Myrtle Beach is a beloved tourist spot in South Carolina, attracting visitors worldwide to its beautiful beaches, amusement parks, and other sights. However, like any bustling area with a high traffic volume, the roads in Myrtle Beach can be dangerous, particularly during peak tourist season. From investigating the accident and negotiating with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit and representing your best interests, a Myrtle Beach car accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm is invaluable in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Our Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyers have decades of experience helping people maximize their compensation so they can focus on recovery.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Myrtle Beach
A report by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety revealed that traffic collisions in the state are a serious issue. Car accidents can occur for a multitude of reasons, and in the Myrtle Beach area, some of the most prevalent causes of these accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving has emerged as one of the primary reasons for car accidents in Myrtle Beach. This encompasses many activities, such as texting or talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or anything else that takes the driver’s focus away from driving safely.
- Speeding: Excessive speed is another frequent contributing factor to car accidents. Many drivers often exceed the posted speed limits, particularly on highways, which can lead to severe and even fatal accidents due to the increased force of an impact at high speeds.
- Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only a serious criminal offense but can also result in deadly accidents. In South Carolina, the year 2020 saw 287 fatalities caused by alcohol-related crashes, highlighting the gravity of this issue.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving behaviors, such as running red lights, weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and aggressive lane changes, can also lead to accidents. These actions endanger the drivers who engage in them and put other road users at significant risk.
By being aware of these common causes of car accidents in Myrtle Beach and taking steps to prevent them, residents and visitors can contribute to making the roads safer.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident in Myrtle Beach, following specific steps to safeguard yourself and your legal rights is crucial.
Check for Injuries
The first and foremost priority in any car accident is to assess the well-being of all parties involved. Check yourself and others for any potential injuries. If necessary, provide first aid or assistance to those in need.
Call for Help
If any injuries are identified, immediately call 911 or the local police to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance. Even in cases where no injuries are apparent, it is still important to notify the police and have them document the incident.
Exchange Information
Once the immediate safety concerns have been addressed, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This should include names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, insurance details, and the make and model of all involved vehicles. Having this information will be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
Gather Evidence
Take the time to carefully document the accident scene by taking photographs of the involved vehicles, the surrounding area, any damage sustained, skid marks, and other relevant details. This visual evidence can be invaluable when establishing the facts of the accident and supporting any legal claims that may arise.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After you have gathered the necessary information and evidence, promptly contact your insurance company to report the accident. This will initiate the claims process and ensure that your insurer is aware of the situation from the outset.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you do not initially feel injured, seeking medical attention as soon as possible following the accident is crucial. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal damage, may not present symptoms immediately but could have long-term consequences if left untreated. By obtaining a professional medical evaluation, you can identify and address any potential issues and strengthen any claims related to injury or loss.
By adhering to these steps in the aftermath of a car accident in Myrtle Beach, you can protect your well-being and legal rights while navigating the often-complex process of insurance claims and potential litigation.
How to Prove Liability
Proving liability in a car accident case is crucial for recovering damages. To establish liability, it is necessary to demonstrate that one or more parties involved were negligent, meaning they failed to exercise reasonable care, ultimately leading to the accident. There are several ways to prove liability, and gathering evidence is key to building a strong case.
One essential piece of evidence is the police report, which typically provides valuable information regarding the cause of the accident, the drivers involved, and any witnesses. Additionally, witness statements can be invaluable in substantiating the circumstances of the accident, as they can provide detailed accounts of what they saw and heard during the incident. These statements can corroborate other evidence and help establish a clear picture of the events leading to the collision.
Do Expert Witnesses Matter?
Expert witnesses and physical evidence can also significantly contribute to proving liability. Experts, such as accident reconstructionists, can offer professional insight into how the accident occurred based on the available evidence. Physical evidence, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris, can help determine the sequence of events and the factors that contributed to the accident.
A strong liability case can be built by thoroughly examining and presenting these various types of evidence, increasing the chances of recovering damages for the affected parties.
How an Attorney Can Help
In the aftermath of a car accident in Myrtle Beach, consulting with an experienced attorney who can provide invaluable assistance during this difficult time is highly recommended. A car accident attorney in Myrtle Beach can offer professional guidance and support, protecting your rights and interests.
A Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer’s critical aspect is investigating the accident and gathering evidence and information to build a solid case for liability and damages. Additionally, they can act as a mediator when negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance providers may attempt to offer you a settlement that is lower than what you rightfully deserve. A Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer can use their expertise to negotiate on your behalf, striving to secure fair compensation for your damages.
If negotiations with insurance companies do not yield satisfactory results, a car accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. Throughout the process, an attorney’s primary responsibility is representing your best interests, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for damages sustained. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. By working closely with an experienced attorney, you can navigate the complex legal landscape with confidence and a greater likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm for a Myrtle Beach Car Accident Attorney
By working with a Myrtle Beach car accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you can be confident that your rights and interests will be protected. Our team’s knowledge and experience in handling such cases can make all the difference in achieving a favorable outcome. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your case.
