SPEAK DIRECTLY WITH AN ATTORNEY NOW! (843) 900-1306

Blog

$500.00 to $25,000.00: A Case Study In Why You Should Hire an Attorney Following Your Charleston, SC and Summerville, SC Auto Accident.

Posted by Jay McMillian | Jun 26, 2018 | 0 Comments

THE MCMILLIAN LAW FIRM - OFFERING COMPASSIONATE AND AGGRESSIVE LEGAL SERVICES FOR VICTIMS OF AUTO ACCIDENTS IN CHARLESTON, SC AND SUMMERVILLE, SC

In pursuing my life's dream of being a lawyer, sometimes I must confront the reality that many days that are spent chasing that dream are not very glamorous. In being the best lawyer I can be, I must treat everyday that I am buried in paperwork with the same passion and principle that I treat any day that I am in the courtroom. The success of any lawyer's practice is directly proportional to the work ethic of the attorney. It is that simple. That being said, there are days, just like today, where I can finish a case, shake the hand of the client, and see that the passion that I have applied to my practice does bring about tangible results.

I often use my articles to help everyday folks understand the law, the legal process, and how the services of an attorney can help navigate that minefield. Today, I want to use my time to tell a more personal and tangible story. This article will not cite statutes or case law or explain a complicated legal theory. The following story I am about to share is true and is meant to drive home the positive influence the right attorney can have on your personal injury claim and your life. 

This story begins in January when I received a frantic call from a young lady who had been in an accident a few days prior. She called me for some cursory advice on what she should do about the accident since she was hit by an uninsured driver who was on a suspended license. The young woman walked me through the facts of what happened, including how she contacted law enforcement and gave a description of the car that hit her. Then she asked me a few questions about her insurance company wanting a recorded statement from her (which I advised against). Finally, she brought up something the insurance company had told her over the phone and I nearly dropped to my knees . . .

The insurance company offered her $500.00, sight unseen, to settle any potential future claims for bodily injury . . . Yes, they offered her $500.00 immediately upon notifying them of the claim to release them from any further liability. 

I immediately told her by no means to accept that offer. We continued our friendly chat and I explained to her the process by which a claim against her own policy would work. She had mentioned that she still had headaches so I suggested she at least go to the ER to get checked out. I asked her to follow up with me following her ER visit if she had any further questions or need for advice.

The McMillian Law Firm is known for compassionate and effective legal representation. Call us now at (843) 900-1306 or use the online form to schedule your free no-obligation case evaluation today.

The next morning, the young lady calls me back. She mentioned that upon hearing my advice, she immediately went to the Emergency Room to get checked out. She informs me that the accident that she thought was not that severe had actually caused severe whiplash. In addition to the continuing severe headaches, she had begun to suffer nausea overnight and was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. She asked if we could meet to further discuss her options. We met later that day and she hired me to handle her personal injury claim. The symptoms she suffered continued for approximately 10 more days and required one return visit to the hospital. 

Not to get too bogged down in the processing of her claim, but I immediately began to build her file and contacted her insurer to push on the processing of this claim. Well, long story short, today we paid out the settlement on that claim from this accident . . . 

For $25,000.00 . . . I repeat . . . $25,000.00

Now I want to be crystal clear, a settlement of $25,000.00 in the world of personal injury law is not that large, this would be considered to be on the smaller side of all claims. But the point of me sharing this with you is this . . . Simply by picking up the phone and calling an attorney before allowing the insurance company to force release of any injury claims, my client increased her settlement by 50 times the original offered settlement following the accident.

A FIFTY FOLD INCREASE FROM $500.00 TO $25,000.00 BECAUSE SHE TOOK A MINUTE TO CALL A LAWYER!

This story is proof positive of everything I preach to potential clients and the public at large. Never assume you are physically OK. Never assume that your claim is small and not worth a lawyer's time. Pick up the phone, call a lawyer, go meet with a lawyer. Get professional advice before making any assumptions about your claim or before striking any deal with the insurance company.

THE MCMILLIAN LAW FIRM - DEDICATED TO SERVING INJURY VICTIMS IN CHARLESTON, SC AND SUMMERVILLE, SC 

As a Car Accident and Personal Injury lawyer in my solo practice, I will take all necessary steps to protect your rights and earn just compensation for you as a result of your accident. Through my efforts, I can bring about much needed financial relief to a victim who may be suffering from serious injuries and permanent disability. Being a small firm allows you to have direct access to your lawyer during this entire process, with open lines of communication as we work together towards a viable solution to your specific case. 

Being an experienced personal injury attorney, I have experience dealing with insurance companies. I also know where the courthouse is and will not be afraid to call the insurance company to the mat in front of a judge and jury if necessary.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or due to the negligent or reckless acts of another in Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, James Island, West Ashley, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, North Charleston, or any of the other fine communities of the Low Country, and need to meet with an experienced personal injury lawyer, please contact me to set up your free case evaluation today. Let me help prevent you from being taken advantage of by the insurance company. I am serious and I am here for you! Contact The McMillian Law Firm today @ 843-900-1306

About the Author

Jay McMillian

Background I chose to build my law practice in the areas of Car Accident and Personal Injury because these areas of the law are the most accurate reflection of my values and my upbringing. Being the son of a breakfast hostess and a retired US Army Sargent turned construction worker, the values instilled upon me by my par...

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

The McMillian Law Firm

Attorney Jay McMillian operates a solo practice with an emphasis on two core principles. First, to provide competent legal advice in the areas of Auto Accident and Personal Injury Law to the people he is proudest to serve, the people of the South Carolina Low Country. Second, to provide the most personal and intimate service to each and every client and give them the attention and compassion that they deserve while going through the stress and strain of negotiating or litigating an injury claim. If you live in Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Goose Creek, James Island, Walterboro, Moncks Corner, and you or someone you love has been injured by the negligence of another, please call Jay at The McMillian Law Firm today.

The McMillian Law Firm
(800) 861-3096 (fax)
Mon: 08:30am - 05:00pm
Tue: 08:30am - 05:00pm
Wed: 08:30am - 05:00pm
Thu: 08:30am - 05:00pm
Fri: 08:30am - 05:00pm

Menu