Myrtle Beach Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in injuries varying in severity and long-term impact.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are prevalent in car accidents. Even seemingly minor accidents can cause head trauma, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and long-term neurological issues. It’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention to diagnose and treat brain injuries effectively.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Car accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation below the injury site. These injuries can have life-altering consequences, impacting mobility, independence, and quality of life. Rehabilitation and ongoing medical care are often necessary to manage spinal cord injuries and improve long-term outcomes.
Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones are common, especially in high-impact collisions. Broken bones can range from minor fractures to severe compound fractures requiring surgery and prolonged recovery. Complications like nerve damage or infection may arise, necessitating comprehensive medical treatment.
Internal Injuries
Car accidents can cause internal injuries, including organ damage, internal bleeding, or abdominal trauma. Internal injuries may not have immediate symptoms and can get worse without proper medical intervention.
Amputations
Severe car accidents can result in traumatic injuries, including limb amputations. Losing a limb has profound physical, emotional, and psychological impacts on individuals and their families. Rehabilitation, prosthetic devices, and psychological support are essential components of recovery for amputees.
Myrtle Beach Car Accident Compensation
Car accident victims often face a multitude of damages, both tangible and intangible. Understanding the types of damages that are recoverable can help individuals seek compensation for their losses.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills stemming from car accidents can include ambulance fees, hospital bills, surgical costs, medication expenses, rehabilitation fees, and ongoing medical treatments. Recovering compensation for medical expenses ensures access to necessary health care.
Property Damage
Property damage includes the repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other property damaged in the collision, such as personal belongings or roadside structures.
Lost Income
Car accidents can result in missed work days or long-term disability, leading to lost wages or income. Victims may be entitled to compensation for lost income, including past and future earnings, bonuses, and benefits. Recovering lost income can alleviate financial strain and provide stability during the recovery process.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Pain and suffering damages compensate South Carolina car accident victims for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish suffered during and after a car accident. These damages acknowledge the non-economic impact of the accident on the victim's quality of life and overall well-being.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving egregious misconduct or reckless behavior, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct. Punitive damages convey that such behavior will not be tolerated and serve as a deterrent to others.
What to Do After a Myrtle Beach Car Accident
The actions you take at the car accident scene and in the days and weeks after the crash matter. If a Myrtle Bearch car accident lawyer takes your case, they can provide personalized guidance every step of the way. Some of the things we often suggest include:
- Make sure everyone is safe. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible and address any life-threatening concerns.
- Check for injuries. Assess yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries and seek medical assistance if necessary.
- Call the police. Call 911 to report the accident and request police assistance.
- Exchange information with other drivers. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other parties involved in the accident.
- Gather witness information. Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
- Take pictures. Take photos of the accident scene, including car damage, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant signage.
- Notify your insurance company. Report the accident to your insurance company and provide them with the time, date, and location of the accident. Do not discuss the cause of the crash.
- Get medical attention. Even if you don't immediately feel injured, seek medical evaluation. You may have injuries that are not immediately apparent.
- Keep records. Keep records of all medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and other expenses related to the accident.
- Consult a lawyer. Contact a Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer to understand your rights and explore possible legal options for pursuing compensation.
Your Time to File a Myrtle Beach Car Accident Case is Limited
Typically, the statute of limitations for South Carolina car accident cases is three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. It's crucial to be aware of what deadline applies to your case and act quickly if you intend to pursue a legal case. A lawyer can tell you what the particular statute of limitations is for your case.
Myrtle Beach Car Accident Settlements
Navigating the settlement process can seem overwhelming after a Myrtle Beach car crash. However, understanding how settlements work can help alleviate some of the stress. Generally, the process includes a(n):
- Initial investigation. Following the accident, your insurance company and lawyer will investigate liability and assess damages. This may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating medical records.
- Demand letter. Once liability is established, your attorney may draft a demand letter explaining your injuries, damages, and the compensation you're seeking from the at-fault party's insurance company. This letter serves as the initial negotiation point.
- Negotiation. The insurance company will review the demand letter and respond with a counteroffer. Negotiations may go back and forth until a settlement amount is reached.
- Mediation or arbitration. Mediation or arbitration may be pursued as alternative dispute resolution methods if negotiations stall. A neutral third party will help you and the insurance company try to reach a resolution.
- Settlement Agreement. Once a settlement is agreed upon, both parties will sign a settlement agreement outlining the terms and conditions. This agreement typically includes a release of liability, preventing you from seeking further compensation for the accident.
- Payment. After the settlement agreement is signed, the insurance company will pay the agreed-upon amount. Depending on the terms, payment may be made in a lump sum or structured payments over time.
It's important to note that each car accident case is unique, and the settlement process may vary accordingly. If a settlement is not reached, your case may go to court.
How to Find a Myrtle Beach Car Accident Lawyer
The sooner you hire a lawyer, the less likely you are to make a potentially costly mistake.
We know you have a choice to make when you hire a car accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach. Below are some things to consider that may be useful in making this decision.
- Consider a lawyer with experience in car accident cases. You wouldn't hire a plastic surgeon to treat your heart condition. Instead, you would want an experienced cardiologist. The same concept applies to lawyers. It’s essential to hire an attorney with car accident experience.
- Client testimonials and reviews. One reliable way to gauge an attorney's effectiveness is by hearing directly from past clients. Reading reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into how the lawyer interacts with clients and handles cases.
- Awards and recognition. Recognitions and accolades from reputable sources serve as indicators of a lawyer's professionalism and competence. Look for attorneys who have received recognition from local organizations and review sites, signaling their established reputation and dedication to excellence but also check that qualifications for earning these awards.
- Inquisitiveness and transparency. During your initial consultation, don't hesitate to ask probing questions to assess the attorney's knowledge, approach, and suitability for your case. A competent lawyer will be forthcoming with information and address your concerns with clarity and honesty.
- Word of mouth recommendations. Recommendations from friends, family, or acquaintances can offer valuable insights into reputable lawyers in the community. However, it's essential to vet word-of-mouth referrals with thorough research and evaluation to ensure alignment with your specific needs and preferences.
