Car Accident FAQs

Medical Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Treatment

Should I see a doctor after a car accident?

Should I see a doctor after a car accident?

Yes, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks injuries right after a wreck, so pain that seems minor can get a lot worse over the next few days. There’s also a legal side to it: if there’s a gap or delay in your medical treatment, insurance adjusters will use that gap to argue you weren’t really hurt. Get checked out right away. It protects both your health and your claim.

Who pays my medical bills after a car accident?

Who pays my medical bills after a car accident?

This surprises a lot of people: the at-fault driver’s insurance company does not pay your bills as they come in. They settle everything in one lump sum at the very end of your case. In the meantime, there are a few ways to keep your treatment going. A Letter of Protection lets your doctor agree to wait for payment until your case settles; your own health insurance keeps the bills out of collections; or third-party medical financing can cover the upfront costs. We handle the bill collectors and adjusters so you can focus on getting better.

Should I see a doctor after a car accident?

Yes, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks injuries right after a wreck, so pain that seems minor can get a lot worse over the next few days. There’s also a legal side to it: if there’s a gap or delay in your medical treatment, insurance adjusters will use that gap to argue you weren’t really hurt. Get checked out right away. It protects both your health and your claim.

General
Frequently Asked General Questions

What is the first step after a car accident?

What is the first step after a car accident?

Make sure you are okay. Adrenaline can mask injuries, so firstly make sure you can set up for your recovery later on. A great way to do this is contacting law enforcement and filing a police report. This will give insurance companies the evidence they need to not play any games.

What are the steps to take after an auto accident?

What are the steps to take after an auto accident?

Number 1 – make sure you are okay. If you are not severely hurt, it is important to take photos, get bystander information, call the police, and call a lawyer to help you through the rest of the process.

When should I call a lawyer about a car accident?

When should I call a lawyer about a car accident?

We get calls from clients days, even a week, after an accident since some injuries may take longer to start causing pain. Be aware of the delayed onset of pain, which can show up days after an accident. Call a lawyer as soon as you start feeling those symptoms.

What is the most important thing to do after a car accident?

What is the most important thing to do after a car accident?

Make sure you’re okay. Adrenaline is flowing, so you need to make sure there is nothing wrong with you. Following that, you need to contact law enforcement. This will properly record what is going on, as well as taking photos of the scene.

Should I take photos of my car accident?

Should I take photos of my car accident?

Yes. If you’re able to walk around after an accident and are okay, take as many photos as possible.

How long will it take to resolve your auto accident case?

How long will it take to resolve your auto accident case?

All cases are different. How long it takes depends on things like how injured you are, how bad the damages are, how many parties are involved, etc. There are many factors and it purely depends on the situation. The most important thing is to make sure that it is done right.

What to be skeptical of after a car accident?

What to be skeptical of after a car accident?

Anyone who drives to give you unsolicited advice; legal, medical or otherwise. Any tow truck drivers, medical folks, lawyers, people on the scene can give advice, but make sure you research what they are saying after.

What is the first step after a car accident?

Make sure you are okay. Adrenaline can mask injuries, so firstly make sure you can set up for your recovery later on. A great way to do this is contacting law enforcement and filing a police report. This will give insurance companies the evidence they need to not play any games.

Insurance
Frequently Asked Insurance Questions

When is my car considered a total loss?

When is my car considered a total loss?

In South Carolina, if the cost to repair your vehicle reaches 75% of what it was worth before the accident, the insurance company has to declare it a total loss. Here’s the catch: insurers don’t value your car using Kelley Blue Book. They use their own private algorithms and pull “comparable” vehicles from hundreds of miles away to push your payout down. Don’t take their first number. Gather your own local comparables and keep receipts for recent upgrades like new tires or major maintenance so you can fight for what your car is actually worth.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

No, absolutely not. Accepting that first quick check is like buying a house after only looking at the front door; you have no idea what’s actually broken inside. Adjusters call fast and early, often before you’ve finished treatment or even had your first MRI, because they want you to sign away your rights before anyone knows how badly you’re hurt. Once you sign, your case is closed for good, so if you need surgery months later, you’re on your own. Talk to a lawyer before you accept anything.

Does insurance cover car seat damage after an accident?

Does insurance cover car seat damage after an accident?

That is a debate. We look at car seats as part of the car, just not an accessory. If it is part of the damages in the accident, then it should be included as property damage, not just an accessory in the car.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

You may still be covered. South Carolina requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on every auto policy, and the law treats an unidentified hit-and-run driver as an uninsured motorist, so you can pursue a claim through your own insurance. There’s an important catch: you have to report the accident to the police right away and cooperate with them. If you wait or never report it, your insurer can legally deny the claim. If you can do it safely at the scene, jot down the vehicle’s color, make, model, or any part of the plate number to help identify the driver.

Are insurance policies the same in every state?

Are insurance policies the same in every state?

Insurance policies and laws are not the same in every state. If you are hit by a person from another state, give us a call so we can help you understand how their insurance policies may differ.

What happens if you get hit by an uninsured driver?

What happens if you get hit by an uninsured driver?

Luckily, if you have insurance in the state of South Carolina, you are covered through the uninsured motorist coverage of your own insurance. It is a required policy in South Carolina, so if you are hit and the driver flees, you can still claim coverage with the help of your lawyer.

How to document an accident for insurance claims?

How to document an accident for insurance claims?

Contact law enforcement and get all the records of what is going on. Taking pictures and videos of the scene is another form of proof the insurance companies need. It is not about what happened, it is about what you can prove.

What you need to know if your insurance is denied after a hit and run?

What you need to know if your insurance is denied after a hit and run?

Don’t let your own insurance company take advantage of you. They will do everything they can to not pay you after an accident, even if the person who hit you was drunk and fled the scene. Remember, Trey helps!

When is my car considered a total loss?

In South Carolina, if the cost to repair your vehicle reaches 75% of what it was worth before the accident, the insurance company has to declare it a total loss. Here’s the catch: insurers don’t value your car using Kelley Blue Book. They use their own private algorithms and pull “comparable” vehicles from hundreds of miles away to push your payout down. Don’t take their first number. Gather your own local comparables and keep receipts for recent upgrades like new tires or major maintenance so you can fight for what your car is actually worth.

Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Statistics

How often does distracted driving occur in South Carolina?

How often does distracted driving occur in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, every two hours, there is an accident involving distracted driving. Year over year, we lose over 1,000 people, especially those not wearing seatbelts.

How often does distracted driving occur in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, every two hours, there is an accident involving distracted driving. Year over year, we lose over 1,000 people, especially those not wearing seatbelts.

Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions About Prevention

Am I allowed to use my phone while driving?

Am I allowed to use my phone while driving?

If you’re holding your phone while driving, you can be fined, and if you cause an accident, you could face even more serious consequences. Even if the accident isn’t your fault, having a phone in your hand can make it harder to prove your case. The best choice is to use hands-free options or wait until you’re safely stopped, because distracted driving is nearly as dangerous as drunk driving.

How important is it to wear a seatbelt?

How important is it to wear a seatbelt?

One simple, smart, easy thing can prevent a massive tragedy. Wearing your seatbelt is not only the law, but can be a large preventative measure.

Am I allowed to use my phone while driving?

If you’re holding your phone while driving, you can be fined, and if you cause an accident, you could face even more serious consequences. Even if the accident isn’t your fault, having a phone in your hand can make it harder to prove your case. The best choice is to use hands-free options or wait until you’re safely stopped, because distracted driving is nearly as dangerous as drunk driving.

Why Choose Trey?

Client Testimonials

I had such a pleasant experience working with Trey and his staff. His executive assistant, Allie, was the best resource for guiding me through the process of my auto accident. She was personable, resourceful, and very helpful. I highly recommend!
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
- Jessica Pittman
Just an absolute champion. Trey and Allie were so consistently on point, attentive, and responsive it's hard to imagine he even has time for more than a single client at a time. In the months of dealing with Mr. Harrell's Law Office only 1 time I ever called was the phone not immediately picked up, but that 1 call was then immediately returned, they are actually that fast and responsive. This is a law office that genuinely is invested in providing you the absolutely best legal counsel and experience they can. They are also extremely patient, answering any and all of the questions you may have. I can't count the number of times I emailed or called to ask what 'this' meant, or what 'that' process was, and they always broke it down so well that whatever the topic was I fully understood it. The whole legal process can be difficult, and strenuous. But a lawyer like Trey Harrell is like finding out there's actually an easy mode. If you want to be helped, and to be treated like a person and not just a case file, Trey Harrell is your only option. This firm is simply put, top notch.
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
- Vile Leche
If you are looking for a law office that truly cares about you, then Trey Harrell is the place for you to go. Knowledgeable. Responsive. Caring. You can truly tell that they put their clients above all. I would recommend the Trey Harrell Law Office to everyone!
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
- MacKenna Angert
Cannot recommend enough!! Trey and his firm were incredible throughout the process of my hit and run. Every single time I had a question Allie (the executive assistant) knew who I was and answered it thoroughly and eased my mind about everything. Didn’t think I could get the compensation that they got me. Hopefully I won’t get in another accident but 10/10 would hire again!!
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
- Sophie Wachowski
Trey was very easy to work with and did an outstanding job getting my case dropped with ease. Highly recommend and will use him if needed again!
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
- Bebe Pleasant
I could not recommend Trey Harrell and his team enough - professional, made things easy for me and my family, and brought us peace when stressed. His colleague Allie was a pleasure throughout the process and was a joy to speak with. A family friend recommended Trey to us, and we’re so grateful for it.
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
- Jon Ulrich

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! NOTICE ! No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You need to contact a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction for advice on specific legal issues problems.

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