The Truth About Greenville Car Accidents

What Our Greenville Car Accident Lawyers Want You to Know Before and After a Crash

Greenville is a rapidly growing city with aging roads. Whether you live and work here or you are traveling on I-85 between Charlotte and Atlanta, you need to know what to do if you’re involved in a car crash.

The first thing we want you to know is that you’re not alone. You have the right to contact an experienced Greenville car accident lawyer at Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers, who will honestly assess your case.

Types of Greenville Car Accidents

Our Greenville car accident lawyers represent clients who have been injured in all kinds of crashes, including:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents typically happen when a driver follows another vehicle too closely or fails to brake in time to avoid a crash. In most cases, the rear driver is at fault, but there are situations where the lead driver may share some responsibility, such as when they suddenly stop or have malfunctioning brake lights.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of car accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents usually occur due to driver impairment, fatigue, wrong-way driving, or reckless behaviors like speeding and distracted driving.

Intersection T-Bone Crashes

T-bone or side-impact collisions frequently occur when drivers run a red light or stop sign at intersections. The lateral force of a T-bone collision can cause serious injuries.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents can involve a single vehicle or multiple vehicles. These accidents are often severe, leading to significant injuries such as head trauma and broken bones. Factors contributing to rollovers include high speeds, sharp turns, and collisions with other vehicles.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Multi-vehicle crashes involve several cars and can be complex to investigate. Determining fault in these accidents is challenging, as multiple drivers may share responsibility. These accidents often require a thorough investigation to apportion fault correctly among the involved parties.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver flees the scene. These situations complicate the process of securing compensation. Our Greenville car accident lawyers work to explore all available sources of recovery, including uninsured motorist coverage and pursuing the at-fault driver if they are identified.

Rideshare Accidents

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft can be complicated due to insurance coverage and liability questions. Determining whether the rideshare company or the individual driver is responsible requires careful legal analysis.

No matter how your accident occurred, our Greenville car accident lawyers are here to investigate the details, work to determine liability, calculate your damages, and fight to obtain you fair recovery.

Common Causes of Greenville Auto Accidents

The accidents described above can happen for many different reasons, including:

Drugged or Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s coordination, judgment, and reaction time. Impaired driving is a leading cause of severe and fatal car accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver's eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off the task of driving safely. Common distractions include texting, eating, and adjusting the music.

Drowsy Driving

Driving while drowsy or fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Lack of sleep or prolonged periods of driving can impair reaction time and decision-making abilities, leading to serious accidents.

Speeding

Speeding, whether exceeding the posted speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions, reduces a driver’s ability to maintain control of their vehicle. High-speed crashes are often more severe and result in more significant injuries.

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Reckless behaviors such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and road rage contribute to many accidents. Aggressive drivers often disregard traffic laws and engage in dangerous maneuvers that put other road users at risk.

Vehicle Defects

Defective automotive parts, such as tires, brakes, or other components, can lead to accidents. Manufacturers may be held liable for crashes caused by these defects.

Bad Weather

Adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, ice, and high winds impact road conditions and visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Drivers must adjust their driving to account for these conditions to prevent accidents.

Unsafe Roadways

Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, and hazardous conditions such as potholes, uneven pavement, and insufficient signage or lighting can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Drivers must navigate these challenges carefully to avoid crashes. In late 2023, it was reported that more than half of the roads maintained by Greenville County were in poor or fair condition, and only a small number of those roads were scheduled for repair.

Our Greenville car accident lawyers will work to investigate any contributing factors to determine the cause(s) of each car accident and identify all potentially liable parties.

Car Accident Injuries

Your injuries are unique. The pain you experience and how your injuries impact your life are significant. After a car crash, you may be diagnosed with one or more of the following injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The violent force and jolting motion of a car crash can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in concussions, hemorrhages, contusions, and other traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have lasting cognitive and physical effects, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes.

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation and mobility below the injury site, and other permanent disabilities. These injuries often require a lifetime of medical care, physical therapy, and assistance to manage daily activities.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma from a car accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the spleen, liver, and kidneys. These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can become life-threatening without prompt medical attention.

Broken Bones

Vehicle collisions often cause fractures ranging from minor hairline cracks to severe compound fractures that require surgery. Commonly broken bones in car accidents include those in the face, arms, legs, ribs, hips, and pelvis. Recovery from broken bones can be lengthy and may involve physical therapy.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash, sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents due to the violent forces involved. These injuries can cause significant pain and restrict movement, often requiring weeks or months of treatment and rehabilitation.

Burns

Explosions and vehicle fires can result in burns of varying degrees of severity in a car accident. Severe burns may necessitate skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation. Burns can also cause long-term scarring and emotional trauma.

Amputation

In catastrophic crashes, the force of the collision can sever or severely damage a limb, necessitating amputation. Losing a limb has profound physical, emotional, and psychological impacts. Recovery involves not only medical treatment but also the use of prosthetic devices and psychological support to adapt to life after amputation.

Psychological Injuries

The trauma of a car accident can also lead to psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These conditions can significantly affect your quality of life and may require therapy and counseling.

After an auto accident injury, you deserve to recover physically, financially, and emotionally to the extent allowed under South Carolina law. 

Possible Damages in Greenville Car Accident Cases

If another driver's negligence caused your Greenville car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various economic and non-economic damages, including:

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses include all of the health care costs you incur because of your accident injuries. These costs include past and future expenses such as emergency transportation, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, medical equipment, rehabilitation, and in-home nursing care. 

Lost Income

Car accidents can significantly impact your ability to work. If your injuries affect your long-term ability to work, you may seek compensation for wages, benefits, and self-employment income lost during your recovery period and diminished future earning potential.

Property Damage

You have the right to seek compensation for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the collision.

Pain and Suffering

You deserve compensation for the physical pain and emotional anguish caused by your injuries. Pain and suffering can significantly impact your quality of life. These damages are often difficult to quantify, but a lawyer can help you identify the fair value of your non-economic damages. 

Disability or Disfigurement

If you suffer a permanent disability or disfigurement, such as paralysis, amputation, scarring, or loss of function, you may be entitled to additional compensation. These damages account for the long-term effects and adjustments required due to the injury.

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the defendant, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages serve as a punishment for the at-fault party and a deterrent to prevent similar behavior in the future rather than compensation for your injuries. 

Our Greenville car accident lawyers understand how to calculate damages and pursue fair financial recoveries accurately. We are committed to working to help you receive the fair compensation you deserve to rebuild your life after a car accident.

What to Do After a Greenville Car Crash

Knowing what to do after a car crash in Greenville can be overwhelming. However, taking the right steps immediately and in the days following the accident could be crucial for your safety and for protecting your legal rights. 

At the Accident Scene

• Ensure safety. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic and address any life-threatening concerns. Check for injuries among all parties involved.
• Call the police. Dial 911 to report the accident and request police assistance. An official police report is important for your insurance claim and potential legal action.
• Exchange information. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other drivers involved in the accident.
• Gather evidence. Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the crash.

In the Days Following the Accident

• Notify your insurance company. Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with the date, time, and location of the accident, but avoid giving a recorded statement without consulting a lawyer.
• Seek additional medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, see a doctor. Some injuries may not be apparent right away. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure your injuries are documented and treated.
• Consult a Greenville car accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can investigate the collision, handle communications with insurance companies, determine liability, calculate your damages, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if necessary.
• Keep detailed records. Maintain records of all medical treatments, vehicle repairs, and other accident-related expenses. This documentation will be crucial for your insurance claim and any legal action.

Ongoing Steps

• File your claim promptly.  In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions and it's recommended not to wait long to consult a lawyer.
• Consider settlement or trial. Your lawyer will help you decide whether to accept an insurance company’s settlement offer or proceed to trial if necessary. 

How to Choose a Greenville Car Accident Lawyer

The sooner you hire a lawyer after your Greenville car crash, the less likely you are to make a potentially costly mistake. When selecting a car accident lawyer in Greenville, consider the following factors:

Car Accident Experience

Just as you would seek an experienced doctor for a medical condition, you want a lawyer with experience in car accident law.  Our past results do not guarantee a favorable or similar outcome in your case, but you may find it useful to review our prior car accident case results.

Client Testimonials and Reviews

One way to learn about an attorney’s effectiveness could be by reading reviews and testimonials from past clients. These can provide insight into how a lawyer or law firm interacts with clients, handles cases, and achieves results. 

What Happens During an Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation, you can ask questions to assess the attorney’s knowledge, approach, and suitability for your case. Look for a lawyer who is forthcoming with information, addresses your concerns with clarity and honesty, and with whom you are comfortable.

Fee Structure

Understanding the lawyer’s fee structure is important. During your initial consultation be sure to ask how fees and costs will be charged on your case.