Left-turn accidents are common in North Charleston. They can cause injuries and property damage. If you are involved in a left-turn accident that occurs due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for damages.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we offer legal help to car accident victims in North Charleston. Reach out to us to speak with a North Charleston car accident attorney. Our North Charleston personal injury lawyers can review your case today.
Common Causes of North Charleston Left-Turn Accidents
There are many reasons why left-turn accidents take place in North Charleston. These include:
Distracted Driving
A distracted driving accident occurs when a motorist takes their focus away from what is most important: safe travel. If a driver gets distracted, this individual can cause a left-turn accident. The driver can also be held accountable for the accident.
Speeding
A driver can ignore the posted speed limit while making a left turn. In this instance, the driver is speeding and can cause a left-turn accident. The driver can be sued for damages as well.
Ignoring a Red Light or Stop Sign
A driver can choose to ignore a red light or stop sign in the hopes that no one will notice. Yet, the driver’s decision has consequences. If the driver goes directly into a left turn and causes an accident, this individual is responsible for their actions.
Ultimately, a North Charleston left-turn accident lawyer can help you determine who is at fault in your case. Once the attorney identifies the at-fault party, the lawyer can work with you to file a lawsuit. The lawyer will ensure you seek the maximum amount of damages.
What to Expect in Damages in a North Charleston Left-Turn Accident Case
Your damages vary based on the losses you incur in your North Charleston left-turn accident. There are three types of damages you may be awarded in your lawsuit:
- Economic: These include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other monetary losses.
- Non-Economic: These include money awarded for pain, suffering, and other subjective losses.
- Punitive: A judge or jury may award punitive damages to deter an at-fault party from future acts of negligence.
As you search for a left-turn accident lawyer in North Charleston, consider an attorney’s past case results. The best lawyer has a track record of excellent results. On top of that, the lawyer can teach you about damages and help you get fair compensation from any at-fault parties in your left-turn accident case.
How Your North Charleston Left-Turn Accident Case Moves Forward
You have up to three years from the date of your crash to file your personal injury lawsuit. As such, it is a good idea to hire a left-turn accident attorney in North Charleston as soon as you can. This ensures you have sufficient time for your legal team to investigate and file your lawsuit, so you do not miss out on the timeline established in the South Carolina statute of limitations.
After your lawsuit is filed, you and your lawyer work together to build a strong argument. This requires you to gather and evaluate evidence and figure out who can testify as a witness on your behalf. Plus, your lawyer can teach you about the trial process and how your litigation will get resolved.
Share any legal questions you have with your lawyer as your litigation moves forward. Your attorney understands the legal system and can respond to any questions you have. This allows you to get the insights you need to achieve optimal case results.
What You Need to Do if You Receive a Settlement Offer in Your North Charleston Left-Turn Accident Case
The defendant in your North Charleston left-turn accident case can propose a settlement. In this scenario, the defendant offers you compensation in return for agreeing to drop the lawsuit against them. When you receive a settlement offer, you can choose from the following options as you decide how to respond to it:
- You can approve the offer, which closes your case.
- You can decline the offer, which means you keep going with your litigation.
- You can counter the offer, which allows the defendant to decide if your proposal aligns with their expectations.
Your lawyer will not push you to accept a settlement offer. Rather, your lawyer wants you to receive compensation from an at-fault party that accounts for your short- and long-term expenses. If a settlement falls short of what you want, reject it, and there will be no penalties for doing so.
The Steps that Take Place During a North Charleston Left-Turn Accident Case Trial
You may be stressed out about your North Charleston left-turn accident case trial. With the right attorney at your side, you can receive plenty of legal help during your trial to set your mind at ease. Your attorney can explain the steps of a personal injury trial to you, which consist of the following:
- Opening statements are made by your North Charleston left-turn accident attorney and the defendant’s lawyer to explain what each side will argue in court.
- Witness testimony is presented, witnesses are cross-examined, and evidence is reviewed as each side tries to argue why a judge or jury should rule in their favor.
- Your attorney and the defendant’s lawyer make their closing statement to summarize why a judge or jury should rule in their client’s favor.
- A judge or jury makes a final decision.
The best left-turn accident lawyer wants you to feel confident about your case. In the time leading up to your trial date, your attorney works with you to prepare a compelling argument. Your lawyer values your feedback and insights and ensures you receive ample legal support.
Your attorney presents your argument during your trial and does everything in their power to compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor. In the best-case scenario, your lawyer shows a judge or jury why you deserve to be awarded 100% of the damages you requested.
Get Started with a North Charleston Left-Turn Accident Lawyer
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here to help you sue anyone responsible for your North Charleston left-turn accident. To learn more or request a free consultation, please contact us today.
