Marion Car Accident Lawyer

Marion Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents happen every day in South Carolina, although they’re always unexpected for the drivers themselves. Though these incidents are frequent, they also come with plenty of headaches and confusion as you attempt to navigate a somewhat complicated system. After your crash, you need a Marion car accident lawyer who can represent you and help you through the process.

At Axelrod & Associates, we are willing to assist you after your accident at every step of the process. We can work with you to get you the compensation you need and take some of the burden off of recovering from the accident. This way, you can move on with your life instead of dwelling on it.

Can Axelrod & Associates Help Me After a Car Accident?

At Axelrod & Associates, we’ve put together a seasoned team that has seen just about everything the insurance companies can throw at us. Our team has a combined over 100 years of experience in litigation, so you know you’re hiring a firm that has the credentials and ability to handle your case in Marion, SC.

We work in all types of personal injury law, among other practice areas, so no matter the details of your case, we’re equipped to handle it. We can assist you with your personal injury claim if the crash left you hurt and you don’t know what to do to get help. Let us handle the difficult matters so you can focus on recovery.

Car Crashes in South Carolina: The Basics

Car accidents happen all the time across America, but their causes and consequences differ drastically. There are many reasons for car accidents and outcomes for the drivers involved, and we’ll look at some of the most common in both cases.

South Carolina is an at-fault or tort state. This distinction means one driver can file a claim against another following an accident to seek compensation. The person filing the claim will need to provide proof showcasing the fault of the other driver and any injuries or damages they suffered.

Some of the most common reasons for car accidents include:

• Distracted driving: Almost everyone has a cell phone or a smart display in their vehicle these days. While these devices are useful for changing settings in the car, they can also lead to a driver getting distracted and getting into an accident. Some drivers also get distracted when talking to a passenger or zoning out and getting lost in thought.
• Drunk driving: Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents happen quite frequently across the United States and claim many lives every year. Drunk drivers often have lowered reaction speeds and awareness of the situation around them.
• Equipment failure: Sometimes, it feels like an act of divine intervention when a tire blows up, or an axle breaks, and a car accident occurs. Other times, poor maintenance can be the difference between a safe vehicle and one that’s ready to break down at any moment.
• Inexperience: Many drivers are new to the road and just learning its rules. These drivers are more prone to getting into accidents thanks to inexperience.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Resulting From a Car Accident?

After an accident, you’ll need to do a check to see if you have any injuries. You may not notice your injuries immediately, as the adrenaline pumping into your bloodstream will dull any pain until you calm down. Once you’ve relaxed a little bit, you should check to see if you’re suffering from any injuries, such as:

• Whiplash: One of the most common outcomes from a car accident, whiplash occurs when your head whips forward and then quickly stops. You’ll have neck pain and likely some headaches to go with it. Whiplash isn’t easy for doctors to diagnose, so you’ll need to accurately describe your pain to them.
• Concussions: It’s easy for a concussion to happen as a result of a car accident. There are numerous parts of the vehicle your head can smack into, including the steering wheel and the side door. Concussions will often leave you dizzy, confused, and groggy. You should not try to drive after suffering a concussion.
• Internal bleeding: You can’t see internal bleeding, so you’ll need to stay in tune with your body to see if anything is wrong. If you notice you’re feeling very weak or dizzy frequently, it may be a sign to speak with your doctor and see if they can check you for any internal injuries.
• Lacerations: Car accidents often come with broken glass, and if this glass goes flying, it can cause severe cuts to anyone in the car.

What Should I Do After a Car Crash in Marion?

After a car accident, you need to first ensure everyone is okay and nobody needs emergency treatment. Check any passengers in your car and consult with any other drivers involved. If someone needs immediate medical assistance, you should call an ambulance to the scene.

You’ll need to call the police if the crash resulted in more than $1,000 in property or a severe injury. For minor fender benders, you won’t need to contact law enforcement.

You should speak with the other drivers and exchange information. You need to get the other driver’s personal information, such as a phone number, as well as any relevant insurance information. You should also take pictures of any affected vehicles and any visible injuries for your records and to use as evidence.

As soon as possible, you’ll want to speak with an attorney and see if they can help you with your case. Your attorney will hear all the information you’ve gathered and plan out your next step. They may advise you to file a claim against the other driver or offer to speak with the insurance company if they don’t believe there was any fault at play.

How Do You Prove Fault After a South Carolina Car Crash?

Since South Carolina is an at-fault state, you’ll need to provide some compelling evidence to the insurance companies or a court to showcase why the other driver is at fault for the accident.

Proving fault isn’t always as easy as you might think, as both you and the other driver will have different versions of the events. Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and people’s recollections of the incident will vary. These different accounts do not mean anyone is lying, just that it is difficult to remember precise information in such a short window.

However, there are a few ways to assist you with proving fault to break the stalemate of two conflicting stories. Some of these methods include:

• Confessions: Sometimes, the at-fault driver might accidentally mention they were at fault for the incident while speaking to them after a crash. If you have a witness around who heard this confession, you can use it as evidence against them in court.
• Eyewitness reports: If the accident happened in a busier area of the state, you may luck out and have someone who happened to be passing by and noticed the accident. In these situations, you can compel them to testify about the accident and give their account of who was at fault and the details of the crash.
• Video Footage: It’s not likely, but sometimes, you can get lucky and find out the accident was on tape. A surrounding business or residential area may have a security camera that caught the incident. If the accident happened in a parking lot, they often have cameras watching the action.
• Photos of the accident: Though everyone involved will have their sworn testimony, a picture is extremely valuable. You can use photographs to poke holes in the other side’s arguments. The photos may not match up with the testimony from the other driver, and you can use this to solidify your side of the story.
• Medical records: Any doctor’s records or photographs of your injuries can help you prove the injury happened. Make sure you ask your doctor for any relevant information when visiting so you can use it in court.

What Sort of Compensation Can I Get After a Car Accident?

Your settlement will depend on several factors, including the nature of the accident, the injuries you sustained, and the damage to your vehicle. You’ll have to speak with your attorney to get a more personalized view of what you should expect for compensation.

The most common compensation we see clients get after an accident is reimbursement for any medical costs. You may also get money for any suffering you endured, property damage, and lost wages while you recover from the accident.

Do I Need an Attorney When Seeking Compensation for a Car Accident?

Yes, an attorney is crucial for a successful claim. Your attorney can work with you through every step of the process and help you get the help you need after your accident. You’ll want to make recovery your top priority, and you won’t have time or likely the energy to learn about different laws or gather evidence.

Your attorney can handle your case with empathy, understanding, and compassion and make a stressful process smoother. You can delegate some of the tougher work to your attorney and let them put the case together for you. Then, all you need to do is wait for the good news that you have a settlement coming your way.

While you are within your legal rights to represent yourself in these cases, you put yourself at risk of missing out on funds that will help you through the tough times and ease the burden of medical expenses or car repairs.

Your attorney will also have experience negotiating with the insurance company and will know what a fair settlement should look like. They can advise you on when to take an offer or when to hold out for more money or benefits.

FAQs

Q: Is South Carolina an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: Yes, South Carolina is an at-fault state when it comes to auto accidents. This means drivers can file a claim against other motorists if they believe they were at fault for an accident. You’ll have to provide evidence to demonstrate fault in the accident, such as witness testimony or photographs of the scene.

Q: What Kind of Cut Does a Lawyer Take in a Car Accident Settlement in South Carolina?

A: Most attorneys working on personal injury claims or car accidents will work on a contingency basis. This distinction means you won’t have to pay any money if the attorney doesn’t win, but you will have to pay a percentage of the winnings to your attorney for their services. Typically, these fees range from 30 to 40 percent of the settlement. This may sound like a lot of money, but it is worth it for a chance to take home a life-changing settlement.

Q: How Do I File a Claim for a Car Accident in SC?

A: You’ll need to head to the courthouse to file a claim after a car accident. However, this can be confusing, and you may end up missing out on benefits if you don’t handle the claim filing process correctly. You can have your attorney handle filing a claim so you don’t have to worry about learning the process.

Q: Should I Hire an Attorney After I’ve Been in a Marion Car Accident?

A: Yes, it’s advised to hire an attorney. Your attorney can take care of all the tough stuff and allow you to focus on recovering from the accident and going on with your life. You and your attorney will have a collaborative process, working together to plan out the case and figure out what evidence you can use to stake your claim.

Axelrod & Associates: Experienced Car Accident Attorneys You Can Count On

Car accidents can leave both physical and psychological scars on everyone involved. You have a right to seek compensation for any injuries or damages sustained after an accident. If you want to have the greatest chance at winning, you need a Marion car accident attorney on your team.

At Axelrod & Associates, we have several decades of combined experience assisting victims of car accidents, and we can take care of your case. Contact us today to see how we can help you through this traumatic time and get you the compensation you deserve.