Car accidents can disrupt lives with significant financial, emotional, and physical distress. In South Carolina, car accident claims are evaluated through a fault-based system. The party responsible for causing the accident is also liable for covering the damage. However, determining who is at fault can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with tricky insurers. Hiring a car accident lawyer will help ensure proper fault attribution so you’re not left grappling with mounting medical bills alone.
At Eppes and Plumblee, we are committed to handling all the challenges that may invade the path to justice. Our Greenville personal injury lawyers offer a contingency fee structure: you don’t pay if we don’t win your case. Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time since there’s no risk in exploring your legal options.
How an Attorney Can Help After a Car Accident in Greenville
Following a car crash, knowing your rights and options is important. A car accident attorney will simplify the legal process and maximize your chances of a successful outcome. Here’s how:
Provide Reliable Legal Advice
Determining whether you have a valid claim is one of the first steps in seeking compensation. A car accident lawyer in Greenville will evaluate the facts of the incident, including the extent of your injuries, the evidence available, and insurance policy limitations. They will help you understand:
- If negligence occurred
- Whether you may be entitled to claim
- Your options for pursuing a settlement or filing a lawsuit
Guidance on Procedures and Legal Statutes
In South Carolina, personal injury cases are governed by law timelines and procedural requirements. For example, you have three years from the date of the crash to launch a lawsuit in court (S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5) (2024)). You may lose your right to seek legal recovery if you miss this deadline.
A lawyer ensures you meet all necessary legal deadlines and handles the procedural details, including:
- Filing court documents
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Gathering evidence and witness statements
Help Determining Fault
Fault determination is key when handling personal injury claims in South Carolina. The state adopts a modified comparative negligence rule so that your final payment is adjusted proportionately to your level of fault. While you can recover damages despite sharing responsibility for the crash, you cannot recover if you are found to be over 50% at fault.
Luckily, your attorney will investigate the accident to determine fault appropriately. They may even review police reports, eyewitness accounts, and surveillance footage to ensure you are not exploited due to your extent of fault.
Assessing All Damages
Insurers often want to settle quickly before you can know the extent of your injuries. However, you need to properly assess the full extent of your damages to avoid settling for less than your injuries deserve.
Greenville car accident attorneys usually go beyond immediate medical expenses when calculating recoverable damages for car accident claims. They will consider the following:
- Projected costs of future medical care and rehabilitation
- Loss of earnings and lost earning capacity
- The level of pain and suffering
- Costs for replacing or repairing damaged property
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Compensation to a partner for loss of companionship
Fighting for Fair Compensation
The aim of pursuing legal action following a car accident crash is to secure a fair recovery. However, insurers often attempt to safeguard their bottom lines by undervaluing your claim.
The role of a lawyer is to negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement that reflects your damages. If this proves difficult, your attorney will seek a court verdict. At Eppes and Plumblee, we are prepared to protect your rights at this critical time, even if it means pursuing litigation.
Injured in a Car Accident? Our Car Accident Lawyers in Greenville Can Help
Following a car crash in Greenville or surrounding areas, you may be facing numerous challenges alongside immense pain and suffering. At Eppes and Plumblee, our car accident lawyers have a solid reputation for helping injured victims secure the resources they need to recover and move forward. We will handle your unique personal injury case and offer a personalized legal representation to achieve an optimal outcome. Schedule your free case review today.