But what happens during a personal injury trial exactly? Keep reading and learn all the details behind a personal injury trial in SC. 

Jury Selection

Jury selection is the first and one of the most important parts of a personal injury trial. Legal representatives take on the responsibility of selecting citizens from the jury pool to serve on the jury. Jury selection is a complex process in which legal representatives need to question potential jurors to see if they would make a good fit for the jury. 

The judge will ask questions of the potential jurors to determine if they have any personal biases towards the case at hand. The judge will also ask if the potential jurors have had any experiences that are similar to the one featured in the personal injury case. If lawyers on either side of the case find that a potential juror has some kind of bias that would prevent him or her from being a good juror, that person will be excused. This is because it is of utmost importance that jurors be as objective as possible. If a potential juror is not able to be impartial because they have experienced an event similar to the case at hand or if the person is already rooting for one side, this would destroy the potential juror’s ability to remain impartial to the case. 

Jury selection may take a while, depending on the pool of people the legal representatives are choosing from. Once the representatives choose enough people for the jury, it will be time to move on to the next phase: opening statements.

The Opening Statements 

There will be two opening statements at the beginning of a personal injury trial. One opening statement will come from the plaintiff’s attorney while the other will come from the defendant’s lawyer. The plaintiff’s attorney gives their opening statement first. This opening statement also tends to be longer since it needs to involve the details of the personal injury case and the injuries at hand. 

It is the plaintiff’s objective to explain to the jury the full extent of the damages and injuries involved in the case and how the defendant is liable. That way, the jury can understand the full story as told from the plaintiff’s side. After the plaintiff gives the first opening statement, the defendant’s attorney will then give their opening statement. 

This defendant’s opening statement will typically be slightly shorter but it will give the defendant the opportunity to offer their version of the facts of the case.

Witness Testimony 

After the opening statements of the trial, it will be time to bring in any evidence and witnesses.  The plaintiff will be the first to bring out evidence and explain the importance of the evidence to the jury.  To strengthen the power of the evidence, witnesses are brought in to testify as to their knowledge of the facts and evidence.  In some cases, expert witnesses may also be hired or called to testify at the trial.  Each witness will be sworn in and profess to tell only the truth in their testimony. 

Each witness will be directly examined and may also be cross-examined by the opposite party. Whatever the case, the goal of examining a witness’s testimony is to identify the details of the testimony and how it applies to the case. It is during the cross-examination that the witness’s testimony is often questioned for its credibility.  In some cases, the testimony might even be discredited entirely.  In some cases, there may be an opportunity for another direct examination of the witness known as a re-direct examination. 

Closing Arguments and the Verdict

After going through all the witness testimonies and the evidence, it will be time for the closing arguments. The closing is both a summary of all the main points of the trial and an argument about how each side thinks the jury should decide the case. From there, it will be time for the jury to deliberate after receiving legal instructions from the judge. 

The deliberation process may take a while, depending on the trial. In some cases, the process may take an hour or so. In other cases, it may last much longer.

Whatever the case, once the deliberation is finished, the jurors will come to a verdict. If the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, there is the possibility of the case ending in what is called a hung jury, in which case, the case will have to be tried again. 

Hire a Personal Injury Attorney for Your Trial

Now that you know all about the main steps of a personal injury trial in SC., you should now know how important it is to have a great personal injury trial attorney on your side. For personal injury-specific cases, we even offer a free case review. To learn more, contact us here.

Around 6 million car accidents happen on U.S. roads every year. This results in around 3 million injuries and billions of dollars in medical bills and car repairs. 

Many people try to get compensation through the other driver’s insurance. However, most insurance companies try to lower their costs by offering as little money as possible. Worse, states have different laws regarding filing a lawsuit. So, the law in your home state may differ from the one in the state where the wreck happens.

That’s why having a personal injury attorney helps. Below, we’ll go into what you should do when you’re in a wreck in another state. Keep reading to make sure you get the financial compensation you deserve!

1. Assess the Damage

As soon as you become aware that you’ve gotten into a wreck, you should assess the damage. Start by checking on yourself and the other people in your vehicle. Then, if it’s safe to get out, go check on the people in the other car.

If anyone has been injured, call 911 right away. Request an ambulance and follow the directions of the operator. 

Even if you think no one has been injured, you should request a police officer come to take a report. The police report provides an unbiased assessment of what happened. It will get used in insurance claim investigations, and it can help identify witnesses and key details about the crash. If you choose to sue the other driver, your personal injury attorney will likely want to see the police report as part of the investigation process.

Take pictures of the damage to the vehicles, the scene, and anything else relevant to the wreck. Good pictures are invaluable for helping the lawyer handling your case.

2. Call Insurance Companies

Once you have handled any emergencies, swap insurance information with the other driver. You should keep an insurance card in your wallet and glove compartment in your vehicle. That way, you have it with you when you need it.

Take a picture of the other person’s insurance information so you can have it for future reference.

Then, call their insurance company. Let the person on the other end of the line know that you’ve been in a wreck with one of their policyholders. Give the person the name of the policyholder as it’s printed on the card. You’ll likely get asked about how the wreck happened. 

You can also phone your own insurance company. This can help you for several reasons. First, the other driver will probably call your company and give their side of the story. Your insurance company will then open an investigation to determine whether you’re at fault for the wreck. If you give them your side of the story, they’ll have a more balanced view of what happened.

The insurance companies will want you to take pictures of the damage. Then, you’ll send these images to the insurance companies so they can use them in their investigations.

3. Call a Personal Injury Attorney

Next, you’ll want to call a personal injury attorney. In most situations, you will need someone who practices law in the state and location where your accident happened. That way, the lawyer will have the knowledge necessary to help you navigate local laws.

It’s best to call a wreck attorney as soon as possible. Most states have statutes of limitation that give you a timeframe in which you can file a lawsuit. The length of time varies, so it is important to act quickly to preserve your rights.

How to Choose a Personal Injury Attorney

Yet, not every lawyer will serve you equally well. So, you need to know how to choose a personal injury attorney.

Your first step should involve using a search engine to look for “car accident lawyers near me.” If you’re still in the area where you had the wreck, your device should use your location to pull up lawyers near you. However, if you’ve returned to your home state, you should use the phrase “car accident lawyers in *area of the wreck*.” 

Then, your device will pull up lawyers in that region.

Do your research on each attorney. Look at their websites to make sure they handle car accident injury cases. You should also check out their lawyer qualifications and see if they’ve had success in their past cases. Then, read reviews from past clients. 

Most lawyers offer free consultations to potential clients, too. These meetings are free of obligation. So, you don’t have to hire that lawyer if you don’t end up liking them. 

During the consultation, you can describe your case to the lawyer and ask them questions about the process. 

4. Follow the Lawyer’s Recommendations

After the consultation, you and the lawyer can choose to work together. Once you hire an attorney, you should follow their recommendations.

Before filing personal injury claims, the attorney will investigate. They will learn about the circumstances surrounding the case. The legal team will want to talk to you and any eyewitnesses. They may also want to see your medical records and speak to your doctor if you’ve suffered a car accident injury.

You should supply all the information your lawyer requires. Doing so will help the investigation go in a smoother manner.

After the investigation, the lawyer will contact the other driver’s insurance company and make a demand for a settlement. The insurance company will either submit a settlement offer or refuse to. If you accept their settlement, the case will finish here. If they don’t offer a settlement or you reject their offer, your lawyer will file a lawsuit.

Then, the process will enter the discovery phase. Both sides will investigate the case now and share their findings to ensure a fair outcome. The insurance company can submit settlement offers throughout this process. If you accept a settlement, the case will conclude without going to trial. If both sides fail to settle, the case will be set for trial.

Need a Car Accident Attorney?

If you need a top lawyer in Florence, SC, Hofler Law Firm is your best choice. 

As a personal injury attorney, Jack Hofler approaches his clients with compassion and care. He incorporates authenticity and empathy with a drive to get you the justice you need. He doesn’t just strive for victories; he also tries to create impactful and supportive relationships with his clients.

Ready to get the representation you need? Contact us today!

You never saw it coming, but accidents happen, and now you have to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial struggles that come after. Whether you were hurt in an accident at work, on the road, or if you’re dealing with a wrongful death, you don’t have to face it alone. 

When you seek the help of a personal injury attorney, they will fight for you and help you recover by getting you the compensation you deserve. 

However, you want to make sure you have a lawyer on your side who genuinely cares about you and your case. You want a lawyer who is authentic, compassionate, and committed. Here are some questions you may want to ask before you hire someone to handle your personal injury claim. 

What is your experience like? 

There are various types of personal injury cases, and you want to make sure your lawyer is comfortable handling your specific case.

There are many types of personal injury cases, including:

• Car and motorcycle accidents
• Slips and falls
• Trucking accidents
• Dog bites
• Wrongful death

Experience is more than the number of years a lawyer has worked in the field. It’s also about the types of cases they’ve handled in their time helping clients. It’s a good idea to ask your lawyer about qualifications for added peace of mind. 

Do they specialize in personal injury? Do they have experience dealing with insurance companies? 

Most personal injury cases are settled before the trial, but if your case goes to court, are they prepared to try the case in front of a jury? 

You want to feel confident that your lawyer has the knowledge and skills to back you up. However, you shouldn’t base your decision solely on how many years they’ve been in business. 

Is This a Small Firm or a Large Firm?

Many people assume that the larger the firm, the better their chances, but this simply isn’t true. There are many benefits to visiting a smaller office to discuss your case. 

A smaller office offers the benefit of having more time with your lawyer. You’ll receive the compassion and attention that you deserve. You can form a good relationship with your lawyer and truly trust that they have your back. 

Small personal injury cases can sometimes get buried at a bigger firm. Another downside to large offices is that you don’t receive as much attention. Your case may not see as much care. 

Insurance companies are aware that your case may not receive as much attention at a large firm, and they may offer lower settlement offers as a result. 

You need someone to fight for you and get the best settlement offer possible. 

How Will I Participate? 

Your personal injury attorney will handle most of the tasks associated with your case, but you want to ensure you can communicate with them. Keeping up to date on your case is an important part of the process. 

Ask them how you can stay in touch as the case progresses. What’s their availability, and how can you reach them if you have questions or concerns? Will you be able to talk directly with your lawyer when you need to?

The best personal injury lawyer will be there for you throughout the process. They should be happy to answer your questions, and they should also return your calls or messages in a timely manner. 

How Much Do You Charge? 

The majority of personal injury law firms use a contingency fee system. They’ll handle upfront costs and won’t charge you a fee if there’s no recovery. 

The fee is a percentage of the amount recovered. In contingency fee cases, if you lose the case, you don’t owe a fee. 

A contingency fee is especially appropriate in personal injury cases because it gives the lawyer “skin in the game.” 

Case Expenses

It can be expensive for a lawyer to prepare a case from start to finish. It is typical for personal injury lawyers to pay for case expenses up front and to seek reimbursement from a settlement or verdict later. 

Do You Offer a Free Consultation? 

If you’re wondering how to choose a personal injury attorney, the best way to determine which law firm is a good fit is with a consultation. 

Your initial consultation should be free. Most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation, as they learn all the details of your accident and your injuries and gather additional necessary information. 

If you’re debating whether you need to hire a personal injury lawyer, read our article on questions you should ask and the benefits of hiring an attorney for help. 

If you’re facing steep medical bills or your insurance adjuster is trying to settle the case for very little money, you could greatly benefit from the help of a lawyer. 

Jack Hofler: Your Personal Injury Attorney

When seeking a personal injury attorney, you want to work with someone that’s compassionate and dedicated to your case. If you ask the above questions, you can rest assured you’ve found the top lawyer in Florence, SC. 

Jack Hofler is proud to help the people of Florence and the Pee Dee region. Hofler Law Firm is here for you, and we can’t wait to help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Call us or send a message to set up a meeting and get a free, no-obligation consultation.*

*Free consultation does not apply to family law cases. 

South Carolina’s beautiful weather makes this a great place for riding bicycles. Unfortunately, whenever cars and bikes share the roads, this can lead to accidents involving bicyclists.

Bicycle accidents can be very serious, resulting in injury and even death. Bicycle accidents may give rise to a personal injury claim.

Types of Bicycle Accidents

There are many types of bicycle accidents and many reasons an accident may occur. Liable parties may include the following: 

Negligent Motorists

An accident may occur when a distracted, careless, or drunk driver does not see a bicyclist. When a driver does not follow the rules of the road with riders, they are being negligent. Common mistakes include failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to yield to a bike, rear-ending a cyclist, or passing too closely.

Businesses and Corporations

If the driver was working when he hit you, the business may share liability for the accident.

States, Towns, or Municipalities

These entities may be held liable when poor road design or conditions increase the risk to cyclists. If poor maintenance of roadway surfaces or vegetation along the roadway caused an accident, the government entity may bear some liability.

Rights of Cyclists

South Carolina law gives the same rights and duties to bicyclists as to drivers.

Collecting Damages After a Bicycle Accident

An experienced attorney can ensure you receive full compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced as a part of the accident. There are several types of damages you may be able to collect.

Economic Damages

You have the right to collect damages for past and future medical costs, past and future lost wages, and property damage (for example, replacing your bike).

Non-Economic Damages

You have the right to collect damages for physical, emotional, and psychological pain and suffering. This may also include your spouse’s claims for loss of consortium or companionship.

Wrongful Death

In the event that the accident caused the death of the cyclist, the family may collect damages for wrongful death.

When the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance

Even though SC law requires all drivers to have insurance, unfortunately, many still do not. Even if they have insurance, it is often not enough. 

A personal injury attorney will work with you to investigate all potential sources of insurance coverage to maximize the amount of available insurance to cover your loss. 

Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents

Unfortunately, sometimes a driver flees the scene of an accident rather than stopping to help the cyclist and take responsibility. 

You may be able to draw on coverage from your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. An experienced attorney can help you find and pursue available insurance coverage.

At Hofler Law Firm, we can help you find out what you are entitled to under the law.

Talk to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in South Carolina

Contact Attorney Jack Hofler to review your case today. 

We offer a free consultation, and there is no obligation to sign up. You owe us nothing until we have resolved your case.* 

Fill out our online form or call us today at 843-799-0680.

*Free consultation does not apply to family law cases. 

Florence, SC Attorney Jack Hofler of Hofler Law Firm has again been named to the National Trial Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40” List for 2019.

What Qualifies an Attorney to the Top 40 List?

Membership on the Top 40 list is by invitation only to a few lawyers in each state. It only includes trial lawyers who practice civil plaintiff and/or criminal defense law. These select attorneys “exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership as a young lawyer under the age of 40.”

Jack Hofler is proud to be included among a group that “strives to encompass the knowledge, skill, experience and success held by only the best lawyers in America.”

Experienced Attorney in Florence, SC

Jack Hofler brings a wealth of experience to his practice. He spent seven years working with an established insurance defense law firm.

Since founding Hofler Law Firm, Jack has put that inside knowledge and experience with insurance companies to work helping injured people.

Florence, SC Attorney: Local and Community Minded

Jack grew up in Florence. He has spent his career working in South Carolina’s Pee Dee region and is proud to be located in downtown Florence. He has also worked on cases throughout the state of South Carolina.

“I am proud to be from South Carolina and serve the people of my home state.”

Jack puts his knowledge and passion to work outside of the office to give back to the Florence community in a variety of ways:

• Attorney Coach for the Wilson High School Mock Trial team and guest speaker for high school classes
• Lecturer on legal topics for Florence-Darlington Technical College’s “Lawyers for Non Lawyers” Course
• Board Member for Pee Dee Mental Health

Contact Hofler Law Firm

Let Attorney Jack Hofler put his experience to work for you. 

At Hofler Law Firm, we work with a variety of cases including personal injury, car and motorcycle wrecks, family law, workers’ compensation, and estate planning. 

Contact us to set up a free, no obligation consultation.

Unfortunately, drunk driving causes a large number of car accidents in South Carolina. This type of accident is preventable yet far too frequent. It is infuriating when another person’s poor choice causes your accident, especially when you are injured in the accident.

What can a victim of a drunk driving accident do?

What to Do After a DUI Car Accident

If you suspect the at-fault driver was intoxicated, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 to request law enforcement and an ambulance. 
2. Collect evidence. This may include pictures from the scene and witness information.
3. Request the other driver’s insurance information. Give it to your insurance company. However, do not discuss the accident with the driver.
4. You may not need immediate medical assistance. Still, don’t hesitate to see your doctor if you experience pain later. Sometimes, injuries surface in the days following the accident.

Consequences for Drunk Driving

Of course, there are consequences for intoxicated drivers. They may be charged with a DUI, or “driving under the influence.” 

SC Law states that it is illegal to drive if the “person’s faculties to drive a motor vehicle are materially or appreciable impaired.” This means an impaired person can be charged with DUI, even if their blood alcohol level is below the limit.

The consequences for DUI vary. The driver could have to enroll in a substance abuse treatment program. They may lose their license or face a large fine. They could even go to jail.

Of course, these consequences pale in comparison to those accident victims face. Aside from legal consequences, the driver may face a lawsuit.

Victims have the right to seek compensation following a DUI accident.

Drunk Driving is Negligence

All drivers owe a duty of care to other motorists on the road.

Driving intoxicated violates that duty of care. This is a clear example of negligence.

When this violation of the duty of care causes injuries in a crash, it can give rise to legal action. 

What Kinds of Damages Can a Victim of DUI collect?

You may be able to collect compensatory damages. These damages may include medical bills, compensation for pain and suffering, and payment for past or future lost wages. 

You may also collect punitive damages due to the other driver’s reckless behavior. 

In the event of a death, the victim’s loved ones may be able to collect damages. This is known as wrongful death.

Read more about the types of damages injury victims may collect here.  

How Can an Attorney Help after a DUI Car Accident?

An attorney can help collect damages from the other driver. 

There are several issues that a personal injury attorney will focus on to build your case:

• The fact that the other driver was impaired and caused the crash
• A link between your injuries and the crash
• The impact of the collision on your life
• The value of your pain and suffering as a result of your injuries 

At Hofler Law Firm, we specialize in helping victims of injuries collect the damages they deserve. To do this, we’ll compile evidence including police reports, witness statements, and photographs from the scene. We may consult with accident reconstruction experts. Also, we’ll use your medical records and bills to assess the cost of the accident to you.

Who Can Be Sued After a DUI Accident?

Drunk driving laws in South Carolina hold all responsible parties accountable for a victim’s injuries. These parties may include:

• The intoxicated driver who caused the accident.
• Bars, restaurants, or stores that served the alcohol. It is illegal in SC to serve alcohol to a customer who is obviously under the influence (known as Dram Shop Liability).
• Social hosts, in the case of adults serving alcohol to minors.

An experienced attorney will ensure that all responsible parties compensate you for your injuries. Call 843-799-0680 to discuss your options with Attorney Jack Hofler.

What if the Drunk Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the other driver has no insurance or not enough insurance, you may still have options.

An experienced attorney can help you make a claim on your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Contact Hofler Law Firm to find out more information.

Call an Experienced SC Drunk Driving Attorney

At Hofler Law Firm, we will hold the at-fault driver responsible for your injuries or the death of a loved one. 

Contact us at our online form or call our office at 843-799-0680. We offer a free, no obligation meeting to discuss your case.

South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, or UIM, in their car insurance policy. If you are injured in a car wreck caused by a negligent driver without insurance, you may be able to draw on this coverage.

Let’s take a look at what this coverage is and some of the circumstances in which you may use it.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is a part of your own insurance coverage if you’re a South Carolina driver. It can apply in several circumstances. The most common instance is when the at-fault driver doesn’t have car insurance at all.

Yes, it is the law that all drivers carry insurance.

Unfortunately, there are still many uninsured drivers on South Carolina roadways.

How Do I Know if the Other Driver Has Insurance?

You should ask immediately after a car accident whether or not the at-fault driver has insurance.

Exchange insurance company information with the driver at the scene. You will want to call their insurance company as soon as possible to report the claim and ensure the coverage is still active.

Don’t panic if the driver shows you a card that is expired. Sometimes people renew the policy but forget to replace the card in their car. Write down the information and call the insurance company to check.

The police officer who investigates the scene will fill out an accident report and will also inquire about insurance.

You may want to read this blog post for other tips about what to do following a car accident.

When Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Apply?

There are several instances when you might be able to use your uninsured motorist coverage:

1.      An uninsured driver causes your car accident
2.      An uninsured driver hits you as a pedestrian or cyclist
3.      You are the victim of a hit and run accident
4.      A “phantom” driver is at fault in an accident (for example, someone ran you off the road and kept going, possibly even unaware of your accident)

A Few Tips for Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage Claim

When you make a claim involving uninsured motorist coverage, you are essentially going against your own insurance company. An insurance adjuster is in the business of saving the insurance company money. The adjuster may try to avoid paying your claim or try to pay much less than it is worth.

There are a few things to keep in mind to get the most out of your uninsured motorist claim:

1. File your claim as soon as possible after you are done treating. If you make the claim before then, you risk settling the claim for less that it is actually worth. On the other hand, the longer you wait after treating, the more likely the insurance adjuster will question the validity of the claim.
2. Get contact information for any witnesses. Reliable witnesses can verify that what you’re saying is true.
3. Find out how much uninsured coverage is actually available. In some cases, you can stack the coverage for multiple vehicles. An experienced attorney can look at your policy and ensure you claim the maximum coverage possible.
4. Do not let your insurance company take an overly adversarial position to your claim. Insurance companies have a duty to handle claims in good faith. If they don’t, your attorney can help you navigate what to do.

Do I Need an Attorney to Make a Claim on UIM Coverage?

You may think you don’t need an attorney to take advantage of the uninsured motorist coverage with your own insurance company after an accident. However, you may also find that your insurance company isn’t too eager to pay your claim, even after years of you paying them your premiums for this very coverage.

An experienced attorney can help you navigate the waters of this coverage, especially if you suspect your insurance company is refusing to help you.

Free Initial Consultation with Hofler Law Firm

We have just scratched the surface of what’s involved with uninsured motorist coverage. Each case is unique.

To discuss the details of your case with Attorney Jack Hofler, call (843) 799-0680 or contact him on our online form. Your initial consultation is free, and there is no obligation to sign up.*

*Free consultation does not apply to family law cases.

Previously, I wrote a post warning about the dangers of texting and driving. In this post I will talk more specifically about what you should know if a texting driver caused your automobile or motorcycle accident in South Carolina.

The Law in SC: Texting and Driving

Texting is not only unsafe but also illegal in South Carolina.

There is no law against handheld or hands free calls. Drivers may also legally use their phone’s navigation system and summon emergency assistance. Even though some uses of a cell phone while driving are not illegal, they can contribute to a driver’s carelessness and negligence in an accident.

Typical Accidents Involving Texting Drivers

There are several common accidents that a texting driver might cause:

• Rear-end collisions because the driver is looking down and slams into the car in front
• Head-on collisions because the driver is looking down and drifts into oncoming traffic
• Accidents where the driver “didn’t see” the victim in time–These accidents may involve another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a bike.

Texting While Driving Is Negligence

Texting that causes an accident is a form of negligence. Drivers have a “duty of care” to the other drivers on the road. All drivers have the legal obligation to keep a proper look out for other drivers and pedestrians.

A driver who is using a phone makes this choice intentionally and puts other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians at risk.

A texting driver may be held liable for your injuries in an accident. Of course, you must prove that the person was using his or her phone at the time of the accident.

Can I Prove the Other Driver Was Texting?

To prove negligence, you must show that the other person was in fact using the phone. This is not always easy.

Eyewitness testimony can help show that the at-fault driver was holding a phone at the time of the collision. Once a lawsuit has been filed, your lawyer can send a subpoena to the other driver’s cell phone provider to request their telephone records. These records may show data, like the times of incoming and outgoing texts and calls.

Building Your Case Against a Texting Driver

If a driver on the phone caused your accident, keep these tips in mind:

1. Call the police to come to the scene and create an accident report. Give a detailed account of what happened. Document the accident scene and your injuries with cell phone photographs while you wait for law enforcement to arrive.
2. If you saw the other driver on the phone prior to or during the accident, let the reporting officer know. It is even better if a witness can confirm the driver was on the phone. The officer will include this information in the accident report. The driver may receive a citation for breaking a South Carolina driving law.
3. Of course, you should seek necessary medical attention and call your insurance company immediately. You should also consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Witness statements are more credible soon after an accident, and cell phone companies keep data for a limited amount of time. Therefore, it’s important for a lawyer to begin working on your case as soon as possible.

These tips will help specifically with proving the negligence of a texting driver. Consult my Car Accident Checklist for more helpful information.

Do I Need an Attorney?

An experienced personal injury attorney can gather the pretrial evidence necessary to pursue your case. An attorney has knowledge about the types of damages you may be able to collect and will strive to reach the highest possible settlement or judgment for you. Your case may be worth more than you think.

Involved in a Collision Due to Texting and Driving?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident with a texting driver, consult with a personal injury attorney immediately. Hofler Law Firm helps drivers in South Carolina who have been injured in car and motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, and other types of personal injuries.

Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to see how Attorney Jack Hofler can serve you.*

*Free consultation does not apply to family law cases.

There are several reasons you may want to hire a personal injury attorney:

1. Your injuries are serious, and/or your medical bills are significant.
2. The insurance company isn’t treating you fairly.
3. The other driver isn’t accepting responsibility.
4. You’re busy and don’t have enough time.

We’ll look at each of these. First, let’s discuss what most people are wondering after an injury.

Can I Handle My Personal Injury Claim Myself?

It’s not always clear if you need a lawyer after an accident. Some people do handle claims on their own. However, think hard about each of the questions below before attempting to handle this process alone.

When in doubt, contact Hofler Law Firm for a free, no obligation consultation. We will review the details and let you know if we can help you.

How Much are Your Medical Bills from the Injury?

Generally, the higher your medical bills are, the more you are entitled to recover. However, the higher your potential claim, the more resistance the insurance company may put up. Having an attorney on your side may discourage an insurance company from trying to settle your claim unfairly.

In many cases, lawyers can help get the most out of a claim by using their skill and experience to negotiate on behalf of injured people. Personal injury lawyers can help clients to find multiple sources of insurance coverage that the clients may never have known would be available. Personal injury lawyers can “quarterback” the investigation of your accident to help secure witness statements and doctor’s affidavits to present a strong argument for why you should get paid.

An experienced lawyer can take all the factors into account that determine the value of your case. It may be worth more than you think, and an attorney can help ensure you receive a fair settlement.

How has the Insurance Company Been Treating You?

Insurance companies are in the business of making money. Therefore, an insurance adjuster will try to settle your case for as little as possible.

Here are a few of the complaints I hear from clients regarding the difficulty of working alone with insurance companies:

• No one will return your calls.
• The insurance company won’t accept full blame for the accident.
• The adjuster argues that the injuries existed before the accident.
• The adjuster argues that there was too big of a gap in seeking medical attention after the accident.

An experienced attorney won’t let the insurance company give you the run around.

Has the Other Driver Admitted Fault?

If the other driver will not admit responsibility, it is up to you to prove their negligence. This can be tricky, especially since the insurance company will likely hire an attorney to represent the driver. An experienced attorney fighting for you can prove negligence and provide evidence.

Do You Have Enough Time?

You will have a lot of paperwork and phone calls to deal with if you settle the claim yourself. Typically, clients are thankful that their attorney handles the stress and details. Your most important focus should be getting well and moving on with your life.

What Does a Personal Injury Law Firm Do?

Here is what you should count on your personal injury attorney to do:

• Gather all documentation and witness testimony to prove your case
• Deal with the hassle of insurance companies
• Prove the other driver was at fault
• Fight to win the compensation you deserve

Free Consultation for Personal Injury

If you’re still unsure if you need an attorney or not, you should sit down with a personal injury attorney to discuss if he or she can help you.

Attorney Jack Hofler offers a free initial consultation.* There is no obligation to sign up. If you decide to hire Hofler Law Firm, we do not collect a fee until we’ve finished your settlement. Contact us today by calling (843) 799-0680.

*Free consultation does not apply to family law cases.

Severe weather creates dangerous driving conditions. However, wind and rain do not give negligent drivers a free pass after a car accident.

Here are some tips to stay as safe as possible and hopefully avoid a car accident during and after a severe weather event.

Avoid Driving During Severe Weather

No matter how good of a driver you are, high wind and rain can make your car do things it would not normally do. If you can, stay indoors and off of the roads. Try to plan your emergency preparations far enough in advance so that you can hunker down when the storm arrives.

If your area is under an evacuation order, leave and leave early. Hopefully you can avoid heavy traffic with panicked drivers.

Avoid Driving AFTER Severe Weather

Did you know that most fatalities occur as people take to the roadways after a storm?

There are many dangers following a storm. Roads may be flooded. As little as one foot of water can carry your car away. Roads may even be washed out. Electrical wires may be down across roadways. Trees and branches may still fall even after the winds die down. Night driving is especially dangerous when you can’t see downed electrical lines, limbs, or washed out roads.

For your safety, stay indoors until you hear reports on the news that roadways are safe and navigable. Also, emergency services and clean up crews can do their jobs more efficiently if they don’t also have to deal with unnecessary traffic and accidents.

Keep Your Vehicle Maintained

Vehicle maintenance is important all the time. However, this is especially true during severe weather. Here are a few automobile maintenance reminders to check before a storm hits:

• Replace windshield wipers when they no longer work effectively.
• Make sure that your tires have enough tread and enough air.
• Fill your car’s tank with gas.
• Check your battery.
• Keep a flashlight and first aid kit in your glove box.

Being prepared can keep you safe if you must drive in bad weather.

Watch Out for Other Drivers

You can’t prevent other people from driving in a negligent way. However, staying aware of your surroundings increases your chance of avoiding reckless drivers.

If you must drive during bad weather, try to keep your distance from other vehicles. Drive defensively but not aggressively.

Be Careful!

Aside from staying home during severe weather, the number one piece of advice I have is the obvious one: be careful.

Give yourself space away from other cars so that you have more time to react to the unexpected. Obey the rules of the road. They apply in all weather conditions.

Who is At Fault in Weather Related Accidents?

Few accidents can be blamed solely on the weather. Although every accident is different, many times there is an element of negligence from one of the drivers.

Extreme weather conditions do not excuse negligent driving.

Drivers have a duty to use “reasonable care” at all times, even during a storm. “Reasonable care” does vary depending on the severity of the weather. For example, sometimes slowing down might be enough. Other times, the weather might require you to pull off the road entirely.

Injured in a Car Accident During Bad Weather?

It may not matter how careful you are driving. Another driver’s carelessness can cause you to wreck. If another driver’s negligence during a storm causes your car accident, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries.

A car accident attorney can evaluate and make a claim to the insurance company based on the specific facts of your case.

Hofler Law Firm specializes in car accidents and other personal injury accidents in South Carolina. Contact us to set up a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your case.*

*Free consultation does not apply to family law cases.