Columbia, SC Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents happen all too frequently in Columbia, often leaving victims with serious injuries and unexpected challenges. If another driver’s careless actions caused your crash, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses.

Recovering from a car accident can involve significant medical care, time away from work, and emotional stress. Pursuing the compensation you deserve isn’t always straightforward, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our experienced car accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the legal process and help you understand the true value of your claim. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your crash, we’re committed to fighting for the full recovery you deserve.

For a free case review, contact our car accident attorneys at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000.

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

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

After an accident, one of the most important steps you should take is to call the police. Even if there are no visible injuries or major property damage, having law enforcement on the scene ensures the incident is properly documented. The responding officers will speak with everyone involved, assess the situation, and compile their findings into an official accident report. This report often contains key details about the crash and may include notes on potential legal violations. Once it’s been filed, our team can help you request a copy from the appropriate police department to support your case.

Exchange Information with Other Parties

After calling the police, exchanging information with the other driver is important. 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 might be required months later and could be easily forgotten if not recorded.

Collect Evidence

If it’s safe, take a few moments to photograph the accident scene before you leave. Use your phone to document important details like the damage to each vehicle, any debris scattered on the road, the final positions of the vehicles, skid marks, and surrounding conditions such as lighting and weather. These images can provide powerful evidence when building your case.

It’s also important to photograph your injuries. Cuts, bruises, and swelling may fade over time, which can make it harder to convey the full extent of your pain and trauma later on. Having clear photos taken shortly after the crash can help show the true impact of your injuries, even if they’ve begun to heal by the time your case is presented in court.

Seek Medical Treatment

It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident—even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries, like internal trauma or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately noticeable. A prompt medical evaluation can help identify any hidden issues and ensure you get the treatment you need for a full recovery.

Beyond protecting your health, seeing a doctor right away also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash. If you decide to file a claim for compensation, this documentation can serve as key evidence that the accident caused your injuries. Even a brief visit to the emergency room can make a big difference in supporting your case.

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 contact 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, SC

Car accidents can occur in various ways in Columbia. Some accidents might only result in minor damage that is not too difficult to recover compensation for. However, other types of accidents can cause severe injuries that might 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
• Head-On Accidents
• Sideswipe Accidents
• T-Bone Accidents
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Columbia, SC

Car accidents can happen for many different reasons. No matter what caused your injury, if it was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. Below are some common causes of car accidents that could be caused by driver negligence:

• Speeding
• Traffic Violations
• Distracted Driving
• Illegal Lane Changes
• Tailgating
• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI)

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Car Accident in Columbia, SC

Car accidents can be complicated, and who is responsible for the damages is not always clear. If you are involved in a two-car accident, you might sue the driver who hit you. However, if multiple drivers contributed to the accident, you might need to sue all of them. Vehicle owners could also be held liable if they let careless drivers use their cars. Our goal is to help you navigate these legal matters and make sure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled.

If you were involved in an accident with a commercial driver, your employer could be held responsible under respondeat superior. This means employers can be held accountable for their employee’s negligence if the accident happened while they were working. If a commercial driver hurt you while you were working, you can usually sue the driver and their employer, even if the employer was not directly involved in the accident.

If you were injured while using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, the company might share some responsibility, but it is usually not possible to sue these companies. Their drivers are independent contractors, not employees. However, you can still sue the driver who caused the accident. In most cases, rideshare companies and their drivers have higher insurance limits, which can help cover your expenses.

In rare cases, a flaw in your car’s design or manufacturing might have caused your injuries. If that is the case, the manufacturer or designer can be held responsible for the defective part that caused the accident. If your accident was caused by the negligence of a government agency, such as a city or state agency, they could also be held accountable. However, there are usually additional steps you need to take before you can file a lawsuit against a government agency, and we are here to help you through that process.

Common Types of Car Accident Claims That We Handle in Columbia, SC

After a car accident in Columbia, several types of claims can be made. Each type of claim has its own challenges that must be navigated to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Each type of claim requires different types of evidence and documentation to support your case. This is why it is crucial to consult with our experienced car accident attorneys, who can guide you through the process and help you gather the necessary information to build the strongest case possible. The following are common car accident claims we handle throughout Columbia:

Claims Against Other Drivers

Car accidents are common on roads and highways and often result in claims being filed against another driver. In such cases, the claimant asserts that the accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence, which led to their injuries.

Negligent driving can include reckless behaviors such as speeding, driving while distracted, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In order to succeed in such claims, the claimant must prove that the other driver breached their duty of care and that this breach was the cause of the accident and resulting damages. This requires gathering evidence such as eyewitness accounts, medical records, and police reports to establish liability.

Ultimately, the success of a car accident claim hinges on the ability to demonstrate that the other driver was at fault and that their negligence directly led to the injuries and losses suffered by the claimant.

Uninsured Motorist Claims

It is an unfortunate reality that not all drivers on the road carry the required auto insurance. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you might have to turn to your own insurance company for compensation through an uninsured motorist claim. However, this can be challenging, as insurance companies often try to minimize payouts.

Thus, it is important to have a clear understanding of what your insurance policy covers in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver. Some policies might offer full coverage in these situations, while others might have limitations or exclusions. It is always a good idea to review your policy and speak with your insurance agent to clarify any questions you might have.

It is also important to be aware that insurance companies might try to minimize payouts in uninsured motorist claims. They might dispute the extent of your damages or attempt to shift blame onto you or other parties involved in the accident. In order to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation, seeking legal representation or consulting with an independent claims adjuster is often necessary.

Rideshare Accident Claims

In recent years, the popularity of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft has grown exponentially. However, with this growth has come an increase in accidents involving these vehicles. Dealing with a rideshare accident can be complicated because of the various parties involved and the unique insurance policies that rideshare companies have in place.

When it comes to filing a claim after a rideshare accident, there might be different parties you can file against depending on the circumstances. For example, you might be able to file a claim against the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or even a third party. Insurance coverage can also vary depending on whether the driver was on the clock at the time of the accident or not.

Commercial Truck Accident Claims

Accidents involving commercial trucks can be devastating, leading to serious injuries, significant property damage, and even fatalities. These types of accidents often involve a number of different parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially the truck’s manufacturer or cargo loader.

In addition to the physical damage and injuries, legal claims related to truck accidents can be incredibly complex and contentious because of several factors. For example, the trucking industry is highly regulated, which means that several different laws and regulations can come into play when an accident occurs. Additionally, given the potential for significant damages, a lot of money might be at stake, which can lead to disputes between the parties involved.

Do You Need an Attorney to File a Car Accident Claim in Columbia, SC?

While it is not always necessary to hire an attorney after a car accident, there are certain circumstances where legal representation can be crucial for protecting your rights and obtaining compensation. For instance, if you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or if the accident resulted in a fatality, it is highly recommended to consult with our team. Serious injuries can lead to extensive medical costs, prolonged periods of work absence, and significant pain and suffering. Our attorneys can help you calculate these costs and fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve.

In some cases, the other party involved or their insurance company might dispute liability, claiming that you were at fault for the accident. If liability is being contested, it is crucial to have a firm on your side that can gather and present evidence to prove the other party’s negligence.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by offering low settlement amounts. If you believe the settlement offer you received is unfair and does not cover your damages, it is wise to consult with an attorney. They can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and strive to get you a higher settlement.

If the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage to compensate for your damages, a car accident attorney can help you explore other avenues for compensation. This could include filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party or making a claim under your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Car accident claims can involve complex legal issues, especially if multiple parties are involved, if the accident occurred in a construction zone, or if it involved a commercial vehicle or government entity. Our experienced attorneys can navigate these complexities and ensure all legal procedures are correctly followed.

Time Limit to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Columbia, SC

In Columbia, the law sets a specific period within which a legal case can be filed after an accident – it is three years from the date of the accident and is outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530. However, it is highly recommended that you refer your client’s case as early as possible, even though you have a three-year timeframe.

Delays that are unnecessary or unexpected can have a significant impact on the case and the ability to file against the party responsible for the negligence. You will be cut off from recovering compensation if your case is not filed before the deadline.

Our Columbia, SC Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

Call our car accident lawyers at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers today at (803) 451-4000 for a free case assessment.