Greenville has emerged as one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing urban areas due to its unique blend of traditional Southern charm and a cosmopolitan vibe.
Conversely, car crashes are a regular occurrence in Greenville. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that the latest data indicates 3,990,909 licensed drivers in South Carolina and 232,781,797 licensed drivers nationwide.
Not every driver uses their car with the caution required to keep other people safe. To help you obtain full and just compensation for your losses following a major car accident in Greenville, you might need the expert advice of an experienced car accident lawyer.
You can contact us now to arrange a meeting with one of our top car accident lawyers. We are here to provide you with the assistance and counsel you need.
How Can Our Greenville Car Accident Attorneys Help After a Car Accident?
A personal injury lawyer from the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can manage every step of your case after a car accident, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Here’s how we can help car accident victims in Greenville:
Identifying All Liable Parties
We will determine who is responsible for your accident and the resulting damages. This may involve multiple parties, and we will uncover their liability and the compensation they owe you.
Gathering Evidence and Documentation
The strength of your case depends on the evidence and documentation we can collect. Our team will obtain accident reports, footage, photos, witness accounts, and invoices to build a robust case that proves the following:
- The defendant’s liability for the accident
- The extent of your losses due to the accident
- Managing Communication
While you recover, we will handle all communication with insurance companies and other attorneys, sparing you from unnecessary stress and contact.
Valuing Your Losses
We will accurately assess the monetary value of your damages, setting the standard for a fair recovery.
Negotiating Settlements
Settlement negotiations may continue throughout your case, even if it goes to trial. We will strive for a fair settlement, keeping the door open for negotiation.
Defending Your Rights
Our primary responsibility is to protect your rights. We will ensure that insurers and other parties do not violate them.
You can focus on your health by approaching us while benefiting from our firm’s resources and experience. We take on the responsibility of your case, giving you the time and peace of mind necessary to recover.
When to Consult Our Greenville Car Accident Law Firm?
In Greenville, resolving the circumstances of a car accident can often be challenging, with all parties reaching a fair agreement quickly. This outcome can relieve the stress of prolonged legal battles and financial strain by facilitating prompt settlements. However, the reality is often more complicated.
It’s important to understand that insurance companies, while appearing helpful, prioritize their financial interests. Their main goal is to minimize payouts, often aiming to resolve claims swiftly and economically. This process can leave individuals without the full compensation they deserve.
In contrast, consulting with a car accident attorney at CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can advocate for your interests. Our legal professionals work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay upfront. Instead, our fee is part of your settlement or judgment, aligning our success with your financial recovery.
There are critical situations where consulting with our personal injury lawyer becomes essential:
- Insufficient Settlement Offers: When the compensation proposed by the insurance company does not sufficiently cover the damages and losses incurred from the accident.
- Ongoing and Future Medical Expenses: If the accident results in injuries requiring continued medical care or future treatments, ongoing costs will be incurred.
Our experienced attorney will thoroughly assess your damages, including current and future expenses. We collaborate with medical specialists, financial analysts, and other experts to ensure any settlement or award reflects the actual cost of your injuries and losses, securing your financial well-being now and in the future.
Many hope for a simple settlement after a car accident, but complications often arise. Our knowledgeable and dedicated Greenville car accident attorneys can support you in this challenging period and ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover fully.
What Are the Four Aspects of Negligence?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, your legal team must demonstrate that the defendant was entirely negligent. The defense attorneys will attempt to find weaknesses in your case.
Fortunately, you are in capable hands with the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. Your Greenville car accident lawyer can prove the four aspects of negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
The First Aspect: Duty
In a negligence suit, it must be shown that the defendant owed the plaintiff a legal duty of care. Sometimes, the relationship between the injured party and the defendant is relevant.
For instance, a doctor owes their patient a duty of adequate medical care to avoid negligence. In the context of an automobile accident, the defendant owed other drivers a duty of care to operate their vehicles safely and avoid endangering others.
The Second Aspect: Breach of Duty
After establishing a duty of care, your Greenville car accident lawyer must prove that the defendant breached that duty. This involves demonstrating what a reasonably cautious person would do in the same situation.
The term “reasonably prudent person” is used to gauge how an average person would react under similar circumstances. To prove negligence, the plaintiff must show that an average person with the same knowledge as the defendant at the time would have understood the potential for injury and acted differently to prevent it.
The Third Aspect: Causation
Once a duty of care and a breach have been proven, the plaintiff must show that the breach caused their injuries. Negligent behavior alone is insufficient – it must be connected to the injury.
For example, if a driver was texting while driving (a negligent act), the plaintiff must prove that this action caused the accident and their injury.
The court also examines whether the defendant could have foreseen their behavior might cause an injury. If the injury resulted from random or unexpected behavior, the defendant might not be liable, as the injury could not have been predicted.
The Fourth Aspect: Damages
Finally, the car accident attorney must prove to the court that the plaintiff suffered damages that warrant compensation. This means demonstrating to the court that the plaintiff was injured.
Without proof of damages, there is no basis for compensation.
By thoroughly understanding and proving these four aspects, the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm ensures that your case is in skilled hands, working towards the best possible outcome.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Greenville?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Greenville, taking the right steps can protect you and your future personal injury claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Call the Police: Even if your injuries seem minor, a police report may be necessary for filing an insurance claim.
- Leave the Scene As Is: Don’t move the vehicles unless they block traffic or pose a danger to others on the road.
- Keep a Record: Accurately documenting the incident can help the police with their report and be useful for your insurance company or attorney. Record pain, injuries, and witness statements. Collect the other driver’s information, including their name, address, and insurance details.
- Take Pictures: If you can, photograph your vehicle and any visible damage and injuries using a camera or cellphone. Ensure you do not interfere with the police while doing so.
- Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident immediately.
- Seek Medical Attention: Prompt medical care is crucial for recovery. Even if you don’t see any visible injuries, get checked by a medical professional since some injuries might not be immediately apparent but can be serious.
- Keep a File of Documents: Organize all documents related to the accident, as they will support your claim.
- Reach Out to an Attorney: Consult an attorney to understand your legal options and next steps.
If the accident occurred while you were working, you might also be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Contact our Greenville car accident lawyers to learn more about your options.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident in and around Greenville
Injuries from motor vehicle accidents can range from relatively mild to life-threatening, often requiring medical treatment. They are also significant sources of wrongful death in Greenville, North Carolina.
The most common car accidents are mentioned below:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Nerve Damage
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Burns
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Fractures
- Lacerations
Receiving timely medical attention is essential to your rehabilitation, regardless of the injuries you incurred in the accident. You are entitled to reimbursement for your medical expenses if another motorist is at fault.
Car Accident Damages That You Can Recover
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to know that you have the right to recover various damages. Here are some types of damages you can seek:
- Lost Wages: You can claim compensation for the income you lost due to the accident, including wages from missed work days or inability to work in the future.
- Medical Bills: This includes current and future medical expenses related to the accident, such as hospital bills, surgery costs, medication, therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Pain and Suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have impacted your quality of life or ability to enjoy activities you once did, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Property Damages: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one dies in the accident, you may be able to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
To ensure you receive fair compensation, working with a personal injury attorney is advisable. They can help you gather evidence, assess your damages, negotiate with the insurance company, and file a lawsuit to seek compensation through the court if necessary.
Who’s at Fault For Your Car Accident in Greenville, South Carolina?
After a car accident in Greenville, South Carolina, the fault is important in determining who is financially responsible for the damages. Here’s what you need to know:
Fault Determination
South Carolina follows a fault system, meaning the person responsible for the accident is liable for the resulting damages. To establish fault, you’ll need to gather evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photos of the accident scene and damages
- Traffic violations or citations issued
Insurance Claims
After the accident, you’ll need to report it to your insurance company. They will investigate the accident and determine fault based on the evidence.
You may file a claim with their insurance company if the other driver is at fault.
Settlement Offers
The insurance company may offer you a settlement based on your damages. However, their offer may not always be sufficient.
You may need to negotiate or seek legal advice if you are not offered fair compensation.
Legal Action
If the insurance company refuses to settle or you’re unable to reach a fair agreement, you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. You must present evidence to support your claim and prove the other driver’s negligence in court.
Comparative Negligence
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you may not be eligible for compensation.
It’s important to consult an experienced car accident attorney who can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and navigate the legal process to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
How Insurance Works in Greenville
In Greenville, North Carolina, drivers must carry liability insurance to cover damages they may cause in an automobile accident. The state’s minimum required coverages include:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person and $60,000 for two or more people
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per incident
However, some drivers may choose to drive uninsured, leaving other drivers involved in an accident with few options for compensation if they are not at fault. In such cases, the uninsured driver’s liability coverage may not cover all damages.
To protect against this scenario, drivers can purchase Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance (UM/UIM) as an add-on to their policy. This coverage can compensate for injuries and damages that exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits.
If insurance coverage does not cover all damages, the injured party in Greenville may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek additional compensation. This can help cover the costs of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages not covered by insurance.
How Will Comparative Negligence Affect Your Car Accident Claim?
Comparative negligence plays a significant role in car accident claims in Greenville, South Carolina. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely resist paying your claim, often trying to shift blame onto you to minimize their expenses.
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning if you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, being found 20% at fault would result in receiving only 80% of your compensation.
You may not receive compensation if you’re found more than 50% at fault.
This highlights the importance of legal representation to protect your rights and fight against attempts to blame you unfairly. Our car accident attorney in Greenville can help you through the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
This is especially essential for covering long-term medical bills and other expenses.
What are some Common Types of Car Crashes in Greenville?
In Greenville, South Carolina, several common types of car crashes can occur, each with its own set of causes and consequences:
- Rear-end Collisions: Drivers who follow other vehicles too closely risk rear-end collisions, which can cause various injuries and damages.
- Collisions Caused by a Driver Pulling Out in Front: Accidents often occur when a driver pulls out in front of another vehicle, leading to a crash. These are common accidents that can result in significant damage and injuries.
- Rollover Crashes: Rollover crashes can happen due to fatigue, distraction, excessive speed, or hitting an obstruction. These accidents can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
- Sideswipe Accidents: When two vehicles drive close to each other, a sideswipe accident can occur if one crosses into the other’s lane. These accidents are often caused by distraction or failure to check blind spots properly.
- Head-on Collisions: Head-on collisions happen when the front ends of two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions. These accidents can be devastating and are often caused by factors like distracted or impaired driving.
These accidents can be caused by negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to follow traffic laws. Understanding these common types of accidents can help drivers take precautions to prevent them and stay safe on the road.
What Is the Time Limit for a Car Accident in Greenville?
In Greenville, like in all states, there’s a legally defined window during which you can initiate a personal injury lawsuit following a car accident. This time frame is governed by the “statute of limitations.”
For vehicle crashes, Greenville sets this period at three years from the date of the incident.
It’s easy to think there’s ample time to act, especially when dealing with the immediate aftermath of an accident. However, constructing a compelling legal case requires time and solid preparation.
Evidence needs to be collected, witnesses interviewed, and legal strategies developed. As such, the three-year mark can approach much faster than anticipated.
Given the risks, procrastination is not advisable. Missing this critical deadline could result in losing your right to seek compensation through the courts.
It’s essential to be proactive and consider consulting with a legal professional early to ensure your case is prepared and filed well within Greenville’s statute of limitations for car accidents.
Let Our Greenville Car Accident Lawyers Review Your Car Accident Case!
If you’ve been in a car accident in Greenville, our personal injury attorneys are here to help. We’ll review your case and represent you to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Most car accident cases settle out of court, but we’re prepared to go to trial if the other party’s offer is insufficient.
In court, car accident cases typically have bench trials, where the judge decides. However, you may also opt for a jury trial, where your peers decide on the compensation and damages you receive.
Rest assured, our attorneys will aggressively fight for your rights and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your case.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm has experience helping accident victims of all kinds in South Carolina. Whether you were injured in a side-impact collision, a hit-and-run, or another type of accident, our team is ready to investigate your case and gather evidence to support your claim for compensation
We will hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
To get started with a free consultation, call our firm at (864) 664-3865 or schedule a complimentary initial consultation. A member of our team will be happy to discuss your case and provide the guidance you need.
FAQs:
- If your car accident happened a while ago, do you still have a case?
Many injuries do not appear for a few days or weeks after a motor vehicle crash. This is perfectly normal and does not mean you have lost your chance to recover compensation. However, you should act quickly. North Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
- What are some of the different types of car accidents?
Car accidents vary widely, from minor fender benders to major multi-vehicle collisions. Some accidents involve only one vehicle, such as when a driver swerves to avoid a hazard or due to a vehicle defect like brake failure. In such cases, if your actions were in response to another driver’s negligence, you may still be eligible for compensation.
Accidents involving two vehicles can include rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, and side-impact or T-bone collisions. Each type of accident has complexities that our South Carolina car accident lawyers can help you go through.
- How long does a car accident claim usually take in Greenville, SC?
The duration of a car accident claim can vary but typically takes around six months from filing to settlement. The process may extend to about a year if there is a significant amount of information to sort through. If the case goes to trial, it could take up to two years before a decision is reached. Civil litigation is intentionally slow to ensure fair due process for all parties involved.
