Hurt in a Car Crash in Columbia? Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
At McCravy, Newlon & Clardy Law Firm P.A., our Columbia car accident lawyer is a compassionate, experienced advocate for justice. We are on the side of injured victims and their families, not the big insurance companies. Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of accidental injuries in our region. Our firm has what it takes to help you secure the maximum financial compensation. If you were hurt in a crash, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation with an experienced Columbia car accident attorney.
The Most Common Causes of Traffic Collisions in Columbia
Car crashes are a leading cause of accidental injuries in Columbia. They can happen in a wide range of different contexts. Each accident should be thoroughly investigated to determine exactly what went wrong to cause the collision. A core commonality that the vast majority of car accidents share is that they could and should have been prevented with the proper safety precautions. Some of the leading causes of car accidents in Columbia include:
- Speeding: Speeding involves both exceeding posted limits and driving too fast for traffic, weather, or road conditions. Higher speeds reduce reaction time and magnify the force of the impact. It makes car accidents both more likely and more serious.
- Signal Violations: Running red lights, running stop signs, and other traffic signal violations can all contribute to serious crashes in Columbia. In many cases, the driver who committed such a violation will receive a traffic citation from law enforcement.
- Following Too Closely: Rear-end collisions commonly result from inadequate following distance. Drivers underestimate stopping time or fail to anticipate sudden traffic changes. Nearly half of all multi-vehicle crashes in Columbia are rear-end collisions.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the fastest-growing causes of accidents. It is also very dangerous driving. Distracted driving includes texting, phone use, in-vehicle technology, eating, or any activity that diverts attention from the road. Even brief distractions can cause severe collisions.
- Drunk/Drugged Driving: Impairment includes alcohol, drugs, prescription medications, and fatigue. Impaired drivers suffer delayed reactions, poor judgment, and reduced coordination. An intoxicated driver who caused a crash in Columbia can face a very serious criminal charge under South Carolina state law.
An Overview of Car Accident Liability in Columbia, South Carolina
South Carolina is a fault-based car accident jurisdiction. The party that is responsible for the crash can be held legally liable for the resulting damages. Every motor vehicle collision in Columbia should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. To bring a successful claim, an injured victim must prove that another driver (or another party) owed them a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused compensable damages. Some of the most common examples of negligence include speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, and impaired driving.
It is possible that multiple parties could share fault for the same crash in Columbia. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence standard. Each party to a crash is liable for their share of the damages. An injured victim may recover damages only if their share of fault is less than fifty-one percent. However, in this circumstance, any financial recovery is reduced in proportion to his or her assigned percentage of fault. For example, if you were 25 percent at fault for a crash, you would be responsible for 25 percent of your own damages.
Know the Deadline: South Carolina Car Accident Statute of Limitations
In South Carolina, most car accident injury claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(5). The limitations period generally begins on the date of the crash. If a lawsuit is not filed within that three-year window, the claim is typically barred. There are a few exceptions, but they are quite narrow. Be proactive after an accident: Consult with a Columbia, SC, personal injury lawyer right away.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Car Crash Victims in Columbia
In South Carolina, car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages, including for any non-economic losses. With that being said, navigating the claims process is difficult. The big insurance companies fight hard to pay out less in settlements. Do not agree to resolve your case for less than you are entitled to under the law. Along with other damages, our Columbia car accident lawyers are prepared to help you seek compensation for:
- Property damage;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other health care expenses;
- Loss of current and future wages;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Long-term physical disability;
- Loss of quality of life; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
How Our Columbia Auto Accident Lawyers Can Help
Car accident claims are complicated. Following a serious crash, it is normal to have a lot of questions about the next stages of the claims process. The good news is that you do not have to figure out everything on your own. At McCravy, Newlon & Clardy Law Firm P.A., we are proud to put injured victims first, including people and families right here in Columbia. Our case results and client testimonials tell the story best. We are proactive. When you reach out to us, you will have an opportunity to speak to a Columbia car accident attorney who can:
- Listen to your story and answer your legal questions.
- Investigate your crash in Columbia, gathering relevant evidence.
- Represent you in settlement negotiations with insurers,
- Develop a comprehensive strategy focused on helping you get the best results.
We are proud to fight for justice for victims and their families right here in Columbia. The city of Columbia sits at the center of the state. It is where government, college life, and long-established neighborhoods overlap in everyday ways. Columbia feels extremely busy during the workweek and slower on weekends, especially near the river and older districts. Of course, history stays visible around the South Carolina State House, where locals pass through the grounds as part of their daily routines, not just tours. As with any other community, serious car accidents can and do happen here. When they do, our Columbia, SC, auto accident lawyers are more than ready to help victims and families fight for justice and the maximum financial compensation. Initial consultations are free.
Columbia Car Accident FAQs
How are police reports used in South Carolina car accident cases?
They are important evidence. Indeed, police reports provide an official account of the crash scene and involved parties. The contents of a police report may influence insurers. Still, by itself, the police report is not conclusive proof of fault. All of the other evidence matters as well.
Do I need photos from the accident scene?
Although not required to be able to bring a car accident injury claim in Columbia, photos help establish vehicle positions and damage. Indeed, they can strengthen liability arguments. If possible, you should try to take as many pictures as possible of your crash.
What if I am hit by an uninsured driver in Columbia?
As frustrating as it can be to deal with, you still have legal options available. Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. These claims proceed through the injured party’s own policy while preserving fault analysis. You may also have a claim against a negligent third party. Our Columbia, SC, car accident lawyer will help you explore every option for recovering financial compensation.
What is negligent entrustment?
If a car owner allows an unlicensed, unqualified, or otherwise dangerous person to operate their vehicle, they could be legally liable for a resulting crash. This type of claim is sometimes referred to as negligent entrustment. Negligent entrustment arises when a vehicle owner knowingly allows an unsafe driver to operate the car.
Can weather conditions excuse the at-fault driver?
No. By itself, the weather is not a valid defense. Drivers must adjust for rain, fog, or other conditions. Weather may explain how a crash occurred, but it does not excuse negligence. Failure to adapt to the weather and/or road conditions could be deemed negligence.
How much does it cost to hire a top Columbia auto accident attorney?
With McCravy, Newlon & Clardy Law Firm P.A., you do not need to worry about the cost of legal representation. We handle claims on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, and there are no out-of-pocket fees for our clients. If you do not get paid, then we do not get paid.
Contact Our Columbia, SC Car Accident Attorney Today
At McCravy, Newlon & Clardy Law Firm P.A., our Columbia, SC, auto accident attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you or your loved one was hurt in a bad wreck, we are here to help. Contact us now to set up your free, completely confidential initial consultation. We represent car accident victims in Columbia and throughout the wider region, including in the zip codes of 29201, 29202, 29203, 29204, 29205, 29206, 29207, 29208, 29209, 29210, 29211, 29212, 29214, 29215, 29216, 29217, 29218, 29219, 29220, 29221, 29222, 29223, 29224, 29225, 29226, 29227, 29228, 29229, and 29230.