A highway accident can derail your life in an instant, leaving you with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical and household expenses. The stress of figuring out how to cover these costs and recover lost wages while dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming. A Summerville car accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here to guide you through this challenging time and demand maximum compensation for your damages.
Our team has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims, which is a true testament to our commitment to justice. With extensive trial experience and a client-centered approach, your Summerville highway accident lawyer with our firm can help you build a compelling case against the liable party. Contact our legal team to request a free consultation, and we can take on the complexity of your case so you do not have to.
You Have the Right to Maximum Compensation After a Highway Accident
After a devastating highway accident, you may be entitled to compensation for every loss you have endured. Your Summerville personal injury lawyer will fight tirelessly to ensure that the liable party is held accountable. This includes pursuing both economic and non-economic damages that have impacted your life.
Loss of Income
Lost wages are one of the most common financial challenges you might face after a highway accident. You may be unable to work for weeks or even months while you recover from your injuries. Your Summerville personal injury lawyer can help calculate the full value of your lost income, including future lost earnings for long-term or permanent disabilities.
Medical Expenses
The medical expenses associated with a highway accident can quickly add up, leaving victims with significant financial strain. Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment are just a few of the costs you may face. Our team will ensure that your claim accounts for every medical expense related to the crash, past and future, to help you move forward.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages like pain and suffering or loss of consortium address the emotional and physical toll of a highway accident. Our former clients often report experiencing chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life as a result of their injuries. We will fight to ensure these intangible losses are factored into your claim.
How to Demand Justice After a Highway Accident in Summerville
After a highway accident in Summerville, understanding your legal rights is imperative. South Carolina follows fault-based insurance laws, meaning you have multiple avenues to recover damages. We can help you through the claims process and determine the best course of action, which might include:
- Filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance policy – South Carolina law allows victims to file a claim against the negligent driver’s insurance company to recover damages as described by the South Carolina Department of Insurance.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit – If insurance does not cover all your losses, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue additional compensation not covered by the claim.
Taking action quickly is critical to securing the compensation you deserve. Our firm can help you file your claim or lawsuit and address every step of the process so you can focus on recuperating. We are prepared to exhaust every opportunity for legal recourse if that is what it takes to get you the most out of your claim.
What Happens if You Are Accused of Sharing Liability
In South Carolina, being accused of sharing liability does not automatically mean you cannot recover compensation. The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found 20% at fault for a highway accident because you were driving 5 mph over the speed limit, your total compensation would be reduced by that percentage. However, if your fault exceeds 50%, you will be prohibited from recovering any damages. For this reason, gathering evidence and having powerful legal representation to counter claims that artificially inflate your responsibility for the collision should be a top priority.
Do not be alarmed if the liable party blames you. It is one of the most common ways those responsible for causing highway accidents attempt to avoid liability. Fortunately, our powerful supporting evidence should protect you from these unfounded accusations.
Get Your Lawsuit Filed Before Time Runs Out
One of the most critical aspects of a highway accident case is ensuring your lawsuit is filed within the legal deadline. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident, according to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530. Missing this deadline can result in the dismissal of your case, leaving you with fewer opportunities to recover compensation.
In some cases, the statute of limitations may be paused, also known as being tolled, if extenuating circumstances apply. For instance, if the victim is a minor or incapacitated, the deadline may be extended until they can legally file a claim, such as when the minor reaches the age of 18 or the injured party receives an official diagnosis, respectively. Your Summerville highway accident attorney with Shelly Leeke Law Firm can review your case and determine whether tolling applies to your situation.
Failing to file your lawsuit on time can have serious consequences. Once the statute of limitations expires, you lose the legal right to seek compensation for your damages. To avoid this, it is critical to retain a knowledgeable legal advocate as soon as possible who can ensure your case is filed correctly and on time.
Contact a Highly Experienced Highway Accident Lawyer in Summerville
Picking up the pieces after a highway accident is not going to be easy, but you do not have to do it alone. Your premier highway accident attorney in Summerville from Shelly Leeke Law Firm can investigate the cause of your accident, calculate the value of your damages, and stand up to the insurance companies on your behalf. With years of experience and an impressive track record of success, you can rely on our team to fight tirelessly to protect your rights.
Take the first step toward securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact our office today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can reach us by phone or through our secured contact form to get started on your insurance and civil claims as soon as today.
