Myrtle Beach is a bustling area known for its attractions, tourism, and busy streets. However, with the increased activity comes a heightened risk of accidents and injuries.
You could be entitled to compensation if you were injured due to another party’s negligent actions. A Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to provide you with more clarity about your situation. Contact The Solomon Law Group, LLC to learn more about your potential for compensation. Consultations are free.
South Carolina Personal Injury Law and Negligence
Accidents can happen. According to the National Safety Council, 63 million people were medically treated for a preventable injury in 2022 in the U.S. Many of these could have been caused by a victim’s own actions. However, what happens when the accident was the fault of someone else? You do have legal options.
Personal injury cases often center on the principle of negligence. When an individual is harmed due to another party’s failure to exercise reasonable care, they may be entitled to compensation. In these situations, someone acted negligently, which puts the liability on them. However, it is not as easy to say someone was responsible for an accident; there must be evidence in these cases.
These claims must establish four key elements of negligence: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Duty of care is a certain standard of care to avoid causing harm to others. For example, drivers on the road owe a duty of care to other motorists, pedestrians, and passengers to operate their vehicles safely.
Once a duty of care is established, a breach must have occurred through the defendant’s actions or inactions that fall below the standard of care. This is often the most contested element in a personal injury case.
Causation links the defendant’s breach of duty to the plaintiff’s injuries. For example, if a person slips on a wet floor in a grocery store and breaks their leg, they must show that the store’s failure to clean up the spill, which is a breach of duty, directly caused the injury. Additionally, they must prove that slipping on a wet floor is a foreseeable consequence of the store’s negligence in maintaining safe conditions.
The final element in a negligence claim is damages. You must demonstrate that you suffered actual harm or losses due to the defendant’s actions. Damages can be economic, like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, or noneconomic, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If this all sounds complicated, it can be. Many injured victims believe that they can handle these cases on their own. While a few can be settled quickly, some are more complicated and require a skilled Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer on your side.
Myrtle Beach Personal Injury Accidents We Help With
Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, a truck accident, or a slip and fall, you don’t have to face this challenging situation alone. Our team at The Solomon Law Group, LLC, is here to help you every step of the way.
Car Accidents
Myrtle Beach car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injuries in the United States. In South Carolina alone, thousands of people are injured in car crashes each year due to negligent or reckless driving. Many times, this can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even fatalities. The impact of a car accident can be life-altering, leaving victims with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
Truck Accidents
Trucking collisions in Myrtle Beach are often more devastating than other vehicle accidents due to the size and weight of these vehicles. These accidents usually lead to catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage. Truck accident cases are also more complex since they often involve multiple parties.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Myrtle Beach slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, from grocery stores and restaurants to private homes and public sidewalks. While these accidents may seem minor, they can result in fractures, head injuries, and back injuries. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises and warn visitors of potential hazards. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured, they can be held liable for any damages.
What Damages Can You Collect in Horry County Injury Cases?
When you’re injured in a personal injury accident in Myrtle Beach, you can seek compensation for your losses through an insurance claim or lawsuit. These damages are either classified as economic or noneconomic.
Monetary losses tend to fall under the economic losses criteria, and they include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
Noneconomic damages cover intangible losses you have suffered. These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
- Emotional trauma
Punitive damages are not awarded in every case but may apply in situations where the defendant’s conduct was reckless, malicious, or egregious. For example, if a truck driver was intoxicated or grossly violated safety regulations, the court might award punitive damages.
Calculating these damages can be difficult. You don’t want to lose out on your expected compensation. For that reason, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with a Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer.
What If I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident That Injured Me?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for your injuries. However, your assigned percentage of fault will reduce the compensation award you may be eligible to receive. For example, if you are assigned 30% of the fault for a car accident, your damages will be reduced by 30%.
Remember that this modified comparative negligence rule includes a 51% bar. So, anyone who is 51% at fault for their injuries is barred from recovering any damages.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney To Represent You
There is no such thing as an easy injury claim. No matter how straightforward it may initially seem, complications can always occur. You will want to stay one step ahead of any issues by working with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Myrtle Beach. They handle all aspects of your claim, from gathering evidence and proving negligence to negotiating with insurance companies.
With their help, your rights are protected throughout the process. Plus, they could possibly help you maximize the compensation you receive for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
With a skilled lawyer by your side, you can focus on your recovery as they handle these challenging claims.
Allow Our Myrtle Beach Personal Injury Lawyer to Assist with your Claim
At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we are here to help with this process. Whether it is fighting for your rights or ensuring those responsible for your injuries are held accountable, we will be with you every step. Set up a free consultation today to discuss your case and learn more about the compensation you may be entitled to.
