If you have been injured in a car accident in Denny Terrace or elsewhere in Columbia, SC, do you know what to do next? Do you know how to maximize your car insurance settlement? We find that most people have questions about the car accident claims process. A Denny Terrace car accident lawyer at our firm can answer them and, when appropriate, represent you in your fight for fair compensation.
To talk about whether you should have a claim, contact a Denny Terrace personal injury lawyer to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with us. Also, get our South Carolina Accident Book. It offers step-by-step guidance on what to do after a crash.
Do I Need a Denny Terrace Car Accident Attorney?
It depends on your specific situation. Not all car accident claims call for legal help. If you are dealing with minor injuries or no injuries at all and property damage, you can likely handle the insurance claim independently.
For instance, if the Columbia car crash was so minor you did not need to go to the hospital, you might not need us. But if you or someone else was seriously hurt or died from their injuries, please give us a call.
How a Lawyer in Denny Terrace Can Help
Your situation after a car crash can get overwhelming. In the days or weeks afterward, you may start to worry about the medical bills coming in and when you can get back to work. You might be experiencing a great deal of pain and mental distress.
All of these issues support calling an attorney for help. Your focus should be on getting better, while your car accident attorney will prioritize winning you maximum compensation. To pursue a car accident settlement, our lawyers will:
- Investigate the crash and gather evidence regarding fault and liability
- Help you deal with the medical bills
- Help you get your vehicle repaired or replaced
- Calculate the value of your claim
- Send a demand for compensation to the liable party and their insurer
- Communicate with the insurance companies
You never have to go through a car accident insurance claim or lawsuit alone.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Denny Terrace
Denny Terrace is a Columbia neighborhood between I-20 and SC-215/Monticello Road and next door to Columbia International University. It is primarily a suburban setting, but that does not mean you are less at risk for a crash. Negligent drivers can be anywhere.
We represent victims of car accidents caused by:
- Speeding
- Driving through a red light or stop sign
- Failing to yield to the right of way
- Improper lane changing or merging
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
- Inexperienced drivers
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Vehicle design or manufacturing defects
- Poor weather conditions
We Investigate the Cause, Fault, and Liability
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer is getting to the bottom of what happened. We thoroughly investigate each case we take on, including reviewing police reports, photos, video, and eyewitness statements and, in some cases, hiring experts.
Once we know the truth, we can pinpoint who was at fault for the crash and who is legally responsible for compensating you. Then, we build a strong case for why you are entitled to compensation.
You May Have Serious Injuries
Minor car accidents that cause only bumps and bruises can usually be handled without an attorney. But if you or a loved one were seriously hurt in a Denny Terrace crash, we highly recommend hiring a personal injury lawyer. We have the knowledge and experience you need to demand and win compensation.
We work with car accident victims suffering from:
- Broken bones
- Severe lacerations and abrasions
- Facial and dental injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Complete or incomplete paralysis
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- PTSD and other psychological injuries
Whatever the nature and severity of your injuries, follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep your medical records and bills safe and organized. Your medical care will be a large part of the value of your car accident claim.
Personal Injury Damages
When someone else is responsible for your injuries, South Carolina personal injury law may entitle you to compensation for your:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Reduced earning potential
- Lower quality of life
- Property damage
How to Win Compensation
You will not automatically get a check after a serious collision. Instead, it is your responsibility to prove someone else was at fault for the crash and owes you compensation.
In most cases, this means proving the four elements of negligence:
- The other party owed you a duty of care
- The other party breached their duty of care
- Their breach caused the car crash
- You suffered injuries because of the crash
To establish each element, you need evidence. Better yet, you need to present the evidence in the best light possible and with a comprehensive argument for why you deserve a certain amount of compensation.
Our car accident attorneys for Denny Terrace know how to put together a convincing demand and navigate the insurance claim process. We also know when it is important to take your case to court and prepare for trial.
What to Expect from the Insurance Company After a Car Accident in Denny Terrace
Dealing with the insurance company is one of the most tiresome elements of the claims process. South Carolina follows fault insurance laws, so instead of filing a claim against your own insurance policy, you will file a claim against the liable party’s insurance company.
If the driver that hit you does not have auto insurance coverage, you may need to file a claim with your own insurer if you purchased no-fault protection coverage. However, since the law requires all motorists to carry auto insurance, the at-fault party should have insurance coverage in place.
What Car Insurance Should Cover
Unfortunately, this auto insurance coverage may not be enough to fully cover your damages. The law only requires drivers to carry bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. This means many other types of economic damages, and all non-economic images will not be covered through the insurer.
Furthermore, the insurance company is likely to fight back when you file a claim. They will do everything they can to reduce their financial obligations to you. To protect yourself, have your car accident attorney in Denny Terrace, SC advocate for your rights and show them you mean business. Any losses the insurance company does not cover can be sought after through your car accident lawsuit.
Call a Respected Car Accident Lawyer in Denny Terrace, SC for Help Today
Most car accident injury claims are resolved by insurance settlements before going to court. But that does not mean you should skimp on getting legal advice and representation. Insurers are not eager to hand out large settlements.
You will have to fight for every penny. Learn more about how a Denny Terrace car accident lawyer can help and why Shelly Leeke Law Firm is the right choice for you during a free consultation. You can reach out to us by phone or through our online form to get started today.
