Like a large percentage of South Carolina residents chances are you will be traveling to spend time with family and friends over the holidays. This year an improved economy coupled with a noticeable drop in fuel prices will have more people on the road than since before the 2008 recession. Obviously with heavier traffic the chances of an automobile accident occurring increases exponentially. And since many of you will be traveling outside the state of South Carolina what happens if you’re involved in an accident in another state?
Automobile liability insurance is mandatory in all 50 states with the majority of states holding the at-fault driver responsible for medical expenses and property damage; but it is important to remember laws differ from state to state. Twelve states currently have no-fault automobile insurance. No-fault insurance was created in order to reduce the overall cost of auto insurance by limiting a person’s right to sue in case of an accident. The ability to sue is still in place but either monetary damages must reach a certain level or that state’s definition of “serious injury” has to have been met. It is also important to understand no-fault insurance coverage doesn’t include property damage and in order to recoup those losses, it may be necessary to file a civil suit. The remaining 38 states are considered fault states meaning the person who actually caused the accident is responsible for all physical injuries and damages, though in some cases multiple parties may be determined to be at fault.
If circumstances dictate legal counsel is required, an attorney who is licensed to practice in the state where the accident occurred must be retained. Often a strongly worded letter from a properly licensed attorney is enough to make an insurance company stand up and take notice. Once they see you have taken the time and “done your homework” by retaining the correct attorney, many insurers will be more willing to take your concerns seriously. But if this doesn’t sway them, then you already have legal representation in place for taking the next step and filing a lawsuit.
That is one of the benefits of discussing your case with the experienced professionals at the Dan Pruitt Law Firm. Mr. Pruitt is licensed to practice law not only in the state of South Carolina but North Carolina and Georgia and can provide federal representation in both South Carolina and western North Carolina. For example, you are involved in an accident in Charlotte, North Carolina; Mr. Pruitt and his firm can handle your entire case without having to involve another attorney.
Now, you might be thinking that sounds great but my accident happened as I was driving through Arkansas. What assurance do I have the Arkansas attorney I found online can take my case to a satisfactory conclusion? As a practicing attorney for over 20 years, Mr. Pruitt has built an extensive network of colleagues all across the nation that he can refer you to. This way you know you will be dealing with an attorney who specializes specifically in the areas of practice you require and also an attorney Mr. Pruitt feels confident in their abilities to handle your case.
Automobile accidents are always traumatic and circumstances become even more stressful when they occur while you’re away from home. Why not take a moment and put the Pruitt Law Firm’s telephone number, 864-232-4273 in your smart phone? While chances are you’ll never need us, the piece of mind knowing we are just a call away is priceless.