Hilton Head Island Area Car Accident Lawyer
Attorney Information for the Surrounding Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, & Beaufort South Carolina (SC) Area

Kiker Law Firm has handled literally thousands of personal injury matters - including car accident incidents in and around the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton area. We are experienced, capable and talented in handling these cases from beginning to end. 

Signficant injuries frequently occur from car accidents. Along with the immediate injuries sustained, many chronic conditions can also arise as a result. Insurance companies offer settlements that will pay for medical care during the acute stage of an injury, however they typically only offer a smalll fraction (if any) for long-term cost/life impact of the accident - including medical treatment, lost wages, rehabilation etc. Even those which do not involve life threatening/altering injuries or more complex legal questions are still typically defended by insurance companies at an aggressive level. Their adjustors are well-trained and extremely adept in ways of how to deny claims which prevents you from being compensated what you actually deserve.

As an highly experienced practicing attorney in the personal injury field, J. Brent Kiker has built up strong relationships with physicians and other health care providers who can offer an expert assessment of the true short and long-term consequences and costs of the injuries substained to you. In instances where the Defendant’s insurer is unwilling to pay fair compensation for your injuries, he will prepare for and take your legal case to trial.  He has conducted multiple civil trials, and your case is safe in his hands.  He will get for you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
View Most Recent Personal Injury Settlements

Dedicated to the Client
We offer a free consultation and evaluation of your case. Simply call us at (843) 842-7300 or complete a free consultation form online. We'd be happy to talk with you and assist in making an informed decision regarding your accident and injury claim.

----------------------------------------------------------

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CAR ACCIDENTS IN THE HILTON HEAD AREA

If you’ve been in a car accident in or around the Hilton Head Island, South Carolina area, below are critical steps you should take in ensuring that you are full compensated for your property as well any injuries and medical treatments (current & future) which are incurred as a result.

At the Accident Scene:

• Stay at the scene of the accident until police have arrived and departed;
• Confirm that you have the name of the officer(s) and that you have given your version of what transpired.
• Ensure you exchange names, addresses, driver's license and insurance information with the driver of the other vehicle. 
• Use a camera or cell phone camera to detail the damage to the vehicles involved.
• If other witnesses were present, make an attempt to document their contact information; they may be indispensible to you if the other driver disputes your version of the accident. 
• Review your policy to make sure of your coverage and make a list of questions and related information you want to know. 
• Limit your conversation of the accident to only the police, your insurance agent and/or an attorney. It is also critical to never admit any fault or liability.

After the Accident:

• Immediately Contact Your Insurance Company
  Report the accident to your insurance company in fullest detail and provide an evidence . Be honest. If the insurance company learns that you have misrepresented facts surrounding the accident there can be serious consequences, including denial of coverage.
• Take photographs of any and all damage to your property as soon as possible.
• Keep Records and Receipts of All Medical Treatment

Make sure to also follow your doctor’s instructions for medication and treatment therapy.

• Get an estimate from your insurance company on your property damages
  If you feel the estimate is too low, you can get two independent estimates from dealers for repair or cost of replacement. Provide these estimates to your insurance adjuster for negotiation. If you can the adjuster cannot agree on the value of your damages,  then you can proceed to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) or hire an attorney.
• Only discuss the incident with the police, your attorney and your insurance provider. 
• Do not sign a settlement waiver until you have been fully compensated for any current and future damages.
  It is important to make certain any injuries you may have suffered have been treated in full and that you have a doctor's opinion of your status. There are multiple injuries which might not be revealed or reach their greatest discomfort until many days, weeks, or months after the accident. It is important to never settle a claim until you know you will be compensated for all of your injuries, and consult an attorney before signing any documents pertaining to settlement.

Consider hiring an attorney
Car Accidents cases are rarely simple in nature. Cases which do not involve life threatening/altering injuries or more complex legal questions are still typically defended by insurance companies at an aggressive level. Insurance company adjustors are well-trained and extremely adept in ways of how to deny claims which prevents you from being compensated what you actually deserve.

It would be wise to seek obtain advice from an attorney when: liability is uncertain or is shared among the parties, you do not know how to assess your claim, the claim adjuster has requested you provide medical records from prior to the accident, the claim adjuster made you an offer you disagree with, the claim adjuster proposed a structured settlement rather than a lump sum payment, you need assistance with negotiating a settlement, and/or you have a claim of lost wages that is difficult to prove.  

It is critical to consult an attorney when there are mitigating circumstances which yields your claim as more valuable and you need assistance establishing your loss, the insurance company has denied your claim, you disagree with their denial, and they will not reconsider, you are seriously injured with considerable medical bills, you are reasonably injured with remaining disability and will incur future medical bills, the injured party is a minor with more than trivial injuries, liability is unclear and you do not believe you are accountable or are only moderately responsible for the accident, almost a year has passed since your accident, you’re claim has not been settled, and you are unclear of the statute of limitations is in your state, the circumstances surrounding the accident are complex and may require expert investigation, and/or the other party to the accident has served you with a lawsuit.