Columbia Car Accident Lawyer

Columbia Car Accident Attorney

No one can be fully prepared for the full extent of the impact that a car accident can have on an injured individual’s life. Not only must you deal with insurance companies, legal processes, and financial losses, but you also need to focus on physical healing and using this time to recover. A Columbia car accident lawyer is here to help you with the tedious logistics that follow an accident so you can focus on healing.

It is vital that you receive legal support as soon as possible. The skilled legal team at Deas Law Firm has vast experience representing victims of car accidents to recover the compensation they need. We are dedicated to helping our clients move forward confidently from their accident with a compassionate advocate helping them navigate every step of the legal process.

The sooner you can address the legal side of the accident, the sooner you can receive compensation for your losses and move on with your life. By understanding why car accidents happen, how you should respond to a car accident, and how a personal injury lawyer can help, you can be prepared in the event that the unthinkable happens.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

There are many factors that can cause car accidents to happen. Many of them have to do with driver error, and as a driver on the road, it is important that you understand common causes to help avoid further accidents from occurring. Some of the leading causes of car accidents to be aware of are the following:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is typically defined as engaging in any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the primary task of operating the vehicle. This can include activities like talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, operating the car radio, talking to passengers, and more. It is vital that drivers remain focused on safely operating the vehicle above anything else.
• Speeding: Driving above the designated speed limit or driving too fast for the current road conditions can lead to serious accidents. Drivers must stay alert to the current allowed speed and adjust as road and weather conditions shift.
• Driving Under the Influence: An individual operating a vehicle while at the same time under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause an accident. Drugs and alcohol impair the driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it extremely unsafe to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. If you are under the influence of any substance, you must not operate a vehicle.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving between driving lanes, ignoring traffic signals, cutting off other drivers, and more, can lead to collisions. Drivers should maintain a safe distance from other cars, be aware of other drivers, and properly indicate any lane changes, stops, and more.
• Weather and Road Conditions: Unfortunately, poor road and weather conditions can cause very serious accidents. Rain, snow, fog, or ice can reduce visibility, make roads slippery, and sometimes cause accidents. Poorly maintained roads can also lead to loose gravel, potholes, missing signage, and other hazards that can lead to accidents. Drivers must stay cautious when driving in poor weather or on poorly maintained roads.
• Fatigue: Drowsy driving can reduce drivers’ attention spans, reaction times, and decision-making, which can cause a crash. It is important that drivers do not get behind the wheel if they are experiencing drowsiness and instead opt for time to rest before getting on the road to avoid collisions.

Understanding the common causes of accidents can help drivers take more precautionary measures when they are operating a vehicle and reduce the risk of getting into a car accident. Staying educated can help drivers to reduce accidents and protect themselves and other drivers and passengers on the roads.

How to Respond After a Car Accident in Columbia, SC

It can be challenging to adequately respond after an accident, as emotions and adrenaline can run high, but it is vital to remain calm and aware after an accident. In the moments following an accident, it is essential to assess yourself for injuries first, then those around you. If there are any injuries, contact local emergency health services right away. Even if an injury seems minor, symptoms can worsen over time, so seeking immediate care is necessary.

If you are in the line of traffic or in a dangerous area, it is important to move to the side of the road and get to safety, if possible, to prevent another accident from occurring. Once you have moved to safety, contact local law enforcement. A police report is an essential piece of evidence that explains the details of the accident and can help determine fault, which is key to getting compensation for your losses. In most jurisdictions, it is a law to contact law enforcement if there is damage or injury.

If you can exchange contact information from all other parties involved in the crash, do so. Obtain the other driver’s name, phone number, license plate number, insurance information, and other details that could be important. Eyewitnesses can be helpful in proving fault for the accident should you pursue legal action, so getting their contact information is essential.

After you have addressed the immediate needs post-accident, contact your insurance provider. Many insurance companies have a timeline that you must adhere to after having an accident, so it is imperative to get in touch with them as soon as possible. When dealing with insurance adjusters, be careful about the language you use to explain the accident and make sure you do not express fault for the accident, as an official investigation is needed to determine fault.

Contacting a Columbia car accident lawyer as soon as possible can be helpful. Lawyers can evaluate your case and help you to decide the next steps to take. If you qualify for a legal claim, they will be your legal advocate and fight for your fair treatment and maximum compensation for any losses you have suffered.

Knowing what to do in a moment of intense stress and shock can be challenging, but it is crucial to respond swiftly and avoid admitting fault along the way.

How a Columbia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Car accident lawyers can help in several essential ways after a car accident occurs. An experienced car accident lawyer works to relieve legal stress for their clients as they manage many essential aspects of the case so that they can focus on healing and recovery instead of worrying about the legal process, deadlines, and more. Some of the ways a seasoned Columbia, SC car accident attorney can assist during the legal process are:

• Case Evaluation and Consultation: Your car accident lawyer can examine the details of your accident, your losses, injuries, damages, fault, and more to determine if you have the grounds to pursue legal action. They can help you determine what the ideal next steps are and help you form a plan to pursue a fair and just outcome.
• Understanding of Relevant Laws and Regulations: Car accident lawyers are well-versed in the local laws and regulations that impact car accident claims. They can ensure that at each step of the process, you are moving forward legally and adhering to the regulations that govern your claim. Their legal understanding can help uphold your rights if insurance companies and/or the at-fault party try to minimize a fair result.
• Investigation: Your lawyer initiates a thorough investigation into the details of the case to help prove fault. They will look into evidence such as police reports, hospital visit notes, hospital bills, lost wages, property damage, impact on your future earning capacity, and more to not only determine fault but also create an accurate calculation of your total losses and damages.
• Navigating Insurance Company Communication: Insurance adjusters are notorious for protecting company interests by avoiding a fair settlement amount to injured individuals. Your lawyer can navigate this communication, ensure you are not taken advantage of, and negotiate a fair settlement. They will present the evidence they have to show the insurance company why you are owed a fair amount of damages.
• Proving Fault: In many car accidents, the fault is contested, and proving liability can be challenging but is an essential piece to winning compensation for losses. Your lawyer can work to establish that the other party was negligent or careless, which ultimately led to your losses.
• Court Representation: Should mediation or negotiations fail to secure a fair settlement amount, your lawyer can draft and file an official legal claim and represent you in court. They will present your case in court in front of a judge and jury with solid evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present a skilled legal strategy to secure a fair outcome.

In choosing to partner with a Columbia car accident lawyer, you are taking steps to ensure that your case is handled professionally, that your losses are accurately accounted for, and that you are not taken advantage of by at-fault parties or insurance companies. While a legal claim may seem like a daunting process, your lawyer will work to ensure you are informed and confident each step of the way.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in South Carolina?

A: The average settlement for a car accident in Columbia and other areas of South Carolina depends on the unique factors of each case, making it challenging to determine an average figure. Settlements are based on several components within each accident, including the severity of injuries, the amount of medical expenses, if there were any lost wages, who is at fault for the accident, insurance policy limits, the specific jurisdiction where it happened, and much more.

Q: What Do Most Lawyers Charge for Car Accident Claims?

A: What most lawyers charge for car accident claims often varies from case to case as each accident is influenced by differing factors that can influence the type of lawyer needed on the case, their experience level, the timeline of the case, and more. Upon an initial meeting with a lawyer, it is vital that you discuss their fee expectations to prepare for the financial aspect of a claim.

Q: How Long After an Accident Can You Make a Claim in South Carolina?

A: After an accident in South Carolina, the length of time you can make a claim is generally three years. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but in most cases, if you try to pursue legal action after the three-year mark, your case will be dismissed as you were not within the statute of limitations for these types of claims. It is important to take prompt legal action to ensure your case is valid and accepted by the legal system in South Carolina.

Q: What Are the Car Accident Compensation Laws in South Carolina?

A: The compensation laws for car accidents in South Carolina refer to the fault-based system that the state follows for car accidents. This means that the at-fault party is generally responsible for compensating the injured party for their losses. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence law that dictates that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation for any losses can be reduced by the percentage that you are found at fault.

Q: How Long Does Getting Compensation From a Car Accident Take?

A: How long it takes to get compensation from a car accident depends highly on the factors that influence your case. There are so many aspects of a car accident claim that can impact the timeline from first filing the claim to receiving compensation, such as the availability of court officials and courtroom space, the efficiency of all attorneys and insurance claim agents, your physical recovery, and more. Speak with a Columbia Car accident lawyer to better understand your case timeline.

Contact a Trusted Columbia, SC Car Accident Attorney Today

As you move towards healing from the impact of a car accident, it is essential that you have the support of a trusted and reliable legal professional. A seasoned Deas Law Firm car accident lawyer is here to be your trusted guide and representative throughout the legal process. Set up an initial consultation today to learn more about how we can support you at this time. Do not hesitate to receive the legal care that you are entitled to.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

At Deas Law Firm, we work tirelessly for you to make sure you are fairly compensated on your personal injury case. From slip and fall cases or even catastrophic injury cases, Deas Law Firm is ready to fight for you and your rights. Call us today or fill out the online form to discuss your personal injury case.