While most people give little thought to the hazards while driving a car, the fact remains that driving an automobile is one of the most dangerous activities that people engage in on a regular basis.
Automobile accident-related injuries occur in more ways than people think. In fact, car accident-related injury claims are the leading type of personal injury claims filed in the United States. If you were injured in a car accident in the Los Angeles area, you want an experienced auto accident lawyer to litigate your case.
Our South Carolina Car Accident Attorneys Can Secure Damages
A South Carolina car accident attorney is a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to hire the right kind of attorney to handle your case. Not all attorneys have the kinds of skills and experience necessary to properly litigate an auto accident case. Make sure that you retain the services of an experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer to handle your case.
Compensable Injury-Related Expenses
Fair compensation in your case could comprise these damages:
- Medical bills, including anticipated medical care costs
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering
- Any out-of-pocket expenses, such as childcare costs
- Punitive damages (if applicable)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost income and other job-related revenue
The types of damages you can recover ultimately depend on your situation. Our personal injury law firm intends to secure everything you need to start rebuilding your life.
Our Accident Lawyers Supplement Your Collision Case With Evidence
Your lawyer needs evidence to support your case and push for a fair outcome. With our team on your side, you don’t have to worry about investigating your own accident; we collect the following information on your behalf:
- Photos of the accident scene and the damage to property
- Documentation of your medical expenses
- Your employment records
- Traffic surveillance video
- The accident report
- Your medical records
- Eyewitness and third-party field expert testimony
Financial recovery should account for each of your losses. With the information listed above, we can negotiate a fair settlement with the claims adjuster.
Our Auto Accident Attorneys Advocate for Claimants With these Injuries
Whether you suffered a catastrophic injury or one that only temporarily details your life, we want to help. We believe you deserve compensation for each of your expenses, from medical equipment to transportation arrangements. Our team advocates for people suffering from:
- Soft-tissue injuries, such as whiplash
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Road rash
We also advocate for wrongful death claimants.
Commonly Asked Questions About Car Accident Cases in South Carolina
As you consider your legal options, you may have many questions, such as:
Does South Carolina Have No-Fault Laws?
South Carolina is a fault-based state. This means you can sue the at-fault party if you get into a collision. It also means that fault is important in an injury case. Our team can use your case’s evidence to prove your right to damages and refute any allegations of fault.
Why Is Fault Important in a Car Accident Case?
Fault is important in a car accident case because it can affect how much you can recover. Under South Carolina law, your portion of fault for the accident can reduce your settlement. For instance, if you were 20 percent responsible for a crash, and your damages totaled $1 million, you could recover $800,000 instead of the full million.
As noted, this makes refuting allegations of fault crucial. If the other party succeeds in accusing you of the collision, this could affect your final settlement’s value.
What Are No-Fault Laws?
Some states, like Florida, operate on no-fault laws. But what do these laws mean? Basically, it means that all motorists must carry insurance that covers their own losses in a crash. Then, when a collision happens, you file a claim with your own insurer (rather than the other driver’s) to seek damages. You can file a claim regardless of whether you contributed to the accident.
As noted, South Carolina is a fault-based state. So, after a crash, you generally file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer to recoup your losses.
What Should I Do After Getting into a Collision?
After getting into a collision, your first priority should be your safety and well-being. You should visit a healthcare professional and follow through with their recommendations, whether that means taking medications as prescribed or attending therapy. Some other post-accident considerations include:
- Refusing to give the insurer a recorded statement
- Limiting what you share on social media about your case
- Beginning a free case review with our team
- Documenting your injuries and losses
When you connect with our firm, we can explain more about your next steps.
Call Schiller & Hamilton to Explore Your Legal Options Now
The injuries you suffered in a car accident can be very serious and affect the rest of your life. Our experienced attorneys know how to properly evaluate your injuries to make sure that you get the financial compensation that you deserve.
Remember: insurance companies have lawyers that are paid to deny your injury claim or try to get you to settle your claim quickly and cheaply. A personal injury lawyer will fight for you by presenting expert medical testimony to substantiate your injuries and make the insurance company pay what you deserve.
If you have been injured in an auto accident in South Carolina, don’t take a chance with just any lawyer. Hire an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney to fight for you. Connect with Schiller & Hamilton today to start your free case review.