Personal Injury

If you or a family member experiences an injury, you can benefit from speaking to a lawyer at the Moore, Johnson & Saraniti Law Firm. Often the insurance company for the person who caused the injury will try to settle with you before you have an opportunity to retain an attorney. The reason for this is that the insurance company knows it can probably settle the case for less money if you do not have a lawyer. We will investigate your case and obtain the necessary witness statements, documents, photographs, and other materials to protect your rights.

How much will Moore, Johnson & Saraniti Law Firm charge for a personal injury consultation?

At Moore, Johnson & Saraniti Law Firm, there is no charge for your first visit and no attorney fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.

Typically, we will advance all costs for investigators, experts, filing fees and other expenses associated with obtaining the maximum recovery possible.

If a recovery is not made, your only obligation will be to cover the advances, as well as any administrative costs and filing fees.

Will I meet with a lawyer?

Yes. At the initial consultation, a lawyer will meet with you. Throughout the remainder of our representation, a lawyer and a legal assistant will be involved in the handling of your matter.

What if I am not able to come to your office?

In the event your injury prevents you from traveling to our office, a lawyer from the Moore, Johnson & Saraniti Law Firm will meet with you at your house, the hospital, or any meeting place you designate.

Will I have to go to court?

No. If the insurance company for the person who caused the injury is willing to volunteer a fair settlement, you do not have to bring a lawsuit in order to obtain a recovery. We are skilled at negotiating settlements without filing a lawsuit. In the event the insurance company is not willing to negotiate fairly, we will then proceed with filing a lawsuit if you so desire.

How much money is my case worth?

Your case is worth either what we tell the insurance company it’s worth or the amount of an award granted by a judge and jury. We examine all of the conditions surrounding your case in order to arrive at a figure that we believe the insurance company must pay for your injuries. These conditions include how the accident happened, what injuries you suffered, future medical problems, the amount of medical expenses and lost income, as well as future medical costs and future loss of income. We study every detail so that we can get you the money you deserve for your injuries.

How long do I have to bring an action?

You must file your case within the Statute of Limitations, a fixed period of time dictated by the law. In many injury cases you are required to bring your case within two or three years from the date of the event that caused the injury. For an explanation of these time limits, always consult with a lawyer experienced in these matters.

Should I get a second opinion if an attorney thinks I do not have a case?

Yes. Different lawyers will see a potential case differently. Some lawyers may not be familiar with the type of case you have. If a lawyer rejects your case, it is always a good idea to seek a second (if not a third) opinion.

I was injured, but may have been partly at fault. Can I still sue?

Yes. Under South Carolina’s comparative negligence rules, you may still have a case even though you were partly at fault in causing an accident. These cases are very fact-specific and you should consult with a lawyer.

An insurance adjuster wants to settle and says I do not need a lawyer. Should I still get one?

Remember whom the adjuster works for: an insurance company. They have one goal. which is to settle your case for the least amount of money possible. What may seem like a fair offer to you could fall far short of any amount of money settled through a lawyer. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney at the Moore, Johnson & Saraniti Law Firm before accepting any offer made to you by an insurance company

Will my insurance rates go up if I pursue a claim or obtain a recovery?

No. Based on the information insurance agents and insurance carriers provide us, simply because an injured person pursues a claim does not mean that their insurance premium will be increased. It is when a person’s negligent or wrongful acts cause injury that their own insurance premiums are increased.

What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

UM and UIM provisions are commonly found in automobile insurance policies and provide for a driver to receive damages for any injury they receive from an uninsured or underinsured negligent driver. Uninsured motorist coverage is a form of insurance that pays compensation for bodily injury that results from an accident with a driver who is legally responsible for the injuries, but has no liability coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage pays compensation for bodily injury that results from an accident with a driver who has liability insurance with limits that are insufficient to cover the injured party’s damages. The owner of the policy pays a premium to the insurance company to include this coverage. Many drivers ignore motor vehicle insurance requirements, cannot afford to purchase insurance, or carry insufficient insurance. If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is important that you contact an attorney immediately so you do not waive valuable legal rights.