What to do After a Car Accident
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What To Do After A Car Accident
When faced with the misfortune of being involved in a car accident, there are specific steps you should take based on South Carolina law. There are additional responsibilities in regard to providing assistance to anyone that is injured on the scene. Perhaps the most important “first step” following a motor vehicle accident is to stop your car and position it safely near the scene. Anyone involved in a car accident is required to remain on the scene until all of the following are complete:
- Exchange contact information with the other driver(s), including name, address and vehicle registration number. Be prepared to present your driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
- “Reasonable Assistance” should be given to anyone injured on the scene. Per the South Carolina Code of Laws, this may involve transporting the victim to a medical facility or making preparations for them to be transported. However, if the insured person is seriously injured or unresponsive, it is best to call an ambulance.
- As a legal obligation, anyone involved in a car crash in South Carolina must report the accident by calling the local police department or 9-1-1.
- Take notes regarding what happened. This may include asking witnesses what they saw, as well as considering road and weather conditions. Some specific question to ask include: How fast were the cars going? Did one vehicle fail to use a signal? Did both cars have their lights on?
Every automobile accident presents its own set of unique circumstances. While a simple fender-bender may not seem to matter a great deal at the time, it’s important to understand that even a minor car crash can produce an ongoing injury with a lasting impact. With mounting medical bills, potential loss of income, pain as well as property damage to your vehicle, you may need compensation to help you recover from your accident—no matter who’s to blame. On the other hand, if you are the victim of a distracted, negligent or impaired driver, you might be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim for your injuries, pain or suffering. Remember that no injury is too small.
CFJ Injury Lawyers in North Charleston dedicates our professional lives to personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you can trust that we will work to make things right again.
Settling Your Claim – We Can Help
At CFJ Injury Lawyers, we understand that when drivers are injured following a car wreck or other motor vehicle accident, a common mistake made is accepting the first offer given by the insurance company. Typically, injured individuals settle early for two reasons. First, the settlement process may seem to drag on, and they become anxious to end the process. Second, the settlement sum may seem sufficient enough. In reality, however, quick settlements can end up costing the injured big money in the future.
For instance, suppose you or someone you love has sustained a severe back injury as a result of a car accident. After surgery and a few months of rehabilitation, you return to work. Yet, your pain returns, and you begin to suffer headaches as a result of your back injury. If your claim has been settled, any and all treatment received is at your own expense. The bottom line is, though you may not anticipate future medical care or attention once you are “healed,” you can never be too sure.
Our primary responsibility is to persevere in your case and stand firm against insurance companies and other adjustors to award you the compensation you need and deserve. In doing so, we take into account the possibility of future treatments, subsequent surgeries and ongoing pain management therapy.
Contact CFJ Injury Lawyers today for a free evaluation of your accident. We’ll work to make things right again.
Client Reviews
Hope MishlanLove this firm and would use again if I needed representation in the future.
Jose Humberto Solís JiménezIs the best atornyes ,thanks for help me
Kebra MikellCFJ Injury Lawyers was excellent in their representation of my case. The entire staff was excellent…patient, polite, and understanding of my circumstances. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, as I was made to feel I was the first priority. Thank you all!
Patricia SullivanFirst! Best! Highly Recommend!
This is my first experience being in an auto accident and I’m very happy that I chose CFJ Injury Lawyers. I felt the warmth of the atmosphere and clearly the concern of the entire staff. I met with Attorney Cathy and paralegal Quella. I was so impressed with both their concerns for me and their professionalism. I felt so sure that they would have my best interests in mind, and they sure do! Weeks and months by, but they kept me informed and answered all my calls in a timely manner throughout the entire process. I will honestly recommend CFJ Injury Lawyers to anyone and everyone who wants and needs an honest caring law firm for all their needs. And a big thumbs up to Attorney Eric for putting up with and listening to my many frustrating ways. He’s a real gem.
!!! 10 out of 10!!! !!! Highly recommend!!!
Tommy GrahamI was having a horrible experience with Workers Comp until I talked with Eric. He explained my rights and addressed all of my concerns. Eric made sure I was getting what I needed for almost 2 years and then made sure I was compensated accordingly. I would definitely recommend him for any injury claim you may be going through. Thank you Eric and your team, we appreciate everything you guys did!
Erika VidorAfter a pretty bad car accident I was pretty clueless as to how to proceed. Eric took care of everything, always gave me the time and education I needed for every little concern and question, and procured for me a great settlement. Very grateful for the recommendation I got to turn to them in my time of need!
Nicole WilliamsonVery friendly atmosphere. Very knowledgeable. Highly recommended!
Faith CenobioThey really took care of me when I was hurt on the job and recovering from my injury.
James JerrelsI feel very blessed to have found CFJ attorneys. From the first meeting and throughout the entire process I felt important to them. Lisa was very attentive with her dedication and communication with me. Not only would I use them in the future. I will highly recommend them to everyone I know.
Jaimie CatoeCFJ Injury Lawyers and their team are great! Cathy and Lisa are who I spoke with the most. They took care of me and were so understanding of my crazy work schedule and took that into consideration when contacting me! I couldn't have asked for a better team to handle my case.
Debbie KelcyMy husband and I have used Wern Law for over 25 years. So when we needed an attorney in 2018 we did not hesitate. Catherine has always handled our cases, and since the firm has "changed hands" from Richard to Catherine, she has gotten a few new associates in the group and hasn't missed a beat. If we ever need to have representation again, this is the only law firm we will use. If you need an attorney for other issues that they do not specialize in, rest assured they will give you excellent advice and good direction. I won't go on blast for the dirty underhanded attorneys and the likes who played games with clients as well as Richard and Catherine. So, if you happen to run across one of them that bad mouth CFI or their staff, run... CFI is very fair and ALWAYS have your best interest at heart. This firm are not ambulance chasers. They rely on word of mouth for advertising.
Rodney MandervilleRichard and his firm/Family have "Always" been there for me and my family as well as those I've referred to his Council. Through good times as well as tough times for literally 20 years. He has always delivered and even more so has become a Great Friend. The information may not always be what you desire to hear but you can be assured that they will be professional and tactful they insure that you are never caught off guard and, that you are thoroughly prepared and informed for any and all matters that may arise throughout your case. In a word "OUTSTANDING"!
Tiffany MillerVery professional staff, knows everyone's name no matter if you've been there only once! You get more than just an attorney; you get a support system and a friend (the type of friend if you're down in the trenches, he's there with you strategizing a way out). You really know that Richard is handling your case as best he can without question. I have used several different law firms in the past and I would recommend this law firm, seeing first-hand the length he goes to for his clients. He also has spanish speaking staff, I would highly recommend Nicole!!!
Larry ConnerI met Richard through my daughter. I fell 8 feet in February 2011 and broke the L2 vertebra in my back!! Over a period of two years, I realized I was going to need help. I came to meet with Richard to talk about my accident. It was the best thing I ever did! My case went on for a little over 3 years and I am very pleased with the outcome Richard helped me obtain. He is an excellent attorney!
Kishawna BonaparteOur experience with Richard Wern Lawyers was exceptional and phenomenal. Every one there was extremely caring and attentive to our each and every single need and want from the friendly receptionist to the Paralegal and Lawyer himself, Mr. Richard Wern, Esq. Whenever a problem arose, his staff was fully prepared to handle whatever the issue was very prompt and tactfully. I would HIGHLY recommend Richard Wern Lawyers to my friends and family for their workers comp. or personal injury needs. Richard Wern Lawyers is rated top 5 in my book. Thanks for everything, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest (Kashawna) Googe
Tarik SextonMy parents guided me to Werns Law Firm being the first time I needed a lawyer in such a situation.... "Parents know best!" Great service, great people!!
TIM TIMTHIS COMPANY IS IN BUSINESS TO HELP PEOPLE, NOT TO JUST HELP THEMSELVES. THEY ARE EASY TO TALK TO CAUSE THEY MAKE TIME. I AM TIM L. CONSTANTINE, I AM A CITADEL ALUMNI, ALSO. MRS CATHY JOHAS IS A GREAT LAWYER THAT WORKS WITH MR RICHARD WERN IN THEIR NEAT OFFFICE. I OFTEN WILL CONTINUE TO SEND PEOPLE THAT NEED GOOD REPRESENTAION TO THEIR FIRM. I KNOW IF THEY USE THE WERN LAW FIRM, THEY WILL THANK ME IN THE END, THATS WHY! THEY ARE SERIOUS LAWYERS....AND THEY CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE THEY REPRESENT. I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE DISCOVERED THEM MYSELF. ALSO, THEIR STAFF IS NICE AND ALWAYS HELPFUL, THEY WERE TO ME. IT ALL MEANT TO ME THAT I FELT COMFORTABLE WHEN I CALLED THEM AND EVEN CARED FOR THEM AS MY LAWYER FIRM, AS WELL. I LIKE SMALLER FIRMS, IN GENERAL. APPOSED TO LARGE ONES THAN MAKE ME FEEL LIKE.....JUST A NUMBER. I FELT THEIR CARE FOR ME ALL THE WAY THROUGH MY CASE. ALSO MRS CATHY JOHAS IS VERY SHARP AND EXPERIENCED. SHE IS A WELL VERSED AND WELL SPOKEN LADY. I CAN SAY THAT I WILL NEVER EVER CONSIDER ANOTHER LAW FIRM UNLESS THEY RETIRE...AND I DON'T SEE THAT HAPPENING IN MY LIFETIME. THEY ARE A FAMILY OWNED LAW FIRM. THATS WHAT MAKES THEM REAL AND THE BEST AS WELL AS THE EXPERIENCE...THEY ARE NOT NEW IN THE LAW BUSINESS. GOD BLESS THEM ALL THERE AT THE; WERN LAW FIRM. TIMOTHY LEE CONSTANTINE CLASSS OF 1984 THE CITADEL
Andre Smith (Dreddyon)He's patient and understanding. He sits down and explain the whole entire process to you.
Leah WoodsLove them!
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Client Reviews
CFJ Injury Lawyers
Based on 23 reviews
Kim WilliamsI was referred to the CFJ Injury Lawyers by a friend who was a previous client. I had a slip and fall case that lasted two years. I've had nothing but a great experience with the CFJ Injury Lawyers, they work professionally and always show empathy and respect to their clients. Thank you Eric, Catherine and the entire team for all you did for me and all you do on a daily for the people of Charleston. You all are truly the best so if I ever need a lawyer again I will definitely contact this office. And referrals referrals referrals for sure.
Carolyn LibrizziCFJ Injury Lawyers were such a great team when it came to managing my car accident. They genuinely cared about me in the process and Cathy made sure I had the best possible outcome. I would highly recommend this group for any case!
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