Spartanburg Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of life that can have devastating consequences. While most of us hope to avoid them, accidents can happen to anyone. While car safety measures can help in the event of an accident, most car crashes are scary and dangerous events. Many car accident victims may spend months or even years recovering from the accident. In some cases, they may endure permanent physical and mental harm as well.

You should not have to bear the costs of a car wreck caused by someone else’s negligence. That can be hard to fight for alone, so reach out to a Spartanburg car accident lawyer. At HawkLaw, we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

What To Do After a Car Accident

Immediately after a car accident, your top priority should be the safety of everyone involved. One of the most important steps is to relocate away from traffic. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention if there are any injuries. If doing so would not put you in further danger, take time to gather evidence while waiting for emergency services. Take photos of the areas that show key details like traffic signals, as well as photos of the vehicles involved and the damage sustained.

Speak with any drivers who were part of the accident, gathering their contact, insurance, and vehicle information. However, avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Even if you believe you’re unharmed, you should seek medical attention regardless. Some injuries may not be obvious at first, and having a medical record can be imperative for both insurance and legal purposes.

Keep a record of all injury treatments and repairs to your vehicle. This documentation will play an important role when filing a claim or if legal action is necessary. You may consult with a Spartanburg car accident lawyer early in the process so you know how best to protect your rights while navigating the aftermath of the accident.

Car Accident Lawyer Near Me

Our Spartanburg office is located at 5506 Reidville Rd, Moore, SC 29369. Reidville Road is a well-traveled route just off Interstate 26, making it convenient for residents of Moore and the surrounding area to find and access.

How To Deal With Insurance After Car Accident

Once the at-fault party is identified, the first option for injured people is usually their insurance. All South Carolina drivers are required to carry some insurance, so you may be able to recover without taking your claim to court. Specifically, state law mandates having liability insurance of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, with a total of $50,000 for all persons injured in a single accident. In addition, you must have $25,000 in coverage for all property damage in one accident. As in many other states, uninsured motorist coverage is also a requirement. This uninsured motorist coverage is critical, as it protects you in the event that an at-fault driver does not have insurance.

The at-fault party will be the financially responsible party, but you’ll have two options for a settlement: your insurance company or a “third-party” claim. If you choose to file a claim with your insurance company, you will simply need to report the accident, explain that the other driver was at fault, and give them the other driver’s insurance information. This is known as a “first-party” claim. However, with a third-party claim, you would deal directly with the other driver’s insurance company, which might involve a more complicated process, including proving liability and negotiating damages.

Unfortunately, that does not mean that the insurance companies will be eager to cover you. They are for-profit companies, which means that they’re likely thinking about their money, not your settlement. As such, after you speak to an insurance adjuster, you might see a slow response, no response, or a settlement offer that simply doesn’t cover your injuries and other damages. In these cases, you’ll need to take your claim to court for your full compensation. This is why legal representation is so important. Our Spartanburg car accident lawyers know how to stand against any insurance company that is trying to avoid paying your claim.

Spartanburg Car Accident: Who’s At Fault?

In the case of a car accident in Spartanburg, figuring out who’s at fault often boils down to understanding negligence. In a car accident context, negligence means someone didn’t take the care they should have while driving, leading to the accident. Imagine that a driver is speeding, runs a red light, and crashes into someone else’s vehicle. In this scenario, the speeding driver’s negligence caused the crash. There are four considerations for determining negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages.

First, every driver has a duty to follow road rules and drive safely to avoid harming others. In our example, the duty was to obey traffic lights. A breach happens when a driver fails this duty, like by running a red light. Causation is about linking the breach directly to the accident. If speeding and running the red light led directly to the crash, then causation is established. Lastly, damages refer to the harm or injuries that resulted from the accident. So, when someone is considered “at fault” in a Spartanburg car accident, it means they failed in their duty to drive safely, their action caused the crash, and as a result, there were damages or injuries.

Determining Liability in a Spartanburg Car Accident

Unfortunately, identifying the responsible party in motor vehicle accidents is not always straightforward. For example, the motorist responsible may have been on the clock, which means they might not be solely responsible for their actions. Instead, you might need to seek compensation from their employer. If you get hurt during the normal course of your work duties, workers’ compensation may kick in.

Even if your accident was a single-vehicle crash, our auto attorneys will review the scene, look at any police report, examine the evidence, and determine whether someone else was responsible. For example, a defect in the road can cause drivers to lose control of their cars and crash. In this case, you’d need to file a claim against the government to cover your care. In other cases, a careless manufacturer and their defective part may have caused your crash.

If you are not sure who or what caused the crash, you might want to reach out for help before you file an injury lawsuit. A car accident lawyer will investigate your claim to help make sure the person responsible for your injuries pays for the damage they’ve caused.

How Much is My Car Accident Settlement Worth?

So, what does full compensation for car accident injuries mean? When you’re injured, it can be overwhelming to look into legal nuances and figure out potential claims. You know that you’ll need coverage for all the damages you have suffered, but you might not be sure where to start.

The first thing on your mind, once you’ve physically recovered, might be, “How am I going to pay for all this?” Even if you are financially comfortable, a car crash can be expensive. You might be dealing with life-saving but costly treatment and medical bills, your car might be totaled, or you might be unable to work. In the case of wrongful death, you may have funeral costs and medical expenses leading up to the death of your loved one, as well as the loss of support in terms of their salary. All these economic damages can be overwhelming, so you’ll need to add them up and estimate future costs.

Sadly, it’s not just your finances that will be affected by your auto accident. Non-economic damages can affect your mental and emotional well-being, making it difficult to recover from the trauma of an accident. For example, even if you weren’t seriously injured, you might suffer from anxiety or PTSD, which can affect your daily functioning. Unfortunately, these types of damages are difficult to calculate. For example, while you know that your spinal injury and paralysiscaused a loss of enjoyment of life, how much is that worth? A car accident attorney understands how to compute the value of non-economic damages and negotiate for the best possible compensation.

How Long Do You Have To File a Car Accident Claim?

For filing a car wreck lawsuit in South Carolina, you must ensure that you’re acting on time. In most cases, Spartanburg residents will need to file their claims within three years of the crash. Other cases you may only have two years to file their claim. If they don’t, their claim could be dismissed entirely. Fortunately, this means that you’ll likely have more viable evidence for your claim. Evidence can decay or be lost over time, so take advantage of your options and speak to Spartanburg car accident attorneys early.

It is important to note, however, that the statute of limitations can vary depending on a variety of situations. Just because your accident happened some time ago, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t call a law office. No matter how long ago you had a motor vehicle accident, you should seek legal advice from a qualified personal injury lawyer.

Lastly, note that South Carolina car accident laws can affect your claim. If you do not correctly navigate personal injury statutes, you could lose part or all of your compensation. That’s why hiring a Spartanburg car accident lawyer is important.

When To Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident

You should consider consulting with a Spartanburg car accident lawyer as soon as possible following the incident, especially before making any statements to insurance companies. If you suffered injuries, need time off from work, or have experienced significant damage to your property, legal guidance can be crucial. It’s particularly important to seek legal counsel if there is a dispute regarding fault or if the involved insurance companies are not offering a fair settlement.

Additionally, the complexity of the case increases when the accident results in a fatality, or severe injuries, or involves a commercial vehicle, making a car accident lawyer’s representation even more invaluable.

Car Accident Case Types We Handle at HawkLaw

At HawkLaw, our dedicated team has extensive experience across a broad spectrum of car accident cases, including:

• Rear-end collisions: Often resulting from one car following another too closely, rear-end collisions can lead to whiplash and other injuries. Our team can help prove fault and negotiate compensation for repair bills, medical costs, and other damages.
• Head-on collisions: These accidents happen when the front ends of two vehicles crash into one another. The result of a head-on collision can be devastating and may include severe injuries or fatalities.
• Sideswipe collisions: This type of accident occurs when two vehicles, moving either in the same or opposite directions, brush or scrape against each other along their sides. Even though they might seem minor, sideswipes can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle, leading to more serious accidents.
• Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents happen when a vehicle flips over and comes to rest on its roof or side. It may be caused by sudden turns, collisions, and other scenarios.
• T-bone accidents: This type of accident occurs when the front end of a vehicle strikes the side of another. Because T-bone accidents often occur at intersections, determining liability can be complicated, but our team has the experience to handle these situations effectively.
• Single-vehicle accidents: Single-vehicle accidents involve just one vehicle that hits a stationary object or rolls over. We understand the factors that can contribute to these accidents, such as road conditions and vehicle malfunctions, and are prepared to explore all avenues for compensation.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: Accidents involving three or more vehicles can result in complex lawsuits, largely because determining fault is even more challenging. Our attorneys are skilled at navigating these multifaceted situations to clarify fault and secure fair settlements.
• Hit-and-runs: Being the victim of a hit-and-run can be especially frustrating, but you are not without options. We can assist in investigating the incident and pursuing claims against unknown or uninsured drivers.

Deadliest Roads in Spartanburg SC

In Spartanburg, SC, dangerous roads have been a concern for local residents and authorities alike, with specific stretches witnessing a troubling number of fatal accidents. Topping the list as the deadliest stretch of road in South Carolina is Wade Hampton Boulevard, from Donan Road to Freebird Boulevard, which experienced a staggering 12 fatal accidents between 2018 and 2020. From 2011 through 2017, Interstate 85 witnessed 41 fatalities, while I-26 recorded 30 deaths in the same period, underscoring the significant dangers present on these high-speed routes.

Common Injuries From Car Accidents

Car accidents can significantly affect a person’s body, regardless of the speed at the time of the collision. From a few bruises to a life-changing injury, the consequences of a car accident can vary widely. Understanding the common injuries in an accident can help in recognizing the seriousness of car crashes and the importance of taking precautions. Some of the most frequently reported injuries resulting from car accidents include:

• Brain injury and trauma: When the head is suddenly and forcefully hit or jolted, the brain can impact the skull, resulting in various types of injuries. One example is a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Spinal cord injuries: The impact of a car crash can damage the spinal cord and may result in loss of feeling or even paralysis, which could require long-term care and rehabilitation.
• Organ damage: Car accidents can cause less visible injuries like internal bleeding and organ damage. Injuries to the liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys usually require immediate medical attention.
• Eye injuries: Flying debris, shattered glass, or forceful impact can cause eye injuries, which may result in temporary or permanent vision loss, depending on the severity.
• Burns: Car accidents can sometimes lead to fires, causing burns that range from minor to severe. Burns can require extensive treatment and may leave lasting scars.
• Broken bones: The force of a crash can easily break bones. Accidents commonly cause fractured ribs, arms, legs, and other bones. Recovery can involve surgery, physical therapy, and significant time off from daily activities.
• Wrongful death, if you’ve lost a loved one: Unfortunately, in some cases, injuries from car accidents can be fatal. Families may find themselves facing both financial and emotional hardships after an accident.

The aftermath of car accidents can be physically and emotionally difficult. If you or a loved one are involved in a car accident, prompt medical attention is vital, even if there are no visible signs of injury.

Injured? Contact a Spartanburg Car Accident Lawyer at HawkLaw For Help

It is unfortunate, but a car crash can be difficult to recover from without help. You want to be sure that your legal representation comes from a South Carolina car accident attorney who practices personal injury law with a focus on car accidents. Our Spartanburg County law offices at HawkLaw are available to help you with your auto accident claim.

When you’re ready to get started on your car accident case, HawkLaw is ready to help. Reach out by filling out the online contact form below, and a personal injury attorney from our offices will be in touch for your case evaluation.