Car crashes can be physically and emotionally traumatizing. If you’ve been injured in a collision that wasn’t your fault, a Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer can help you seek justice.
Car crashes can cause grave injuries and extensive property damage to all parties involved. In the aftermath of such an overwhelming event, it’s normal to feel unsure of what to do next.
Since 2018, the attorneys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward have recovered millions for clients like you. If you’ve been involved in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, a Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer from our team can help you pursue compensation.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Myrtle Beach Help You?
If you’ve been involved in a car crash, a car accident lawyer can do the following:
- Investigate the accident: A lawyer can gather evidence and build a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurers: A lawyer can advocate for fair compensation.
- Provide guidance: A lawyer can lay out your legal options and keep you updated on the status of your case as it unfolds.
- Represent you in court: If your case goes to trial, a lawyer can present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate on your behalf before a judge and jury.
Most importantly, a car accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach can provide peace of mind while you recover from your injuries.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Myrtle Beach, call (843) 380-8350
Can a Lawyer Help After a Deadly Accident?
If you’ve lost a loved one in a Myrtle Beach car accident, our law firm can help you file a wrongful death claim to recover:
- Your loved one’s accident-related medical bills
- Funeral or burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
We provide compassionate care and support while reviewing your legal options after a deadly accident. We understand that financial compensation does not bring back your loved one, but it can help your family deal with the pressures associated with this kind of loss.
Myrtle Beach Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (843) 380-8350
What are Most Lawyer Fees for a Car Accident Case?
Our team’s lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you receive a settlement or court award.
Your lawyer’s fee will be a percentage of the compensation you recover. For this reason, we’ll be highly motivated to maximize your compensation.
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How Soon Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident. Prompt legal advice can help you avoid being taken advantage of. Additionally, a lawyer can handle insurance companies on your behalf.
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What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
After a car crash, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages. These types of compensation include:
- Medical expenses: This includes bills for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: This refers to compensation for time missed at work due to your injuries.
- Property damage: This includes repairs or the replacement of your vehicle and other personal property.
- Pain and suffering: This refers to compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of consortium: This refers to compensation for the impact of the crash on your relationships.
An experienced car accident attorney in Myrtle Beach can assess your case and calculate your damages to ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible.
What is the Average Car Accident Settlement?
Since every case is unique, there is no average car accident settlement.
Settlements for car crashes vary widely based on factors like the severity of the injuries, the extent of the property damage, and the degree of fault. Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for minor collisions to hundreds of thousands for severe injuries or wrongful death cases.
A lawyer can provide a more exact estimate.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
Auto insurance companies are not on your side. Adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. To protect yourself, be sure to do the following:
- Avoid admitting fault: Stick to the facts and avoid saying anything to an insurance adjuster that could be interpreted as an admission of liability.
- Keep records: Save all correspondence, bills, and receipts related to the accident.
- Don’t accept a quick settlement: Initial offers are often low. Consult a lawyer before accepting an insurance settlement.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is three years from the date of the incident. Therefore, you have three years to initiate legal proceedings against the at-fault party.
If you miss this deadline, you’ll probably lose your right to seek compensation. A Myrtle Beach personal injury attorney can make sure you file your claim on time.
How is Fault Determined in Car Accident Cases?
In car accident cases, liability is determined through the analysis of evidence. Key pieces of evidence in this kind of case include:
- Police reports: Officers at the scene will document their observations.
- Eyewitness statements: Testimonies from those who saw the collision can provide valuable insights.
- Surveillance footage: Traffic cameras or nearby business cameras often capture the incident.
- Accident reconstruction: Experts can analyze the scene to determine how the collision occurred.
- State laws: Violations of traffic laws, such as running a red light, can establish fault.
A personal injury attorney in Myrtle Beach can evaluate your case and gather evidence to prove that the collision wasn’t your fault.
What is Comparative Fault and How Does it Work in South Carolina?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the collision. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 30% at fault and your damages amounted to $10,000, you would receive $7,000.
What Happens if I was at Fault for the Accident?
If you were at fault for the crash, your insurance company would typically cover the other party’s damages up to your policy limits. If the damages exceed your coverage, you could be personally liable for the remaining amount.
If you were at fault for the collision, a lawyer can explain your options and help you develop a strategy to minimize your financial exposure.
What Happens if the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Auto Insurance?
If the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage can help cover your damages. This type of coverage is required in South Carolina and protects you in situations where the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car crashes can have devastating consequences. Some of the leading causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technology can distract drivers from the road.
- Speeding: Driving too fast reduces drivers’ reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and coordination, leading to dangerous driving.
- Reckless driving: Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic signals can result in collisions.
- Inclement weather: Rain, fog, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, resulting in crashes.
- Vehicle malfunctions: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine issues can cause a driver to lose control.
If you’ve been involved in one of these accidents, a lawyer can help you pursue damages.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car crashes can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-threatening wounds. Some of the most common injuries caused by car crashes include:
- Whiplash: This neck injury occurs when the head is jerked forward and backward.
- Broken bones: The force of the impact can fracture arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
- Head injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur if your head hits a hard surface.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can lead to partial or total paralysis, depending on the severity.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs like the liver or spleen can be life-threatening.
- Cuts and bruises: Though often minor, these injuries sometimes require stitches and can lead to infections.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash that wasn’t your fault, an attorney can help you pursue a fair settlement.
What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a car crash in South Carolina, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights and begin building a case. Those steps are:
- Contact the police: Always report the crash to the police, even if it was a minor collision. A police report could serve as a crucial piece of evidence for your claim.
- Exchange information: Collect names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details from all parties involved. Also, note the make, model, and license plate number of the other vehicle.
- Document the scene: Take photographs and videos of the scene of the crash, vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence could be vital for your claim.
- Talk to witnesses: If there are bystanders who witnessed the collision, ask for their contact information. Their statements could provide valuable support for your case.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, be sure to visit a doctor for a thorough evaluation. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not present symptoms right away.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the crash to your insurer as soon as possible. Provide accurate details, but don’t admit fault.
- Consult a lawyer: Before speaking with the at-fault party’s insurance company or accepting any settlement offer, talk to a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Why Choose Our Team After a Myrtle Beach Car Accident?
Our team has years of experience handling personal injury claims for clients recovering from car accidents. We use that experience to help with complex claims, including those that involve:
- Road rage or reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
Additionally, our experience allows us to help with other kinds of collisions, including motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and truck accidents.
When we take on your case, we use every resource at our disposal to win you a fair settlement. Along the way, we make sure to keep you in the loop and discuss the best ways to resolve your claim.
Contact a Myrtle Beach Car Accident Attorney Today
Car accident cases can be complicated. In the wake of a collision, it’s natural to have concerns about how you’ll hold the at-fault driver accountable.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you don’t handle the legal process alone. An experienced Myrtle Beach car accident attorney from The Thumps Up Guys can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation today to begin pursuing justice.
Call or text (843) 380-8350 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
