From Atlantic to Pacific, Gee the Traffic is Terrific!

Personal Injury Consultation—South Carolina

Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays. This year, more people are driving home for the holidays than ever, wary of flights. Unfortunately, this also comes with more holiday traffic and accidents on the road. Even worse, New Year’s fatal holiday traffic accidents increase in the Southeast with the increased risk of being involved in a drunk driving accident. 

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you may want to take advantage of a consultation with a personal injury attorney at Hyde Law Firm, P.A. Contact the firm to discuss your accident and scheduling a consultation. 

What Can I Expect from an Initial Consultation?

An initial consultation is an opportunity for the attorney to determine what happened in the accident. The attorney will need to know how the accident occurred in as much detail as possible, as well as what has followed since the accident. At Hyde Law Firm, the consultation will be in person (although we are currently providing phone consultations upon request in light of Covid-19), and serves as an opportunity to determine if we are the right attorneys for you.  Initial consultations will always be with an attorney– our attorneys are not too busy to meet with you. 

What will the Attorney Need to Know?

Although the attorney will ask you a number of questions in your consultation, it is most important to recreate the accident. Taking time to think through the details of the accident before your meeting can help. Oftentimes, the shock of the accident can cause people to block out certain details, but taking time to jot down what happened or a diagram of the event can help you remember. Try to recall:

1. Specifically what the other driver did wrong 
2. Whether or not you may have also done something wrong 
3. What your injuries are and what type of treatment you’ve received.  For example: Did you go to the hospital? Have you gone to the doctor since? What have you been prescribed? Are you scheduled for additional treatment? What tests have been performed? Have you missed work? Do you have health insurance?

Be absolutely honest during your initial consultation.  Your conversation with the attorney is confidential. The attorney will need to know the good and bad facts upfront. If there are any facts that hurt your case, your attorney will need to know how to advise you to mitigate against those facts. For example, whether you were already suffering an injury to the same body part or if you’ve made a prior claim. 

What Should I Bring with Me?

Please bring as much information and documentation with you as possible. To discuss how the accident occurred, bring the following: your accident report; photographs or videos; eye witness information; other driver information; any tickets received; car insurance information for the other driver(s); your car insurance policy; and notes on any communication you’ve had with either insurance company. 

To discuss your injuries and medical treatment, please bring the following: any medical records since the accident such as emergency room discharge records; any doctor’s visits, etc.; and your health insurance information. Even if you believe the information is not relevant, bring it anyway and the attorney can make the determination. 

What is Next?

After the initial consultation, the attorney will determine whether or not you have a case. The attorney must consider who is at fault, whether or not there are personal injuries, and whether or not there is anyone to collect a judgment from regarding your damages. The attorneys at Hyde Law Firm are a knowledgeable team and will be honest with you regarding your potential case.  

If you do have a case, you will sign a representation or fee agreement with the law firm. Typically, personal injury cases are taken on a contingency basis, and you will want to discuss the firm’s policy regarding fees. 

How Long Will My Case Take?

This will depend on whether or not you are still in treatment for your injuries. If you are still being medically treated, it will be too soon to begin a settlement negotiation because the amount of your damages has not been determined—you are still incurring medical bills, and medical complications may still arise. It will also take time to obtain your medical records and all other information needed to develop your case. In the meantime, we will advise you on the best path forward and will be with you during this uncertain time. 

How Can I Get Started?

Contact Hyde Law Firm, P.A. today to set up your personal injury consultation. We are waiting to take your call at 864-804-6330 or visit our contact page here. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday!