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A car accident can instantly alter your life, resulting in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial challenges. A Charleston car accident lawyer from Hopkins Law Firm can support you during this challenging period by providing compassionate and assertive legal representation for accident victims.
A Charleston personal injury lawyer from our team can help you secure maximum compensation for all your losses. We have over two decades of combined experience that we can use to assist with your legal needs. Learn more by reaching out to us for a risk-free initial consultation.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Charleston?
If you want to maximize your claim, you might require a personal injury lawyer to manage your case from beginning to end. We relieve you of the legal burden by handling all the legal challenges you face after a collision.
Our team knows what it takes to successfully resolve these charges. We’re here to help by:
Answering All Your Questions
You can rely on us to answer any and all legal questions you have after a motor vehicle collision. We’ll explain what you need to do and help you avoid common mistakes that could damage your claim.
Investigating What Happened
We can begin an immediate investigation into the causes of your accident, allowing us to identify the negligent driver while collecting evidence to back up your claim. The sooner you contact us for help, the better our chances of gathering all relevant evidence.
Depending on your situation, our auto accident lawyers may need to:
- Visit the scene of the collision
- Talk to all eyewitnesses and get their statements
- Request a copy of the police accident report
- Collect videos and photos showing the crash
We’re ready to use our extensive experience to dig into the facts surrounding your collision.
Handling the Insurance Company
Our legal team knows how to deal with the insurance company that represents the liable party. Allowing us to handle these representatives can protect your claim. If you try to deal with them alone, they can push you around, delay your claim, or undervalue your losses.
Therefore, you should contact us immediately after a crash so that we can handle all communications with the company and protect your best interests. We can also focus on negotiating with the insurance company, potentially securing a fair settlement that covers all your losses.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer after your collision, an experienced car accident lawyer from our team can assist by bringing a lawsuit against the liable party. We aggressively represent your best interests in court and throughout the legal process.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
We can assist injury victims following a wide range of car accidents. You can reach out to us for the professional help you need from a:
- Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: We can help you build a legal claim if a drunk driver hits you. We understand the legal steps to take to bring you fair compensation in this situation.
- Charleston Hit and Run Accident Lawyer: We’re fully prepared to assist with your legal needs if another driver hits you and flees the scene. We’ll explain the options that can help you with your financial recovery in this situation.
- Charleston Rear–End Collision Lawyer: You can turn to us for help after a driver rear-ends you. We can build a claim after an accident in stop-and-go traffic or at an intersection.
- Charleston Head–On Collision Lawyer: Our law firm can assist you after a head-on accident. We understand the severity of these crashes and want to help you navigate the legal system.
- Charleston Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer: You do not have to try to get compensation on your own after an accident involving a distracted driver. We’ll hold the driver accountable for the losses you sustained.
- Charleston Side–Impact Accident Lawyer: Our team can build your claim after a side-impact (or T-bone) collision. We’ll explain the options that can bring you maximum compensation for all of your economic and non-economic damages.
These are just a few examples of car accidents our clients have experienced. If you were involved in a different type of collision not mentioned above, don’t be discouraged. A respected car accident lawyer in Charleston, SC, can review your situation and provide personalized care.
Securing Compensation Following a Car Accident
Our car accident lawyers are committed to assisting you in obtaining compensation for damages and injuries resulting from the accident. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for funds to pay for your:
Medical Expenses
We know how quickly your medical bills can add up after an accident. You may require expensive medical care to handle the catastrophic injuries caused by the crash. Fortunately, we can push the liable party to cover the costs for your:
- Emergency treatment
- Time in the hospital
- Medications
- Surgeries and other procedures
- Physical therapy appointments
We’re here to track your healthcare costs, allowing you to focus on your healing.
Lost Wages
You may qualify for funds to cover all the pay you missed while off work and healing. We can also bring some compensation to clients for their reduced earning potential if a crash results in disabilities.
Property Damage
We can take steps to secure funds to cover the costs of vehicle repairs or replacement after a collision. If the crash totals your vehicle, you may receive funds to replace your car.
Pain and Suffering
Finally, our law firm understands the non-economic damages you may face due to a crash. A collision can leave you dealing with mental anguish, pain that stops you from enjoying your life, and emotional distress.
We know how to accurately calculate the value of these damages so that we can include them in your personal injury claim.
Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form today!
Can You Get Punitive Damages for Your Accident?
The legal system in South Carolina does not award punitive damages after every car accident. Injury victims may only receive this form of compensation for cases involving willful, wanton, or reckless behavior.
The court solely awards punitive damages in some circumstances because these damages act as a way to penalize the at-fault party instead of directly covering the losses you face after a crash. Our team can review your situation and provide more information about this form of compensation.
How Much Compensation Will You Receive?
The funds available to you after a car crash will vary based on several factors. In many cases, the extent of your injuries and financial losses will play a large role in how much compensation you receive.
Your car accident attorney in Charleston will need to calculate all of your losses to determine a fair value for your claim.
Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer is Important
Have you been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault? Perhaps a vehicle suddenly appeared and collided with you, for instance. Now, you’re facing hospital visits, costly medical bills, and expenses for repairing the damage to your car.
If this scenario matches your current situation, you may be entitled to financial compensation. You require a seasoned Charleston car accident attorney with years of experience in optimizing outcomes for their clients.
Before selecting your legal advisor, consider these four key factors that can greatly affect the attorney–client relationship:
- Experience: If the lawyer has practiced in the field of personal injury for a significant period, they will be more familiar with insurance company strategies and the long-term impact of your injuries.
- Respect Among Peers: We recommend that you inquire about whether a lawyer is active in the legal community and informed about current cases before choosing to work with them.
- Publications: You can find out if the lawyer has published any work in legal journals, which can reflect esteem from the legal community.
- Licensing: You should ensure your accident lawyer has the appropriate licenses in South Carolina. If your lawyer is not licensed in the state where you plan to file your case, the insurance company will have the upper hand.
You can rely on an experienced car accident attorney from our law firm to provide the help and assistance you deserve.
Why Choose Our Legal Team After a Collision?
When searching for a car accident attorney near you, it’s essential to select a firm that combines local expertise, proven results, and client–focused care. Here’s why so many Charleston residents trust us:
- Decades of Experience: We’ve been helping accident victims in South Carolina for years, with a deep understanding of state laws and local court systems.
- Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for clients.
- Personalized Representation: We tailor our legal strategies to each client’s unique needs.
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Comprehensive Support: From medical referrals to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every aspect of your claim.
We have the resources, training, and experience to handle complicated auto accident claims. You can learn more about the support we offer by reaching out today for a risk-free initial consultation.
We Can Help After a Fatal Car Accident
Your family can turn to our team for dedicated and compassionate support if you lose a loved one in a car crash. A Charleston wrongful death lawyer from our firm helps you understand your legal options in this situation and provides professional knowledge and assistance that makes your quest for compensation easier to handle.
We will take on all legal matters for you after a deadly crash, giving you more time to spend with your family. Building a claim against the at-fault driver can give your family a sense of closure after a crash by allowing you to hold them responsible.
Additionally, a wrongful death claim is a way for your family to get the funds necessary to cover the financial strain you face after a crash. We’re here to discuss the next steps you need to take when you contact us for help.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Taking the proper steps after a crash can improve your chances of securing fair compensation for your losses. Depending on your situation, our team strongly recommends that you:
Get Medical Care
You should seek immediate medical attention for any injuries caused by your crash. Getting medical treatment right away can improve your chances of making a full recovery, and it connects the injuries to your accident, making it easier for you to get compensation for your medical bills.
Report the Collision
If possible, you should report your accident to the police. Law enforcement officers can visit the scene of the crash and generate a report about what happened. Your lawyer then uses the official police report when working on your claim.
Collect Information
We recommend that you gather as much information about the crash as possible, though we understand that you may need emergency medical care. If you can, please take pictures of the crash and your injuries and get contact information from eyewitnesses.
Reach out to a Personal Injury Attorney
In the difficult time following a collision, you deserve professional help from a Charleston car accident attorney. Our team can guide you through the legal process and provide the dedicated support you need.
Getting assistance right away boosts your chances of successfully resolving your claim and ensures you have someone looking out for your best interests.
Time Limits for Car Accident Claims
You have to seek compensation for your losses before South Carolina’s personal injury statute of limitations expires. Typically, you only have three years from the date of your collision to take legal action against the liable party.
If you wait too long to begin your claim, the court can dismiss any request you make for compensation. Fortunately, we’re here to kickstart the legal process. We understand all the deadlines you may face, and we’re ready to address your legal needs.
Reasons for Car Accidents
After establishing whether you have a valid claim, our next step is to concentrate on proving what caused the collision. Numerous motor vehicle accidents result from carelessness or reckless behavior.
Some instances of negligent driving might include:
- Not stopping
- Driving while intoxicated
- Not yielding
- Making illegal turns
- Exceeding speed limits
- Driving under the influence of substances
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving aggressively
- Not checking blind spots
- Not using turn signals
- Driving while distracted
- Tailgating
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize that reckless driving isn’t the sole cause of car accidents. Faulty vehicle parts, irresponsible alcohol vendors, and unsafe road conditions are also some leading causes.
Once we identify how the accident happened, a Charleston car accident attorney can better determine which parties are liable for your losses.
Can You Get Compensation if You Partially Contribute to a Crash?
South Carolina’s laws on comparative negligence mean that you may have a chance to get partial compensation for your losses if you contribute to a motor vehicle accident. Our state allows you to bring a claim for compensation as long as you hold less than 50% responsibility for the crash.
However, the legal system will reduce the funds you could potentially receive based on your percentage of fault. For example, let’s say that the court finds you 20% responsible for a rear-end accident. You experienced $10,000 in losses due to the collision.
In this situation, you will only get 80% of your total possible compensation, or $8,000. An attorney can provide you with more information about fault for accidents and how it can impact your claim.
Contact Us for Help After a Car Crash in Charleston
If you’re searching for a Charleston car accident attorney near you, look no further. At Hopkins Law Firm, we’ve helped recover over $100 million for clients. We’re committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you get your much-deserved compensation.
We understand what it takes to resolve an automobile accident claim successfully, and we stand ready to address all of your legal concerns. You can reach out now for help with insurance negotiations or a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
