A highway accident can leave you with life-altering injuries, endless medical bills, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies. You may be wondering how you will recover physically, emotionally, and financially. An Orangeburg car accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you get through this overwhelming time and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
We understand the challenges you are facing, which is why we offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee so you never pay unless we recover compensation for you. With 10+ years of experience representing accident victims, your Orangeburg highway accident lawyer will be by your side every step of the way, protecting your rights and demanding the liable party be brought to justice. Contact us today to schedule your 100% free consultation and take the first steps toward rebuilding your life.
Highway Accidents Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries
The injuries victims suffer in highway accidents are often severe, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Your Orangeburg personal injury lawyer will work to ensure you receive the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and start to put this traumatizing experience behind you. We see a wide variety of injuries in highway accidents, such as:
- Amputation
- Broken bones and fractures
- Dental trauma and facial injuries
- Hip and knee injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and contusions requiring surgical intervention
- Neck injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Septic shock
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Third-degree burns
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
These injuries often result in long-term physical pain, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. For this reason, we must consider the future impact of your injuries as well when we calculate the value of your claim. You can rely on your legal representative to advocate for your rights and do everything possible to hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence.
Grounds for a Highway Accident Claim in Orangeburg
To pursue compensation after a highway accident, we must establish legal grounds for your claim. This typically involves proving that another party’s negligent actions caused your injuries and resulting damages. Your lawyer can investigate your case and identify the best path forward to hold the liable party accountable.
Elements of Negligence
Negligence is the foundation of most highway accident claims. To prove someone else is at fault, we must demonstrate that the key elements of negligence have been met, as explained in a report by Hofstra University, which includes:
- Duty of Care – The at-fault party owed you a duty to act responsibly, which all drivers owe to their fellow motorists by driving as safely as possible.
- Breach of Duty – They failed to uphold that duty through reckless or negligent behavior such as speeding, aggressive or distracted driving, or breaking other traffic laws.
- Causation – Their actions directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages – You suffered measurable losses as a result of the accident.
Proving Liability
Establishing liability in a highway accident case involves gathering and presenting evidence that meets the preponderance of the evidence standard as described under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-33-135.
This means proving the defendant is more likely than not the at-fault party who caused your injuries. Relevant evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction data, can strengthen your claim.
Time is Running Out to File Your Highway Accident Claim
South Carolina imposes strict deadlines for filing a highway accident claim, known as the statute of limitations. According to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could result in losing your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.
In some situations, the statute of limitations may be tolled or paused, allowing you additional time to file your claim. This can occur under specific circumstances, such as when the injured party is a minor or if the at-fault driver leaves the state to avoid legal responsibility. Understanding whether tolling provisions may apply to your case is crucial, and our team can help ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.
While three years might seem like plenty of time, preparing a strong claim often involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. Delays can jeopardize the availability of crucial evidence, which may make it harder to prove fault or calculate the full value of your damages. Acting quickly ensures we have the time we need to build a powerful case on your behalf.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Claim
Maximizing your highway accident claim requires a comprehensive understanding of the damages you have experienced. Your Orangeburg highway accident attorney with Shelly Leeke Law Firm will evaluate every aspect of your case to ensure you recover the full value of your losses.
Economic damages address the tangible financial losses you have suffered due to the accident, whereas non-economic damages compensate for the less tangible effects of your injuries, some of which might include:
- Emotional distress or trauma
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Medical expenses, including surgeries, ambulance bills, and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your vehicle or belongings
In cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct, as outlined under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-32-530. We will fight to ensure the at-fault party compensates you for every single way your life has been affected by your injuries and resulting damages.
Meet With a Highway Accident Lawyer in Orangeburg
Facing the aftermath of a highway accident can feel overwhelming, but with the right legal representative on your side, you can feel empowered to take action. Your trial-proven highway accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you build a compelling case and pursue maximum compensation. We do not believe you should have to worry about the legalities while you are still in the throes of your recovery.
With our no-win, no-fee guarantee and years of experience advocating for accident victims, we are committed to securing justice for you and your family during some of the most challenging times in your life. Contact our team today to schedule your free consultation. You can reach us through our convenient contact form or by phone to get started on your legal claims as soon as today.
