Car crashes are some of the most terrifying and traumatic experiences a person can go through, but a highly experienced Beaufort car accident lawyer is here to help. The emotional distress, physical injuries, and significant financial toll can permanently alter the course of victims’ lives. In the aftermath of your collision, you may feel scared, confused, and worried that you do not know what to do next, so be sure to talk to a Beaufort personal injury lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm.
Having an Lawyer by Your Side Is Reassuring
When you turn to a reputable car accident lawyer in Beaufort at Shelly Leeke Law Firm for help, you can get the legal guidance and support you deserve when you need it most. Contact our office for a free consultation today with our personal injury law firm to learn more about how the car accident claims process works, how South Carolina state laws could impact your case, and the value of your car accident damages. There is a lot to take in during this time, but we aim to reduce at least some of those frustrations for you.
Note that having an attorney is not just about making sure you get fair compensation. It also allows us to take the pressure off of you, alleviate your fear of financial loss, and avoid the onset of complications later because you did not get the medical care you need. Our team works hard for you, handling the entire process so you can focus on the healing.
We also handle the insurance company and any negotiations. This ensures you never feel pressured to settle your case for less than you are owed. It also ensures you are always receiving the support you need for negotiations or, when the time comes, going to court.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Beaufort
After being involved in a car crash, you may initially be shocked and scared. However, before you call your car accident attorney in Beaufort for help, there are certain steps you can take to begin building your case against the liable party before you even leave the scene. We encourage our clients to put their safety first in every situation.
The goal here is not to impose yourself on law enforcement or to violate anyone else’s rights. Instead, after a car accident, take steps to protect yourself, your passengers, bystanders, and the other driver by calling for help. Then, continue to work through the steps necessary to get the care you need.
Often, our clients speak to us about these issues after they have already been in that car accident and that initial period of needing to act is gone. That is just fine, but we want you to know the best practices to follow after an accident like this. Follow these steps.
1. Calling Emergency Responders
If you have not done so already, contact 911 emergency responders. Although you may not always be required to report an accident to the police, you are obligated to inform law enforcement anytime there is property damage or physical injuries. Police at the accident scene can help divert traffic, secure the scene, and write up a formal accident report detailing liability and other pertinent details that could be used to support your case later.
The police will arrive and document as much information as possible at the scene. Be mindful of what you say in that you should only ever provide actual facts, not opinions of what occurred. Then, be honest with the police about what occurred.
Never admit guilt. Avoid making statements like, “I am sorry” or “I did not see them,” and instead simply state the facts. Be sure that you alert the police to anything that occurred, though, being honest.
2. Documenting Your Car Accident Scene
While you wait for 911 responders to arrive at the scene of your accident, take steps to document the scene wherever you can. You might write down what you remember of how the accident occurred in the details leading up to the accident. You can even record yourself in a video talking about what happened.
If possible, you should take photos of your injuries and use your phone to take a video of surrounding property damages. This can help accident reconstructionists as they attempt to build concrete evidence against the liable party. Never put yourself or others at risk when going through this process.
Additionally, writing down the addresses of homes or businesses that have security cameras on display and the contact and insurance information of the other involved party could prove valuable in your car accident case. Be sure to gather any witness contact information, too. If possible, record anything anyone states.
3. Getting a Medical Evaluation
Make sure you obtain a medical evaluation. Even if you feel fine, your injuries could be far worse than you previously thought. When you get evaluated, there will be medical records that support the severity of your injuries.
Failure to obtain this medical evaluation could give the defendant an opportunity to challenge the severity of your injuries. Even if you feel okay, go to the doctor. Your doctor will provide specific instructions to you, too.
Make sure you follow those instructions, including following up. That helps to demonstrate that you were hurt and you did what you had to do to avoid a worsening of your condition. This helps to back up your claims.
4. Calling a Car Accident Attorney in Beaufort for Help
Once healthcare providers have determined your condition is stable, now you can call and find out what your personal injury lawyer can do for your car accident claim. Once you have a car accident advocate working for you, you can focus on spending time with your family and healing from your injuries. Do not wait to give us a call.
You already have enough to deal with if you are out of work and struggling to cover regular expenses due to your loss of income. Let us handle all of the legal details and bring the liable party to justice so you can access the funds you need to get through these trying times. Focus on your healing.
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we go to work for you right away. That includes gathering evidence and filing initial notices. You can focus on yourself while we focus on your best outcome, so be sure to talk to our firm for help today.
Causes of Beaufort Car Accidents
Your Beaufort car accident lawyer’s most important responsibilities will include figuring out how your accident occurred. This is because this will determine who is responsible for compensating you for your damages. We do not always know why accidents occur.
When possible, the police will document how the accident occurred and why. This is always determined based on the best information available immediately after the wreck. Keep in mind that this information may be changed later if evidence warrants it.
We encourage you to be mindful of what caused your collision and the resulting injuries. You can also speak with a wrongful death lawyer in Beaufort, if necessary. Every situation is very different, but the liable party should pay. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Beaufort:
Road Hazards
Dangerous road conditions are known for causing motor vehicle crashes. If potholes are not filled, defective or broken street lights are not replaced, street lamps are not installed, or road construction workers fail to properly secure construction zones, severe injuries and collisions can occur. You might have the right to sue government agencies, road construction workers, contractors, subcontractors, safety inspectors, and even the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for your damages.
Negligent Driving
Negligent driving is arguably the number one cause of car crashes across the state of South Carolina. Any time a driver operates their vehicle in an unsafe manner, they are driving negligently. Examples of risky driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) could include operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fatigued driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and reckless driving.
Defective Car Parts
When auto parts malfunction or are defective in any way, they can cause catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common types of vehicular critical catastrophes known for causing collisions include:
- Steering column defects
- Breaking issues
- Tire blowout
- Fuel tank system problems
- Malfunctioning airbag inflators
- Seatbelt malfunctions
- Defective airbags
- Electrical issues
- Ignition problems
- Acceleration problems
- Issues with the vehicle’s airbags
You can speak with a Beaufort catastrophic injury lawyer to learn more.
Recovering Damages After a Car Accident in Beaufort
After being involved in a car accident, you may wonder how much your claim could be worth. To calculate the value of your losses, we will need to go over the various types of damages that could be paid out in your Beaufort car accident settlement. Compensatory damages are the types of losses you are entitled to recover as described by S.C. Code §15-32-520. They can be economic or non-economic in nature, and examples include:
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Healthcare costs
- Scarring
- Inconvenience
- Diminished earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Another type is called exemplary damages, which are not a loss you have the right to be awarded. They are paid out when the court system determines the defendant was grossly negligent or their actions were egregious according to S.C. Code §15-32-520(D) These are a way of punishing the defendant beyond the compensatory damages you are entitled to recover.
Beaufort Car Accident FAQ
Car accident lawsuits and insurance claims can be emotionally taxing but are often a necessary part of the claims process if you hope to maximize your payout. You may have many questions regarding how these claims unfold and what to expect from your case. For that reason, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding car accidents in Beaufort below.
How Are Car Insurance Claims Handled?
South Carolina follows fault insurance laws according to the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Here, if you are involved in a collision, the liable party will be expected to pay your damages in full. This means you will generally begin the claims process by filing an insurance claim against the at-fault party’s policy.
If the at-fault party does not have auto insurance coverage, or their coverage does not fully meet your needs, you may need to consider alternative options. You might be able to file a claim against your personal auto insurance policy if you opt to carry no-fault insurance coverage. In either case, insurance may not cover the total value of your damages, which is why it is necessary to prepare to bring your case to trial.
How Can I Afford to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Beaufort?
You work with a car accident attorney on contingency. According to South Carolina’s Rules of Professional Conduct, contingency agreements allow car accident victims like you to hire a personal injury lawyer without having to put a retainer down or cover any of the costs that come with filing a claim. Then, once the case is resolved, a percentage of your settlement covers your attorney’s fees.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Beaufort?
According to the statute of limitations under the South Carolina Code of Laws §15-3-530, you typically have a maximum of three years from the date of your collision to file your car accident lawsuit. Missing this deadline could have a devastating effect on your ability to pursue your case. However, you may be able to toll the statute of limitations temporarily if you are dealing with a delayed diagnosis or injuries to a minor.
Reach Out to a Beaufort Car Accident Lawer for Help Today
Your car accident injuries may significantly impact your life for years to come, and when someone else is responsible for causing your injuries, they should be ordered to cover your costs as well. Contact an experienced Beaufort car accident attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm to discuss your opportunities for financial relief. You can get started on your insurance and civil claims as soon as today by filling out our online contact form or calling our office today.
