Auto Accident Injury in Columbia, SC
Have you suffered an injury from a car accident in Columbia?
If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability to work and enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Columbia, SC that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Columbia, South Carolina
In 2023, Richland County recorded 30 traffic-related fatalities by mid-year. Speeding and impaired driving are the most common contributing factors, with nearly 45% of fatal accidents involving speeding. Drunk driving is also a major issue, contributing to about 31% of deadly crashes in the region. High-risk areas, such as sections of Interstate 20, experience frequent severe accidents.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared if you are a car accident victim. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
The most important step to take after an auto accident is to seek immediate and proper medical treatment. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, a medical evaluation can detect hidden issues, such as internal injuries, that may not show symptoms right away. Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also provides documentation that may be critical if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
File a Police Report
Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
According to the South Carolina Legislature, drivers must report all accidents involving injuries to law enforcement immediately. If there are no injuries and only limited property damage, then drivers may file a report later with law enforcement within 15 days.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in South Carolina
Liability Laws for Columbia
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.
All drivers in South Carolina must have liability auto insurance, according to Forbes. The state requires a minimum of $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
Drivers also must carry uninsured motorist coverage, which will protect them in the event of an accident with a driver who has no auto insurance. Policy limits must, at minimum, be $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Statute of Limitations in Columbia
Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. The South Carolina Legislature states that the statute of limitations for taking a claim to court for injuries from an auto accident is three years. The timer begins on the date of the accident.
This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Columbia, SC
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in South Carolina!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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