Mt. Pleasant Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can alter the course of your life, especially if you suffer serious injuries, resulting in medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.  At Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC, our Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyers understand the heavy toll a car accident can cause. We are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and recovering millions of dollars in compensation for our injured clients.

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Mt. Pleasant?

The most dangerous roads in Mt. Pleasant include the following major highways and heavily trafficked roads and intersections:

• Ben Sawyer Boulevard: This road leading to Sullivan’s Island Bridge can be especially dangerous during tourist season and high-traffic times.
• Coleman Boulevard: Another major roadway known for heavy traffic and frequent accidents, particularly at the intersections of Chuck Dawley Boulevard and Simmons Street.
• Johnnie Dodds Boulevard (Highway 17): This main roadway through Mt. Pleasant experiences high volumes of traffic and accidents.
• Long Point Road: A significant connector, Long Point Road is particularly dangerous in areas near the I-526 intersection and entrance to the port terminal.
• Mark Clark Expressway (I-526): Known for frequent accidents, particularly at the junctions with Highway 17.
• Rifle Range Road: Running parallel to Highway 17, Rifle Road can be dangerous due to high traffic volumes and several residential intersections.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Car accidents can arise out of many different situations. Some of the most common include:

• Distracted driving: A leading national cause of accidents is distracted driving, such as cell phone use, texting, eating, interacting with passengers, and any other activity that diverts attention from driving.
• Drowsy driving: Sleep deprivation causes the same neurological impairments as alcohol, and driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous
• Drunk driving: Alcohol or drugs reduce focus and reaction time, affect information processing, blur vision, and cause blackouts or sleep
• Reckless driving: Aggressive driving, including sudden or excessive lane changes, cutting off others, and disobeying traffic laws
• Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit reduces stopping time and distance and the ability to stop quickly or avoid sudden obstacles
• Tailgating: Traveling too closely to others limits stopping ability and space and frequently results in rear-end accidents
• Weather: Slick roads due to rain, snow, and ice reduce tire traction and increase the risk of collision

Nearly all car accidents result in some type of injuries, even minor ones. Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injuries, including back, neck, and spinal cord injuries, burns, crushed or severed limbs, disfigurement, nerve and organ damage, paralysis, psychological trauma, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and whiplash.

Am I Required to Report a Car Accident in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you must report accidents that result in injuries, fatalities, or damage of $400 or higher. The state statute on car accidents requires a written report and verification of both drivers’ liability insurance coverage. Minor accidents that do not result in injuries or costly damage do not require reporting.

What Insurance Is Required in South Carolina?

Driving without insurance is illegal in South Carolina and can have serious consequences. The South Carolina Department of Insurance requires motorists to carry minimum auto insurance of at least:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damages per accident
• Uninsured motorist coverage

The minimum requirements ensure that all drivers can cover others’ expenses and damage should an accident occur. It is highly recommended that you carry additional coverage for yourself and family members who will be riding in or driving the vehicle.

Is South Carolina a No-Fault State?

South Carolina is not a no-fault state and follows the rule of comparative negligence. If you have less than 50 percent responsibility for the accident, you can file a claim against the other driver for your injuries and losses. Your percentage of fault then reduces the compensation you recover. For instance, if you are 20 percent responsible, you will recover 80 percent of the total compensation awarded.

What Compensation Can I Seek for My Injuries?

In South Carolina, you can seek compensation for economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages for intangible costs, such as pain and suffering or loss of life enjoyment.

You have a limited period for filing car accident claims in South Carolina. The statute of limitations for filing car accident claims is three years from the date of the accident or death.

What Is the Process for Filing a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina?

Various processes depend on the accident’s circumstances, the injuries’ severity, and the number of responsible parties. Generally, the process begins by filing a claim with the insurance company. A claims adjuster will investigate the accident, review the submitted documents, and write a report, which typically triggers the insurance company to make an initial settlement offer. There may be several offers between the parties during the process. If a settlement is not reached, you can file a civil lawsuit to recover damages, which will likely include a trial.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Mt. Pleasant?

Any evidence you can gather during the accident can support your accident claims. If you are physically able following an accident, you should take the following steps:

• Call the police and report the accident and any injuries.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
• Limit conversation and do not apologize, as what you say can be used against you.
• Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, weather and road conditions, and any other important factors related to the accident.
• Gather contact information and statements from any witnesses.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out internal injuries with delayed symptoms that can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Maintain all records, expenses, and correspondence related to the accident and your injuries.
• Hire an experienced Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyer with a successful record of negotiating with insurance companies for maximum settlements for their clients.

How Can a Mt. Pleasant Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Car accident claims are often complex and challenging. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer ensures that your claim will be handled appropriately, your rights protected, and you will secure the best possible outcome. Our dedicated Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyers can handle the following on your behalf:

• Investigate the accident scene.
• Review police reports.
• Determine negligence.
• Interview witnesses.
• Establish your ongoing healthcare needs with your medical team.
• Hire experts, if appropriate.
• File all required documents by deadlines.
• Negotiate with insurance companies.
• Represent you in court if the case goes to trial.

Our Mt. Pleasant Car Accident Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Fight for Clients Injured by Negligent Drivers

Suffering injuries in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligent actions can leave you with costly medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a negligent driver has injured you, the experienced Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Call today at 843-727-6500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, we serve clients throughout South Carolina.