Car Accident Lawyer Serving Greenwood

Car accidents can be really stressful, especially when you are injured. The laws are complicated and insurance companies – even the one you hired – will often try to payout less than you are owed on your claim. A Greenwood car accident lawyer may help alleviate some of that stress by taking the burden off of your shoulder, so you can focus exclusively on your recovery.

At HawkLaw, we have a team of attorneys and staff who strive to help folks just like you. We understand that another person’s poor decisions may lead to a lifetime of pain or hardship for you. Working with a Greenwood car accident attorney from our firm is one way to show insurance companies that you mean business about your case. Call or contact us today to get started.

What Does a Greenwood Car Accident Lawyer Do?

When you are injured in a wreck, your Greenwood car accident lawyer serves as your advocate and your liaison with the insurance company(ies). That means we:

• Review the entire factual matrix of the car accident lawsuit: The first step of any case is a thorough investigation into the accident. This goes beyond just understanding the incident itself to examining the medical history of all involved parties, considering the impact of any adverse weather or hazardous road conditions, and even delving into the background of the auto insurers. This reduces the risk of any “surprises” that could affect the outcome of your case.
• Coordinate with all parties to gather relevant evidence and information: This includes speaking with your doctors, your boss, and the responding officer, as well as any witnesses. We may also speak with friends and family. We put together the accident report, medical reports, any photos or videos, and any other documentation and evidence we need to build a case.
• Prepare for trial: Though most claims – even ones involving life-threatening injuries – will eventually settle, there are times when a jury trial is the only way to secure a fair award. Our willingness to go to trial is well known in the Greenwood community and by insurance companies that serve South Carolina. Hiring us sends a message that you are not willing to accept an unfair offer.

How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?

Fault for a car accident is generally determined in one of three ways:

1. The police assign fault at the scene.
2. The insurance company assigns fault while assessing a claim.
3. A judge and/or jury decides who is at fault in a courtroom.

The at-fault party in a Greenwood car accident can then be held financially responsible, or liable, for any losses or damages associated with the crash.

Fault generally hinges on negligence. Negligence refers to the failure to act with the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised under similar circumstances. In car accident cases, this means proving that one party did not exercise the proper care expected of them and that this failure directly led to the accident and the resultant injuries or damages.

Determining fault is a critical aspect of a car accident claim in Greenwood, as it directly influences the compensation you may be entitled to receive. This underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable car accident lawyer who can effectively demonstrate the other party’s negligence and minimize your share of the fault, thereby maximizing your potential compensation.

When You Contribute to Your Own Car Accident in South Carolina

South Carolina operates under a modified comparative negligence rule. This rule allows for the possibility that more than one party can be found at fault for an accident. The amount of compensation one can receive is proportionally reduced by the percentage of fault they are found to bear. What this means is, if you are one of those parties, you can still recover compensation for your injuries. For instance, if you are deemed to be 30% at fault in an accident and the total damages are $1,000,000, you would be eligible to recover $700,000, reflecting a 30% reduction in your recoverable damages.

However, if a party is found to be more than 50% at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages. If you think you may share blame, then engaging a South Carolina car accident attorney could make a significant difference in your case.

Note: if you believe you contributed to your own accident, do not admit fault at the scene. It can come back to harm your case later, even if it turns out you were not to blame at all.

How Much Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?

In Greenwood, as in other parts of South Carolina, the average settlement for a car accident hinges on the specifics of the accident, the severity of injuries incurred, and the extent of property damage. Key considerations include the cost of medical treatment (both immediate and ongoing), the victim’s lost wages and potential for future earnings loss, the degree of pain and suffering experienced, and the percentage of fault a victim may share.

How Much Do Greenwood Car Accident Lawyers Charge?

At HawkLaw, we take car accident claims on contingency. That means our pay depends – or is contingent upon – a successful resolution of your case, because we take our fee from your compensation award. We also recoup our costs from this award, which means you do not have to pay for services or associated fees* until after the case ends. We believe in transparency, so we can discuss the contingency fee arrangement during our consultation.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can lead to a wide array of injuries, varying from minor to severe, or even fatal. Injuries frequently encountered in car accidents include:

• Wrongful Death: Tragically, the most severe accidents result in loss of life, leaving families to cope with both emotional distress and financial burdens.
• Brain Injuries: These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), affecting cognitive functions and potentially leading to long-term disability.
• Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering a victim’s quality of life.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a collision often causes fractures and broken bones, which can vary in severity and sometimes require surgery or prolonged rehabilitation.
• Back Injuries: The impact of a car accident can lead to herniated discs, strains, and other back injuries that may cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Neck Injuries: Including soft tissue damages and more severe conditions like cervical radiculopathy, neck injuries are common due to the sudden jerking motion of the head and neck during a crash.
• Whiplash: This is a specific type of neck injury resulting from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, often leading to prolonged discomfort and reduced mobility.
• Miscarriage: Pregnant women involved in car accidents may suffer from miscarriages due to the trauma, representing a profound loss and emotional distress.
• Catastrophic Injuries: These refer to injuries that permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work, drastically altering their lives and the lives of those around them.
• Other Injuries: Including but not limited to internal bleeding, organ damage, bruises, and injuries to the eyes. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have lasting effects on an individual’s health and well-being.

These types of injury cases typically seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, both physical and emotional. These often require extensive documentation and medical records to substantiate the extent of the injuries and their impact on your life and the lives of those around you.

When a car accident is fatal, we can help you with a wrongful death claim. These claims seek to compensate the surviving family members for their loss, covering funeral expenses, loss of future income, and emotional distress.

Questions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer

Finding the right Greenwood car crash lawyer for your needs can be a challenge, especially if you have never hired a lawyer before. Here are some questions you can ask during your consultation:

• Do you take a lot of car accident clients? Car accidents can get complicated. You deserve a lawyer who has a track record of success on behalf of their injury clients, and you have every right to ask about their practice.
• How often do you go to trial? Not all cases settle out of court, so it’s important to ask about the lawyer’s trial experience. You want a lawyer who will not push you to settle if that is not in your best interest.
• Can you tell me about your other car accident cases? Ask for examples of past cases similar to yours and their outcomes. This can help set realistic expectations for your case and provide insight into the lawyer’s effectiveness. 
• How will I receive my compensation? Ask the attorney how you will receive your final award, and what steps you may need to take to avoid having your payment delayed.
• Who will actually represent me? You have a right to know who will be handling your case. Find out which attorney you will work with, and ask the names of any clerks, administrators, or other team members who may be assisting you along the way.
• Will I have to go to court? Most car accident claims are resolved through settlements before reaching court. However, if an agreement cannot be reached or if the case involves multiple parties, going to court might be necessary to achieve a fair outcome.
• If I don’t like my current lawyer, can I switch to you? If you’re dissatisfied with your current legal representation, you have the right to change lawyers. It’s important that you feel confident in your lawyer’s abilities and commitment to your case. If you’re considering a switch, contact HawkLaw to learn more about how we may be able to assist you. Our priority is ensuring you feel supported and informed throughout the legal process.

Do You Have a Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?

HawkLaw maintains multiple offices throughout South Carolina, and often serves Greenwood clients from our Columbia location. We’re located at 140 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 430, on the other side of US 76 from Riverbanks Zoo. You’d get off at the Greystone Blvd exit, most likely. There’s plenty of onsite parking, and there’s also a bus stop a few buildings away. We have additional offices serving Anderson, Charleston, Greenville and Spartanburg.

Contact a Greenwood Car Accident Lawyer At HawkLaw Today

If you’re dealing with the effects of a car accident in Greenwood and need legal guidance, HawkLaw is here to assist you. Our dedicated team understands the challenges you face and is ready to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin the journey towards your recovery.