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Car Accident FAQs

  • What should I actually do right after a crash?

    This question shows up in almost every list of car accident FAQs for a reason. Stop. Breathe. Check yourself and anyone else for injuries. That ringing in your ears and that smell of burnt rubber? That’s adrenaline talking. Move somewhere safe if you can but try to take pictures of the vehicles in their positions before moving.. Call 911.

  • Do I need a doctor even if I feel fine?

    Yes. Always. And you should go the same day or at least within a day or two of the wreck. Pain hides behind shock. You might feel fine, then wake up tomorrow with your neck stiff as a board. A quick trip to urgent care helps your body and your case. Ask anyone who’s looked through car accident FAQs. This is the one mistake most people regret later.

  • Should I talk to the insurance company myself?

    You can try. But picture it like playing chess against someone who’s been doing it for twenty years. Their job is to save their company money, not to save you stress. A Columbia car accident attorney can step in before you say something that hurts your claim. It’s one of the top car accident FAQs people ask after a crash.

  • What if the other driver has no insurance?

    It happens more than you’d think. You trade info and find out they don’t have coverage. That’s frustrating. But there’s still hope. Most South Carolina drivers have uninsured motorist coverage built into their own policy because South Carolina law requires drivers to have it. Check your paperwork or let your lawyer review it.

  • How much will a lawyer cost me?

    DSB Law Firm works on contingency. That means we only get paid if you win. Think of it as teamwork. You and your attorney both want the same result. Out of all the car accident FAQs, this one surprises people the most.

  • What proof actually matters?

    • Photos of the accident scene
    • Doctor’s notes and receipts
    • Text messages from work showing you missed shifts
    • A written note about what you remember

    Even the smell of smoke or the sound of glass breaking helps tell the story. These details can turn your memory into evidence.

  • What if part of it was my fault?

    Don’t panic. You’re not automatically out of luck. South Carolina law still lets you recover if you’re 50 percent or less responsible. Think of it like a sliding scale. Your share of fault reduces your payout, not your right to one.

  • How long does this process take?

    It depends. Some cases settle in a few weeks. Others move more slowly than traffic on I-26. The timeline depends on your injuries, medical treatment, and the level of persistence required from the insurance company. We also do not recommend settling until you receive all the medical treatment you need to get better. You only have one opportunity to settle a car accident case.

  • Do I really need a lawyer if it was just a minor fender bender?

    Maybe not. Maybe yes. Minor accidents sometimes cause real injuries. Back strains. Concussions.
    Whiplash that hits a day later. Discuss the issue with someone before assuming it’s too minor. Even small crashes often make their way into car accident FAQs because they can develop into larger claims.

  • How long do I have to file a claim?

    Usually, three years from the date of the crash. However, there are certain cases in South Carolina where you only have two years from the date of the crash. That’s plenty of time. But evidence disappears. Witnesses move. Videos get deleted. Don’t wait until next year to start gathering proof. In the future, you will thank yourself for moving quickly.
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