Helping Car Accident Victims in South Carolina
Many of us take our daily routines for granted. When a sudden car accident throws everything off balance, you need help. The Greenville car accident lawyers at Upstate Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC are experienced and professional lawyers. We help car accident victims investigate, evaluate and pursue financial compensation.
See how legal action can help you recover compensation for your physical injuries and other damages. Contact our car accident lawyers in Greenville to schedule a consultation.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you don’t know where to turn after a car accident, your lawyer is your representative and advocate. They determine the best way to pursue financial compensation. Then, they work through the process on your behalf. Their experience in the law helps you maximize your results while easing the burden of the legal system.
What is a car accident lawyer?
A car accident lawyer is a licensed professional who represents you in a claim for monetary compensation. They are trained to represent you effectively. They may give you legal advice, file documents, negotiate and do any other task needed for you to get fair compensation after a crash.
How do I hire a car accident lawyer?
To hire a car accident lawyer, contact us. Get in touch by phone, email, or send us a message through our contact form. You can even stop in our offices. Learn about what your case may be worth and the legal process. Once you have answers to all your questions, you may choose to hire us. We complete a written agreement, and then we begin working on your case.
Causes of Car Accidents
Compensation for a car accident is based on who is at fault. Most car accidents are truly accidents – no one meant to get in an accident. However, violating a traffic law or otherwise driving negligently can be enough to be liable to victims for an accident. Common causes of car accidents are:
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Red light/Stop sign/Right of way violations
- Drunk driving/Drugged driving/Operating under the influence
- Tailgating/Following too closely
- Texting while driving
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Damaged roads
- Poor road construction
- Vehicle malfunction
You can assume that the other driver isn’t going to admit that they caused the accident. Our Greenville car accident lawyers can work to prove your right to compensation.
Receiving Compensation for a Car Accident
The liable parties for a car accident are not always obvious. For example, a speeding driver may be the cause, but their employer may be liable, too. A vehicle manufacturer may be responsible for a malfunction. Our lawyers can help you determine who may be responsible and how to include them in your legal claim.
Seeking Compensation for Your Car Crash
Car accident victims rightfully want to know what their case is worth. The answer is that the more serious your injuries, the more compensation you deserve. Each case is determined individually. Compensation should reflect your economic damages plus an additional amount to represent non-economic losses including pain and suffering.
Economic damages
- Medical bills – emergency bills, doctor care, prescriptions, other related expenses
- Lost income and long-term career harm
- Property damage
Non-economic damages
- Pain, suffering and inconvenience
- Mental anguish
- Injury to reputation
- Disfigurement
- Other non-economic damages
Punitive damages
- Punitive damages may be awarded if compensatory damages are awarded
- The standard is clear and convincing evidence of wilful, wanton or reckless conduct
(Source: S.C. Code § 15-32-200)
Shared Fault in a Car Accident Lawsuit
What happens when fault in a car accident is complex? You may be in a situation where the parties are pointing fingers at each other – what happens if multiple parties may be to blame? South Carolina uses a system of comparative fault. That means looking at the actions of each party.
If you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident, you may recover compensation. If you are partially to blame, the amount that you receive may be reduced. Remember, don’t accept that you are at fault just because the other side accuses you. Our lawyers can fight back against unfair allegations made against you.
Injuries for Car Accident Compensation
You may claim compensation for a variety of bodily injuries after a car accident including:
- Broken bones
- Brain injury/Concussion
- Spinal cord injury
- Whiplash
- Scars
- Paralysis
- Loss of bodily function
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
Certainly, if you have catastrophic injuries, a car accident lawsuit is very important to getting the financial help that you need. However, any time that you require medical attention after an accident, you should explore having a lawyer to represent you. Many people are surprised to learn what their claim may be worth. You may include mental health injuries, pain and suffering and compensation for the way that your injuries have changed your lifestyle.
Car Accident Injury Law Firm
Is it worth getting an accident lawyer?
If you have injuries that are serious enough to seek medical care, it’s worth talking to a car accident lawyer. People often underestimate the value of their claim. They may not be expecting the insurance company to put up a fight. Our lawyers can help to reach your goals.
Why choose the Upstate Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC?
At Upstate Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, we will be outworked by no one. When you hire us, your problems become our problems. We provide an honest evaluation of your case, aggressive representation and affordable fees. Our injury law firm is prepared to handle your needs and represent your interests throughout the legal process.
When you’re wondering what to do after a car accident, we invite you to contact our car accident injury law firm.
Car Accident Lawsuits FAQs
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit?
South Carolina law § 15-3-530 gives you three years from the date the car accident occurs to begin your lawsuit. It doesn’t have to be completed in that time frame, just formally started. If a victim dies, you have three years from the date of death to start the lawsuit.
What is the process to determine fault for a car accident?
Determining fault for a car accident means working backwards to determine how the accident occurred. The actions of each party are evaluated to determine why the crash occurred and who contributed to it. A police report isn’t necessarily the final determination of who is at fault.
Can I bring a claim if I was in a single-vehicle crash?
It may be possible to claim compensation after a single-vehicle crash. Dangerous road conditions, a vehicle defect or even a hazard created by another motorist can all be the true cause of the crash. A lawyer can help you investigate if you are in a single-vehicle crash.
Do I have to testify in court?
Most car accident cases don’t require the victim to testify in court. Part of the reason to have a car accident lawyer is to put their experience to work building your claim. With the evidence in your favor, the parties can see what the case is worth. The other side is more likely to agree to pay fairly without needing a trial where the victim testifies in court.
If you do decide to take your case to court, our lawyers prepare with you. You can expect to walk into court with confidence, and with your legal team by your side.
Why bring a car accident claim?
Becoming the victim of a car accident can be overwhelming. A legal claim allows your story to be heard, and it allows you to seek justice. It is also the way to get the financial resources that you deserve. The resources you receive can help you rebuild and begin again – physically, mentally and emotionally.
Top Greenville Car Accident Lawyers Taking New Cases
If you’ve been in a car accident, we invite you to contact our Greenville car accident lawyers. When you need the top lawyers near you, rest assured that we have several years of litigation experience. We serve our clients with affordable fees and aggressive representation. We’re prepared to handle your needs. It’s our goal to relieve the stress of the injuries and seek financial recovery on your behalf while you get back to life.
We’re taking new cases. Get in touch by phone, email, message or in person. Contact us today.