Anderson Car Accident Lawyer

For many of us, our cars are the best way to get around. Unfortunately, sometimes dangerous drivers who may not be giving the road the same attention can cause you serious injuries. When you’re injured in a car accident that someone else caused, you deserve compensation for your suffering. A car crash attorney serving Anderson can help you get the full compensation you need to heal from your injuries and trauma.

We handle all Anderson personal injury cases out of our Greenville office. Conveniently located at 3 Caledon Ct # A, Greenville, SC 29615, we stand ready to help you navigate the complexities of personal injury law. Our team is committed to doing everything we can to help you pursue a successful claim.

Steps To Take After a Car Accident in Anderson SC

It’s easy to make mistakes in the aftermath of a car accident. Taking the right steps can help protect your health and give you a better chance of receiving compensation. Here’s what to do following a collision:

• Ensure safety: The first thing you should do after a car accident is ensure everyone is safe. This can include moving your vehicle out of the way of traffic and turning on your hazard lights. You should also check on the well-being of any other parties involved, but avoid moving anyone who appears to be seriously injured unless there’s immediate danger, such as a fire.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel uninjured, you should still seek medical attention. Some injuries may take time to manifest and can grow more serious if left untreated. A medical professional can assess your condition, provide necessary treatment, and document your injuries. This documentation will be critical in a lawsuit.
• Document the accident scene: If you are capable of doing so, gather all of the information you can about the accident. This can include taking photos of the injuries, vehicles, and road conditions. You should also ask the other driver(s) for their contact and insurance information. If any bystanders witnessed the accident, gather their contact information too. This evidence and information will be invaluable if a dispute arises.
• Report the accident to the police: Contact the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor. A police report serves as an official record of the accident, and it can be crucial when dealing with insurance companies or legal proceedings. Be prepared to provide officers with an accurate statement that avoids embellishments, speculation, or admission of fault.
• Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurer about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the details and documentation you have gathered and an honest account of what happened. Prompt notification is often required by insurers and can expedite the claims process, helping you get back on your feet more quickly.

It is important to contact an Anderson car accident lawyer if you wish to file a lawsuit against a negligent party or an insurance company that is trying to delay or deny payments. A car wreck lawyer can help ensure that your interests are adequately protected.

Are Car Accidents Common in Anderson, South Carolina?

Car accidents in Anderson, South Carolina, are unfortunately more common than many residents might realize. According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book 2022 Edition, Anderson County experienced 42 fatal accidents in 2022, resulting in 45 fatalities. Additionally, there were 69 serious injury collisions reported in the same year. These numbers highlight the prevalence of car accidents and the significant impact they have on the community.

In July 2024, another tragic incident occurred on Lafrance Road, where a fatal accident claimed the life of a 36-year-old victim, as reported by Fox News. In August, a 58-year-old pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run on Wren School Road. The driver, who twice attempted to leave the scene, was later apprehended by the authorities.

Several factors influence the incidence of car accidents in Anderson. Common causes include drivers not following safety precautions, such as wearing seat belts and exceeding speed limits. Significant contributors also include drivers who are impaired or distracted, or who fail to yield the right of way. Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain and fog, also play a role in exacerbating these issues. Additionally, the increasing volume of traffic as Anderson continues to grow may lead to more congestion and accidents.

South Carolina Car Accident Laws

South Carolina operates on a modified comparative negligence system. This means that the fault can be distributed among each of those who were involved in the accident. The fault is assigned to a party by percentage, which directly impacts how much compensation they can receive. For example, a driver who is determined to be 30% at fault for a crash will have their compensation reduced by that same percentage. This is why it’s important to gather substantial evidence, such as witness statements and accident reports, as these can support your claim and minimize your fault percentage.

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit resulting from a car accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you do not file your lawsuit during this time frame, you may not be able to pursue compensation. Consulting with a car accident lawyer promptly is critical to filing within the designated time frame.

Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

You might want to consider hiring a car accident lawyer as soon as you can after your accident. It can be stressful to navigate the legal landscape, especially if you’re trying to recover from an injury. A seasoned attorney can help you understand complex legal provisions and court procedures, and meet all necessary requirements and deadlines.

Additionally, car wreck lawyers have the resources to thoroughly investigate the accident. From collecting and analyzing evidence to interviewing witnesses and working with accident reconstruction experts, these efforts can be key to building a strong case to support your claim.

Dealing with insurance companies is another difficult hurdle in car accident cases. Negotiations can be frustrating and time-consuming. A skilled lawyer can handle these discussions for you and work toward a fair settlement.

Finally, calculating the value of your claim is an intricate process. An experienced car accident lawyer will consider various factors, not just your current medical expenses but also future ones, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This comprehensive approach ensures you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Common Challenges in Anderson Car Accident Lawsuits

Navigating a car accident lawsuit can be a complex and arduous process. Plaintiffs often encounter several challenges that can hinder their pursuit of fair compensation:

• Dealing with uninsured or underinsured motorists: When the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage, securing adequate compensation can be difficult. This often requires plaintiffs to explore alternative avenues, such as their own insurance policies, to cover damages.
• Difficulty proving fault due to lack of concrete evidence: Establishing fault is pivotal in car accident cases, and the party with stronger evidence usually prevails. Lack of concrete evidence, such as surveillance footage or credible eyewitness accounts, can make proving fault challenging.
• Difficulty establishing liability based on law and facts: Liability can be complicated to prove, especially when multiple parties are involved or when legal nuances come into play. Plaintiffs must clearly demonstrate how the defendant’s actions led to the accident and their injuries.
• Disputes over injury severity, insurance coverage, etc.: Insurance companies may dispute the severity of injuries or the extent of coverage.  
• Filing all paperwork on time: The legal process has strict deadlines for submitting paperwork. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize a plaintiff’s case, making it important to stay organized and timely. 
• Countersuits: In some cases, the defendant may file a countersuit, alleging that the plaintiff was partially or fully at fault.  
• Missing or hostile witnesses: Witnesses who are unavailable or unwilling to cooperate can significantly weaken a case. Hostile witnesses may also provide testimonies that favor the defendant, adding another layer of complexity. 

Given these challenges, having a competitive, qualified, and focused lawyer is essential. An inattentive lawyer may fail to respond promptly to important paperwork, misrepresent facts, or otherwise compromise the lawsuit. Therefore, it is crucial for plaintiffs to thoroughly vet potential attorneys and ensure they have a proven track record in handling car accident cases.

Anderson Car Crash: Types of Damages In a Lawsuit

Damages from a car accident involve more than just medical bills and vehicle repairs. You might face lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Calculating these damages can be complex and often requires legal expertise to help you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Economic Damages

In an Anderson car crash lawsuit, plaintiffs can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the tangible, financial losses incurred due to the accident. These typically include medical bills (which cover expenses like hospitalization, surgeries, medical procedures, emergency care, doctor’s appointments, and prescriptions), costs of medical devices and mobility equipment, physical therapy, and long-term care expenses.

Loss of income is another critical component, covering the wages you lost during your recovery. In more severe cases, you might also seek compensation for loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to work or work at all because of your injuries. Property damage, including the cost of repairs or a replacement for your vehicle, and the diminished value of your property after repairs, can also be claimed.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages address intangible, subjective losses that are not explicitly tied to a financial cost. Pain and suffering, which encompasses physical pain and emotional distress, is typically the primary non-economic damage. Mental anguish, including anxiety, depression, and trauma from the crash, is also considered.

Loss of quality of life is another critical non-economic damage, especially if your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved. Physical impairment, disfigurement, or disability resulting from the accident can drastically alter your life, and compensation for these damages aims to address that profound impact. Lastly, loss of consortium or companionship pertains to the adverse effects on your relationship with your spouse or family because of your injuries. These damages recognize the complicated and widespread toll a severe accident can take on your personal life.

How Can an Anderson Car Accident Lawyer at HawkLaw Help Me?

Choosing the right attorney to represent you after a car accident can make a significant difference in your case. Look for a lawyer with extensive experience and a proven background in handling car accident lawsuits. A history of successful settlements and verdicts is a good indicator of their capability. Ensure they have the necessary resources and support staff to handle your case thoroughly.

At HawkLaw, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized support throughout your legal process. Our team begins with a thorough case evaluation, helping you gain a view of your legal standing. HawkLaw attorneys are also experienced at negotiating with insurers and other third parties to help you get satisfying results. We handle your legal journey, enabling you to prioritize your recovery and well-being.

Injured in Anderson, SC? Learn How HawkLaw Can Help

After a car accident in Anderson, securing fair compensation is a key step in your recovery. HawkLaw’s experienced local attorneys understand the complexities of South Carolina’s personal injury laws and are dedicated to advocating for your rights. We can handle every step of your case, from evidence collection to negotiation, so you have a better chance of receiving the compensation you deserve for your injuries.