Car crashes can upend your life. If you’ve been injured in a collision that wasn’t your fault, a Columbia personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
Recovering from a crash can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing. In the aftermath of such a traumatizing event, the last thing you’ll want to do is deal with an intricate legal claim.
Since 2018, the legal team at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward has recovered millions of dollars for clients like you. If you’ve been hurt in a car crash that wasn’t your fault, a Columbia car accident lawyer from our team can help you pursue compensation.
Why Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Columbia, SC, hiring legal representation can make all the difference for your case.
More specifically, a car accident lawyer can provide valuable assistance by:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Handling communication with insurance companies
- Negotiating settlements
- Representing you in court (if necessary)
Above all, a car accident lawyer in Columbia can defend your rights and make sure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Columbia, call (843) 380-8350
What are Most Lawyer Fees for a Car Accident?
Most car accident lawyers, including The Thumbs Up Guys, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- You pay no upfront fees.
- Your lawyer receives an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement.
- If there is no recovery, you owe no legal fees.
Columbia Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (843) 380-8350
How Soon Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident. Early involvement will enable your lawyer to:
- Preserve crucial evidence
- Ensure you meet filing deadlines
- Prevent costly mistakes when dealing with insurance companies
Click to contact our Columbia Personal Injury Lawyers today
Insurance Claim Challenges After a Car Accident
Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most frustrating aspects of a car crash. Common challenges include:
- Lowball settlement offers
- Delayed claim processing
- Denial of legitimate claims
- Disputes over liability
An experienced car accident attorney in Columbia can negotiate with insurance adjusters and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Claim?
Victims of car crashes may be entitled to recover the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses: Motor vehicle accidents often result in injuries that require immediate medical attention. Compensation should cover all medical costs, including ambulance fees, hospitalization, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medications, and rehabilitation. It should also account for any future medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for lost income. This compensation will include the wages you’ve already missed out on and any future earnings you could lose due to your injuries.
- Property damage: Compensation should cover repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the collision.
- Pain and suffering: Automobile accidents can result in physical injuries and emotional trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide financial relief for any discomfort or emotional distress you’ve endured.
- Loss of consortium: If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to damages for the loss of companionship or affection you once shared.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one dies in a fatal collision, you may be entitled to wrongful death compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, lost future earnings, and the emotional pain you experience as a result.
- Punitive damages: The court may award these additional damages if the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious. These damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
A Columbia personal injury lawyer can calculate your damages to make sure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
How Much are Most Car Accident Settlements?
Since every case is different, there is no standard for car accident settlements. Payouts can range from a few thousand dollars to over a million.
Factors that can influence your settlement amount include the severity of your injuries, the extent of the damage to your property, your insurance policy limits, and your degree of liability.
An attorney can ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
How Do I Get the Best Settlement from a Car Accident?
To maximize your settlement for a car crash, be sure to do the following:
- Document everything: Collect and preserve evidence, including photographs of the crash scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage. Maintain a journal detailing your symptoms, medical visits, and how the accident has impacted your daily life.
- Avoid admitting fault: Be cautious about what you say at the crash scene and in conversations with insurance adjusters. Admissions of guilt can harm your case.
- Gather witness statements: Witnesses can provide crucial third-party perspectives on what happened. If possible, collect their contact information and ask them to provide statements.
- Seek medical attention: Prioritize your health by visiting a doctor immediately after the collision. Prompt treatment will also establish a medical record linking your injuries to the crash.
- Stay off social media: Avoid posting about the crash or your injuries online. Insurance adjusters may use your social media activity to downplay your claim.
- Hire an experienced car accident lawyer: A skilled car accident lawyer understands the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts. They can negotiate effectively, gather necessary evidence, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do Most Car Accident Settlements Take?
Since every case is unique, there is no one answer as to how long your car accident case will take. Some cases are settled in a few months, while more complex ones take over a year to conclude.
Factors that can affect the duration of your case include the case’s complexity, the severity of your injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate.
How is Liability Determined in a South Carolina Car Accident Case?
In South Carolina, liability is determined based on the concept of modified comparative negligence. This means that:
- Each party’s contribution to the collision is assessed as a percentage.
- You can recover damages if your fault is less than 51%.
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
An experienced South Carolina auto accident attorney can gather evidence to demonstrate that you are not at fault for the collision.
What is the Time Limit to File a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is three years from the date of the incident. If you fail to file before this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation.
In addition, waiting too long to file a claim can make gathering critical evidence like accident reports, medical records, and witness statements more challenging.
A South Carolina car accident lawyer can make sure you meet every legal deadline required to file a successful claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car crashes have a variety of causes. Some of the causes people most often file claims for include:
- Distracted driving: Activities like texting, eating, or using a GPS while driving contribute to many crashes.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of a collision.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment and coordination, leading to dangerous situations.
- Reckless driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and ignoring traffic signals can cause crashes.
- Weather conditions: Rain, fog, and icy roads can decrease visibility and traction, leading to collisions.
If you’ve been injured in one of these ways, a lawyer can help you pursue damages.
Common Injuries Caused By Motor Vehicle Collisions
Car crashes can cause a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common types include:
- Whiplash: This injury occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward in a collision. This unnatural movement strains the neck’s muscles and ligaments, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Broken bones: The force of impact in a crash can result in fractures and breaks, especially to the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone. Breaks and fractures often require immediate medical attention and may necessitate surgical intervention.
- Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when the head hits a hard surface or experiences a sudden jolt. TBIs can have long-lasting consequences.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: Car crashes can cause damage to the spine, leading to varying degrees of paralysis or loss of sensation. Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries: The force of a collision can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding and organ failure. These injuries are not always immediately apparent, which is why a prompt medical evaluation is crucial.
- Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, loose objects, or sharp debris inside the vehicle can cause cuts and lacerations. These injuries can vary in severity, with some requiring stitches or surgery.
- Burns: In some crashes, vehicles catch fire or explode, leading to burn injuries. Burns can range from first-degree (minor) to third-degree (severe). The latter require specialized medical care.
- Amputations: In severe crashes, a limb amputation may be necessary due to the extent of injuries sustained during the collision. Amputees typically require prosthetic limbs and extensive rehabilitation.
- Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can be sprained or strained in a car collision. These injuries can result in pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
If you’ve sustained any of these injuries in a crash that wasn’t your fault, a lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
After a car crash, there are certain steps you should take to preserve crucial evidence and build the foundation for a strong car accident claim.
Those steps are:
- Contact law enforcement: Once you’ve moved to a safe location, call the police to report the accident and, if necessary, request medical assistance.
- Exchange information: Collect the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration. Provide your information as well.
- Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Gather witness information: If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact details. Their statements could serve as valuable evidence.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor to rule out hidden injuries like concussions or internal damage. Medical records will also support your claim.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident promptly, but don’t say anything that could be construed as an admission of fault.
- Contact a lawyer: An experienced attorney can guide you through the claims process and handle negotiations with insurers on your behalf.
Contact a Columbia Car Accident Attorney Today
Car accidents are common occurrences on the roads of Columbia. The aftermath of a collision can be devastating, especially if you’re severely injured.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Columbia, SC, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. An experienced Columbia car accident attorney from The Thumbs Up Guys can help you file a claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of you. Schedule a free case evaluation to begin pursuing a fair settlement.
Call or text (843) 380-8350 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
