Have you or a loved one been in a motor vehicle accident? It can become very overwhelming when it happens to you or a loved one. After the accident, you may not know what to do.
Seeking medical attention should be the number one priority when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. As medical bills pile up, you may begin to wonder how you are going to handle it all. You may be unable to go back to work as well as you may suffer from mental and physical issues as well.
Fortunately, you do not need to go through this alone. When you have a respected Moncks Corner personal injury lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm working for you, you can get through these trying times and maximize your financial compensation. Demand justice when you contact our South Carolina personal injury law firm for a 100% free consultation.
Questions to Ask Your Car Accident Attorney in Moncks Corner, SC
A car accident lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here to help answer any questions you may have, such as:
- What should you do immediately following the accident?
- How do you deal with insurance companies?
- Do you have a claim?
- Are you looking for the right injury lawyer for your case?
- Do you need legal representation?
Common Car Accident Injuries to Sue For
The severity of the injuries you sustained will determine how much compensation you could receive. The most common injuries we see in Moncks Corner car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and contusions
- Damage to the neck and back
- Spinal cord injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Other catastrophic injuries
South Carolina Car Accident Stats You Should Know
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that motor vehicle accidents occur every four minutes, accidents that cause injuries to motorists occur every seventeen minutes, and accidents that lead to fatalities are caused every ten hours.
It has been reported that as many as eight hundred fatal accidents happen annually, and it is estimated that up to 30,000 car accidents involve serious bodily injury.
Common Causes of Moncks Corner Car Accidents
The leading causes of motor vehicle accidents are drunk driving, driving over the legal speed limit, and, unsurprisingly, texting while driving. When someone is texting while driving, they become distracted, taking their eyes and attention off of the road in front of them. With the number of distracted drivers going up due to texting while driving, the number of motor vehicle accident cases has also continued to rise.
In addition to cell phone use, speeding, and driving under the influence, other examples of negligent driving could include:
- Lack of driving experience
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Making unlawful turns
- Following too closely
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Reckless driving
However, negligent driving is not the only cause of car accidents. Malfunctioning and defective motor vehicle parts and hazardous road conditions are also some of the most common causes of these collisions. Fortunately, you may have the right to take legal action against the municipalities and government agencies liable for road maintenance and safety if dangerous roads contributed to your accident.
If your collision was caused by defective vehicle parts, instead of filing a claim against the driver that hit you, you might instead file a claim against the auto parts manufacturers, distributors, designers, retailers, and suppliers. Only a thorough investigation into the cause of your accident will reveal the identities of those responsible.
The Value of Your Moncks Corner Car Accident Claim
South Carolina personal injury laws state that the victim of the accident has the right to claim damages due to one or more of the following:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income and career
- Pain and suffering damages
- Medical bills for any future care
- Damages to property
- Damages due to wrongful death
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
You may also be awarded punitive damages. However, these are typically awarded rarely, as the defendant’s conduct must be grossly negligent, malicious, or intentionally harmful for the court system to find an appropriate to punish them beyond your compensatory damages.
Dealing with the Insurance Company After a Car Accident in Moncks Corner
Insurance companies do not want you to know how much you can receive from your accident. But an injury victim’s physical and mental well-being have substantial value. When you are prepared for the insurance company to do what it can to take advantage of you, it makes it easier to protect yourself.
Do not be surprised if the insurance company blames you for causing the accident, delays the processing of your claim, or attempts to misrepresent the terms of the policy. If the insurance company can reduce your settlement in any way possible, you can expect them to do so.
By having your Moncks Corner car accident attorney handle the insurance company for you, you can avoid being tricked into settling for less than you deserve or losing out on the compensation you are entitled to.
Statute of Limitations in South Carolina
In the state of South Carolina, injury victims have up to three years to file a car accident lawsuit under South Carolina Code §15-3-555. Three years may seem like a lot of time, but it is better to start your claim with an injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Unforeseen circumstances could delay your claim and limit the time you have to file. The sooner a car accident lawyer can get started building a case for you, the better chance they have to secure powerful evidence to build a compelling case for the compensation you are due.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer in Moncks Corner, SC Today for a Free Consultation
With a Moncks Corner car accident lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm, there is no fee unless we win. We are here to help, with live representatives available 24/7.
We offer accurate and essential legal information and have the resources to help guide you through the claims process. Contact us today by phone or through our convenient contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and get started on your case.
