Damages You May Recover After a Charleston Car Accident
If another driver's negligence caused your Charleston car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as:
- Medical expenses. This includes past and future costs like emergency transport, hospital stays, doctor visits, surgery, medication, medical equipment, rehabilitation, and in-home nursing care.
- Lost income. Your lost income includes compensation for wages lost from being unable to work due to injuries, as well as diminished future earning potential, lost employee benefits, and lost self-employment income.
- Property damage. You have the right to seek compensation for your vehicle's repair and replacement costs and any other damaged property.
- Pain and suffering. These non-economic damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional anguish caused by your injuries.
- Disability or disfigurement. If you suffer a permanent disability or disfigurement, such as paralysis, amputation, scarring, or loss of function, additional compensation may be available.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. You may seek damages for accident injuries that prevent you from participating in activities and enjoying the quality of life you had before the accident.
- Punitive damages. These are awarded in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the defendant as a punishment and deterrent.
Our Charleston auto accident attorneys understand how to calculate damages accurately and pursue fair financial recoveries.
The Car Accident Claims Process in Charleston, South Carolina
Knowing what to do in the days and months after a car crash can be confusing. At the accident scene, it’s important to report the accident to the police and gather evidence if you can. After that, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious.
Then, in the following days and weeks, you can:
- Report the accident to insurance. Promptly notify your insurance provider that you were in an accident, but avoid giving a recorded statement.
- Consult a lawyer. An experienced Charleston car accident attorney may investigate the collision, handle communications with the insurance companies, determine liability, calculate your damages, work to negotiate a fair settlement, and represent you in court if needed.
- Continue medical treatment. Follow your doctor's treatment plan exactly as prescribed and attend all follow-up appointments. This demonstrates you are making an effort to get better.
- File your claim promptly. In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit but there are exceptions. However, building a strong claim takes time, so consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
- Consider a settlement or proceed to trial. Your lawyer will advise you whether to accept or reject an insurance company settlement offer. If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, your case may proceed to trial.
Why Hire a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer
South Carolina law does not require you to hire a lawyer. However, as you manage your physical recovery with your usual work and family obligations, you may want to have an experienced car accident attorney working for you. A car accident lawyer can:
- Advise you on South Carolina accident law. Our lawyers understand the specific laws and statutes involved with car accident cases and liability determination in South Carolina.
- Engage in settlement negotiations. Our attorneys can negotiate with insurers who may try to minimize your recovery.
- Represent you in court. If your case proceeds to trial, it is valuable to have an experienced litigator with courtroom experience giving arguments and presenting evidence before a judge and jury.
- Thoroughly investigate your case. Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers can gather evidence, interview witnesses, review records, and consult expert witnesses.
- Value your claim. Our lawyers know how to account for current and future economic damages like lost income and medical costs and how to pursue full compensation for non-economic damages.
Don't take on the daunting task of a car accident case alone. Having the Charleston personal injury lawyers at Derrick Law Firm on your side can allow you to focus on your recovery with the assurance that your legal rights are protected.