Lancaster Car Accident Lawyers

If you recently suffered injuries and incurred financial or emotional losses in a collision caused by another party’s negligence, our car accident lawyers in Lancaster, SC, can help. These cases can have severe physical, financial and emotional consequences for victims and their families. Our legal teams at Schiller & Hamilton in Lancaster work with clients and their families to build a solid case for all recoverable damages.

How Can Our Car Accident Lawyers in Lancaster, SC, Help You?

Our Lancaster car accident lawyers will start with an initial consultation, listening to your questions about the case and walking you through the legal options available. We investigate the accident to look for evidence of negligence to hold the responsible driver responsible. We also identify all recoverable damages applicable to your case and ensure you request adequate compensation to cover all your losses, including the non-economic damages.

We will use our experienced negotiation skills in all communications with the insurance companies, protecting your rights and advocating on your behalf for a fast and fair settlement. In the rare case that the insurance provider refuses to cooperate, we will handle all the necessary paperwork to file a lawsuit and fight for your right to damages.

Several factors can complicate a car accident case, from the severity of your injuries to the details of the other party’s insurance policies. As experienced car accident attorneys in Lancaster, SC, we understand the state laws that apply to these cases and will walk you through the process, ensuring you make informed decisions that work in your best interests. The first step in establishing liability is to understand the cause of your accident.

What Are the Common Causes of Lancaster Car Accidents?

Human error is the most common cause of auto accidents in the state. Some common examples of mistakes our car accident lawyers in Lancaster, SC, see among cases include:

• Distracted driving: This tops the list as the most frequent cause of car accidents. Activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating or using in-car technologies divert a driver’s attention from the road.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is a leading factor in traffic collisions. It reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes or hazards.
• Drunk driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, coordination and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Reckless driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, improper lane changes and disregarding traffic signals contribute substantially to accidents.

Bad weather, including rain, snow, ice and fog, also affects road conditions and visibility, often leading to accidents. During our investigation, we will view police reports, interview witnesses and assess the nature of the crash to find evidence of negligent behaviors that make the other party liable for the collision, your injuries and resulting damages.

Common car accident injuries in Lancaster

Car accidents often result in a range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. These injuries can have lasting impacts on the victims’ lives, necessitating a clear understanding for both medical and legal purposes. Examples of car accident-related injuries include:

• Whiplash: This is a common neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head, often seen in rear-end collisions.
• Concussions: These are a form of traumatic brain injury resulting from a severe head impact, leading to cognitive and physical symptoms.
• Broken bones: High-impact collisions often cause fractures, especially in the limbs, ribs and pelvis.
• Lacerations and bruises: Sharp objects or forceful impacts during an accident can cause cuts and bruises, which can vary in severity.
• Spinal cord injuries: These severe injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering a person’s life.

Our car accident lawyers in Lancaster, SC, will ensure your demands adequately reflect the severity of your injuries. You deserve fair compensation for the physical, emotional and financial devastation these injuries can cause.

What Damages Can You Recover From a Car Accident?

South Carolina personal injury law refers to all the losses you incurred from the accident and your injuries as compensatory damages. These include the economic and non-economic losses directly caused by the other driver’s negligent actions. In rare cases, the court may also award you punitive damages based on evidence of gross negligence.

Specific/Economic damages

Economic damages, or specific damages, refer to the quantifiable or tangible losses you incurred. These can include:

• The cost of medical expenses, including bills for past and future treatments
• The loss of wages due to missed work
• The loss of earning capacity if you suffer a disability from your injuries
• The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident
• Any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident

Our Lancaster car accident lawyers will gather medical records, medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs and other necessary evidence to prove these losses.

General/Non-Economic damages

Non-economic damages, also known as general losses, refer to your case’s emotional and mental impact. For example, you can request compensation for the physical pain and suffering you endured because of your injuries and the medical treatments required for recovery. The law also recognizes the emotional distress and mental anguish associated with these cases as recoverable losses. Our legal team will help you identify these damages specific to your case and apply appropriate monetary value to them.

Punitive damages

Punitive damages are rare in auto accident cases. However, if the other driver’s actions displayed gross negligence, meaning a complete disregard for your safety, the court may order them to pay punitive damages as punishment for their actions. Our personal injury lawyers in Lancaster, SC, will review your case with you and help you understand the possibility of punitive damages and how much you could receive.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident To Protect Your Claim?

After a car accident, protecting your claim starts at the scene. First, ensure your safety and that of others involved and move to a secure location, if necessary. Immediately call the police, as their report is crucial for your claim.

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, but avoid admitting fault or making statements that the insurance company could use against you. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries and road conditions.

In the following days, seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. Document your medical visits, treatments and any symptoms. Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, refrain from giving detailed statements or signing anything without consulting our legal team. Keeping detailed records and consulting a legal expert specializing in car accidents can significantly strengthen your claim.

When Should You Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Lancaster, SC?

The sooner you contact our car accident lawyers in Lancaster, SC, the faster we can start building your case for compensation. At Schiller & Hamilton, we help auto accident victims in Lancaster recover the losses caused by negligent drivers. Our commitment is to help you rebuild your life or adapt to a new one as comfortably as possible. Contact our attorneys at Schiller & Hamilton to schedule your free consultation today.

Car Accident Case FAQs