Car Accident Attorneys in Rock Hill

After a serious auto accident, there are some crucial steps to take immediately.

• First, ensure safety by moving to a secure location, if possible. 
• Call emergency services to report the accident and seek medical attention for injuries. 
• Exchange information with the other driver, this includes insurance, names, and contact information.
• Take pictures of the vehicles, any damage, and any pertinent road signs to document the scene. 
• If witnesses are at the scene, collect their statements and contact information. 
• Get a copy of the police report for your records and file it. Additionally, note the responding officers' names and badge numbers. 
• Seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may appear at a later time. Preserve evidence by keeping records of medical treatments, repairs, and any related expenses. 
• Notify your insurance company promptly but avoid admitting fault, then consult with an experienced Rock Hill car accident attorney to understand your rights and potential courses of action.

Remember to stay calm and avoid confrontations with other parties involved. Each of these steps contributes to a comprehensive record of the incident, aiding in potential legal proceedings and insurance claims.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Common causes may include:

• Distracted Driving: This often includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies while driving.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is a typical cause of accidents. High speeds reduce the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in road conditions and increase the severity of collisions.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction times, and coordination, leading to severe and often fatal accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and disregarding traffic signals could cause serious accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Unfavorable weather conditions like rain, fog, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and decrease visibility, contributing to accidents.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Missing traffic signals and signs is a common cause of accidents at intersections, leading to potentially devastating collisions.
• Fatigue: Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash: A common injury in rear-end collisions, whiplash occurs when the neck is abruptly jerked forward and then backward, causing strain and injury to the muscles and ligaments.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in car accidents and could range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often demand extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: The force of a collision can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and hips. Some fractures may require surgical intervention and long-term physical therapy.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a car accident can cause internal injuries like organ damage and internal bleeding, which may not be instantly obvious and require prompt medical attention.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, metal, and other debris can cause deep cuts and lacerations, leading to significant blood loss and potential infection.
• Psychological Injuries: The emotional and psychological impact of a car accident can be profound. Victims could experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Car Accident Claim?

We can help you seek complete compensation for the following: 

• Lost wages
• Repairs to your vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, etc.)
• Injuries to your body
• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills
• And more

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

Generally, it’s best to contact a skilled auto accident attorney in Rock Hill as soon as possible after sustaining injuries in an accident. There are a couple reasons for this, one of the most important being the statute of limitations.  

The statute of limitations is a state law which limits how long an injured person has to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party before they lose their legal right to do so. According to the South Carolina Code section 15-3-530 the state of South Carolina has a three-year timeline. This means you have three years from the date your accident happened to file, or you will most likely be unable to do so. 

On an important note, exceptions to this law do exist, meaning this three-year timeline isn’t guaranteed. These exceptions depend widely on the specific circumstances surrounding your case. As such, it’s important to speak with an experienced Rock Hill car accident attorney as soon as possible to learn how long you have to file.

Beyond the statute of limitations, which applies to all personal injury claims, car accident injuries are unique in that they are most often soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries are injuries that affect the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These types of injuries typically progressively get worse over a few days or weeks after the injury occurred.

Because of this, many injury victims sign a compensation agreement with a car insurance company before getting legal counsel only to discover later that their injuries are worse than they initially believed but are not able to recover any additional compensation to cover their additional costs. 

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

A car accident lawyer, also known as a personal injury attorney, is a legal professional who specializes in providing legal representation to individuals who have been involved in motor vehicle accidents. Their primary objective is to help their clients navigate the complex legal processes and seek compensation for damages and injuries sustained during the accident. Here's a closer look at what a car accident lawyer does and how they can be instrumental in ensuring justice is served:

• Legal Consultation: When you're involved in a auto accident, the first step is often to consult a car accident lawyer. During this initial consultation, the attorney will assess the details of your case and offer advice on how to proceed. They will listen to your account of the accident and review any available evidence, such as police reports and medical records.
• Investigating the Accident: auto accident lawyers play a pivotal role in gathering evidence related to the accident. This may involve interviewing witnesses, examining accident scene photographs, and analyzing any available surveillance footage. By building a strong case, they aim to establish liability and demonstrate the extent of the damages.
• Determining Liability: One of the critical aspects of a car accident case is determining who is at fault. Car accident lawyers use their legal expertise to investigate the accident thoroughly and establish liability. This can involve identifying negligent actions such as speeding, running red lights, or distracted driving, which can be crucial in proving fault.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Car accident lawyers are skilled negotiators. They will interact with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts, but having a lawyer in your corner can level the playing field.
• Filing Lawsuits: If negotiations with insurance companies fail to result in a fair settlement, car accident lawyers can take the case to court. They will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you throughout the litigation process. This may involve presenting your case to a judge and jury to secure the compensation you deserve.
• Managing Legal Deadlines: Car accident cases often come with specific deadlines for filing claims and lawsuits. Lawyers are well-versed in the legal timeline and will ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed promptly and accurately, preventing potential issues related to missed deadlines.
• Providing Legal Expertise: Car accident lawyers have a deep understanding of personal injury law and the complexities surrounding car accident cases. They can advise you on your legal rights and options, ensuring that you make informed decisions at every stage of your case.

Contact Our Rock Hill Car Accident Lawyers Today

Our car accident attorneys in Rock Hill are committed to helping you through every step of the legal process, from investigating the accident and assembling evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary. We know the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take on you and your family, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.

If you have suffered injuries at the hands of a negligent driver, contact our Rock Hill car accident attorney for a free consultation.  Hablamos Español.