Auto Accident Injury in South Carolina

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in South Carolina? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in SC that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in South Carolina

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports there was a total of 142,406 accidents in 2018. Of those, 2,174 had serious injuries and 1,036 fatalities.

Driver error was the primary cause of 82.35% of fatal accidents and 94.52% of non-fatal accidents. Speed was the most common cause, followed by failure to yield. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that most fatal accidents occur in cars, with pickups and SUVs coming in second.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

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 report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

In South Carolina, drivers must report all accidents involving injuries or death to law enforcement and remain on the scene until officers arrive, according to the South Carolina Legislature. Accidents with $1,000 or more in property damage require an accident report on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles, which the driver must file if law enforcement did not report to the scene of the accident.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that in 2018 fatal auto accidents in South Carolina cost about $12 million in medical costs and $1.55 billion in lost wages. About 73% of the costs were for occupants in motor vehicles.

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 SC

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.

South Carolina follows the tort system when it comes to auto accidents. This means whoever causes the accident pays for the damages that result. Everyone in the state must carry liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Drivers also must carry uninsured motorist coverage. Underinsured coverage is not a requirement under state law.

Statute of Limitations in SC

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 statute of limitations for filing a claim due to an auto accident in South Carolina is three years according to the South Carolina Legislature. This time limit includes claims for injuries and property damage.

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 In South Carolina

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 SC!

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