Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is heartbreaking, especially when another person’s negligent actions were responsible for their loss. Such an accident may even leave you struggling to deal with the aftermath in the midst of your grief. A South Carolina fatal car accident lawyer understands the depth of your loss and can help lighten the burden on your family.
A compassionate South Carolina car accident lawyer will guide you through the intricacies of the legal process and answer all your questions. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our team has over a decade of experience getting results for our clients and helping them get maximum compensation. Our team comes alongside you and takes the stress out of getting justice for your loved one.
The Steep Toll of Fatal Car Accidents
Fatal car accidents take a steep toll in South Carolina, and when you have been affected by the devastation they cause, it is important to hire an experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer so you do not have to handle the claim and legal process alone. They have extensive experience maneuvering through the legal requirements that come with car accident fatalities and negotiating with insurance companies and at-fault parties. Having a lawyer on your side provides you with invaluable support.
Car accidents remain a leading cause of death across the United States, with 42,514 deaths reported in the most recently studied year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). Of those, South Carolina fatalities consisted of 365 car occupants and 323 occupants of pickups and SUVs. Additionally, 55% of vehicle fatalities within the state were single-vehicle accidents, and 45% were multi-vehicle accidents.
Additionally, fatalities can be caused by a wide variety of circumstances. During the most recent report, alcohol usage was responsible for 567 deaths, and failure to wear a seat belt accounted for 380 deaths in South Carolina. Location also had an impact on South Carolina car accident fatalities, with 479 deaths occurring on urban roads and 615 deaths happening on rural roads.
An Empathetic Lawyer Can Help as You Seek Justice
A fatal car accident lawyer in South Carolina understands that you may be dealing with shock after a car accident. Losing a loved one suddenly and so tragically can leave you uncertain about what to do next. However, you do not have to go through this time alone when you hire empathetic and experienced legal representation.
Your lawyer will listen and support you from the initial consultation to settlement. They will also thoroughly investigate the events of your loved one’s accident and craft a strategy to get you maximum compensation. They are also your advocates when opposing parties try to offer you settlements below what is necessary to cover your losses.
A lawyer will also work hard to establish negligence showing that the party at fault owed the deceased a duty of care and that their breach of that duty directly caused your loved one’s death. They will also demonstrate who was at fault in accordance with Title 15 Chapter 38 by evaluating each person’s contribution to the accident and delineating fault by percentage. Damages in a case are reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault assigned, and anyone who is more than 50% at fault cannot recover any compensation.
How Damages Can Help During the Aftermath of a Fatal Car Accident
A South Carolina fatal car accident attorney understands the chasm created in your life by the loss of a loved one. Not only is their presence gone, but it may have also created other types of losses as a result. While it can not begin to make up for the pain of losing your loved one, damages are an attempt to bridge the gap where your other losses are concerned, such as:
- Economic damages: Intended to compensate you for your financial losses related to the accident. These may include the deceased’s medical expenses, damaged property, lost income, and funeral expenses.
- Non-economic damages: Aims to ease the trauma you experienced after the accident. These damages may cover your emotional distress, loss of companionship, consortium, and quality of life.
- Punitive damages: Rare type of damages that can be awarded in instances of gross negligence to offset the severity of your losses. These damages also act as a punishment for the offending party to deter them from similar future behavior.
Compensation is meant to ease your burden as you move forward in the wake of your loved one’s death. When you hire a lawyer, they will be able to walk you through what types of damages you may be able to receive for your situation. They will also be unwavering advocates throughout the process to get you the financial relief you need.
Receiving a Settlement After a Fatal Car Accident
There are a few different avenues for how car accident settlements are paid out. Filing a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company can provide coverage for your medical expenses. You also have the option to reach a settlement with the liable party out of court, but if that does not work a lawsuit heard in civil court may be the best solution for getting a settlement decision.
It is highly recommended that you talk with your lawyer about your best option for receiving a settlement. With knowledge of your specific situation, they will be able to provide counsel on what course of action will be most effective. They will also aggressively negotiate for you to get a swift resolution and fair treatment.
Shelly Leeke Law Firm Provides You with Peace of Mind
When you hire Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we provide you with the peace of mind that an experienced team is overseeing, advocating, and negotiating for you. We want to see you get the justice you deserve and the compensation you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a fatal car accident attorney in South Carolina, and rest easy knowing you are in good hands.
