Charleston Car Accident Lawyer

Have you suffered injuries from a car accident? Are you dealing with the aftermath of a collision? The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm’s Charleston car accident attorneys are here to assist you in securing the compensation you rightfully deserve. We support accident victims across the South Carolina Lowcountry, including North Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Summerville, and Walterboro.

The aftermath of a car accident can be a stressful journey; you never planned to be in this situation, and figuring out the next steps can be challenging. Our dedicated team of lawyers is here to offer compassionate, skilled, and effective legal representation to guide you through this challenging time.

Our commitment is clear: we strive to provide tenacious and effective legal advocacy for our community members. Our Charleston-based team comprises experienced and dedicated car accident lawyers committed to fighting for the rights of those injured in accidents.

Find out why so many people in your community see us as their trustworthy legal team committed to fighting for justice on your behalf.

The Role of Our Charleston Car Accident Attorneys in Your Legal Claims

If you were involved in a car accident, whether it was your fault or another person’s, it is highly recommended that you contact an attorney. Following a car wreck, you may need to get your car repaired, visit a doctor to treat injuries or be forced to miss work.

Our car accident lawyers can protect your rights and help you secure compensation, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your recovery, your health, and your family.

If you were injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation to help cover automotive repairs, medical bills, and other costs. To obtain compensation, you must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, your insurance company, or both.

The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm team will assist you in dealing with the insurance companies to ensure your case is taken seriously and you are awarded the compensation you deserve.

Why Choosing Our Charleston Car Accident Law Firm Is a Good Choice

At our Charleston firm, we provide dedicated representation personalized to the unique aspects of your vehicle accident case. We begin by attentively listening to your account and asking insightful questions to grasp the specifics of your situation and your goals.

Our next step involves a strong investigation. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and managing communications with insurance companies on your behalf.

We oversee the entire insurance claim process, from initial discussions to settlement negotiations, ensuring you understand all legal options and potential outcomes.

We guide you through each step of establishing a successful claim, starting with filing your legal case through summons and complaints. Throughout the process, we handle depositions, gather and present evidence, and file necessary court motions.

Our goal is to identify all potential damages to ensure you receive the maximum compensation. We work closely with expert witnesses and financial analysts to accurately assess and validate your case’s worth.

As your case proceeds to trial, we manage jury selection and present a strong argument in court. We provide strategic advice to help you make informed decisions every step of the way.

If an appeal is necessary, we handle that as well, along with judgment collections.

Our comprehensive approach to each stage of the legal process reflects our commitment to securing the compensation you deserve and guiding you through the legal complexities. Contact us to learn more about how we can create a personalized strategy for achieving justice in your case.

What Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Charleston?

After a car accident, taking specific steps to protect your health and rights is important. Follow these guidelines:

• If possible, move to a safe area, turn on your hazard lights, and use flares or warning triangles to alert other drivers if it’s dark.
• Assess yourself and others for injuries. Avoid moving anyone who is injured unless it’s necessary.
• Contact the police, even for minor accidents. A police report can be vital for insurance claims.
• Collect names, contact information, insurance details, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers of all involved drivers. Additionally, gather contact information from any witnesses.
• Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damages, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs.
• Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of liability.
• Even if you feel fine, it’s wise to get checked by a healthcare professional, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Inform your insurer as soon as possible. Provide them with the gathered information and cooperate fully.
• Document all related expenses, such as medical bills and car repairs. Keep a record of any related communication.
• Contact a lawyer promptly. An experienced car accident attorney can start building your claim immediately. The sooner your claim starts, the better your chances of receiving maximum compensation.

Reasons for Car Accidents in Charleston

Most traffic accidents in Charleston and elsewhere are not primarily caused by a lack of driving skills but rather by the decisions drivers make while behind the wheel. Human error is responsible for approximately 94% of all road accidents.

Many drivers may eventually contribute to the common causes of traffic accidents. Raising awareness about these causes can help educate drivers and encourage more cautious driving behavior.

Consider these prevalent factors each time you get behind the wheel to start implementing preventative measures:

• Aggressive Driving: Charleston’s roads can become battlegrounds when aggressive driving takes the wheel. This includes behaviors like speeding, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes. Aggressive driving not only endangers lives but also increases the likelihood of severe accidents. Our firm is committed to holding such reckless drivers accountable.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Charleston sees its fair share of DUI cases, with drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medication. Impairment diminishes a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities, significantly raising the risk of accidents. Our legal team is adept at handling DUI-related accident claims, ensuring justice and rightful compensation for victims.
• Distracted Driving: In Charleston, as in the rest of South Carolina, distracted driving is a leading cause of road mishaps. From texting and talking on the phone to eating or using GPS, distractions divert a driver’s attention from the road. We help victims of distracted driving hold the responsible parties legally accountable.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced drivers often lack the critical skills for safe driving, which can lead to mistakes with serious consequences on the road. Our attorneys are skilled in managing cases involving inexperienced drivers, helping affected clients secure compensation for their injuries and losses.
• Poor Road Conditions: Charleston’s roads can be treacherous due to poor maintenance, leading to accidents involving potholes, uneven road surfaces, and unexpected obstacles. We specialize in cases where poor road conditions contribute to accidents, helping clients navigate claims against entities responsible for road upkeep.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: Weather in Charleston can rapidly change, presenting drivers with challenging conditions like heavy rain, fog, or icy roads. We assist clients in accidents exacerbated by adverse weather, ensuring they understand their rights and options.
• Equipment Failure: Vehicle malfunctions such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or faulty airbags can lead to catastrophic accidents. Our firm represents clients in product liability claims against manufacturers or mechanics who fail to ensure the safety of vehicle components.

Time Limits for Filing Charleston Car Accident Lawsuits

The statute of limitations sets a deadline for initiating legal actions. Under South Carolina code §15-3-530, individuals involved in a car accident have a three-year window from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.

It’s crucial to begin the legal process promptly. Although three years might seem sufficient, each case is unique, and delays can jeopardize your ability to secure compensation.

This legal timeframe promotes timely litigation and prevents indefinite legal threats against the responsible party. Moreover, as time progresses, evidence may degrade or become less convincing, making the case harder to prove. Therefore, acting swiftly ensures that your legal rights are protected and the case remains strong.

What Compensation You’re Eligible for in Charleston?

To be eligible for compensation after an accident, you or your lawyer must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused the accident. This involves establishing the four elements of negligence:

• Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a legal duty of care. On the road, all drivers are legally obligated to obey traffic laws and take reasonable steps to avoid causing harm to themselves and others.
• Breached Duty of Care: The defendant breached their duty of care. This can include disobeying traffic laws, such as speeding or running a red light, or engaging in reckless behavior behind the wheel, such as road rage or driving while intoxicated.
• Causal Link: There must be a direct link between the defendant’s negligent actions and the injuries you sustained. You need to prove that your injuries would not have occurred if the defendant had upheld their duty of care.
• Damages: You or your lawyer must provide proof of your damages. This can include medical expenses, lost income from missing work, or property damage.

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our Charleston car accident attorneys have in-depth knowledge of South Carolina traffic laws and the expertise to prove another driver’s liability for an accident. We are dedicated to protecting your interests and obtaining the maximum compensation possible for the damages you sustained.

Focusing on these elements and how they apply to your case is essential for determining your eligibility for compensation. Consulting with our Charleston car attorney can help clarify your options and the best course of action based on your case’s specifics.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Charleston

Each year in the United States, over one million car accidents result in injuries. While some of these injuries are minor cuts and bruises, many are severe and life-altering.

Here are some of the most commonly reported types of car accident injuries:

• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even a seemingly mild concussion can have serious repercussions. Symptoms such as headaches, confusion, dizziness, and tinnitus could indicate a concussion and warrant immediate medical attention. More severe brain injuries may result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments, profoundly affecting a victim’s quality of life.
• Spinal Cord Damage: Spinal injuries can range from herniated discs causing severe pain and discomfort to catastrophic spinal cord damage resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis. Symptoms may include loss of limb control, numbness, and difficulty breathing, requiring extensive ongoing care.
• Internal Injuries: Often undetectable at first, internal injuries such as bleeding or organ damage can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Signs to watch for include severe abdominal pain, dizziness, and fainting. These injuries often necessitate surgical intervention and can have lasting health implications.
• Whiplash: Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash affects the neck and upper back, potentially causing prolonged pain and restricted movement. Symptoms may develop immediately or over time, including stiffness, headaches, and shoulder pain.
• Back Injuries: Back injuries in car accidents can vary from strains and sprains to more severe injuries such as fractured vertebrae. Chronic back pain from such injuries can lead to long-term disability and other health issues like depression and weight gain.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a car crash can easily break bones in arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body. These injuries can require surgeries, physical therapy, and lengthy periods of rest, impacting your daily life and ability to work.
• Facial and Dental Injuries: From cuts and bruises to severe facial fractures and dental damage, facial injuries can be both physically painful and emotionally distressing, often requiring surgical repair and leading to significant medical bills.
• Psychological Effects: The trauma of a car accident can extend beyond physical injuries, leading to emotional and psychological distress such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These impacts are just as real as physical injuries and can affect every aspect of a victim’s life.
• Permanent Disability and Paralysis: Severe accidents may result in conditions that alter a person’s life forever, such as paralysis or other permanent disabilities. These conditions often require comprehensive adjustments to living spaces, ongoing medical care, and assistive technologies.

Knowing these injuries can help recognize the symptoms early and seek appropriate medical treatment. If you’ve been in a car accident in Charleston, getting checked by a medical professional is important, even if you feel fine immediately after the incident.

Evidence a Car Accident Lawyer Can Use to Prove Your Case

To build a strong case for you, a car accident lawyer may rely on various types of evidence, including:

• Your Testimony: Your detailed account of the events leading up to, during, and after the accident.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from passengers, bystanders, and witnesses who observed the accident.
• Admissions of the Other Driver: Any statements made by the other driver that acknowledge fault or provide insight into the circumstances of the accident.
• Vehicle Damage: Analysis of the damage location on the vehicles and their positions post-impact to understand the nature of the collision.
• Injury Documentation: Detailed records showing the severity and nature of your injuries.
• Accident Reconstruction: Expert analysis recreating the accident to demonstrate how it occurred and who was at fault.
• Video Evidence: Footage from nearby businesses, street cameras, or dashcams that captured the accident.
• Vehicle Records: The maintenance and production records of the vehicles involved may indicate mechanical issues or manufacturing defects.
• Medical and Occupational Experts: Testimony from medical professionals and occupational therapists about your injuries and their impact on your life.
• Medical and Property Damage Records: Document medical expenses and property damage resulting from the accident.
• Employment and Wage Information: Proof of lost wages and the accident’s impact on your ability to work.

The importance of each type of evidence can vary depending on the specifics of your case. Your attorney will use their expertise to determine the most critical evidence, ensuring your case’s clear and compelling presentation.

Charleston, South Carolina Car Accident Laws

In Charleston, South Carolina, the law allows for “comparative negligence” in personal injury claims. This means that if you file a claim against another party, they can argue that you share some of the blame for the accident.

If the court agrees, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if you are found to be 30% responsible for an accident, your damages will be reduced accordingly. So, if you suffered $100,000 in damages but were deemed 30% at fault, you would be eligible to recover only $70,000.

Insurance adjusters frequently use the concept of comparative negligence to reduce the amount they have to pay. They might attempt to increase your perceived level of fault to minimize the settlement.

Our mission is to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve. We work closely with you to gather all necessary evidence to support your case.

Our team manages communications with the insurance company, reducing the risk of you inadvertently jeopardizing your claim. Our South Carolina injury lawyers are well-versed in the tactics insurance companies use to lower compensation and are skilled in negotiating better settlements for our clients.

We will provide you the confident that we will fight to protect your rights and work diligently to secure the compensation you are entitled to.

The Challenges of Car Accident Cases in Charleston

Car accident cases, though common, present numerous challenges. While you can seek compensation from the negligent driver, auto insurance companies often work against you.

They may deny you liability, attribute partial fault, or dispute your injuries to justify a low initial settlement offer.

Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts and exploit the lack of experience most injured parties have in negotiating settlements. As a result, many individuals accept the first lowball offer without question.

Working with an experienced Charleston personal injury attorney can significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Attorneys understand how to negotiate effectively and are prepared to litigate if necessary, ensuring you get the full compensation you deserve.

A significant challenge is ensuring that the settlement covers all current and future expenses related to the accident. Injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal injuries can have long-term consequences, making it crucial to accurately estimate future costs.

Insurance companies often resist these estimations.

Moreover, South Carolina’s auto insurance limits—$25,000 for bodily injury or death and $25,000 for property damage—can restrict recoverable amounts. With over ten percent of drivers uninsured or underinsured, recovering adequate compensation can be even more difficult.

However, guiding car accident cases requires skill, persistence, and legal expertise to overcome the hurdles posed by insurance companies and ensure fair compensation for your injuries.

Reach Our to Our Charleston Car Accident Lawyers Now!

A car crash can be life-altering, leaving you not only with physical injuries but also with mounting expenses, the inability to work, and significant emotional trauma. Managing these challenges can be highly toxic, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Speaking with a lawyer is vital for the success of your claim. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our attorneys are committed to helping you determine the full value of your claim and fighting for the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

We are here to soothe the difficulty and stress of the legal process.

If you’re worried about your auto crash claim, don’t hesitate to contact a Charleston car accident lawyer for a free consultation and case evaluation. Contact us today at (864) 664-3865 or schedule a complimentary initial consultation to learn how we can assist you.

We’ll answer your questions and explain all of your legal options.

FAQs:

1. Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

Your health insurance will cover your medical bills in the immediate aftermath of a motor vehicle accident. Once liability is determined, the car insurance company can reimburse your health insurer. If you do not have health insurance, you may be able to receive treatment under a letter of protection.

1. Can I Sue if I Was Not Injured in the Car Accident?

Yes, you can still sue even if you were not physically injured in the car accident. However, you cannot claim damages for physical injuries. You can sue for damages related to mental anguish and property damage caused by the car wreck.

1. Can I Sue a Government Agency for an Auto Accident?

If the person who hit you was a government employee or if a government road authority’s negligence caused your crash, suing a government agency in South Carolina can be complex.

Many states have laws protecting government entities from injury lawsuits, including car crash claims, making it more challenging to sue. This underscores the need to consult an auto wreck attorney in Charleston.

Typical injury claims in South Carolina give you three years to file, but lawsuits against the government may have shorter deadlines and damage caps. Our experienced attorney can help maximize your claim’s value.