When you get hurt in a car accident that was someone else’s fault in South Carolina, you need a lawyer. Your lawyer can gather evidence about how the crash occurred, identify liable parties, file insurance claims, communicate with insurers, negotiate a settlement, and take your case to trial if necessary.
By handling the legal details, an experienced attorney allows you to focus on recovery while they pursue fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future costs related to the accident.
Don’t wait to seek legal help if you’ve been hurt in a car accident. Contact McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC today to learn how we can assist you after your collision.
What Types of Car Accidents Can a South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer Help You With?
Some common types of car accidents that our attorneys can assist you with include:
- Rear-end collisions – These are some of the most frequent types of accidents. They often result in injuries like whiplash or back pain. While fault may seem obvious in a rear-end collision, it’s still important to have legal representation to make sure your rights are protected.
- T-bone accidents – Also called side-impact accidents, these crashes happen when the front of one car slams into the side of another. They can result in serious injuries because vehicles have fewer safety features on their sides to protect the occupants.
- Head-on collisions – These are often the most dangerous types of accidents, frequently leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
- Multi-vehicle accidents – When multiple vehicles are involved in a car wreck, it can be challenging to determine liability. A personal injury lawyer can assign fault correctly and pursue compensation from all liable parties.
What Can an Attorney Do for You After a Collision?
After a collision, many people feel lost and unsure of what steps to take. An attorney can provide guidance and support, making recovering damages much smoother. After a car accident, your lawyer will:
- Handle communication with insurance companies – One of the most difficult aspects of dealing with an accident is working with insurance companies. They may try to settle quickly and for less money than you deserve. Your attorney will manage all communications with the insurance adjusters to ensure they don’t pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
- Determine liability – In South Carolina, determining fault is crucial in a car accident case. Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence such as police reports and witness statements, and engage accident reconstruction experts. Using this information, they can determine who is responsible for the crash.
- Calculate your losses – Many people underestimate the total cost of an accident. Beyond medical bills and vehicle repairs, you may deserve compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses. A lawyer will ensure that all your losses are accounted for when filing your claim.
- Advise you on settlement offers – Insurance companies may offer quick settlements to avoid paying large sums later. Your lawyer will evaluate any settlement offers you receive and advise whether you should accept or hold out for a better deal. They will always have your best interests in mind and prevent you from settling for less than you deserve.
- Represent you in court – While most cases settle out of court, there are instances when going to trial is necessary. If your case proceeds to litigation, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting evidence and making arguments to seek the compensation you deserve.
What Should You Be Looking for When Searching for an Attorney?
Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some of the qualities you should look for in a car accident lawyer:
- Experience in car accident cases – Not all personal injury lawyers specialize in car accidents. You need an attorney who has experience with cases similar to yours and has a successful track record in getting favorable outcomes for their clients.
- Local knowledge – Hiring a lawyer familiar with South Carolina’s specific laws and regulations regarding car accidents is essential. Someone with local experience will know the local court’s rules and procedures and have a handle on the legal community.
- Strong communication skills – You need your lawyer to keep you informed. A good attorney will be easy to communicate with and available to answer any questions you have about your case. If you feel uncomfortable talking to the lawyer, they’re not right for you.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Car Crash?
After a car accident, you may wonder when the right time is to contact a lawyer. The answer is as soon as possible. Here’s why:
- Preserving evidence – Key evidence like skid marks, debris, or security camera footage may disappear or degrade over time. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can begin gathering and preserving critical evidence for your case.
- Avoiding costly mistakes – After an accident, it’s easy to make mistakes that could hurt your case, like posting on social media or making statements to insurance adjusters that they can use against you later. An attorney will guide you on what to do (and what not to do) to protect your claim.
- Meeting deadlines – In South Carolina, the statute of limitations dictates the deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation in court. Your lawyer will ensure that all paperwork is filed on time.
Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
There are many reasons to get a lawyer after a car accident. Being injured in a collision can disrupt your life, leaving you with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. A South Carolina car accident attorney can help you through the legal process, handle insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Don’t handle your case on your own. Contact McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC today to learn how we can assist you after your accident. Hiring an experienced attorney after a car accident is one of the best decisions you can make. From handling insurance companies to gathering evidence and representing you in court, a lawyer from our firm will be your advocate at every step.
At McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC, we’ve been helping injury victims in South Carolina get the compensation they deserve since 1977. Past clients say our staff was “super informative,” “very expeditious,” and “pleasant to work with,” making “a hard situation easier with understanding and attention.” Reach out now to learn more.
