and duration of your injury. It can also save your life.
3. Who will pay the doctor's bill?
Do not expect the at-fault person or his insurance company to pay the medical bills. Most often insurance companies will not pay for any losses until the case is settled in its entirety and a full release given to the at-fault person and the company. You should look to your group health insurance or auto insurance for payment.
4. Should I allow the at-fault person's insurance company to take my recorded statement?
Probably not. Insurance adjusters are skilled at such interviews and the average individual is not. The answer you give to a question may not tell the whole story because of the manner in which the question was asked. That answer, however, may be used against you if litigation becomes necessary. Be very careful about giving recorded statements to insurance companies.
5. If I am out of work due to my injury, will the at-fault person's insurance company pay me my weekly wages?
Probably not. As in the case of medical bills, the insurance company will not make any payment until the case is concluded in its entirety and a complete release is obtained from you.
6. What if I am injured in a wreck and the other driver doesn't have any insurance or doesn't have enough insurance?
This is when it pays to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Every driver can obtain these coverages to protect himself in the event he is injured and the at fault driver doesn't have any or enough coverage. Every driver in South Carolina should protect himself by obtaining uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The law regarding these coverages and how they may be collected is complex in South Carolina - so be careful.
