It’s hard to imagine going through life without at least one major car accident. A survey from an insurance company suggested that the average car driver gets into at least one significant car collision every seventeen years. It only takes a minor miscalculation by another driver to trigger an accident. It all happens in a flash. A Columbia car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve while handling the legal complexities and letting you and your family focus on your healing.
Unfortunately, as quickly as they’re over, accidents can have consequences that last a lifetime. If you’ve been involved in a crash in South Carolina, you may face mounting medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering. Navigating the legal process while trying to recover can seem overwhelming.
This is when it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable legal advocate in your corner. The Solomon Law Group, LLC, is ready to take on that role as advocate and provide you with the support and guidance you need to get through the claim and settlement process.
The Role of a Columbia Car Accident Lawyer
Columbia is a busy and ever-growing city, and our roads are filled with commuters, tourists, and commercial vehicles every day.
A car accident lawyer provides guidance and representation for victims seeking compensation for their losses. From investigating the accident scene to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking the case to court, a lawyer ensures that the legal process moves forward while protecting the client’s rights.
An experienced attorney understands the nuances of personal injury law and knows how to build a strong case based on evidence and legal strategy.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Some of the most common reasons that car accidents happen include:
- Driving while distracted, like texting, eating, or using a GPS
- Being drunk or impaired while driving
- Speeding and driving aggressively
- Not obeying traffic signals or signs
- Bad weather
- Mechanical failure or defects in vehicle parts
Understanding what caused your accident is important to determine who was liable and pursue a successful claim.
Steps To Take After a Car Accident
What you do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can have a major impact on the success of your case. Follow these steps to help protect your rights and better your chances of getting maximum compensation for your losses:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Some injuries can take time to appear, even if you think you’re fine. Seeing a healthcare professional right away helps ensure your well-being and creates important documentation of your injuries.
- Report the accident: Contact local law enforcement to create and file an official police report.
- Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Collect contact information: Write down all names, phone numbers, and insurance information of each party involved, as well as any eyewitnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault: Be careful about what you say to the other driver and the insurance company.
- Contact a lawyer: The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better they can help protect your interests.
Types of Compensation Available
After a car accident, you may be entitled to receive different types of compensation, depending on the severity of your injuries and how the crash happened.
Economic Damages (Tangible costs)
Economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Medical expenses include hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, supplies and physical therapy. If your injuries are severe or you need long-term care, any future medical costs may also be figured into your settlement. Additional economic damages can include compensation for any lost wages helps cover the income you’ve missed due to the accident. In cases of permanent disability, you could also receive payments for diminished future earning capacity.
Compensation for property damage typically covers the repair or replacement costs of your damaged vehicle and any personal property you lost in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages (Intangible costs)
Non-economic damages are meant to address your accident’s emotional and physical toll. Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the crash.
Many victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, which can impact their daily lives and overall well-being. Loss of enjoyment of life compensation applies when injuries prevent someone from participating in hobbies, activities, or social interactions they once enjoyed.
If your injuries result in permanent disabilities or disfigurement, you may also be entitled to additional compensation for the lasting impact on your life.
When a car accident leads to a fatality, your family may pursue a wrongful death claim as well.
Compensation in these cases is meant to cover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering the family experienced due to the loss of their loved one. In any car accident case, the exact amount of compensation you’ll receive will vary depending on the circumstances of the incident, how bad your injuries were, and your attorney’s ability to prove fault.
Working with an experienced car accident lawyer helps you and your family secure the maximum compensation you need and deserve.
When To File a Car Accident Claim
South Carolina’s statute of limitations for a personal injury claim means that you have a limited amount of time to file your lawsuit. You can lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline. However, there are exceptions, like claims against the government, which can have various deadlines and requirements.
Consulting with your Columbia car accident lawyer as soon as possible can help ensure that you don’t miss any important legal deadlines.
The Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Being in a car accident can change your life in an instant. From physical injuries to financial burdens, the aftermath of a crash is often confusing and overwhelming. While many believe that they can handle their claim on their own, an experienced attorney can provide crucial guidance, protect your rights, and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Understanding the Legal Complexities
Car accident cases involve multiple legal aspects, including liability laws, insurance policies, and state regulations. A car accident lawyer understands these complexities and how to navigate them effectively.
Without this legal knowledge and experience, you might be at risk of making mistakes and jeopardizing your claim.
Your lawyer will make sure that all of your paperwork is filed correctly, deadlines are met, and legal procedures are followed correctly.
Proving Liability in a Car Accident Case
To get compensation after an accident, you have to be able to prove that another party was responsible.
This requires evidence. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you’re found to be partially responsible for the accident, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
And, if you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you may not be able to recover damages at all. A skilled attorney can help present the strongest case to minimize liability and maximize compensation.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts to protect their bottom line. Adjusters may offer quick settlements that are far less than what victims deserve. Without legal representation, accident victims may accept these offers without realizing they could be entitled to more.
An experienced auto accident attorney understands these insurance tactics and knows how to counter them. By handling all negotiations, they can fight for a fair settlement that fully covers your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering you’ve experienced, and any foreseeable future expenses.
Maximizing Your Compensation
One of the most significant benefits of hiring a lawyer is the potential to recover more compensation.
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that may not fully cover your losses. A lawyer evaluates the full extent of your damages, including pain and suffering, and negotiates aggressively to secure a fair payout. Their understanding of case valuation ensures you do not settle for less than you deserve.
Reducing Stress and Allowing You to Focus on Recovery
Recovering from a car accident can be physically and emotionally exhausting.
When you hire an attorney, they’ll handle all of the legal aspects of your case so you and your family can focus on healing. You won’t have to worry about gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, or dealing with legal paperwork. Your attorney handles everything while informing you about your case’s progress.
Your lawyer understands common issues like comparative fault laws and will fight to ensure that blame is not unfairly shifted onto you. They work to minimize your percentage of responsibility and maximize your compensation.
Assessing Long-Term Impact
The effects of a car accident may not be immediately apparent. Some conditions, like traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage, can lead to long-term health complications. When calculating your claim’s value, your lawyer will consider future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and the impact on your ability to work. They ensure that your settlement accounts for ongoing care, not just immediate expenses.
Representation in Court
While most car accident cases are settled outside of court, some disputes require litigation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer represents you in court and fights for your rights before a judge and jury.
Having a legal representative increases your chances of a favorable outcome, as personal injury attorneys understand court procedures, legal arguments, and how to present a compelling case.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Without legal guidance, accident victims may make mistakes that harm their case. Things like providing a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster, accepting a low-ball settlement, or missing a filing deadline can all hurt your claim. A Columbia car accident lawyer prevents these errors by advising you on what to say, how to handle negotiations with insurance companies, and when to accept or reject an offer.
What To Expect During the Legal Process
If you choose to pursue a claim, the process generally involves the following steps:
- Initial Consultation: A lawyer will evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.
- Investigation: Your attorney collects evidence like accident reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Negotiation: They also handle all negotiations with the insurance company to help ensure a fair settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary): If a fair settlement can’t be agreed upon, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and take the case to court.
- Resolution: Your case may be resolved through settlement negotiations, mediation, or a trial verdict.
Your lawyer will guide you through each of these stages, protecting your rights and making sure that you receive the best possible outcome.
At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we understand that a car accident can be a huge disruption to your life, but with our experienced legal support, you can recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether we’re negotiating your settlement or pursuing litigation on your behalf, our experienced Columbia car accident lawyers work tirelessly to help you get back on your feet.
Seeking legal counsel early in the process ensures that your rights are well protected, and you get the compensation you need to move forward.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Columbia, don’t wait to seek legal assistance.
The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the stronger your case will be. By taking the right steps now, you and your family can focus on your recovery while your lawyer fights for the justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
