North Charleston Car Accident Lawyer

North Charleston Car Accident Attorney

Victims of car accidents can suffer traumatic consequences as a result, including personal injury, property damage, and emotional distress. However, the legal system offers protections that can help those involved reach recovery. A North Charleston car accident lawyer can guide you through the process, offering legal insight and strong representation on your behalf.

If you’ve been injured in a car crash or other type of vehicle accident, it is important that you contact a qualified and skilled attorney with experience in personal injury law as soon as possible to begin your road to a fair and full recovery.

North Charleston, SC, Car Accident Lawyer & Law Firm

At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., we know the potential devastation that can occur following a car accident. For this reason, we fight on behalf of each of our clients to secure a favorable outcome in their case and ensure they have the greatest opportunity possible for a full recovery. We understand the full extent of the consequences of suffering an injury in a car accident and can work diligently to recover full compensation.

What Are Common Injuries in a Car Accident?

The consequences of car accidents can vary widely, with the severity of the injuries sustained ranging from mild to serious. However, many injuries are typical for those involved in car accidents. The following represents the most common injuries sustained by victims of car accidents:

• Head injuries. Concussions and other head injuries can result from impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. These injuries can have long-term effects on your cognition, memory, coordination, and even emotions. Symptoms for these types of injuries may not be immediately apparent and require medical evaluation, as they can develop over time.
• Neck injuries. Collisions can lead to sudden movements and jerking of the head and neck. This can result in whiplash, which can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement in your neck. This is particularly the case in rear-end collisions and can eventually lead to long-term neck pain, headaches, and dizziness. It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months to recover.
• Back injuries. Back injuries can be among the most serious injuries to result from an accident. Victims can experience herniated discs, spinal cord damage, or other back injuries. This can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and even paralysis. When the spinal cord is damaged, victims can experience a partial or complete loss of sensation or function in all parts of the body below the location of the injury.
• Fractures. The force of a collision in a car accident is enough to potentially break bones. Arms, legs, ribs, and hips commonly experience fractures, which can vary from simple to complex breaks that require surgery. These can take many months to heal.
• Internal injuries. Though they are often not immediately apparent, internal injuries can result from car accident collisions, leading to internal bleeding or damaged organs. When bodies are thrown against parts of the car during a collision, damage to the liver, kidneys, or spleen can occur. These injuries can be potentially life-threatening.
• Cuts. Shattered glass and metal fragments can cause lacerations that range from superficial cuts to gashes that are deep enough to require surgery. These open wounds also pose a risk of infection or potential blood loss.
• Muscle injuries. Car accidents commonly lead to injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These include sprains, bruises, and other strains that result in swelling, pain, and limited mobility. While not as serious as other bodily injuries, they nonetheless cause discomfort and can limit one’s ability to work and perform other daily activities.
• Psychological damage. The mental and emotional impact of a car accident can lead to serious psychological issues, such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, mood swings, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The potential injuries you could suffer as a result of a car accident can be mild or severe. Regardless of the extent of your injuries, however, you deserve proper compensation to cover those damages. These include all associated medical costs, lost income as a result of missed work, and compensation for pain and suffering, which covers the discomfort and turmoil resulting from the accident and subsequent injuries.

What Is the Role of a Car Accident Attorney?

When you’ve been involved in an auto accident in North Charleston, SC, there are many types of potential damages you could suffer. A car accident attorney can act as a personal advocate, working to secure the appropriate compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve suffered. Attorneys utilize their experience with the legal system to determine what you are owed and then use their skills to secure a favorable outcome. They can accomplish this through the following:

• Investigation. Your attorney can conduct comprehensive investigations into the accident, being sure to examine all evidence, interview witnesses, and gather police reports and medical documents. By establishing the cause of the accident, they can hold the liable parties responsible. They can also more accurately determine the recovery amount by collecting all the appropriate data.
• Negotiation. Your attorney can negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company or lawyer to advocate for fair compensation. By presenting thorough evidence and challenging any counter-claims, your attorney can work to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair, and additional compensation for pain and suffering.
• Litigation. In some cases, a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, at which point your attorney will be prepared to go to court. A lawyer can take care of each step of the legal process, from filing paperwork to presenting evidence-backed arguments before a court.
• Documentation. Lastly, your attorney can handle all of the complicated paperwork and documentation necessary throughout the legal process. This includes ensuring that all case filings are completed within the state’s statute of limitations. Failing to do so would result in an automatic dismissal of the case by the court, and you would lose the opportunity to recover compensation.

Overall, your attorney can guide you through the detailed and complex process of filing a claim for your car accident, advocating for you against other parties who would otherwise attempt to minimize or dismiss your damages and take away your ability to receive fair compensation. Though hiring a lawyer is not a legal requirement, it is highly recommended that you work with a qualified car accident attorney as soon as possible if you’ve been involved in a car accident of any kind.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Likely Cause of an Accident?

A: The single most likely cause of an accident across the nation, particularly in urban areas, is distracted driving. Drivers who are distracted have reduced awareness, reaction time, and ability to make safe driving decisions. Typically, distractions involve the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones, to text, call, or use an app. Eating, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS can also lead to distractions for the driver. Despite efforts to raise awareness, this behavior remains a leading cause.

Q: What Factors Cause a Car Accident?

A: Several factors can potentially cause a car accident. Driver error is the most common cause, which includes violations such as distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence, as well as human errors, such as a failure to properly adjust to traffic conditions or other drivers.

Weather and road conditions can also lead to accidents, especially when roads are poorly maintained or when streets lack proper signage. Lastly, aggressive behavior, such as tailgating and frequent lane changing, can cause accidents.

Q: How Do I Find Accident Reports in South Carolina?

A: In South Carolina, you can find accident reports by contacting local police departments or the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles or by visiting one of their online portals. Alternatively, you can request a copy of the accident report in person by visiting the Sheriff’s office or the South Carolina Highway Patrol office, or you can make your request by mail. Finally, if you hire a car accident attorney, they can obtain the accident report for you.

Q: Do You Have to File a Police Report for an Accident in SC?

A: In South Carolina, filing a police report is mandatory for any car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $1,000. Ideally, you should file the report with the police at the scene of the accident. Generally, if the police respond to the accident, they will file the report. However, for cases in which the police did not respond to the accident, you are responsible for reporting the accident through the SCDMV.

Your Car Accident Attorney in North Charleston, SC

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need a reputable team of attorneys like those at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., who can diligently fight to recover the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers can help ensure you receive a proper settlement that fairly covers your injuries, losses, and the suffering you experienced as a result of the accident. To get in touch with a member of our team, contact our office today and start your road to a full recovery.