Mount Pleasant Car Accident Lawyer
Auto accidents are often caused by driver negligence. A driver may be found negligent if they speed, drive while distracted, drive while intoxicated, or otherwise engage in careless or reckless driving. If you have suffered injuries from a motor vehicle accident you think may have been caused by one or more other motorists, you should reach out to a Mount Pleasant car accident lawyer.
A personal injury attorney could help you identify the responsible parties and provide advice on pursuing compensation. An attorney could evaluate your case and help you determine whether to file a claim for damages.
Common Types of Injuries Suffered in Auto Accidents and Resulting Damages
In any car accident, there is a high likelihood of all kinds of injuries, both internal and external. Common injuries suffered in auto accidents include:
- Contusions and lacerations
- Broken bones and torn ligaments
- Whiplash
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal and other internal injuries
Injuries such as these can lead to both economic and non-economic harm, for which compensation may be available. Typical economic damages include medical expenses, lost income, and car repair or replacement. Non-economic damages typically include pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life.
Additional compensation may be available for the claimant’s mental distress, disability, scarring or disfigurement, and lost enjoyment of life. A Mount Pleasant car accident attorney could significantly improve the likelihood of the injured party recovering compensation for their losses by identifying and pursuing every form of payment that might be available.
South Carolina Legal Requirements
Like many states, South Carolina has an “at fault” system for personal injury claims, including car accidents. For their case to be successful, the law requires an injured person to show fault on the part of the responsible party. A party’s fault is established by showing they were negligent and that their negligence caused the accident.
However, establishing the other party’s fault may not be sufficient for full financial recovery. If the person being sued for damages argues that the injured party is wholly or partially responsible for their own injuries, South Carolina’s “modified negligence rule” may reduce compensation by an amount equal to the claimant’s percentage of fault.
For example, if the injured party is found to be 40 percent at fault for their own injuries, they will recover only 60 percent of the awarded compensation. If the claimant is found to be more than 50 percent at fault, they are completely barred from financial recovery – even if the other parties’ negligence was 49 percent responsible for the accident.
Filing Deadlines for Mount Pleasant Car Crash Cases
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit arising out of an automobile accident is generally three years. In most cases, this means a person injured in a car accident caused by another motorist has three years from the accident to file their claim. There are some narrow exceptions to the three-year requirement, based on particular circumstances, such as the minority of the injured party at the time of the accident delaying their ability to file.
A Mount Pleasant car accident attorney would be familiar with these filing deadlines and their exceptions. An attorney could help the injured party identify applicable deadlines and ensure that they are met.
Request a Consultation with a Mount Pleasant Car Accident Attorney Today
If you have been involved in an auto accident that you believe was caused by another driver’s negligence, consider reaching out to a Mount Pleasant car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney could evaluate your case and advise you on possible next steps critical to your recovery. Do not delay and risk missing important filing deadlines; call today to book your introductory consultation.do the risks t
