Rock Hill, SC Car Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately, car accidents are a common occurrence in Rock Hill and can lead to serious injuries you will need to cover. If you are injured by another driver’s negligence, a lawsuit might be the best way to get the compensation you need for the harm you suffered.
If you have been in a car accident, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of recovering damages later. Perhaps the most important thing is to work with our firm. We have tested strategies intended to overcome the challenges in your case and help your recovery. We will investigate your case thoroughly, building the strongest claim possible early so we can recover your damages faster. However, we will be ready to take your case to trial if the other party refuses to provide you with the compensation you deserve.
For a free case analysis with our car accident attorneys, contact Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers by calling (803) 451-4000.
How Severe Car Accidents Happen in Rock Hill, SC
Understanding the causes of severe car accidents in Rock Hill is the first step toward avoiding them. However, even the safest driver cannot eliminate all the dangers negligent drivers pose. Regardless of how your accident was caused, our car accident attorneys will be here to help you hold the other party responsible. The following are the most common reasons our team files car accident lawsuits in Rock Hill:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Rock Hill. Distractions can range from texting or talking on the phone to eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers.
When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they significantly increase the risk of an accident. Despite laws against texting while driving, it remains an ongoing problem with no end in sight.
Driving While Tired
Fatigued or drowsy driving is another critical cause of severe car accidents. When drivers are tired, their reaction time slows, their attention decreases, and their decision-making abilities are impaired.
This is especially true for commercial truck drivers who often work long hours. Despite regulations designed to prevent driver fatigue, drowsy driving remains a significant problem in Rock Hill, considering the number of trucks that make their way through the city each day.
Driving Aggressively
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and failing to yield the right of way, contribute to a significant number of car accidents in Rock Hill. These behaviors not only violate traffic laws but also put other road users at risk of catastrophic injuries.
Because aggressive driving can also lead to criminal charges, you might be entitled to punitive damages in your case. Punitive damages are a type that is intended to punish the other party for seriously dangerous behavior.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a well-known cause of severe car accidents. These substances impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely, leading to poor judgment, decreased motor control, and increased risk-taking.
Like driving aggressively, punitive damages might also be claimed in cases where a drunk driver caused the accident.
Vehicle Defects
Finally, while rarer, vehicle defects can also lead to car accidents. These can range from tire blowouts to brake failures or steering system malfunctions. While some defects might be caused by poor maintenance, others can result from manufacturer errors.
In such cases, the vehicle’s manufacturer or designer might be held liable. However, our investigation might show that a service center or independent mechanic was responsible for the defect, in which case they could be sued.
Areas in Rock Hill, SC Where Car Accidents Are Likely to Happen
Rock Hill is a growing area that sees more car accidents every day. High-traffic areas, such as Cherry Road and Celanese Road, are among the most accident-prone in Rock Hill. These roads are the city’s main arteries, and a large volume of vehicles are seen daily. Heavy traffic, high-speed limits, and frequent intersections greatly contribute to a higher risk of collisions.
Intersections in Rock Hill are another common place where car accidents are more likely to occur. In recent years, intersections such as those at Dave Lyle Boulevard and Galleria Boulevard and Cherry Road and Riverview Road have seen many accidents. You will want to be extra vigilant in these areas, paying attention to traffic signals and other drivers who might not be paying attention.
Highways also pose dangers around Rock Hill. Interstate 77, which runs directly through Rock Hill, is one such highway where accidents frequently happen. Factors contributing to accidents on these highways typically include speeding, reckless driving, and sudden lane changes. Because of the high speeds many people drive on Rock Hill’s highways, these accidents are more likely to be severe and potentially deadly.
Common Injuries You Might Suffer in a Rock Hill, SC Car Accident
Car accidents often exert significant force on the human body, easily leading to broken bones. These can range from simple fractures, which only involve a single break or crack, to more complex compound fractures, where the bone breaks into multiple pieces or pierces the skin. Common areas for fractures include the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone, and their danger should not be underestimated.
Whiplash is another common injury in car accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the force of the collision causes the head and neck to whip back and forth rapidly. This sudden movement can strain or tear the muscles and ligaments in the neck, causing pain, stiffness, and potential long-term complications.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a serious and potentially life-altering consequence of car accidents. They occur when an external force, such as the impact of a collision, causes brain dysfunction. TBIs include mild concussions to severe brain damage and can lead to cognitive impairment, physical disability, and emotional changes.
Like the head, the neck and spinal cord are extremely vulnerable in car accidents. Injuries can range from minor strains to severe spinal cord injuries that can cause paralysis. Even seemingly minor neck and spinal injuries can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life.
While not as common as other injuries, burns can occur in car accidents, particularly if a vehicle catches fire or if hot fluids leak from the engine. Burns can be incredibly painful and can lead to severe scarring and disfigurement. In severe cases, burns can also lead to life-threatening infections.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Rock Hill, SC Car Accident
The first step you need to take after a car accident is to call the police. Law enforcement involvement is essential, as they will create an official accident report detailing the incident. This report can serve as a valuable piece of evidence that can be useful in gathering other evidence.
You will also want to get medical attention as soon as possible. Your medical records documenting your injuries and the treatment you received will provide vital evidence to support your claim. In fact, recovering compensation without it is typically not possible.
Another critical step is exchanging information with all parties involved in the accident. This includes names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details. If you have time, note the other vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number. This information will be necessary to file an insurance claim or serve the other party with a lawsuit.
Preserving evidence from the accident scene can significantly strengthen your claim. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damages, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries, if possible. Additionally, if there were any witnesses, collect their names and contact information, as their statements could be beneficial later.
After you have received the care you need, it can be beneficial to consult with our lawyers. Our team can advise, help navigate the insurance claims process, and represent your interests if your case goes to court.
When Should I Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Rock Hill, SC
After a car accident, time is of the essence, which is why you should contact our firm as soon as possible. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this period, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation through the court system.
However, if the victim is under 18 when they are injured, more time to file a claim might be allowed. According to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-40, the statute of limitations does not start to run until the minor victim turns 18. They will then have three years from their 18th birthday to file a claim.
Damages that Could Be Available When You File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Rock Hill, SC
You could be entitled to numerous damages for the harm you have suffered in your car accident. Most people think of compensation as monetary losses, but you can also claim non-economic damages, like emotional anguish and physical pain. The following are the damages you can claim when you file a lawsuit in Rock Hill:
Current and Future Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are one of the most immediate consequences of a car accident. These can range from emergency room visits and hospitalization to surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
However, the medical damages you can claim are not limited to immediate medical expenses. You might also be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses, which are the costs of long-term care or ongoing treatments required for more severe injuries. These expenses often include rehabilitation, physical therapy, and other treatments that might be necessary to help you recover from your injuries.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity
If your injuries have made it impossible for you to work, either temporarily or permanently, you will likely be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. This includes the income you would have earned had you not been injured.
Moreover, suppose the accident has caused a reduction in your ability to earn a living, commonly referred to as lost earning capacity. In that case, you have the right to seek compensation for this loss as well.
Repair and Replacement Costs
Of course, you might need to repair or replace your vehicle. This can be a significant expense, especially if you have to pay for it out of pocket. Fortunately, you can claim these damages, as well. You could also claim any payments made for a rental while your car was being repaired.
Pain and Suffering
When you are injured, it is not just the physical injuries that take a toll on you. Often, the emotional and psychological trauma that you go through can be equally, if not more, damaging. Pain and suffering damages are meant to compensate you for not just the physical pain but also the emotional distress that you have endured as a result of the accident.
These damages are subjective and can vary greatly from case to case. The compensation you receive typically depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the duration of your recovery, and the impact of the accident on your day-to-day life.
How to Prove a Car Accident Claim in Rock Hill, SC
To win your case, you need to prove the other driver was negligent. This requires proving four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
Duty refers to the obligation one party has toward another. In the context of driving, every driver has a duty to operate their vehicle responsibly to prevent harm to others. This includes following traffic laws, paying attention to road conditions, and adjusting driving behavior as needed to ensure safety.
A breach occurs when a driver fails to uphold their duty of care. Examples of a breach could include speeding, texting while driving, running a red light, or driving under the influence. To prove that a breach occurred, you might need evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, or police reports.
To prove causation, you need to show “actual” and “proximate” causes. Actual cause, also known as “cause in fact,” means proving that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the accident. For example, if a driver ran a red light and collided with your car, causing you to suffer injuries, the driver’s action is the actual cause of your injuries. In other words, the accident would not have occurred but for their negligence.
Proximate cause, on the other hand, involves showing that your injuries were a foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions. Using the previous example, it is arguably foreseeable that running a red light could cause a collision and result in injuries to another driver.
Finally, you will need to demonstrate that you suffered damages as a result of the accident. Damages can include those discussed above, but you will need some evidence that you actually had losses stemming from the accident.
Our Rock Hill, SC Car Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Fight for the Compensation You Need
Call our car accident lawyers at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers at (803) 451-4000 for a free case review today.
