Greenville Car Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Greenville

While car accidents can happen for many reasons, certain types of negligence are responsible for the majority of crashes in Greenville.

Distracted Driving

With the rise of smartphones, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents. Texting, adjusting GPS settings, eating, or even talking to passengers can take a driver’s attention away from the road. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to a devastating collision.

Drunk and Impaired Driving

Despite strict DUI laws, intoxicated drivers continue to cause serious accidents in Greenville. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it dangerous for impaired drivers to be on the road. If you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensation for your injuries.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding is a major factor in many Greenville car accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive aggressively — tailgating, weaving between lanes, or running red lights — they significantly increase the risk of a serious crash. High-speed collisions often result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Failure to Yield

Intersections are common locations for accidents, especially when drivers fail to yield the right of way. Whether a driver runs a stop sign, ignores a red light, or turns in front of oncoming traffic, failure-to-yield accidents can cause significant harm.

Poor Road Conditions and Weather

Rain, fog, and poorly maintained roads make driving hazardous, especially in areas like the mountainous terrain near Greenville. If road conditions contributed to an accident, the city, county, or state agency responsible for maintenance may be held partially liable.

Misconceptions About Car Accident Lawsuits

Many people hesitate to file a car accident lawsuit because of misinformation about the legal process. These misconceptions can prevent accident victims from seeking the compensation they deserve. Understanding the truth about car accident claims can help you make informed decisions about your case.

Filing a Lawsuit Means Going to Court

One of the most common misconceptions is that every car accident lawsuit results in a lengthy court battle. In reality, most cases are settled outside of court through negotiations with insurance companies. A skilled car accident lawyer can often secure fair compensation without ever stepping into a courtroom. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, taking the case to trial may be necessary to pursue full damages.

I Can Handle My Claim Without a Lawyer

While it is possible to file a claim without an attorney, doing so often leads to lower compensation. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys whose job is to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you may not receive enough to cover medical expenses, lost wages, or future treatment costs. A car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate aggressively, gather necessary evidence, and ensure that your rights are protected.

Insurance Will Cover All My Expenses

Many accident victims assume that their insurance company will automatically cover all their medical bills, lost wages, and damages. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. They may dispute liability, claim that your injuries are not severe, or offer a low settlement that does not fully cover your losses. A lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you truly need.

I Can File a Lawsuit Anytime

South Carolina law imposes a strict deadline, known as the statute of limitations, on filing a car accident lawsuit. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to take legal action. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Acting quickly allows your attorney to gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Only Severe Injuries Justify a Lawsuit

Even minor accidents can result in injuries that require medical treatment and time off work. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries may not be immediately apparent but can cause long-term pain and complications. If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you have the right to pursue compensation regardless of the severity of your injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident?

Determining liability is a crucial part of any car accident claim. While the at-fault driver is often responsible, other parties may also be held accountable depending on the circumstances of the crash. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are some of the most common parities responsible for car accidents in Greenville:

Negligent Drivers

If a driver was speeding, texting, intoxicated, or otherwise reckless, they can be held liable for damages. Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely, and when they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for the harm they cause.

Employers of Commercial Drivers

If a commercial vehicle was involved, the driver’s employer may share liability for the accident. Trucking companies, delivery services, and rideshare companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and follow safety regulations.

Government Entities

If a road defect, faulty traffic signal, or lack of signage contributed to the crash, a government agency may be responsible. Poorly maintained roads or missing traffic signs can create hazardous conditions, making municipalities or state agencies liable for resulting accidents.

Car Manufacturers

If a vehicle defect, such as faulty brakes or airbags, played a role in the accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable. When a defective auto part fails and causes a crash, the manufacturer or distributor can be sued under product liability laws.

Compensation Available in Car Accidents

Car accident victims may be entitled to compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional impact of their injuries. The amount awarded in a claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the extent of financial losses, and the level of negligence involved. Compensation is typically divided into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses resulting from a car accident. Medical expenses make up a significant portion of these damages, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and prescription medications. If the injuries prevent the victim from working, lost wages can also be recovered. In cases of long-term or permanent disability, compensation for the loss of future earning capacity may be available. Additionally, property damage — such as the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle — is included in economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the physical and emotional suffering caused by an accident. Pain and suffering compensation accounts for ongoing physical pain, chronic discomfort, and the long-term effects of an injury. Emotional distress damages may cover anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological trauma resulting from the crash. Many victims also experience a loss of enjoyment of life, particularly if their injuries prevent them from engaging in hobbies, recreational activities, or relationships as they once did.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless or intentional. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which compensate the victim, punitive damages serve as a punishment for the negligent party and a deterrent against similar behavior. These damages are often applied in cases involving drunk driving, excessive speeding, or other forms of extreme negligence. While not awarded in every case, they can significantly increase the total compensation available to victims.

How Lanier Law Group Can Help

At Lanier Law Group, we take on powerful insurance companies to get our clients the compensation they deserve. We don’t back down from a fight, and we won’t let insurers pressure you into settling for less than your case is worth.

Aggressive Legal Representation

We investigate your case, collect crucial evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurers. If they refuse to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Personalized Client Advocacy

We understand that every car accident case is unique. Our attorneys provide personalized legal strategies tailored to your situation, keeping you informed every step of the way.

No Fees Unless We Win

You don’t have to worry about upfront legal costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Injured in a Greenville Car Accident? Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Greenville, you don’t have to fight alone. Facing off against insurance companies can feel like stepping into the ring against a heavyweight — but you don’t have to fight alone.

At Lanier Law Group, we’re in your corner, ready to go the distance to get you the compensation you deserve. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal battle while you focus on healing.