South Carolina Car Accident Attorney

Serving Car Accident Victims Throughout South Carolina

A car accident can be devastating, leading to consequences that go beyond physical injuries. The financial burdens of medical bills, property damage, and lost wages due to the inability to work can be overwhelming. When you suffer damages in an automobile accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, you have the right to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for your losses. 

At Lanier Law Group, P.A., we understand how traumatic a car accident can be. Our compassionate and experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer is dedicated to guiding you through this difficult time. We are committed to fighting for your rights, ensuring you get the justice you deserve, and helping you recover the maximum compensation possible. You can count on us to handle your personal injury claim so you can focus on your recovery and moving forward.

Common Causes of South Carolina Car Accidents

Car accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable and rooted in negligence. All drivers have a legal duty of care to everyone else on the road, including other motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. When they engage in reckless or negligent behavior, they violate this duty and become liable for any injuries they cause.

Many South Carolina car accidents are caused by:

• Distracted driving. A driver should always focus on the road ahead of them and avoid dangerous distractions. Distractions could include mobile phone usage, eating, or interacting with other passengers, which take the driver’s attention away from the task at hand, giving them less time to respond to unexpected or dangerous conditions.
• Excessive speeding. Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation.
• Drunk driving. Consuming alcohol or drugs impairs the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely, affecting their coordination, judgment, and reaction times.
• Reckless driving. This includes changing lanes too quickly, tailgating, and acting aggressively on the roads.
• Failure to follow traffic laws. Right-of-way rules and traffic signals are designed to regulate the flow of vehicles and protect the safety of all motorists. When these laws are ignored or violated, the consequences can be dire. For example, a driver running a red light or stop sign is a common cause of intersection collisions. Similarly, illegal turns or improper lane changes can result in side-swipe accidents or head-on collisions.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can be catastrophic and have lifelong consequences. The speed of impact, position of occupants, and use of safety equipment can all affect the scope and severity of auto accident injuries.

Our South Carolina car accident attorney is prepared to represent you if you suffered any of the following injuries due to another driver’s negligence:

• Whiplash. This is a common injury in rear-end collisions and occurs when the sudden force of the impact causes the neck to jerk back and forth, leading to damaged muscles and ligaments. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Broken bones. The impact of a collision can cause occupants to hit hard surfaces inside the vehicle, leading to broken or fractured bones. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
• Head and brain Injuries. These can occur when a person’s head hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. They range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and symptoms can include headaches, confusion, loss of consciousness, and memory problems. 
• Spinal cord injuries. These can result from the force of a collision, leading to damaged vertebrae, ligaments, or disks of the spinal column – or the spinal cord itself. Such injuries can lead to significant nerve damage and may result in partial or total paralysis.
• Internal Injuries. These are especially dangerous because they are not immediately visible. They can involve damage to organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs, often requiring immediate medical attention.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is typically three years. This means you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver. If you do not start the legal process before the statute of limitations, you will typically be unable to recover any compensation, so do not wait to discuss your situation with our team.

If someone suffers fatal injuries in a South Carolina car accident, the executor of the victim’s estate has three years from the date they passed away to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Note that in these instances, the statute of limitations is tied to the date of the victim’s passing, not the date of the accident. 

What to Do after a South Carolina Car Accident

The moments following a car accident can be overwhelming and confusing. However, taking the right steps can significantly impact your ability to file a successful personal injury claim later on.