Columbia Car Accident Lawyers

Whether you are involved in a minor fender-bender or a catastrophic accident that results in devastating injuries and fatalities, getting into a crash can be an extremely stressful and overwhelming experience. If the other driver was at fault for causing the accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

However, to secure the financial compensation you deserve, you must take several steps in the moments following the accident. If you have a general understanding of what to do after an accident, you are less likely to say or do things that could hurt the outcome of your claim. An experienced Columbia car accident lawyer will assist you with the claims process, protect your legal rights, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

What Steps Do I Take After a Car Accident in Columbia?

Car accidents happen when you least expect it, and you may be unsure about what to do in the moments immediately following the accident. The first and most important thing to do is to call 911 to report the accident and notify dispatch if there are injuries so that they can send an ambulance to the accident scene. If you can safely move around, it is important that you take the following steps:

• Move your vehicle to a safe spot. If you are physically able to do so, move your vehicle to a safe spot away from the flow of traffic. This will also make it easier for emergency vehicles to access you.
• Get immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, ensure you are examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, this can have a negative impact on your personal injury claim. The insurance company will argue that your injury must not be severe if you do not find it necessary to seek medical attention.
• Cooperate with the responding police officer. The responding officer must speak to you and the other driver to fill out a police report. Even if the other driver was at fault, answer all of the police officer’s questions and provide the information requested.
• Collect evidence. The more evidence you can collect from the accident scene, the more proof you will be able to provide to support your claim. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, injuries, debris or skid marks on the road, and the weather conditions.
• Exchange information with the other driver. You will also need to exchange contact information, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance information with the other driver.
• Obtain contact information from witnesses who saw the accident happen. If witnesses in the vicinity saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement and get their contact information. This will be particularly important in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
• Contact a car accident lawyer. You should contact an experienced Columbia car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the claims process and recover the damages you are entitled to.

What If I Am Partly Responsible for Causing the Accident?

South Carolina is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning you may still recover financial compensation if you were partly responsible for causing the accident. However, your total damages will be reduced by the percentage of your share of liability. For example, if the total losses equal $100,000, and you were found to be 20 percent at fault, you may recover $80,000 in damages. However, if your percentage of liability exceeds that of the other motorist involved in the accident, you will be unable to recover any damages.

What Damages Am I Entitled to if I Am Injured in a Car Accident?

You may be entitled to a sizable settlement depending on the nature and severity of your injuries. A successful personal injury claim may include the following damages:

• All medical expenses associated with your injuries
• All future medical costs
• Lost wages if your injuries prevented you from returning to work for an extended period
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

What If the Other Motorist Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

If the other driver involved in the accident does not have auto insurance or is underinsured, it can be challenging to recover the financial compensation you deserve. However, in South Carolina, all drivers must carry uninsured motorist coverage (UM), which protects you if you are injured in a car accident involving an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. You can also purchase underinsured coverage, which protects you and your family if the other motorist does not have enough liability insurance to pay for your injuries.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim?

If you were injured in a car accident in South Carolina and intend to seek damages by filing a personal injury claim, you must file the claim within three years of the accident date. If the accident resulted in a tragic fatality, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is three years from the date of the victim’s death.

This may seem like a lot of time, but it is important that you file your claim as soon as possible so that you recover the financial compensation necessary to pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. It is also important to keep in mind that if you file your claim after the statute of limitations has expired, your claim will likely be denied, and you will be unable to recover any damages.

The Columbia Car Accident Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Represent Victims of Car Accidents

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident, it is highly recommended that you contact the Columbia car accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC as soon as possible. We will thoroughly review the details of your case, help you navigate every step of the claims process, and pursue the maximum financial you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 843-727-6500 or contact us online. Our offices are in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, where we serve clients throughout South Carolina.