What Our Myrtle Beach Car Accident Lawyers Wants You to Know

Essential Information for People Hurt in Myrtle Beach Car Accidents

More than 17,000 lawyers are admitted to practice law in South Carolina. If you’ve been hurt in a Myrtle Beach car accident, how can you know who to trust?

The Myrtle Beach car accident attorneys at Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers know you have an important choice to make. We encourage you to schedule an initial consultation as soon as possible after your accident. You can also browse our free library articles and FAQs to learn more about South Carolina personal injury law.

We can’t promise you results or even that we will take your case. However, if you do hire us, we will work hard on your behalf. Together, the attorneys at Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers have more than 250 years of combined legal experience and over 3,000 five-star reviews from our clients, the community, and other lawyers.

Types of Car Accidents

Our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyers represent people hurt in all types of accidents, including but not limited to the following.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end car crashes are a common type of accident. They often occur when the driver in the back follows the car in front too closely or is distracted and fails to stop in time to prevent a crash. Typically, but not always, the driver in the back is considered at fault. The driver in front may be partially at fault if they stop suddenly or have faulty brake lights.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the most serious types of accidents. When two vehicles collide front to front, the impact is significant and may result in catastrophic injuries or death. These crashes often occur because of speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or drowsy driving.

Hit and Run Accidents

Any accident can be complicated, but a hit and run crash is often more complex. You may be left wondering how you will pay your bills and who will pay for the damages the other driver caused. Different compensation sources may be available, depending on whether the other driver is found and the terms of your insurance policy.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

A motor vehicle may collide with a pedestrian or bicyclist at a crosswalk, intersection, or elsewhere on the road. Pedestrians and bicyclists are especially vulnerable and sustain severe life-threatening injuries, even if they did nothing to cause the crash.

Multi-Vehicle Crashes

Pile-ups, or accidents involving three or more vehicles, can result in complicated liability issues. It’s essential to know which drivers were at fault for the crash and how fault should be apportioned so that you can make a fair recovery.

Intersection Accidents

A driver who fails to yield makes an improper turn or runs a red light could cause a catastrophic intersection crash. Intersection accidents often result in T-bone collisions, which can cause significant injuries due to the lateral impact.

Wrong Way Accidents

Drunk driving, drowsy driving, and confusion are often reasons for wrong way wrecks. A head-on collision may occur when a driver travels in the wrong direction. Like other types of head on crashes, wrong way accidents can be catastrophic.

Understanding the various types of car accidents is crucial for staying safe on the road and knowing how to respond if an accident occurs.

Causes of Myrtle Beach Car Accidents

Our Myrtle Beach car accident law firm thoroughly investigates each of our client’s claims to find out why the crash occurred and who is liable. Below are some common causes of Myrtle Beach car crashes.

Drunk Driving

Alcohol and drugs significantly impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time and can lead to catastrophic crashes. If a drunk driver has injured you, our legal team is dedicated to seeking justice and securing fair compensation on your behalf.

Distracted Driving

Many accidents are caused by drivers who take their hands off the steering wheel, their eyes off the road, or their attention away from driving safely. Activities such as texting, phone calls, eating, or adjusting the radio divert a driver's attention, leading to distracted driving accidents.

Drowsy Driving

Fatigue significantly threatens road safety, impairing a driver's focus, reaction time, and decision-making abilities. Extended periods of driving, shift work, or sleep disorders contribute to drowsy driving accidents.

Speeding

Drivers who are driving over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions may lose control of their vehicle and cause a crash. Excessive speed limits reaction time and compromises the ability to maneuver safely, resulting in more severe injuries and fatalities.

Unsafe Roadways

Inadequately maintained roads, construction zones, and hazardous conditions significantly heighten accident risks. Potholes, uneven pavement, and insufficient signage or lighting pose dangers to drivers, escalating the likelihood of accidents.

Aggressive Drivers

Aggressive driving behaviors, including tailgating, reckless lane changes, and road rage. Such drivers often disregard traffic laws, exhibit reckless conduct, and cause catastrophic accidents.

Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperience on the road increases the likelihood of judgment errors, poor decision-making, and vehicle control issues. Teenage drivers and newly licensed motorists are particularly susceptible to accidents due to their limited driving experience.

Older Drivers

While seasoned drivers bring extensive experience to the road, age-related factors such as diminished vision and slower reactions can impede driving abilities. Regular vision and health screenings are essential for older drivers.

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):

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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. 
• Client testimonials and reviews. One reliable way to gauge an attorney's effectiveness is by hearing directly from past clients. Reading reviews and testimonials could provide valuable insights into how the lawyer interacts with clients and handles cases. 
• Awards and recognition. Look for attorneys who have received recognition from local organizations and other reputable review sites, signaling an established reputation and experience but also check the 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. 
• Word of mouth recommendations. Recommendations from friends, family, or acquaintances could offer valuable insights into reputable lawyers in the community. You can also vet word-of-mouth referrals with thorough research and evaluation to ensure alignment with your specific needs and preferences.