Myths About Insurance Claims After a Car Accident

Many drivers think they have a contingency plan should they ever get into an accident — until it happens. The car accident rate in the U.S. is quite worrisome, with a national average of 1.33 deaths per 100 million miles driven. If you live in South Carolina, the numbers are even more troubling at 1.85 deaths, which is nearly 40% higher.

When you're dealing with odds like that, the last thing you need is bad information about what to do after a crash.

The Insurance Game

Insurance companies are counting on you believing certain myths about the claims process. In a state where car accidents are frequently deadly, falling for these myths can be costly.

The less you know about what to do after an accident in South Carolina, the easier the insurance company's job becomes. With that in mind, let's clear up some of the most persistent myths that color car accident cases.

Myth 1: You Can Handle Everything Without a Lawyer

Most people don't realize that handling your own claim takes more energy than letting a lawyer handle it. You'll need to gather evidence, coordinate with medical providers, interpret legal documents, and track deadlines, all while recovering from your injuries and tending to your daily duties.

It’s also important to remember that insurance adjusters aren't your friends — they're trained negotiators whose job is to pay you as little as possible.

A good car accident attorney will know the true value of an injury claim. They’ll know where to look for additional coverage, what arguments work with which insurance companies, and most importantly, what similar cases have settled for in the past.

Myth 2: An Early Offer Means a Fair Settlement

Insurance adjusters get bonuses for settling claims cheaply. Because of this, insurance companies often make quick settlement offers, hoping you'll take the money before you realize the full extent of your injuries. Don’t be blinded by the size of the check, especially if it's the first offer you receive. Let your car accident lawyer be the judge.

Myth 3: Time Is on Your Side

In South Carolina, you have a limited amount of time to deal with your claim. The insurance companies know exactly how this works, so they'll drag things out, hoping you'll miss deadlines or get desperate enough to take a lowball offer.

Even worse, vital evidence starts disappearing the moment after a crash. Skid marks fade, debris fields get picked up or scattered, witnesses move away, or forget what they saw, and even your own memory might get fuzzy. As such, waiting too long means risking your case quietly falling apart.

Myth 4: Full Coverage Means Full Protection

"Full coverage" is a very misleading term, as it sounds like it includes everything. The reality is that a policy marketed as "full coverage" might only include basic liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, leaving significant gaps in your protection.

Unfortunately, many drivers only discover these gaps after an accident when they're facing bills their insurance won't pay for.

True comprehensive protection requires multiple types of coverage working together: liability insurance for other people's injuries, collision coverage for your vehicle, comprehensive coverage for non-collision damage, uninsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage.

FAQ

What if the Other Driver Claims the Accident Wasn't Their Fault?

Get a police report and collect witness information immediately. Physical evidence and third-party accounts are crucial whenever fault is disputed.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit — there are exceptions, so it is very important to get the deadline information from an experienced attorney immediately. However, evidence becomes harder to gather as time passes, so it’s best not to delay.

Should I Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company?

Not without speaking to a lawyer first. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim or deny it outright.

What if I Can't Afford a Lawyer?

Most car accident attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. That way, accident victims don’t have to pay anything up front.

Get Professional Help With Your Claim

Don't let insurance company myths cost you the compensation you deserve. The seasoned team at Clore Law knows how to navigate these complex claims and protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.