A car crash can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether it’s mounting medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll of the ordeal, dealing with the aftermath can be stressful.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Rock Hill, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, our attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s filing the initial claim or negotiating with insurers, you can count on us throughout the entire process.
Contact our Rock Hill car accident lawyer to see how we can assist with your case. Initial case consultations with attorneys at our law firm are always free.
South Carolina Traffic Stats
Unfortunately, there are some grim statistics concerning vehicle accidents in the state. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, one traffic collision occurs every 3.7 minutes. Along with that:
- One person is injured every 15.4 minutes
- One fatal collision takes place every 8.6 hours
With those numbers, many victims and their families must deal with the consequences of these car accidents in Rock Hill. Many times, that can lead to serious injuries, such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, whiplash, and even amputation. In the more serious cases, they can lead to fatalities.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to a vehicle crash, you will want to contact a car accident lawyer in Rock Hill to find out about your potential to pursue a legal claim.
What Damages Can I Recover if Injured in a Car Crash in York County, SC?
If you have been involved in an accident, you can recover several types of damages. They fall into the economic or noneconomic damage categories. Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses directly resulting from the car accident in Rock Hill, such as:
- The cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care required due to the accident.
- If the accident caused you to miss work, you could recover the income you lost during your recovery period.
- Any additional costs related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments or home care services, can also be recovered.
Noneconomic damages are more non-monetary impacts of the car crash in Rock Hill, including:
- Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort experienced as a result of the accident.
- Anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects from the trauma of the crash.
Sometimes, these incidents can result in a loss of life. In these cases, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent parties. These damages may include:
- The costs associated with the funeral and burial
- Compensation for the loss of the deceased’s income and financial contributions
- Damages for the loss of their love, guidance, and companionship
- Recovery of medical expenses related to the treatment of injuries from the accident.
A Rock Hill car accident lawyer can help you assess the full amount of damages that you suffered in these incidents.
Making a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina
When filing a Rock Hill personal injury claim, the responsibility falls on you to establish liability. If someone decides to speed or operate a vehicle while intoxicated, they could be at fault for the accident. Anyone who wants to pursue legal options will need to establish a few elements of negligence.
All drivers are legally obligated to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicles. With that, they must follow traffic laws, drive attentively, and consider the safety of others on the road. Accidents often occur when drivers fail to uphold this duty. Distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding, and ignoring traffic signals are all examples of disregard for the safety of others.
When a driver breaches that duty, they may have engaged in negligent behavior. These breaches include driving while intoxicated, aggressive driving, or failing to yield the right of way. Additionally, running a red light or failing to maintain a safe following distance is also considered a breach of duty.
You must show that the breach of duty directly caused your Rock Hill car accident and the resulting damages. Sometimes, establishing causation can be challenging, especially if there are multiple factors. For example, if a driver was speeding in rainy weather and collided with another vehicle, both the weather and the driver’s negligence may be considered contributing factors.
Finally, you must have suffered some damages in the incident, whether that is medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. You are able to recover economic and noneconomic damages, including compensation for emotional distress and diminished quality of life.
If I Am At Fault, Can I File a Claim?
In South Carolina, there is a modified comparative negligence rule. Under that, if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your damage award will be reduced by that amount.
However, if you are 51% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering any damages. Comparative negligence can play a role when both drivers share some responsibility for the accident. For example, if one driver was speeding and the other failed to signal before changing lanes, both may be deemed partially at fault. In these cases, the court will assign a percentage of fault to each party.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Crash Claim?
After a car accident in Rock Hill, you will want to take immediate action, not just for your health but also for your legal rights. There is a statute of limitations on car accident claims. Under South Carolina law, you must file a lawsuit within three years from the accident date. If you don’t meet this deadline, your claim could be dismissed.
Contact Our Rock Hill Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a vehicle accident in Rock Hill, you have the right to seek experienced legal representation. At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we understand the unique challenges car accident victims face in these cases. When you choose to work with us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining a committed advocate who will fight for your best interests every step of the way.
We know that a car accident can have life-altering consequences, and we’re here to shoulder the legal burden so that you can focus on your recovery. Set up a free initial consultation with our Rock Hill car accident lawyer to assess the validity of your claim.
