Car crashes are some of the most terrifying and traumatic experiences a person can go through. The emotional distress, physical injuries, and significant financial toll can permanently alter the course of victims’ lives. In the aftermath of your collision, you may feel scared, confused, and worried that you do not know what to do next.
Fortunately, when you turn to a reputable Beaufort car accident lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm for help, you can get the legal guidance and support you deserve when you need it most. Contact our office for a free consultation today with one of our Beaufort personal injury lawyer to learn more about how the car accident claims process works, how South Carolina state laws could impact your case, and the value of your car accident damages.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Beaufort
After being involved in a car crash, you may initially be shocked and scared. However, before you call your car accident lawyer in Beaufort, SC for help, there are certain steps you can take to begin building your case against the liable party before you even leave the scene. The steps include:
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Calling Emergency Responders
If you have not done so already, contact 911 emergency responders. Although you may not always be required to report an accident to the police, you are obligated to inform law enforcement anytime there is property damage or physical injuries. Police at the accident scene can help divert traffic, secure the scene, and write up a formal accident report detailing liability and other pertinent details that could be used to support your case later.
2. Documenting Your Car Accident Scene
While you wait for 911 responders to arrive at the scene of your accident, take steps to document the scene wherever you can. You might write down what you remember of how the accident occurred in the details leading up to the accident.
If possible, you should take photos of your injuries and use your phone to take a video of surrounding property damages. This can help accident reconstructionists as they attempt to build concrete evidence against the liable party.
Additionally, writing down the addresses of homes or businesses that have security cameras on display and the contact and insurance information of the other involved party could prove valuable in your car accident case.
3. Getting a Medical Evaluation
Make sure you obtain a medical evaluation. Even if you feel fine, your injuries could be far worse than you previously thought. When you get evaluated, there will be medical records that support the severity of your injuries.
Failure to obtain this medical evaluation could give the defendant an opportunity to challenge the severity of your injuries.
4. Calling a Car Accident Attorney in Beaufort for Help
Once healthcare providers have determined your condition is stable, now you can call your car accident attorney for help. Once you have a car accident lawyer in Beaufort, SC working for you, you can focus on spending time with your family and healing from your injuries.
You already have enough to deal with if you are out of work and struggling to cover regular expenses due to your loss of income. Let us handle all of the legal details and bring the liable party to justice so you can access the funds you need to get through these trying times.
Causes of Beaufort Car Accidents
One of your Beaufort car accident lawyers’ most important responsibilities will include figuring out how your accident occurred. This is because this will determine who is responsible for compensating you for your damages. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Beaufort, SC:
Road Hazards
Dangerous road conditions are known for causing motor vehicle crashes. If potholes are not filled, defective or broken street lights are not replaced, street lamps are not installed, or road construction workers fail to properly secure construction zones, severe injuries and collisions can occur.
You might have the right to sue government agencies, road construction workers, contractors, subcontractors, safety inspectors, and even the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for your damages.
Negligent Driving
Negligent driving is arguably the number one cause of car crashes across the state of South Carolina. Any time a driver operates their vehicle in an unsafe manner, they are driving negligently. Examples of negligent driving could include operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fatigued driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and reckless driving.
Defective Car Parts
When auto parts malfunction or are defective in any way, they can cause critical injuries. Some of the most common types of vehicular defects known for causing collisions include:
- Steering column defects
- Breaking issues
- Tire blowout
- Fuel tank system problems
- Malfunctioning airbag inflators
- Seatbelt malfunctions
- Defective airbags
- Electrical issues
- Ignition problems
- Acceleration problems
- Issues with the vehicle’s airbags
Recovering Damages After a Car Accident in Beaufort
After being involved in a car accident, you may wonder how much your claim could be worth. To calculate the value of your losses, we will need to go over the various types of damages that could be paid out in your Beaufort car accident claim:
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are the types of losses you are entitled to recover. They can be economic or non-economic in nature. Examples include:
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Healthcare costs
- Scarring
- Inconvenience
- Diminished earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Exemplary Damages
Exemplary damages are not a loss you have the right to be awarded. They are paid out when the court system determines the defendant was grossly negligent or their actions were egregious.
These are a way of punishing the defendant beyond the compensatory damages you are entitled to recover. However, they can only be awarded at the court’s discretion.
Reach Out to a Beaufort Car Accident Attorney for Help Today
Your car accident injuries may significantly impact your life for years to come. When someone else is responsible for causing your injuries, they should be ordered to cover your costs as well. Find out what steps you need to take to make them pay.
Contact an experienced Beaufort Car accident attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm to discuss your opportunities for financial relief. You can get started on your insurance and civil claims as soon as today by filling out our online contact form or calling our office today.
