Columbia, SC Car Accident Lawyers

Unfortunately, car accidents are a common occurrence in Columbia. If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, you have the right to receive compensation for your damages.

If you are a victim of a vehicle accident, you may suffer from various types of injuries that require extensive treatment to fully recover. However, obtaining compensation for these injuries can be a daunting process. Fortunately, our firm offers valuable support in navigating the litigation process and determining what your case is worth. No matter what type of car accident you were injured in, our car accident attorneys have the experience to help you recover what you are owed.

For a free case review, contact our car accident attorneys at Burriss & Ridgeway at (803) 855-1040.

Steps You Can Take After a Car Accident to Help Your Case in Columbia

If you have experienced a car accident, it is important to know what to do next to protect your rights. You might be hurt and scared, and the pressure of the situation could make it hard to focus. Nonetheless, you can take some measures that can significantly assist you in obtaining compensation later. After getting your case off to the right start, our car accident attorneys can take care of the rest and work to get you the compensation you deserve. To ensure you have the best chance of recovering damages, you can follow the following steps after suffering a car accident in Columbia:

Call the Police

If you get into a car accident, the first step you should take is to contact the police. Regardless of whether there are any injuries or damage to property, the police will arrive to investigate the incident and talk to those involved. After the investigating officers have gathered all the necessary information, they will create an official report that details what happened during the accident and any possible charges that may arise. Once this report is available, our team can assist you in obtaining it from the police department that handled your case.

Exchange Information with Other Parties

After calling the police, it is important to exchange information with the other driver. Make sure to obtain their insurance information and, if possible, their name, address, and phone number to serve a lawsuit if needed. This information is typically included in the police report, so do not worry if the other driver refuses to cooperate. They cannot refuse to answer the police without consequences.

It is also recommended that you talk to any witnesses present at the scene. They might have witnessed important details that could prove useful in court later. Be sure to obtain their contact information, as it may be required months later and could be easily forgotten if not recorded.

Collect Evidence

If it is safe to do so, use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene before leaving. This includes capturing any vehicle damage, debris on the road, the position of the vehicles after the accident, and any skid marks. These photos can also be used to show where you were injured and preserve key details such as the time of day and weather conditions at the time of the accident.

Be sure also to document any injuries you sustained. Sometimes, injuries heal by the time you appear in court in front of a judge or jury, making them less visible. Taking photos of your injuries will help demonstrate that they were more severe than they currently appear.

Seek Medical Treatment

After a car accident, it is crucial that you seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not feel hurt, it is possible to have hidden injuries that might not show up until later. Thus, you should consult with medical professionals who can provide guidance on your body’s healing process and if additional treatment is necessary. Although it might seem unnecessary and time-consuming to visit the emergency room after an accident, having a record of your injuries is essential if you plan to pursue compensation through legal action. Your medical records will typically include your doctor’s conclusion that your current injuries were caused by the car accident you reported.

Consult with Our Attorneys

Our team will closely collaborate with you throughout the legal process to maximize your chances of receiving compensation for the damages you suffered. We will assist you in obtaining payment for your medical expenses and lost wages while also safeguarding your rights throughout your case. We can draft your complaint and other important documents and reach out to other parties on your behalf. If your case cannot be settled through negotiations, we are ready to take it in front of a judge or jury.

Common Types of Car Accidents that Occur in Columbia

Car accidents can occur in various ways in Columbia. Some accidents may only result in minor damage that is not too difficult to recover compensation for. However, other types of accidents can cause severe injuries that may take years to recover from. Luckily, we are here to assist you in obtaining justice for your damages, regardless of the type of car accident you were involved in. The following are the most common ways individuals in Columbia are injured in car accidents:

Rear-End Accidents

A rear-end collision occurs when a vehicle hits another that is either stationary or moving slowly in front of them. These types of collisions usually happen at low speeds, but they can still cause significant damage and injuries to those involved. Typically, the driver who hits the vehicle from behind is considered at fault since they should be able to see the other car if they are paying attention. However, there are instances where the driver in front can be responsible for the accident, especially if they are driving aggressively and brake-checking the car behind them.

Head-On Accidents

Collisions that happen when two vehicles collide head-on while traveling in opposite directions can be extremely dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. These types of accidents usually transpire when one driver fails to yield the right of way at an intersection or when a driver crosses into another lane without first checking for oncoming traffic.

Sideswipe Accidents

A sideswipe accident is another common type of accident that happens when two cars collide side-by-side. This type of accident is usually caused by distracted driving or when drivers suddenly stop to avoid hitting an obstacle in their path. The damage is typically minor if the cars involved are not traveling too fast. However, the damage can be significant if both cars are traveling at high speeds. These cases can be challenging as the case typically comes down to one driver’s word against the other.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle at an intersection or curve in the road. This type of accident is extremely hazardous as it involves two types of impact: frontal and lateral. Due to the high speeds usually involved in such collisions and the limited room for evasion by the drivers, they often result in severe injuries.

Our Columbia Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

Call our car accident lawyers at Burriss & Ridgeway today at (803) 855-1040 for a free case assessment.