Greenville Car Accident Lawyer

Greenville, South Carolina Car Accident Attorney Ready to Serve You

Being involved in a car accident is a painful and scary experience.

It is difficult to know what to do or who you should talk to.

Do you need a personal injury attorney, and should you file a lawsuit for damages?

Talking to a lawyer after a South Carolina car accident can help you understand your legal options and what is best for your case.

With the support of a knowledgeable Greenville car accident lawyer, you could be eligible to take legal action and recover compensation from the at-fault party in a crash.

Hire the best car accident lawyer in South Carolina with Peace Law Firm.

We promise to zealously advocate for the compensation you deserve after a car accident.

Contact us online or call (864) 298-0500 today for a free consultation.

Do You Need a South Carolina Car Accident Attorney?

The most common question we hear after an accident is whether a lawyer is really necessary?

For minor accidents, where the property damage is minimal, and there are no injuries, you can manage the claims process on your own.

However, you need to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident if there is any significant property damage, serious injury, or death, you need to speak with an attorney. Do so as soon as possible after the accident.

If you are unsure, call our office, and we will schedule a free appointment to review your case. We can provide you with an honest assessment of your situation and the possible outcomes so that you can be as knowledgeable as possible about your options.

Can I Handle My Car Accident Without a Lawyer?

While it is possible to handle a car accident on your own, an experienced Greenville car accident lawyer can help you get a larger settlement amount.

Greenville, SC, car accident lawyers are essential allies in getting the maximum compensation possible. While you could handle your car accident without a lawyer, it is difficult to get insurance companies to give you the amount you deserve. Depending on the car accident, other parties may hold you liable for damages above your coverage amount depending on the car accident.

In addition, if you suffer a serious injury in the accident, your medical bills might exceed your settlement amount. A Greenville car accident attorney can help review your injury claim and determine if the insurance company offers a fair amount. If you sign any agreements with the insurance company before meeting with a lawyer, you might accept a settlement that is lower than it should be.

Most South Carolina accident lawyers offer a free consultation to review your case. Also, many auto accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay them unless they win your case.

Why Should I Hire a Greenville Car Accident Attorney?

If you were injured in a crash in Greenville, having the support of an experienced local attorney is crucial. Some of the benefits of hiring a car wreck lawyer in Greenville include:

• Familiarity with local laws. An attorney who practices in Greenville understands municipal and state traffic regulations. This knowledge of how local and state laws interact can be helpful when proving liability and negotiating an insurance claim.
• Experience with local courts and judges. Knowledge of the Greenville court system and its judges’ preferences can be hugely beneficial. Your attorney can use these insights to shape case strategy in subtle but meaningful ways.
• Access to local experts. A local lawyer can also draw from their network of medical professionals, investigators, and accident reconstruction experts. An attorney’s connections to credible experts and local resources can help ensure you collect valuable evidence before it’s lost.
• Knowledge of local accident trends. A seasoned Greenville car accident lawyer will have local insights into the factors that could have contributed to your crash. For example, they may be aware of specific intersections or roads that are known to be dangerous or associated with a pattern of accidents. 

Consulting with a Greenville attorney gives accident victims access to a wealth of local knowledge and resources that can’t be replicated elsewhere. These strategic insights can give you an advantage when building a claim and maximizing your potential compensation. 

South Carolina Car Accident Laws

South Carolina has numerous state-specific laws governing road and traffic safety. Many of these laws apply after a car accident and can impact your case for compensation. 

Road Rules

South Carolina law requires drivers to follow certain rules to keep the roadways safe. These include:

• Not tailgating or following other cars too closely,
• Obeying posted speed limits,
• Only changing lanes when it’s safe to do so,
• Following traffic signals,
• Yielding to pedestrians in the crosswalk,
• Keeping a safe distance from bikes, and
• Not driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

When a driver violates these rules and causes an accident, they can face legal penalties for their negligence.

Accident Reporting

Under South Carolina law, you must report certain accidents to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. These include crashes that result in more than $1,000 in property damage, bodily injury, or death.

In many cases, a police officer at the scene will investigate and create an accident report. Otherwise, you must submit a written report along with verification of insurance coverage as soon as possible after the accident occurs.

Auto Insurance

Drivers in South Carolina must have insurance policies on their vehicles.  At a minimum, drivers must carry $25,000 for bodily injury or death for a single person in an accident, $50,000 for two or more people harmed by bodily injury or death in an accident, and $25,000 in coverage for property damage.

Statute of Limitations

If you decide to sue for damages after a car accident, the law requires that you file a lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident. If you file a lawsuit after that period of time, the court can throw out your claims. That can bar you from recovering any compensation for your injuries. An experienced attorney understands this and can file your case properly.

Compensation for Car Accidents in South Carolina

Compensation for car accident claims includes payment for both economic and noneconomic damages sustained due to the accident. Economic damages are losses that can be measured quantitatively. They often include:

Other out-of-pocket expenses—transportation costs, towing fees, rehabilitation equipment.

Medical expenses—hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, and any future treatment of accident-related injuries; 

Property damage—vehicle repair or replacement;

Income loss—wages lost during recovery, reduced income capacity due to injury; and

Noneconomic damages include compensation for less tangible harm, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and the loss of affection or companionship.

South Carolina does not have any caps on compensation for car accident cases unless they involves a government entity. In these cases, the cap is $300,000 for injuries sustained due to an accident with a state government vehicle.

Comparative Fault

South Carolina also utilizes a modified comparative fault standard when determining the final amount of compensation an injured person receives after a car accident.

Under this rule, the court determines the degree of fault for every party involved in the accident. Then, they reduce the overall award by that percentage. For example, suppose you have a car accident with $500,000 in damages. The court finds you twenty percent at fault, so they reduce the overall to $400,000.

In addition, the modified rule states that if you are not allowed to collect damages from anyone found less at fault for the accident. For two-car collisions, this means that if a driver is 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover compensation.

In cases of multiple vehicle accidents, drivers cannot collect compensation from any other driver found less at fault for the accident. It is critical that you have an experienced car accident attorney representing your interests. It's even more important if there is any chance you're at fault.

5 Steps You Should Take After an SC Auto Accident

If you are in a car accident, it is important to make sure you and others are safe and document the damage. Accurately documenting the accident helps strengthen your case if you decide to file a lawsuit.

Here are five things you should do after an accident:

1. Make sure you are safe from traffic. 
2. Assess the scene for injuries. If injuries exist, call 911 to get medical assistance. If no injuries exist, call your local police department and ask for an officer to come out and make an accident report.
3. Do not move vehicles or injured people unless you have to bring them to safety.
4. Take photo and video evidence of the car accident. Try to document all of the damage before moving the vehicles.
5. Exchange information with the other people involved, including the other driver, witnesses, and the responding police officer. It is helpful to record witness statements using your phone.

Never admit that an accident is your fault. Even a simple apology indicates you are accepting the blame.

When exchanging insurance information with the other driver, write down their:

• Name,
• Insurance information (company name, policy number, & contact info for agent),
• License plate number, and
• Driver’s license number.

Make sure to give this information to the other driver as well, but do not give any additional information.

How Soon Should I Get Treatment for My Injuries After a Car Accident?

After any accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. However, there are several reasons why you may decide not to. After a car accident, the adrenaline rush you get causes you to not feel as much pain. Or some people experience pain immediately and think it will go away. 

Once your adrenaline subsides, your body begins to ache, and you may feel pain that wasn’t there before. This can happen hours, days, weeks, or even months later. Even if you do not feel pain, it is possible that you suffered internal damage in an accident. X-rays and MRIs can help determine if there are any injuries you did not initially feel.

More importantly, if your injury gets worsens because you didn’t see a doctor, the insurance company may claim that you are lying about your injury. To have a more solid claim, you must seek medical attention within three days of the accident, even if it seems minor. 

To get the highest compensation possible for your claim, you can hire an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney to assist you. Our attorney at Peace Law Firm handles all of the accident claim process, from the initial investigation to settlement.

The Car Accident Claims Process

The car accident claims process can be overwhelming after being injured in a crash. At Peace Law Firm, our experienced and compassionate car accident lawyer in Greenville, SC, is happy to guide you through the car accident claims process.

1. Initial Consultation 

During your free consultation, we will need all the details about the accident: where it happened, what happened, driving conditions, other drivers involved, and more. Anything that you can recall about your crash will help your case.

2. Accident Investigation 

After the consultation, your lawyer will investigate the scene of the accident and gather additional evidence for your case. This could include pictures of the scene, accident reports, medical information, witness testimonies, street cameras or surveillance videos, and insurance policies.

3. Damages 

After collecting evidence, your lawyer will use that evidence to calculate the amount of damages you suffered in the crash. This will determine the amount of compensation you should receive. Understanding the value of your claim helps you and your South Carolina car accident attorney negotiate effectively in settlement discussions.

4. Car Insurance Claim

Next, we will gather the information from your crash and submit a claim to your car insurance company. Don’t worry, we handle the entire claims process so you can focus on recovery.

Don’t speak to your insurance company until you have an auto accident lawyer in Greenville, SC, representing you. Insurance companies often attempt to entice victims to accept initial settlement offers. These initial offers rarely grasp the full value of your claim.

5. Settlement

We promise to fight to get the compensation and justice you deserve. Your settlement should include compensation for all of the damages you suffered in your accident. In situations where settlement discussions fail to progress, your Greenville car accident attorney prepares your case for trial. 

6. Litigation 

Litigation requires a skilled attorney who understands the procedural requirements and local court rules required to avoid unnecessary delays. With this knowledge, your attorney presents a strong case that gets you the judgment you and your family need and deserve.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Unfortunately, car accidents are common no matter where you live, and most are caused by human error.

The most common causes of car accidents in the United States include but are not limited to the following: 

• Distracted driving. Distracted driving becomes more of a threat each year, and is the leading cause of car accidents in the United States. Drivers fail to pay attention to the road due to texting, calling, reading, and even applying makeup.
• Driving under the influence. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be deadly. It often results in injuries, deaths, and jail time.
• Speeding and other forms of reckless driving. Although speeding might seem harmless, it can do a lot of damage. Speeding is the second-leading cause of accidents in the United States, in addition to other forms of reckless driving.
• Drowsy driving. Drivers who are too sleepy to stay alert can be just as dangerous as those who are purposefully reckless. The impaired coordination and slow reaction time that comes with fatigue are huge risk factors for accidents. 
• Weather. We can’t control the weather, but rain and other bad weather causes lots of accidents. If you don’t feel comfortable driving in bad weather, try to avoid it.
• Poor road maintenance. Obstructions, potholes, faulty signs, and other forms of roadway wear and tear can also contribute to collisions. 
• Vehicle defects. Drivers who fail to maintain their vehicles properly can put themselves and others at risk. Worn-out brakes, bald tires, overloaded truck beds, and engine issues can all lead to unexpected and dangerous situations on the road.
• Following too closely. Tailgating or following the car in front of you too closely makes it impossible to stop with enough time when sudden changes in road conditions occur. In these collisions, you may be unexpectedly rear-ended and suffer injuries and property damage. 
• Changing lanes too quickly. Drivers that weave in and out of lanes of traffic without checking their blind spot or turning on their blinkers often cause side-swipe collisions or cause other cars to lose control to avoid being hit. 
• Running red lights or stop signs. Failing to adhere to traffic signals and signs leads to collisions with other vehicles whose drivers were lawfully obeying these lights.

Car accidents occur every day from all of these common causes. If you have been hurt in a car accident, make sure to contact an experienced car accident attorney right away.

Common Car Accident Injuries 

Car accidents affect everyone differently, However, there are some common injuries. While the degree of severity of these injuries may range, it’s crucial that you get the compensation you deserve to help get you back on your feet. 

• Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when the brain is shaken with extreme force from front to back or side to side during a crash. Some victims may fully recover from a TBI over time, however, some victims suffer long-lasting effects. 
• Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries are particularly dangerous and can lead to permanent paralysis. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it’s vital to seek a medical evaluation and proper treatment to avoid further damage. 
• Concussion. Concussions occur when the brain is bruised by the force of it banging against the skull. Concussions can be relatively minor or more serious, but most victims recover from these injuries over time. 
• Broken bones. Broken bones commonly occur after car accidents due to the force of impact. This injury is usually immediately apparent, however, there are situations when a broken bone goes unnoticed for some time after the accident. 
• Whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck snaps back and forth from the force of impact. This injury can cause nerve damage and neck pain, but most people recover after a few weeks of rest. 
• Bruises and lacerations. Bruises and lacerations regularly occur either from broken glass or metal and the force of a body hitting against a car. Though most of these heal, some lacerations can be particularly severe and require stitches or even surgery. 
• Amputation. When a body part is crushed in a car accident, doctors may be forced to amputate the limb. This injury can be particularly devastating as it forever changes a victim’s appearance and way of life. 
• Internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is a serious injury that does not always present immediately and can lead to death if left untreated. Seek medical attention after a collision to rule out this serious injury. 
• Emotional issues. The trauma and shock of a car accident can leave many victims reeling emotionally—and even render the victim unable to get into a car or drive afterward. 

Any type of injury can cause a significant interruption to your daily life and it’s vital you recover the full value of your losses from the party responsible. 

How Is Liability Determined in an Accident? 

Your Greenville car accident lawyer gets to work immediately to prove the liability of the driver who caused your collision. In many car collisions, liability is not straightforward, and all parties may share some responsibility. Luckily, South Carolina operates under the theory of comparative negligence in car accidents. Under this theory, you may still recover from a liable driver even if you share some blame for causing the collision. In these situations, your compensation is reduced by your share of liability. 

For example, suppose you seek to recover $200,000 from a negligent driver who caused a collision by speeding. However, the speeding driver is able to prove that you were also looking at your phone at the time of the collision. If you are deemed to be 20% responsible for the collision, you may still recover 80% of your damages from the at-fault driver, or $160,000. 

Speak to a South Carolina car accident attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney anticipates potential defenses that insurance adjusters and opposing counsel may make in an attempt to raise the possibility of comparative negligence and reduce their client’s responsibility. Recover the full value of your claim by working with auto accident lawyers in South Carolina who know how to fight successfully on your behalf. 

How Do I Choose the Best South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer?

Law has several areas of specialization. To get the best representation possible, you should choose a lawyer that specializes in car accidents or personal injury.

To make sure the South Carolina car accident lawyer is a good fit, be sure to ask these questions:

• What is your experience with cases similar to mine?
• Do you have trial experience?
• What are your case results for settlements?
• Do you work on a contingency fee or flat fee basis?
• Who handles my case?
• Is there a retainer fee?
• Do you offer a free consultation?
• What is your litigation strategy?
• Do you communicate with clients directly?

It is imperative to select a South Carolina car accident lawyer that has strong case results, a personalized approach to representation, and experience handling several accident cases. At Peace Law Firm, our Greenville, SC, car accident attorney utilizes nearly 20 years of experience to get you the highest compensation possible in your case.

Why You Should Hire Peace Law Firm

Deciding whether to hire an attorney after a car accident is a big decision. It can mean the difference between getting the money you need to pay for your bills and getting nothing. Hiring the best car Greenville, South Carolina, car accident lawyer is the number-one way to ensure ensures that you receive the most compensation. At Peace Law Firm, we provide our clients with a full range of legal services and top-tier representation for car accident cases.

Personalized Case Review

Our first meeting is always a free and no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story of the accident and evaluate the case. Our goal in the case review is to help you clearly understand your legal rights and options for compensation. 

Building Your Case

As soon as you hire Peace Law Firm to handle your case, we begin our own investigation into the accident. We collect documentation, photos, videos, and other evidence along with witness statements. With help from local expert witnesses, we gather the medical records and credible testimony to support a compelling case for compensation for your injuries. We also do extensive legal research and work diligently to build the best possible arguments showing the at-fault party’s liability.

Negotiating with Insurers

Our Greenville car accident attorney will serve as a shield between you and the insurance companies. As a former insurance company employee, attorney John Peace has the experience and insights needed to protect your rights in all dealings with insurers. We will handle all communication and negotiation with adjusters and ensure that the insurers don’t try and trick you into making any statements that go against your best interests.

Strategic Litigation

If parties do not reach a settlement, the Peace Law Firm is not afraid to take your case to court and zealously advocate your claims to a judge and jury. As a seasoned litigator with decades of experience with personal injury lawsuits, John Peace is prepared with compelling legal arguments for your right to compensation at trial. We will develop a case strategy and present evidence and witness testimony to the court on your behalf.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Hire an Attorney?

An experienced car accident attorney will maximize the value of your claim. The insurance company will try to lowball you for your injuries. This could leave you still injured and unable to pay for therapy and other needed care. A lawyer won’t let that happen. They’ll negotiate with the insurance company so that you’re treated fairly and go to court if they have to.

Will I Have to Pay Out of Pocket?

At the Peace Law Firm, your case will be handled on contingency. This means you don’t pay anything unless we get a settlement or judgment for you. Your case review is free, and lead attorney, John Peace, will be upfront about your case’s validity from the start.

How Soon Should I Get an Attorney?

Right away! Don’t talk to the insurance company. Find an attorney like John Peace, who will evaluate your case and provide you with knowledgeable advice.

In a Wreck? Don’t Hesitate to Call.

After suffering injuries in an accident, you need the best South Carolina car accident attorney. You want someone who will advocate your interests and fight hard for you. 

Our lawyer also handles clients with other types of injury cases, including:

• Trucking accidents,
• Bus accidents,
• Wrongful death,
• Slip and fall,
• Brain injury, and
• Spinal cord injury.

Call Peace Law Firm at (864) 298-0500 or contact us online today to schedule a free, confidential consultation of your car accident claims.