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The immediate consequences of a car accident in South Carolina could upend your life. The longer-lasting repercussions could impact your career, quality of life and relationships. At Schiller & Hamilton, our team understands the impact of motor vehicle collisions. Handing your case to us will increase your time to focus on recovery. Our South Carolina car accident lawyers will advocate for your needs every step of the way.
How Can a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Benefit You?
The ramifications of an automobile collision will need ongoing resources to address. Coordinating with insurance companies can cause frustration. Dealing with physical pain and awaiting compensation can take a toll.
Hiring a South Carolina car accident attorney can reduce some of your stress. Our team will handle your case from beginning to end.
Investigating the accident
Our team will assess the circumstances of your case from many angles. To better understand your situation, we will collect incident reports and witness statements. We will also gather other relevant data that could provide clarity. Using this information, we will articulate a timeline of events.
Contacting insurance companies
Your car accident lawyer will contact your insurance company. Our team will also contact the insurance companies of other involved parties. Our experience enables effective communication with insurance professionals to advocate for your needs.
Calculating damages
Calculating damages after an accident takes time and requires experience. Under serious circumstances, damages could impact your life in detrimental ways. Our goal is to assess and articulate how these damages have complicated your life.
Filing paperwork
Legal paperwork may look confusing and can take a lot of time to fill out. Our team will take over this process to ensure accuracy and timeliness. Before filing any paperwork, we will explain what everything means and its purpose.
Negotiating settlements
Many insurance companies will try to pass a minimal payout. Sometimes, this offering does not come close to touching the damages you experienced. You can rely on us to negotiate a settlement that will maximize your benefit.
Representing in court
If we cannot reach an effective settlement, your case might go to court. Serious accidents call for ongoing legal support to remedy continued challenges. Our team will represent you in a court of law.
Hiring a car accident lawyer in South Carolina can reduce your workload. Our team will undertake the brunt of the responsibilities. Relying on us will reduce the likelihood of oversight that could put you in jeopardy.
Were You Injured in a South Carolina Car Accident?
Injuries from a car accident can range in severity. Contributing factors to the seriousness of your injuries may include the following:
- Rate of speed
- Collision type
- Age
- Underlying health conditions
- Availability of emergency medical aid
Car accident injuries can include less severe outcomes like whiplash and emotional distress. Sometimes, the shock of experiencing an accident might make it appear as though you are OK. Regardless of how you feel, it is wise to have a medical professional check you anyway. There could be underlying, serious problems, including internal bleeding. Immediate help for your injuries can make a difference in your ability to heal and recover.
What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?
The injuries you sustain in a car accident could impair your ability to work and live a normal life. Temporary impairments can also have devastating outcomes. Some injuries can take years to recover from. Others could impact you for the rest of your life.
Fractures and lacerations
The impact of a collision can break bones and cause wounds that need stitches or staples to close. You might need physical therapy to give you the best chance at recovery. You may also face amputation. Limb loss can forever alter your ability to perform the activities you once enjoyed.
Burns and bruising
Seatbelts and airbags can reduce the severity of your injuries. Airbags can also cause burns and bruising because of rapid inflation. Your seatbelt can also leave a burn mark or bruising. Excessive bruising or swelling could lead to compartment syndrome if not addressed.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries can cause various degrees of paralysis. This may include paraplegia, tetraplegia and complete paralysis. While you may regain some movement, most SCIs have life-changing consequences.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
The impact of a car crash could shake your brain and cause serious damage. A traumatic brain injury can cause permanent disability. This could interfere with your health and life expectancy. Even if you make a partial recovery, you may need the use of therapy and long-term care to live.
Our South Carolina injury lawyers will examine your car accident injuries and your progress. Our team will work with your doctors to determine a realistic timeline for your recovery. We will note whether you will recover completely, which could impact the damages in your case.
Can You Qualify for Damages Besides Property Losses in Accident Cases?
The damages stemming from your accident could take years to recover. Our car accident lawyers serving South Carolina will list the damages you experienced. This will provide an accurate assessment of the appropriate amount of compensation. Our team will try to get you as close to that number as possible to offset the ramifications you face.
Property loss is only one of the damage types for which you might collect compensation. Other damage types include the following:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Career disruption
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Damages often fall into one of two categories: economic damages and noneconomic damages. Our team will examine how your accident changed your life. We will assess temporary and permanent impacts. This will help us determine how much money your accident cost you. If you need ongoing care, our team will estimate how much your injuries will continue to cost over time.
You may also collect punitive damages in critical incidents. Examples include DUI, wrong-way crashes or reckless driving. Punitive damages are often awarded when compensatory damages are not adequate. Punitive damages aim to support you while also deterring reckless behavior from others.
How Should You Track Your Case’s Statutory Deadline So It Remains Valid?
It is critical to follow the statutory deadline for a successful outcome. If you have any confusion about deadlines, your attorney can provide answers.
According to South Carolina law, you have three years from the time of your accident to file a claim. If you fail to file a claim within this time, the statute of limitations will prevent you from filing a claim at all. Our South Carolina car accident lawyer can ease the process for you. Our team will make sure everything happens on time to avoid costly penalties.
What Method Can You Expect To Use To Pay for Legal Fees?
Our team recognizes that you have a lot to manage following a car accident. There may be limitations to your financial availability because of unexpected expenses. You may feel uncertain about how to cover legal fees, especially if you cannot work.
When you work with our firm, you can expect us to work on a contingency-fee basis. What this means is that you will not need to pay an hourly rate. Rather, our team will collect a percentage of the settlement we negotiate on your behalf. We will collect our part, and then you will take the rest to compensate for the damages you sustained.
This method prevents you from the worry or stress of having to pay anything upfront. You can draw upon our experience with the reassurance that, in the end, you can cover legal expenses.
When Should You Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?
Contact Schiller & Hamilton as soon as possible to begin the legal process. Our South Carolina car accident lawyers will create and organize your case. We will put your needs first and maximize support. Our team will petition for compensation on your behalf. Call us today, or visit our website to get a free case review.
South Carolina Car Accident Case FAQs
What should you document after a car accident happens?
The legal process that follows a car accident will take time. You may need to provide updates about your condition along the way. After an accident, you should document everything. This includes recovery progress and steps you take to address property damage. You should also record any correspondence between you and your insurance company.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
Never admit fault in a car accident. Authorities will put together an incident report. Each driver’s insurance company may also conduct independent investigations. It is best to allow these entities to reach their conclusion. Admitting fault could jeopardize a more beneficial outcome for you.
Should you accept the insurance company’s offer?
Your insurance company may offer you a payout before legal proceedings conclude. If this happens, refrain from accepting anything until your legal team approves. Your South Carolina car accident lawyer may be able to negotiate a higher settlement. Our help could get you close to the number that reflects the impact the accident had on your life.