South Carolina Car Accident Victims Need to Understand What They Are up Against
After a South Carolina car accident, you may be unsure of what to do next. Naturally, seeking medical attention should be your top priority. Once your injuries are stabilized, other concerns may start to set in. You may wonder how you are going to deal with mounting medical bills. You may find yourself unable to return to work. You may be suffering from severe and ongoing physical and emotional pain.
Fortunately, you do not have to go it alone. The South Carolina personal injury lawyers at Shelly Leeke Law Firm are here to help, offering valuable information and resources to help you navigate the accident claim process. We will help you, and provide answers to your questions, such as:
- What to do immediately following a crash
- How to deal with the insurance companies
- Whether you may have a potential claim for your injuries
- How to find the right attorney for your case
- Whether you need legal representation
Key Takeaways:
- If you’ve been injured in a car accident, consulting a South Carolina car accident lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you understand your rights and legal options.
- You may be entitled to compensation if a distracted, intoxicated, or negligent driver caused your accident.
- Gather evidence, including photos, witness statements, and police reports, to strengthen your claim.
- Workers’ compensation only covers medical bills and partial lost wages—if your accident involved a work-related vehicle, you may also have a claim against the at-fault driver.
- South Carolina law generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What to Do After a Car Accident in South Carolina
The moments after a crash can be chaotic, but taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal claim. If you’ve been in a car accident, consider the following:
- Check for injuries – Assess yourself and others. If anyone is seriously injured, do not move them unless necessary for safety.
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Even in minor accidents, having an official report is crucial.
- Move to a safe location – If possible, relocate to the side of the road to prevent further collisions.
- Exchange information – Get contact and insurance details from the other driver, as well as witness information.
- Document the scene – Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are nearby surveillance cameras, make note of them.
- Speak with the police – Cooperate with law enforcement but avoid admitting fault.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries like concussions or internal damage may not be immediately apparent.
- Keep records – Track all medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other accident-related expenses.
- Consult a car accident lawyer – Before speaking with insurance adjusters, contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm to discuss your case.
South Carolina locations we service
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we are committed to providing exceptional legal services to communities across South Carolina. With offices strategically located throughout the state, our experienced attorneys are readily available to assist you with your personal injury and accident claims. Below low are some of the South Carolina car accident locations we proudly serve:
Should You File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?
Not every accident requires a lawsuit, but if you’ve suffered injuries, extensive property damage, or financial losses, having a South Carolina car accident attorney on your side can make a significant difference.
You may not need legal action if:
- Your injuries are minor and fully covered by the other driver’s insurance.
- There was little to no vehicle damage, and all parties agree on responsibility.
However, if the at-fault driver’s insurance company denies or undervalues your claim, or if your injuries have led to long-term consequences, taking legal action may be necessary. Filing a claim does not always mean going to trial, but it ensures you have the opportunity to recover maximum compensation for your damages.
Depending upon the unique facts and circumstances surrounding your accident, our South Carolina car accident lawyers may find that you have a claim for compensation against one or more parties. This compensation may include lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
The type and amount of compensation that you ultimately receive often depends on the particular type of injuries that you suffer. Common injuries resulting from car accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Neck injuries
- Facial injuries
- Psychological pain and suffering
In some cases, it may turn out that you do not need an attorney at all. Before making this determination, however, you need to arm yourself with in-depth knowledge of car accident claims. First, call us for a complimentary consultation. The South Carolina Accident Book will provide you with excellent guidance as to the steps to take after a crash, mistakes to avoid, and how to choose the right attorney for your case.
It is important to note that most car accident claims do not result in courtroom battles. Most cases are settled well before a lawsuit is filed. In these cases, you may obtain compensation for your losses without the need to invest in a trial. While you do always need an attorney to settle a claim, your position is often significantly strengthened when you have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney in your corner.
