In South Carolina, a minor automobile accident might develop into serious injuries and significant repair expenses. Injuries inflicted in a vehicle accident can range from whiplash to fractured bones, strain to ligaments or tendons, and discs in the back and neck to more long-term problems including paralysis and even wrongful death. You should always consult with a knowledgeable South Carolina car accident lawyer to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
There are many different factors that can contribute to a car accident, but some of the most common include:
Distracted driving
It’s easier than ever to be distracted while driving. With the advent of smartphones, people are used to checking their email, social media, and text messages while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common contributing factors in car accidents. When drivers exceed the posted speed limit or drive too fast for conditions, they put themselves and others at risk.
Reckless driving
This can include actions such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, making illegal passes, and running red lights or stop signs.
Driving under the influence
Of drugs or alcohol. This is obviously a very dangerous thing to do and can lead to tragic consequences.
Poor road conditions
This is something that the South Carolina Department of Transportation is responsible for. If you’ve been in an accident due to poor road conditions, you may be able to hold them liable.
Faulty car parts
Sometimes, accidents are caused by defective car parts. In these cases, it may be possible to hold the manufacturer liable.
The First Thing to Do After an Accident
After a car accident, you may be feeling shocked and frightened. Medical bills can be expensive, insurance claims difficult to manage, and legal ramifications perplexing. To preserve yourself, your passengers, and your car from further harm, maintain your cool at all times. Before consulting an attorney, make sure everyone is safe in the vehicle.
Call 911 as soon as possible if you or any of the passengers in the vehicle are hurt. After a vehicle accident, it is critical that you call emergency services immediately and report any injuries. If you can, exchange contact information such as driver’s licenses, registrations, insurance information, and phone numbers with other drivers involved in the incident after the collision.
Don’t discuss the automobile accident in great detail, and don’t admit guilt for an accident even if it isn’t your fault. Take pictures of the vehicle wreck. Note any injuries or damage to the vehicle as a result of the collision.
Look for any visible skid marks on the road that may help determine how the accident happened.
Keep track of all medical appointments, procedures, and medications related to your injuries as a result of the car accident. Be prepared to discuss these matters with a lawyer when you consult one about your case.
What to Expect When You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Your first meeting with a car accident lawyer is typically a consultation. Most personal injury lawyers do not charge for an initial consultation, but you should still be prepared to answer some basic questions about your case.
You’ll need to provide the lawyer with information about the car accident, including when and where it happened, how it happened, and whether there were any witnesses. You’ll also need to give the lawyer information about your injuries and how they have affected your life.
If you decide to hire the lawyer, he or she will likely want to see any relevant medical records and police reports. The lawyer will use this information to build a case on your behalf.
The lawyer may also want to speak to witnesses and experts in order to get a better understanding of what happened. Once the lawyer has all the information he or she needs, they will be able to give you a better idea of what to expect moving forward.
What Are the Next Steps?
Once you’ve hired a car accident lawyer, he or she will begin working on your case. The first step is usually to file a lawsuit against the other driver (or the other driver’s insurance company) in order to get compensation for your injuries.
The lawyer will also work to negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company. If a settlement can’t be reached, the case will go to trial.
The car accident lawyer will represent you at every step of the process, from filing the initial lawsuit to going to trial. You should make sure you are comfortable with the lawyer you hire and that you feel confident in his or her ability to get you the compensation you deserve.
