Columbia Car Accident Attorney
Experienced South Carolina Auto Accident Lawyers Fighting for the Rights of Injured Victims
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident in Columbia, having a dedicated legal advocate is essential. The aftermath of an accident is confusing, painful, and overwhelming, with financial strain often adding to the stress. At Hart Law, our experienced car accident attorneys work tirelessly to secure the compensation needed to help victims of car accidents rebuild and move forward with their lives.
Car accidents can be among the most traumatic experiences a person can go through, especially when they involve serious injuries. After an accident, it’s normal to feel unsure of what to do next. Your actions immediately after the incident and in the days and weeks that follow can impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Our team will help you understand the process, handle interactions with insurance companies, and pursue the full recovery you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, call us for a free case review at (803) 771-7701.
Common Injuries in Columbia Car Accidents
Car accidents often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical care. Prompt medical attention is critical for diagnosing and treating injuries, which may include:
Neck injuries and whiplash
Broken bones
Concussions
Internal bleeding
Burns
Back injuries
Brain and spinal cord injuries
Paralysis
Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, so a thorough medical evaluation can document your condition for both health and legal purposes.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Columbia, SC
Car accidents in Columbia happen for many reasons, with some of the most common causes including:
Ignoring traffic laws
Speeding
Distracted driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Poor road conditions
Aggressive or reckless driving
Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After a car accident, each step you take can be crucial in protecting your rights. Here are the recommended actions following a collision:
Park in a Safe Location and Check for Injuries: After a crash, calmly assess your injuries and check on others in your vehicle. Move to a safe spot if possible, and use hazard lights to alert oncoming traffic. Call for emergency medical help if needed and report the accident to the police.
Stay at the Scene: Leaving the scene could lead to hit-and-run charges. It’s important to remain until authorities arrive to avoid serious legal consequences.
Exchange Information with Other Drivers: Collect the make, model, and license plate of other vehicles involved, along with contact details and insurance information from all parties.
Document the Scene and Collect Evidence: Take photos of vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and anything else relevant to your claim. If possible, gather witness statements or contact details to support your case.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly: Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor right after the accident can catch injuries that may not yet be apparent. Medical records are vital in insurance claims to document the extent of your injuries.
Consult a Columbia Car Accident Lawyer: An experienced car accident attorney can evaluate your case, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.
Building a Strong Columbia Car Accident Case: Evidence Matters
At Hart Law, our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation to gather compelling evidence that supports your claim. This process can involve obtaining police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony to recreate and analyze the accident. Detailed evidence is essential in proving the negligence of the other driver and demonstrating the impact the accident has had on your life. Our attorneys are skilled at assembling the necessary proof, ensuring that you have a well-documented claim to present to insurance companies or in court, if needed.
Insurance Tactics and How We Protect You from Common Pitfalls
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident is notoriously challenging. Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their primary goal is to save their company money, often by minimizing your claim or pushing you into a quick, low settlement. Common tactics include:
Offering Low Settlements Quickly: Insurers often present a low initial offer hoping victims will accept out of financial desperation or to “get it over with.” Once accepted, these settlements cannot be renegotiated, even if future medical expenses arise.
Delaying or Denying Claims: Adjusters may delay responses to wear you down, hoping you’ll accept less than your claim’s value. In other cases, they might deny claims outright, citing insufficient evidence or disputing fault.
Requesting Blanket Medical Releases: Insurance adjusters might request broad access to your medical records, hoping to find previous injuries or health issues to use against you. You are not obligated to provide a full medical history without guidance.
Hart Law protects clients from these tactics. We manage all communications with insurance companies, ensuring they don’t take advantage of your situation and helping you avoid mistakes that can jeopardize your claim. We understand how to negotiate effectively and, when necessary, are fully prepared to take your case to court.
Don’t Accept The First Settlement Offer. Consider These Steps Instead.
These early offers often don’t reflect the true costs of medical care, lost wages, or other damages. Before making any statements or accepting a settlement, consider these steps:
Document all details of the accident, including location, weather, time, and witness information.
Obtain a copy of the police report.
Keep records of all medical treatment related to the accident.
Avoid signing any documents or releases without consulting an attorney.
How South Carolina Car Accident Laws Affect Your Claim
South Carolina follows an “at-fault” system for car accidents, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for the financial damages. This system means that, as a victim, you have the right to pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver, usually through their insurance company. Understanding this fault-based system and how it impacts your claim is crucial for obtaining fair compensation. Hart Law’s attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, collect vital evidence, and work to establish the fault of the responsible party.
The state also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages if you are less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, if you are found partially responsible, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000 after the reduction. This aspect of South Carolina law highlights the importance of skilled legal representation, as even a small finding of fault can substantially impact your compensation.
Types of Compensation You Can Seek in a Car Accident Claim
In a car accident case, there are several types of compensation available, commonly referred to as “damages.” Understanding each type is important for grasping the full financial impact of your accident and the amount you are entitled to pursue. Common forms of compensation include:
Medical Expenses: This can include the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care that may be required due to ongoing injuries.
Lost Wages and Loss of Future Income: If you have missed work or are unable to return to your previous employment due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and any diminished earning capacity.
Property Damage: Most car accident claims include compensation for repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Pain and Suffering: This category covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath. The amount varies depending on the severity of injuries and the long-term impact on your quality of life.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless, the court may award punitive damages to deter similar behavior in the future.
At Hart Law, our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible, ensuring that all aspects of your losses—both current and future—are accounted for in your claim.
Navigating Complex Accident Cases, Including DUI and Commercial Truck Accidents
Some car accident cases involve complex factors that require specialized legal knowledge. For instance:
DUI Accidents: If you were hit by a drunk driver, the case might involve additional criminal charges against the other driver. These cases often require close coordination with law enforcement evidence and carry unique challenges in pursuing punitive damages.
Commercial Truck Accidents: Accidents involving large trucks add a layer of complexity, as multiple parties (such as the truck driver, trucking company, and equipment manufacturers) might be involved. These cases are governed by specific federal regulations, and our attorneys have the expertise needed to handle them effectively.
Hit-and-Run and Uninsured Driver Cases: If the at-fault driver flees the scene or lacks insurance, we can help you explore options for pursuing compensation through your own insurance policy or other legal avenues.
How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take to Resolve?
The timeline for settling car accident claims depends on the case’s complexity. Simple cases may be resolved in a few months, while more severe cases involving extensive medical care or disputed liability can take longer, especially if a lawsuit is required. At Hart Law, we prioritize efficient case handling to expedite your compensation while building a strong case to maximize your recovery.
The Importance of Acting Within South Carolina’s Statute of Limitations
South Carolina law requires victims to file a car accident lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident. This statute of limitations is firm, and missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation for your injuries. It’s essential to start the legal process early, even if you’re still recovering or unsure about the full extent of your injuries. Beginning early allows your attorney to collect evidence, contact witnesses, and work on building the strongest possible case.
Experienced Columbia Car Accident Lawyers Who Care
At Hart Law, we stand by you every step of the way, providing trusted legal support, handling all communications with insurers, and fighting to protect your right to full compensation. Our attorneys are here to help recover damages for:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Property damage
Emotional and physical suffering
It’s important to avoid direct interactions with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Insurers may pressure you into quick settlements that prevent future claims. We’ll handle all communications to ensure your rights remain protected.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Columbia Car Accident Attorney
If you’re struggling with medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering after a car accident, Hart Law is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We will discuss your case, answer your questions, and provide guidance on the best path forward.
Don’t face the challenges of a car accident claim alone. Allow Hart Law to be your advocate, working for the compensation you deserve and the justice you need to move forward with confidence.