You are traveling through the intersection at US 501 and Carolina Forest Boulevard when you are suddenly sideswiped or T-boned. Your vehicle is totaled, you are diagnosed with third-degree burns and a traumatic brain injury, you are unable to continue working while you recuperate, and are emotionally traumatized by the severity of the wreck. The driver that hit you should be held fully accountable for their negligent actions.
After everything you have been through, taking on a personal injury lawsuit can seem intimidating. Fortunately, when you have a dedicated Myrtle Beach left-turn accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm with over 10 years of experience advocating for your rights, you do not need to worry about the legal details. Schedule a 100% free consultation with a community-focused Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer from our firm today to learn more about the claims process and how much you could be entitled to.
How Left-Turn Accidents Happen
In many left-turn accident claims, Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer file lawsuits against the driver who failed to yield to the right of way or is otherwise responsible for causing the accident. The driver who hit you may have been distracted, drowsy, drunk, under the influence of drugs, or simply driving aggressively. Your left-turn accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach will need to conduct an in-depth investigation so we can interview witnesses who could attest to the driver’s recklessness, review black box data that could identify whether the driver was accelerating or decelerating at the time of the accident, and collect other valuable evidence so we can establish liability.
There were 2,202 motor vehicle accidents in Myrtle Beach in 2021, according to The South Carolina Department of Public Safety Traffic Collision Fact Book. Over 4,635 collisions were classified as rollover accidents, which are frequently seen in left-turn accidents. These types of collisions mostly occur at intersections when a driver turns left across traffic, fails to yield, and crashes into another vehicle, motorcyclist, biker, or even a pedestrian.
How to Get Justice from the Liable Party
Once we have determined that the driver who hit you is responsible for causing the collision, we will need to figure out which legal options are available in your case. If the at-fault driver has auto insurance coverage as required according to the South Carolina Department of Insurance, we may begin by filing a claim against their auto insurance policy since the state follows fault insurance laws. However, you should not rely on an insurance settlement alone after being involved in a left-turn accident.
The terms of the liable party’s insurance policy will determine how much you can receive from their insurer. If the defendant only carries a minimum of $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, the insurance company will only pay up to $50,000 for your medical expenses. Remaining or excess damages can be demanded through your personal injury lawyer in civil court.
Myrtle Beach Left-Turn Accident FAQ
Left-turn accident claims can be confusing. However, with the right legal advocate in your corner, you can get the clarity you deserve. Check out this quick FAQ below, that answer some of the top questions regarding left-turn accident insurance claims and civil lawsuits in Myrtle Beach:
How Long Do I Have to File My Left-Turn Accident Claim?
Your left-turn accident claim needs to be filed before the three-year statute of limitations expires. Under the South Carolina Code of Laws §15-3-530, the statute of limitations will generally run out three years from the date of your accident. However, this is only a general rule, as there are several circumstances that could toll the statute of limitations countdown.
This occurs often in collisions where injury victims receive delayed diagnoses or are children. It is crucial to file your claim before the deadline. Otherwise, the South Carolina civil court system may refuse to hear your case at trial.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Left-Turn Accident Lawyer in Myrtle Beach?
It does not cost anything upfront when you choose to work with a left-turn accident attorney in Myrtle Beach from Shelly Leeke Law Firm. We do not require a retainer or work on an hourly rate. Instead, we work for our clients on contingency in accordance with the South Carolina Judicial Branch Rule 1.5: Fees.
Payment for our services and the costs spent investigating your collision and building your claim against the liable party are contingent upon a successful verdict. We will only get paid if we win. If the defendant is found liable for your damages, our attorney’s fees will come out of your settlement.
What if I Am Partially at Fault for the Left-Turn Accident?
If you share partial blame for your left-turn accident, you may still have the right to compensation for your damages, depending on your percentage of liability. The state follows a modified comparative negligence system under South Carolina Code §15-38-15. If your portion of culpability exceeds the limit of 50%, you may no longer be able to recover compensation at trial.
However, if you are less than 50% liable for your injuries from the left-turn accident, you can still receive a settlement award. Your percentage of blame will be taken out of your payout. So if you are, say, 30% at fault because you were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, you would only receive 70% of your award.
Trust in a Left-Turn Accident Lawyer in Myrtle Beach for Help Today
Whether the injuries you sustained will allow you to get back to your life with physical therapy and rehabilitation or are permanently disabling, when someone else’s recklessness causes your injuries, you have the right to demand justice. Without negligence, motor vehicle accidents would, by and large, be preventable. This could be your best opportunity to ensure the at-fault party is compelled to compensate you for the total value of your damages.
You need a trial-proven Myrtle Beach left-turn accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm on your side to guide you through the claims process and protect you from being taken advantage of. Our firm has successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars and counting for our clients. Trust in our team to act as your strongest advocate when you complete our convenient contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
