When you have been hurt in a car accident in Laurens, South Carolina, the moments immediately following the crash can be confusing, painful, and overwhelming. However, the steps you take in the aftermath of the accident, including contacting an experienced Laurens car accident lawyer, can have a significant impact on your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
At the McCravy Newlon Sturkie and Clardy Law Firm, our skilled Laurens car accident attorneys have been advocating for the rights of crash victims in our community for many years. We understand the physical, emotional and financial toll a serious auto accident can take on victims and their families. Our legal team is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized representation to help ensure you obtain the full amount of compensation you need and deserve.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Laurens, SC
The shock of being involved in a car wreck can make it difficult to think clearly in the moments after the crash. However, if you are able, taking certain key actions can help protect your health and your legal rights:
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 if emergency medical attention is needed
- If possible, move vehicles to a safe spot out of traffic
- Exchange information with the other driver, including name, contact details, insurance info, and vehicle info
- Collect some evidence at the accident scene, like pictures of vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
- Get the contact details for any eyewitnesses
- See a doctor as soon as possible to diagnose and document accident-related injuries
- Contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Laurens to discuss your legal rights and options
Avoid admitting fault, apologizing, or downplaying your injuries when speaking with the other driver and the police. Stick to the facts and limit communication with the insurance company until you have consulted with a knowledgeable Laurens car accident attorney who can advise you.
In the aftermath of a crash, you may be dealing with painful injuries, doctor appointments, medical bills, and missed work. Insurance adjusters may contact you seeking a recorded statement or pushing you to accept a quick settlement. Remember, the insurance company’s goal is to pay out as little as possible on claims. To protect your interests after a wreck, contact a car accident lawyer Laurens as soon as possible, even before speaking with any insurance representatives.
Understanding Fault in Laurens Car Accidents
South Carolina follows a fault-based system when it comes to auto accident claims. This means the party that caused the crash, typically through negligence, is responsible for compensating those who suffered harm.
Examples of driver negligence that frequently leads to car wrecks include:
- Distracted driving, like texting while driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Ignoring traffic signals and signs
- Fatigued driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
In some cases, crashes are caused by factors like defective auto parts, poor road maintenance, or improper signage. A thorough investigation is needed to determine all parties who may hold liability.
South Carolina also uses a comparative negligence rule. If an affected party is found partly at fault for the accident, their compensation is reduced by their assigned percentage of blame. Insurance companies often try to unfairly shift blame onto the victim to minimize payouts.
An experienced car accident lawyer in Laurens will know how to properly investigate your accident, gather essential evidence, and build a strong case demonstrating the other party’s negligence and liability for your injuries. Your attorney will also handle communications and negotiations with the insurance company to make sure your rights are protected.
It is important to remember that South Carolina has a statute of limitations on filing your case related to car accidents. Typically, you have three years from when the car accident happened to file a claim in civil court, or your case could be dismissed. Certain factors can impact the filing deadline, so it is wise to consult a Laurens car accident attorney right away to ensure your rights are preserved.
How Much Is Your Laurens Car Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a car accident claim depends on the unique facts and circumstances involved. Factors that can impact claim value include:
- Severity and permanence of injuries
- Costs of medical treatment and lost income
- Expected future medical needs and income loss
- Pain and suffering endured
- Emotional trauma
- Disfigurement or permanent impairment
- Disruption to quality of life
An experienced Laurens car accident attorney will thoroughly assess your case to determine the full extent of your economic and non-economic damages. Your lawyer will then fight aggressively to secure a car accident settlement or court award that provides you with the maximum compensation possible.
Auto accident victims may be entitled to recover a range of damages, such as:
- Past, current and future medical expenses related to accident injuries
- Lost wages from missing work due to injuries
- Reduced future earning potential in cases of disability or impairment
- Pain and suffering damages
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Other economic and non-economic losses
Every car accident case is different. The dedicated attorneys at McCravy Newlon Sturkie and Clardy Law Firm will carefully evaluate all the short-term and long-term ways the crash has negatively impacted your life to pursue full and fair compensation on your behalf.
How Our Laurens Car Accident Lawyers Fight for Your Rights
The knowledgeable legal team at McCravy Newlon Sturkie and Clardy Law Firm takes a proactive, resourceful approach to representing Laurens car accident victims. When you hire our firm, we will:
- Conduct an independent investigation into the cause and circumstances of your crash
- Identify all potentially liable parties and sources of compensation
- Gather critical evidence to build the strongest possible case, including police reports, medical records, photos or videos of the scene, and eyewitness testimony
- Collaborate with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to demonstrate causation and damages
- Handle all communications with the insurance companies and their legal teams
- Negotiate skillfully for a fair settlement that provides you with full and fair compensation
- Have a respected Laurens car accident lawyer ready to powerfully argue your case at trial if litigation proves necessary
Our goal is to alleviate the burdens and stress you face after a car accident by managing all the legal details of your claim. We are committed to being accessible, keeping you informed, and tenaciously pursuing the best possible outcome for you.
At McCravy Newlon Sturkie and Clardy Law Firm, we understand the immense physical, emotional and financial implications a serious car wreck can have for victims and their families. When you work with our compassionate Laurens car accident attorneys, we will treat you with the care and personalized attention you deserve. You will have a strong legal advocate on your side through every stage of the claims process. Our team has the knowledge, skills and resources to stand up to even the largest insurance companies and seek the maximum compensation possible for you.
Contact an Experienced Laurens Car Accident Lawyer
If you have sustained injuries in a car wreck in Laurens or the surrounding areas, do not wait to get the legal advocacy you need. Reach out to a trusted Laurens car accident lawyer who will fight to protect your rights and interests.
At the McCravy Newlon Sturkie and Clardy Law Firm, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to auto accident victims in our community. We will take the time to listen to your story, thoroughly evaluate your case, and advise you of your legal options. Our attorneys take all personal injury cases on contingency, so you pay no fees unless and until we recover money for you. This gives you the time to also focus on your recovery.
To learn more about how our skilled Laurens car accident attorneys can help you, contact us online or call our office at 866-MCCRAVY to schedule your free case evaluation. We look forward to putting our experience and resources to work for you.