Summer is the perfect time to travel and explore new places. However, the increase in travel during the summer months, especially around holiday weekends and vacation periods, can lead to a higher risk of car accidents. That is why there is a surge in car accidents during the summer months in Aiken, South Carolina.
Have you been hurt in a car accident in Aiken? If so, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries. It is, therefore, vital for you to understand your legal rights and how to navigate the legal process.
Hiring a car accident injury lawyer from Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, & Staggs (JJWLS) can help you file a successful claim and recover the compensation you rightfully deserve. We wrote this blog post to provide essential information on legal rights, insurance claims, and steps to take after a car accident during the summer.
The Common Causes of Summer Car Accidents
Driving in the summer is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. The increased traffic, distracted driving, drunk driving, driver fatigue, road construction, and even the hotter weather can increase the risk of summer car accidents.
Want to protect yourself and your loved ones? Learn about the common causes of summer car accidents, including:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can increase the chance of a car accident. Why? Because distracted driving takes the driver’s attention away from driving. For instance, smartphones, GPS devices, and even passengers can distract the driver and cause an accident.
Increased Traffic and Congestion
The weather is great and the days are long during the summer months. That is why it is an ideal time for everyone to get active. In fact, many people will be on the road traveling to popular holiday destinations. The increased traffic can increase the likelihood of car accidents on the road, especially on major highways.
Road Construction
Summer is a great time for road construction. Why? Because summer provides more favorable weather conditions for road construction. However, road construction can increase the risk of car accidents due to uneven road surfaces, altered traffic patterns, reduced speed limits, sudden lane shifts, and more.
Fatigued and Impaired Driving
Long summer drives and even social gatherings can lead to driver fatigue and impaired driving. Driver fatigue and impairment can reduce reaction times and increase the risks of car accidents. Remember, people tend to drink more alcohol during the summer months. And, driving under the influence of alcohol can result in car accidents.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Summer Car Accident
It is true that there are more car accidents in the summer. If, unfortunately, you have been injured in a summer car accident in Aiken, you need to understand your legal rights and the immediate steps to take after a summer accident. You will not only protect yourself. You will also protect your legal rights.
Here are the immediate steps to take after a car accident:
Ensure Safety and Call for Help
Your safety should be your priority. The first step, therefore, is to determine whether you are injured and check whether anyone has been injured. If someone has been injured, call emergency services immediately after a car accident. And you need to move to a safe location. But do not leave the accident scene.
Document the Scene
You must gather evidence at the scene. Why? You need evidence to prove fault and damages. You can use your smartphone to take photos and record videos at the scene. Take pictures of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the accident scene. You can also get witness statements and exchange information with the other driver.
Seek Medical Attention
You may feel fine immediately after your summer car accident. Or you may have just suffered minor injuries. So, you might not see the need to seek immediate medical attention. Remember, some symptoms may appear later. That is why you need to seek medical attention immediately after an accident.
Report the Accident
You need to report your summer car accident to your insurance company and the police. You have to provide accurate and detailed information, including the accident description, time, date, and location. Failure to report the accident can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Navigating Insurance Claims During Peak Travel Season
There are many car accidents during peak travel season in Aiken, SC. However, navigating insurance claims after a summer car accident can be challenging. It is in your best interest to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of your insurance claim successfully.
Here is how to navigate insurance claims during peak travel season:
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
Review your insurance coverage before you file an insurance claim. You must understand what is covered under your insurance coverage. For instance, your insurance policy may cover items, such as medical expenses, damages to your vehicle, lost wages, and more.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters review claims. If you do not know how insurance adjusters review claims, hire an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer from JJWLS. Insurance adjusters will consider your document, evidence, and the accident report to determine the extent of your liability. Your lawyer will deal with insurance adjusters.
Common Challenges in Summer Accident Claims
You will experience challenges in your summer accident claim. Delayed claims processing, denied claims, and insufficient settlement offers, for example, can lead to challenges in your summer accident. Seeking legal advice can provide clarity and ensure you are taking the right steps.
- Delayed Claims Processing – The insurance company might delay processing your insurance claim. Do you know why? They get so many claims during the summer months. You have to stay persistent and keep accurate communication records.
- Denied Claims – The insurance company may deny your claim due to various reasons, such as absence of evidence, alleged policy violations, and more. If your claim is denied, you need a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to help you challenge the denial and advocate for your rights.
- Insufficient Settlement Offers – The truth is that insurance companies often send lowball offers. Do not accept their first offer. Remember, the settlement should cover all of your losses resulting from your summer car accident. Your lawyer will help determine your claim’s value and handle settlement negotiations.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Your Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured in a summer car accident in Aiken, SC, you need to hire a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will help evaluate your case, navigate the claim process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Case Evaluation – Your lawyer will review your case. Why? They want to know if you have a strong case. That is why many personal injury lawyers offer free case evaluation. Your lawyer will consider your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Settlement Negotiations – Experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyers have several years of experience negotiating with insurers. That is why they understand the tactics of insurance companies. Your lawyer will counter their tactics to help you recover fair compensation for injuries and losses.
- Legal Representation – If the settlement offer is not sufficient or your claim is denied, your personal injury lawyer will represent you in court. Your lawyer will gather evidence, build a solid case, and represent you in front of a judge and jury.
Legal Considerations After a Summer Car Accident
Legal matters related to summer car accidents are sensitive. And you are more likely to face significant medical and medical challenges after a summer car accident. We, therefore, highly encourage you to hire a professional and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to handle your summer car accident lawsuit.
Understanding Comparative Fault
South Carolina is a comparative negligence state. Therefore, if you play a partial role in your summer car accident, you can still receive compensation for your injuries and losses.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If the insurance settlement offer is not adequate to cover your personal injuries and losses or if the insurance company denies your claim, you can file a personal injury lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 3 years from the date of the injury. Do not miss these critical deadlines. Why? You could lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Tips for Safe Summer Driving
Planning to travel during the summer? If so, then you need to prepare for safe summer driving. Remember, there are so many people driving and enjoying summer activities. So, here are the tips for safe summer driving:
- Plan Your Route and Take Breaks – You can use GPS to plan your routes ahead of time. And you should allow time for rest breaks to avoid fatigue. Prepare yourself, your family, and your vehicle before you drive long trips during the summer. Proper preparation can ensure your family’s safety.
- Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions – You will drive your car over a long distance. So, you need to keep your full attention on the road. Do not use your phone, eat, or even talk to other passengers while driving. Remember, distracted driving can lead to serious car accidents.
- Be Cautious in Construction Zones – You may see road construction signs on the road. So, you need to reduce speed and follow posted signs. Drive cautiously in construction zones. Why? Road construction zones can increase the risk of accidents.
- Prepare for Emergencies – You should keep an emergency kit in your car. You might be traveling for several days or even weeks. So, you might spend most of the time in your vehicle. Having a first aid kit in your vehicle can give you peace of mind. You will feel more prepared in the event of an emergency.
Struggling with an Insurance Claim for a Summer Car Accident in Aiken, SC? Contact JJWLS Today
A summer car accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and many more. Thankfully, you can seek compensation for your injuries and damages. However, you need to report your accident, document the scene, seek medical attention, and seek legal representation after a summer car accident.
Hiring a good personal injury lawyer can help you understand and protect your rights. Your lawyer will help recover the compensation you rightfully deserve. You still need to practice safe driving habits during the summer and be prepared in case of an accident.
If you have been involved in a summer car accident in Aiken, South Carolina, Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, & Staggs is ready to help you navigate the claims process and protect your rights. We will deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
We handle all communications and negotiations. We take an aggressive approach to ensure you recover fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Do not settle for less after a summer car accident in Aiken. Contact us today by calling (803) 649-5338 to speak with our personal injury lawyer.
