Victims of car accidents in Greenville often face emotional turmoil and financial challenges on top of physical injuries. Understanding the burdens that arise from such incidents helps emphasize the importance of timely medical treatment and legal representation. By addressing these critical aspects, victims can better manage their recovery process while ensuring their rights are protected.
At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, we work hard to make sure our auto accident clients receive fair settlements, using our knowledge and experience to reach the best possible outcomes. Contact a Greenville, SC auto accident lawyer today.
The Role of Auto Accident Attorneys
Greenville auto accident attorneys play a crucial role in the aftermath of motor vehicle accidents. We help accident victims navigate the often complex legal and insurance landscapes to secure fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Advocating for the victim with the insurance company.
- Thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the accident in South Carolina.
- Determining the fault driver and establishing liability for the crash.
- Evaluating the extent of accident injuries, including common injuries like broken bones and traumatic brain injuries.
- Calculating fair compensation for a variety of economic and non-economic damages.
- Filing and negotiating an insurance claim on behalf of the client.
- Pursuing maximum compensation and possibly punitive damages through a formal accident claim.
Physical Injuries: Types and Treatments
Physical injuries from automobile accidents can vary drastically in terms of severity and necessary treatment. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Amputation
Treatments often begin with emergency medical care immediately following an auto accident. Longer-term care may include surgeries when necessary, followed by extensive physical therapy. Medication for pain and to prevent infection is common, and assistive devices may be used in the case of severe injuries like spinal cord damage. Each injury type requires a tailored approach, which can sometimes include both physical and psychological therapies.
Emotional Trauma: Impact and Resources
In addition to physical injuries, car accidents can inflict significant emotional trauma on the victims. These psychological effects may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and a decreased enjoyment of life. The impact of such emotional trauma can be as debilitating as physical injuries, affecting a person’s ability to work, engage in social activities, or even perform daily tasks. At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, we fight to make sure our clients receive compensation for emotional trauma, as well as physical injuries.
Damages Eligible for Compensation
When an individual is involved in a motor vehicle accident, they may face a multitude of losses and expenses resulting from the incident. Accident victims in South Carolina can seek compensation for a range of damages with the help of qualified Greenville auto accident lawyers. Here are some of the typical damages eligible for compensation:
- Medical expenses:Â This includes costs for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing care for accident injuries such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries.
- Lost wages:Â When injuries prevent a victim from working, compensation for lost income can be claimed.
- Property Damage:Â Compensation for repair or replacement of the vehicle and other personal items damaged during the automobile accidents.
- Pain and suffering:Â This covers the physical discomfort and emotional distress following the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life:Â Compensation may be available for victims who experience a decreased quality of life or inability to engage in previously enjoyed activities.
Accident attorneys will aid in gathering evidence and presenting a case to negotiate with insurance companies or pursue the insurance claim in court to secure fair compensation for these and any other applicable damages.
Economic Damages vs. Non-Economic Damages
In legal terms, damages from an auto accident fall into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic Damages include all quantifiable financial losses such as:
o Medical bills
o Lost earnings
o Rehabilitation costs
o Future medical care
o Any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident
- Non-Economic Damages cover more subjective losses that do not have a specific monetary value, including:
o Pain and suffering
o Emotional distress
o Loss of enjoyment
o Loss of companionship
o Psychological trauma
Personal injury lawyers adeptly calculate and substantiate these damages to ensure that accident victims receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to.
Statute of Limitations for Filing Auto Accident Claims
The statute of limitations is a crucial legal deadline that accident victims must be aware of when considering filing an accident claim in South Carolina. Specifically, the law provides a timeframe during which legal action can be taken following a car accident.
For personal injury claims, the statute of limitations in South Carolina is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that accident victims have a three-year window to file a lawsuit in the state’s courts against the fault party to seek compensation for personal injuries, such as those resulting from distracted driving, automobile accidents, or common injuries associated with car accidents.
The deadline for property damage claims, which may involve vehicle repairs or replacement, is also three years in South Carolina. Given the rigid nature of this timeline, it is vital for individuals to initiate their claim or consult with personal injury attorneys promptly to preserve their right to seek fair compensation.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Admitting Fault: Even casual statements can be misconstrued as an admission of fault, potentially jeopardizing your accident claim.
- Accepting Early Settlement Offers: Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but these are often lower than what victims can receive with legal assistance.
- Neglecting Proper Documentation: Failing to keep detailed records of medical treatments, lost wages, and other pertinences can make it difficult to recover the full extent of damages.
- Overlooking Future Expenses: Compensation should cover not just immediate costs but also long-term expenses related to accident injuries.
- Failing to Adhere to Deadlines: Personal injury claims are subject to strict deadlines known as statutes of limitations; missing these can invalidate a claim.
- Handling Complex Legal Matters Alone: Without proper legal guidance, victims can make errors that reduce their chances of receiving fair compensation from the responsible party.
Understanding and avoiding these pitfalls can significantly impact the outcome of a motor vehicle accident claim. Our Greenville auto accident lawyers are equipped to guide accident victims through these complex proceedings to help them secure the financial compensation they deserve from the fault party or parties involved.
Contact The Car Accident Lawyers From McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates today
At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, our Greenville, SC personal injury attorneys fight hard for auto accident victims every day, doing everything we can to make sure they receive fair compensation following their accident. We take everything into account, from economic damages to non-economic damages, current expenses to projected future expenses. We fiercely negotiate on behalf of our clients, going head-to-head with stubborn insurance companies that will try every trick in the book to avoid paying out a fair sum. In the case of fatal accidents, we work with the families of victims in wrongful death claims, working hard to hold liable parties accountable.
When you hire McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, you are hiring a South Carolina personal injury law firm with a proven track record for getting the job done, and a firm that understands the importance of communicating with their clients every step of the way and approaching each client with compassion and understanding.Â
We offer free case evaluations to victims of car accidents in South Carolina, so give us a call today at 803-219-8626. It won’t cost you anything to see if we can help.®
