Top Charleston Accident Lawyers Dedicated to Your Recovery
A car accident can instantly alter your life, resulting in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and increasing financial challenges. At The Hopkins Law Firm, we are here to support you during this challenging period by providing compassionate and assertive legal representation for accident victims throughout Charleston, SC.
We have assisted numerous clients in obtaining the compensation they deserve, and we are prepared to do the same for you. Whether you need the best car accident attorney nearby or a team experienced in managing complex cases, we are the trusted name in Charleston car accident cases.
Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer in Charleston Is an Important Decision
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 your car's damage.
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. Speak with a Charleston personal injury lawyer at Hopkins Law Firm to explore your rights in your car accident case.
Before selecting your legal advisor, there are four key factors to consider that can greatly affect your attorney-client relationship:
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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.
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Respect among peers – before choosing a Charleston accident lawyer, inquire if they are active in the legal community and informed about current cases.
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Publications – find out if the lawyer has published any work in legal journals, which can reflect esteem from the legal community.
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Licensing – ensure your Charleston accident lawyer is licensed in South Carolina. If your lawyer is not licensed in the state where your case will be filed, the insurance company will have an upper hand.
Our team at Hopkins Law Firm has decades of experience working to maximize the recovery of car accident victims throughout South Carolina. Let us put this experience to work for you. Contact us for a free consultation today to get started.
Common Types of Car Accidents
Before we can start handling your insurance and personal injury claims, we need to carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your motor vehicle accident. Our personal injury attorney in Charleston will collaborate closely with you, the police, and witnesses to collect this information. Car accidents can occur in various forms, including:
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Drunk driving accidents
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Rear-end collisions
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Head-on collisions
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Accidents at intersections
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Distracted driving accidents
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Motorcycle accidents
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Sideswipe accidents
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Drowsy driving accidents
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Multi-vehicle pileups
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T-bone accidents
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Red light accidents
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Commercial truck accidents
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Single car accidents
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, at Hopkins Law Firm, is ready to examine the specifics of your case and assess whether you have a basis for legal action.
Reasons for Car Accidents in Charleston
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 in Charleston might include:
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Not stopping
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Driving while intoxicated
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Not yielding
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Making illegal turns
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Exceeding speed limits
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Driving under the influence of substances
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Driving while fatigued
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Driving aggressively
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Not checking blind spots
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Not using turn signals
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Driving while distracted
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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 of the leading causes of car accidents in Charleston. Once we identify how the accident happened, we can better determine which parties are liable for your losses.
Determining Liability for a Car Accident Claim in Charleston
Our examination of the cause of your car accident will assist us in establishing whether you have a valid claim. This is crucial because most car accident victims can only pursue a lawsuit or insurance claim if another party is at fault for the accident. We need to confirm that the elements of negligence are satisfied as follows:
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Duty of care – The driver who collided with you or another responsible party had a duty of care, meaning they were obligated to ensure your safety, health, or well-being.
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Breach of duty – The accused must have breached their duty to your safety, health, or well-being by driving recklessly or without considering other motorists or their passengers, for instance.
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Causation – The defendant's actions must be the cause of the accident or your significant injuries.
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Damages – Although your injuries do not need to be life-threatening, they must have a significant impact, whether emotionally, psychologically, physically, financially, or otherwise.
If you are uncertain about having a car accident claim or what steps to follow next, let our Charleston car accident lawyer offer you guidance and support. Our extensive experience allows us to assist our clients in navigating negligence claims so that we can file the most substantial claim possible. When someone causes you harm, you need a legal team prepared to advocate for you.
The Burden of Proof
When filing a personal injury lawsuit, your car accident attorney must satisfy the burden of proof. In civil court, this burden relies on a preponderance of the evidence, which means the evidence must persuade the jury of the defendant's responsibility, though it does not need to be beyond a reasonable doubt. While this is a lesser burden than in criminal court, the evidence we present must still be compelling and could include:
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Copies of your medical records
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Photos of your injuries and the damage at the car accident scene
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Video footage of the collision obtained from dash or traffic cams
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Witness testimony, including statements from close friends and family
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Copies of the defendant's breath or blood alcohol test results
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Reports generated by accident reconstructionists
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Expert testimony from law enforcement officials, forensic analysts, and other third parties
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Copies of the defendant's driving and criminal histories
Our car accident legal team will collect information from any available source to bolster your claim. We interview witnesses, gather visual evidence, consult with experts, and consider both your immediate and long-term needs. Let us ensure you file the most comprehensive claim possible with all the evidence at hand.
How Can a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer Assist Me?
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 concentrating on these aspects of your case:
Investigation
Your car accident lawyer can examine your accident to discover pertinent details to construct a compelling case against the defendant. This involves more than just basic items like police reports and medical records.
We can search for nearby security camera footage capturing the accident, obtain the cell phone records of the driver involved, and hire experts to conduct accident reconstruction reports.
Communication
Insurance companies train their agents to extract statements from car accident victims that they can later use against them. Your attorney will handle all interactions with the insurance company and shield you from dubious tactics that might diminish your claim's value.
Avoid speaking to the insurance company or signing any documents without first consulting a car accident attorney.
Negotiation
Insurance companies frequently neglect to inform injured parties of all potential recovery options, which could cost you a significant amount of money. Our car accident lawyers are skilled in negotiating settlements for our clients. Often, we can secure greater compensation for our clients than they could achieve on their own.
Litigation
In uncommon cases, the insurance company may refuse to negotiate or offer fair compensation for car accident injuries. Our Charleston car accident lawyers will advocate for you in court if a trial becomes necessary.
While most litigation cases do not lead to a jury trial, having an attorney with a proven track record in litigating and trying cases is crucial. This sends a strong message to the insurers.
Securing Compensation Following a Car Accident
Our South Carolina car accident lawyers are committed to assisting you in obtaining compensation for damages and injuries resulting from the accident, including:
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Lost earnings due to absence from work
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Healthcare costs
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Vehicle repairs
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Emotional distress, pain, and suffering
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Lasting physical harm
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Additional out-of-pocket costs
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Adjustments to home and lifestyle due to disability
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Continuing medical treatment and/or rehabilitation therapy
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Charleston, SC
How Will I Receive Compensation?
The defendant's insurance company may make things difficult in negotiations. It's important to note that just because the police report lists the other driver at fault, it doesn't mean their insurance company will take responsibility. Your attorney will fight for your right to compensation. Once legal negotiations are through and a total amount of compensation has been decided, the at-fault individual's insurance company will ask that you sign a release of all claims. This ensures that you will not reopen the case.
What if I Am Partially to Blame for the Car Accident?
If you believe you share any percentage of fault in the wreck, it's important that you do not inform the other party of this information, or even say that you're sorry. This can be used against you in legal proceedings.
If it is discovered that you are partially to blame for the accident, the total amount of compensation you can receive may be affected. According to South Carolina code §15-38-15, if you do share some degree of legal liability, the amount of compensation you're entitled to receive will be reduced by an amount that is equal to your percentage of fault.
If you are found to be responsible for more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to collect any compensation.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Charleston Car Accident?
There are three types of damages in personal injury cases. They are broken into three different categories:
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Punitive damages: These are generally only applicable in the most egregious cases in which the other driver acted with willful, wanton, or reckless behavior. This is set as a form of punishment to the defendant.
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Economic damages: These are the real financial losses you've suffered from the accident. This can be totaled up through bank statements, bills, and receipts.
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Non-economic damages: These do not have a dollar figure attached to them. This can include your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reputational damage.
Do I Need a Police Report After a Car Accident?
It's always important to contact the police after an accident so they can make sure everyone is safe and so a police report may be filed. You will likely be asked to retell your story several times, and a police report can help you remember the details and keep them straight.
The police report can also serve as valuable information to help you and your car accident attorney build your case later on.
What if I Make a Mistake at the Scene of the Accident?
It can hurt your case later if you say “I'm sorry” at the scene of the accident. Making mistakes like these can be costly, but it isn't always the end of the world. As soon as you're able, contact our Charleston, SC, car accident lawyers so we can help you take the right steps and avoid any further mistakes.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company?
After you've secured legal representation, it's in your best interest to direct the insurance company to talk to your lawyer. Always remember that they are not on your side, and they are not your friend.
The insurance adjuster's job is to get away with paying you as little as possible — or to get out of paying for your claim altogether. Don't volunteer any information to them, and don't sign any paperwork. If you do, you could potentially lose out on the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose The Hopkins Law Firm?
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:
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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.
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Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for clients.
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Personalized Representation: We tailor our legal strategies to each client's unique needs.
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No Upfront Costs: You don't pay unless we win your case.
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Comprehensive Support: From medical referrals to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every aspect of your claim.
Contact Our Charleston Accident Attorneys Today
If you're searching for a Charleston Accident Attorney near you, look no further. At the Hopkins Law Firm, we're committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
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Schedule Your Free Consultation
When you have to go to court, you want to know your lawyer will fight for you so you get the best possible outcome. Here at Hopkins Law Firm, our team of personal injury, family law, and criminal defense lawyers has the experience and insights needed to help you present your best case. Our team has helped many clients to protect their future. With locations in Charleston, Pawleys Island, and Myrtle Beach, we can make sure you get the counsel you need anywhere in South Carolina.
