After a car accident, many people believe the insurance company is there to "take care of everything." While adjusters may sound friendly and helpful, it's important to understand one fundamental truth: insurance companies are for-profit businesses — and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, not your best interests.
As attorneys who have spent years advocating for injury clients throughout South Carolina, we've seen how a lack of information can cost accident victims time, money, and peace of mind. Here are the things insurance companies don't want you to know — but that you absolutely deserve to understand.
1. Their First Offer Is Rarely Their Best Offer
Quick settlement offers often come before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept and sign a release, your case is typically over — no matter what medical complications arise later. Insurance companies count on people settling fast, before the true value of the claim becomes clear.
Serious injuries — including traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and soft-tissue injuries — can take weeks or months to fully manifest. Accepting a lowball offer too early can leave you paying out of pocket for treatment that should have been covered. Never sign anything without having an attorney review the offer first.
2. You Don't Have to Give a Recorded Statement Right Away
Adjusters often sound urgent when asking for a recorded statement, but you are not legally required to provide one immediately — especially to the other driver's insurance company. These stateents are carefully reviewed for inconsistencies that can be used to minimize or deny your claim later.
It is perfectly reasonable — and strongly advisable — to wait until you understand your rights or until you've spoken with an experienced car accident attorney. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the claims process.
3. They May Downplay Your Injuries
Soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and chronic pain are routinely dismissed as "minor" by insurance adjusters — even when they seriously affect your ability to work and live your daily life. Adjusters may question your treatment timeline or suggest you're "fine" simply because you didn't go to the emergency room the same day as the accident.
The reality is that delayed-onset injuries are common after car accidents. Whiplash, herniated discs, and concussion symptoms can take days to appear. Your pain is real, it deserves to be thoroughly documented, and it deserves to be taken seriously in your claim.
Common Injuries Insurance Companies Try to Minimize
- Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries — frequently dismissed despite causing lasting pain and restricted movement
- Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries — symptoms like cognitive fog and headaches may not be immediately obvious
- Herniated or bulging discs — often only confirmed through MRI imaging, which insurers may resist authorizing
- Emotional and psychological injuries — PTSD, anxiety, and depression following accidents are real and compensable
- Aggravated pre-existing conditions — insurers often try to attribute all symptoms to prior conditions to avoid full payment
4. Social Media Can Be Used Against You
An innocent post about feeling "okay" or sharing a family photo at a birthday party can be used by insurance companies and defense attorneys to argue that you weren't seriously injured. Social media monitoring during active injury claims is standard practice — and content can be taken entirely out of context.
When in doubt, stay offline while your case is pending. Avoid commenting on your accident, your health, or your activities on any social media platform. Even private posts can sometimes be obtained through the discovery process in litigation.
5. They Won't Explain All the Benefits Available to You
Many accident victims don't realize they may have access to benefits that go far beyond the at-fault driver's liability coverage. If no one explains what to ask for, you may never receive what you're rightfully entitled to under your own policy.
Coverage types that are commonly overlooked include:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) — protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your damages
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) — pays medical bills regardless of fault, often available through your own auto policy
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs depending on your policy
- Loss of Use and Property Damage — may cover a rental car and other expenses while your vehicle is being repaired
Understanding your full range of available coverage is one of the most important steps you can take after an accident. The insurance and liability landscape in South Carolina can be complex, and having an attorney review your policies is one of the most valuable things you can do.
6. They Hope You Don't Know Your Case's True Value
A fair settlement accounts for far more than just your current medical bills. A complete and accurate valuation of your car accident claim should include:
- Future medical treatment — including surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care needs
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity — both current income you've missed and future earning potential if your injuries are permanent
- Pain and suffering — physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses — transportation to medical appointments, home care, assistive devices, and more
- Impact on relationships — loss of consortium and how your injuries have affected your family
Insurance companies rarely volunteer this full picture. Understanding how South Carolina juries evaluate injury claims — and knowing what your case is actually worth — puts you in a far stronger negotiating position.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Insurance Claims in South Carolina
Do I have to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster in South Carolina?
No. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. These statements are often used to minimize or deny your claim. It is strongly advisable to consult with a South Carolina car accident attorney before providing any recorded statement to an insurance adjuster.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company?
Rarely. First offers are almost always lower than the true value of your claim. Once you sign a settlement release, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation — even if your injuries turn out to be more serious. Always have an attorney review any settlement offer before accepting.
How does social media affect my car accident claim in South Carolina?
Insurance companies and defense attorneys regularly monitor social media profiles during active injury claims. Posts, photos, or check-ins that suggest physical activity or a positive mood can be used to argue that your injuries are not as serious as claimed. It is best to avoid posting on social media until your case is fully resolved.
What coverage should I look for in my own auto insurance policy after an accident?
Beyond the at-fault driver's liability coverage, you may also have access to uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), medical payments coverage (MedPay), and personal injury protection depending on your policy. Many accident victims are unaware of these benefits. A South Carolina car accident attorney can help you identify all available coverage.
How is pain and suffering calculated in a South Carolina car accident claim?
Pain and suffering damages are non-economic and account for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from your injuries. Insurance companies rarely calculate these fully on their own. Factors include the severity of your injuries, length of recovery, impact on daily activities, and long-term prognosis. An experienced attorney can accurately value these damages and fight for full compensation.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents. However, waiting too long can seriously harm your case — evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies gain the upper hand. Contact a South Carolina car accident attorney as soon as possible.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Knowledge is power after a car accident, and having someone in your corner who understands South Carolina law can change everything. You don't have to accept less than you deserve — and you don't have to figure out the insurance process while you're trying to recover from your injuries.
At Pracht Injury Lawyers, we support and advocate for injury victims without hesitation — from our offices in Anderson, Greenville, Summerville, and Camden. If you or someone you love has been involved in a motor vehicle accident anywhere in South Carolina, reach out to us today. The consultation is free, and there are no fees unless we win your case.
Call (864) 712-7317 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today. When you know your rights, you can make informed decisions instead of rushed ones — and when you're supported, you can focus on what really matters: healing and moving forward with confidence.
