f you’ve been injured in a car accident in Lexington or Columbia, South Carolina, one of the first calls you may receive is from the other driver’s insurance company. They may sound helpful or concerned, but don’t be fooled—their real goal is to protect their bottom line, not yours.
Their Job is to Deny or Minimize Your Claim
When the accident wasn’t your fault, it might seem harmless to speak to the other driver’s insurance company. But remember: their job is to limit how much they pay you—or avoid paying anything at all. Insurance adjusters are trained to look for ways to deny or reduce your claim. They may ask confusing questions, pressure you into quick decisions, or get you to say things that can later be used against you.
Many times, they’ll offer a lowball settlement just days after the crash—before you know the full extent of your injuries, medical costs, or time missed from work. Accepting one of these quick payouts can permanently affect your right to recover full compensation. If you're wondering why, read about why you shouldn't accept the first settlement offer after a wreck.
A Single Mistake Can Cost You
If you speak with the insurance company and leave out important details, or say something that sounds like you were partially at fault, it can be used to devalue your case. South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule, so any percentage of fault they can assign to you may directly reduce what you’re entitled to recover.
It’s not just what you say—but how and when you say it. These conversations often happen on cell phones while people are driving, shopping, working, or dealing with family matters. It’s easy to become distracted or overwhelmed and make a statement you didn’t mean, especially when you haven’t had the chance to talk to an attorney first. To get a better understanding of the legal process, read about what to expect after a car accident in South Carolina.
You Have Rights After a Car Accident in Lexington or Columbia, SC
If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence—whether it was an individual or a business—you may be entitled to:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Possible punitive damages
Other damages allowed by law
To better understand your options, speak with a Lexington, SC personal injury lawyer who can explain how South Carolina law protects your rights and what steps to take next. If you live in the Midlands and need legal help after a serious collision, our Columbia, SC car accident attorney is available to review your case for free.
Don’t Risk Your Case—Talk to a Lawyer First
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we have been helping injured South Carolinians for over 20 years. We understand how insurance companies operate—and how to protect your rights every step of the way.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Lexington, Columbia, or anywhere in the Midlands, don’t talk to the other insurance company before talking to us. We offer free consultations with a South Carolina injury lawyer and there is no obligation to hire us after speaking with an attorney.
Call us now at (803) 359-3301 to schedule your free consultation. Let us handle the insurance company—so you can focus on healing.