All drivers are obligated to drive safely on the roadways. Those who do not can be held accountable in criminal and civil court. If a reckless driver causes your injuries, you might have a chance to make them pay. Our Columbia car accident lawyers are ready to help you get on the road to recovery and compensation.
Reach out to a Columbia personal injury lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm to find out what your next steps should be and fight to bring the liable party to justice.
How a Columbia Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
Having an experienced reckless driving accident lawyer in Columbia, SC, from the Shelly Leeke Law Firm take on your case could make all the difference in your ability to recover maximum compensation for your damages. While you direct your energy and time toward achieving maximum medical improvement (MMI), your car accident lawyer can handle all the legal details of your insurance and civil claims.
Here are some of the top benefits of choosing our firm to take on your reckless driving accident claim:
- We conduct in-depth investigations into how reckless driving occurs.
- We gather compelling evidence to prove reckless driver liability.
- We identify liable parties and uncover witnesses to substantiate our claims.
- We go over damages at links to accurately calculate the value of your losses.
- We negotiate with profit-driven insurance companies and ensure they do not take advantage of you.
- We prepare to bring your case to trial, so you can recoup every loss.
- We provide prompt case status updates, so you can rest easier while you heal.
- We return phone calls and answer legal questions promptly.
Compensating Columbia Reckless Driving Accident Victims
Are you wondering how much your injury claim is worth? If so, you are not alone.
The trauma of what you went through has probably impacted every aspect of your life. You do not want to take legal action if it is not worth your time and energy.
Your reckless driving accident attorney in Columbia, SC, will discuss the value of your claim after reviewing your damages in detail. Here are some of the top economic and non-economic damages you could recover in your reckless driving accident claim:
Emotional Distress
The trauma of your accident could have a debilitating impact on your ability to live normally. Accidents with reckless drivers are often far more severe than other car accidents. This is often because reckless driving is caused by hazardous driving behaviors, such as:
- Speeding
- Road rage
- Following too closely
- Illegal turns
- Drunk driving
- Drug driving
The emotional distress of reliving the accident, dealing with nightmares, or struggling to cope can be overwhelming. For this reason, your attorney will need to consider the impact your emotional distress has had on your life as they calculate how much your reckless driving accident claim is worth.
Loss of Income
You have the right to compensation for your lost wages. After an accident with a reckless driver, you may need to take time off work to heal. In addition to your lost hourly rate or salary pay, you can also fight for compensation for other wage-related losses, including:
- Employer-provided health insurance
- Vacation and holiday pay
- Sick time and additional paid time off
- Bonuses, salary increases, and other benefits
- Potential future earnings
- Employer 401(k) or IRA contributions
Property Losses
Getting your property damages covered is critical. After a reckless driving accident, your vehicle may be in disarray. The extensive repairs it requires are just the tip of the iceberg.
Other vehicle damages the liable party will cover include:
- Diminished vehicle value
- Rental car costs
- Repair labor costs
- Cost of parts needed for repairs
- Cost of purchasing a new vehicle
- The difference in what you owe and the value of your car when financing or leasing
Healthcare Bills
The liable party should be required to cover every medical bill. This is not only the cost of your hospital stay and ambulance fees. Other healthcare costs might include:
- Diagnostic imaging fees
- Medical equipment costs
- Home accommodation fees
- Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications
- Transportation costs
- Surgical interventions
- Mental health counseling and therapies
- Future medical expenses and healthcare bills
How Long You Have to File Your Reckless Driving Accident Claim
Your reckless driving accident lawyer in Columbia must file your lawsuit quickly. South Carolina law is strict, requiring claims to be filed within three years of the accident.
This is crucial. If your lawsuit is not filed before time expires, you no longer have the right to hear your case at trial.
Time is further limited if you are filing an insurance claim. Many insurance companies have a 30-day filing limit. The sooner your attorney gets working on your claims, the better.
How Shared Fault Could Impact Your Payout
Do not be surprised if the reckless driver accuses you of sharing liability for causing the accident. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% threshold. If the defendant can argue that you share the blame, your injury settlement will be reduced proportionally.
For example, if you were not wearing your seatbelt at the time of the accident, the judge could find you 10% responsible for your damages, despite being hit by a reckless driver. If the jury awarded you $250,000 for your damages, this would be reduced by 10%, leaving you with $225,000.
That is a $25,000 reduction you cannot afford to lose. Your reckless driving accident attorney will be by your side as your case is evaluated to ensure liability is assessed accurately. This will protect you from being taken advantage of during your most significant time of need.
Get Help from a Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer in Columbia Today
When reckless drivers cause collisions, they can destroy their lives and those they injure. Do not let the liable party get away with it. Take steps to recover your damages in full when you reach out to a respected Columbia reckless driving accident attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm.
Our firm is offering free, no-obligation consultations to reckless driving accident victims across Columbia and the state of South Carolina. Claim yours by filling out our online contact form or calling our office today.
