Sumter, SC Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured because of someone else’s error or negligence, it is essential that you contact a skilled personal injury lawyer. At our law office, we have many years of experience serving the victims of personal injuries. Whether you have slipped and fallen because of a negligent property owner or been in an auto accident, our Sumter car accident lawyers are here to help you when you need us most.
Common Reasons to Pursue a Car Accident Claim
There are several common reasons why someone might want to pursue a car accident claim. It is often tied to both the physical and financial impact of an accident they are suffering from. This is also a legal right granted to anyone injured throughout Sumter and the rest of South Carolina.
The most common reasons include:
- Recovery of medical expenses. Medical expenses are often one of the most common financial hits a car accident victim suffers from. This can include costs for emergency treatment, spending time in the hospital, undergoing surgery, being prescribed medicine, and any ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation services needed to recover. Because these are expenses incurred that the victim did not anticipate or cause, liability will need to be proven in court to officially qualify for reimbursement.
- Compensation for lost wages. Whether you have missed work for a few days or several months, the impact of a car accident can take you out of work and prevent you from earning a stable income that you rely on. This includes income lost from post-accident recovery and income you would lose if you are unable to work in the future due to new, long-term disabilities. Both of these instances provide an opportunity for a defendant to pay for these costs if proven guilty in court.
- Property damage. An individual’s personal property could be damaged in car accidents. This can include their own vehicle or anything else of value that was being transported at the time. Damage to the car can range from minor cosmetic repairs to a complete replacement of the vehicle if it has been totaled. Personal items that were in the vehicle at the time of the accident, such as a cell phone or laptop, could also qualify for reimbursement if they were proven to be in the plaintiff’s possession.
- Pain and suffering. An individual can seek compensation for any evidence they have suffered pain from the accident. Physical pain may include chronic pain, aches, nerve damage, or any other physical symptoms that were not present before the accident. Any damage to the plaintiff’s mental health, such as new experiences of PTSD or anxiety, can also qualify as a pain and suffering compensation request.
- Punitive damages. In any scenario where the defendant allegedly engaged in grossly negligent or willful misconduct, punitive damages could be considered. For example, this could include evidence that the other party was driving under the influence or intentionally speeding, which directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries. Punitive damages are meant to serve as a strong deterrent to prevent this behavior from happening again in the future.
- Loss of consortium. If the victim of an accident has suffered injuries that have affected their relationship with someone significant in their life, like a spouse, it opens up the possibility for a loss of consortium reimbursement. This can include evidence that the plaintiff has lost companionship, affection, or help that they need from someone in their life they relied on.
To file a claim and receive compensation in these areas, a victim will need to collaborate with their personal injury attorney to prove liability. Without this step, compensation will not be on the table for consideration. However, establishing liability is not just about financial compensation. It also ensures the defendant is held responsible and accountable for the actions and losses they caused.
Car Accidents and Insurance Companies
At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we have many years of experience with car accident victims and the circumstances they have to face. We know how to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and meet strict filing deadlines. Let our auto accident attorneys help you get the compensation you deserve.
In many car accident cases, the defendant in the case is not the negligent party, it is an insurance company. Insurance companies hire many lawyers to make sure that they have to pay as little as possible on claims. We understand how to work with and work against the big insurance companies. No matter the size, we can help you pursue justice with insurance companies.
Call us today at (803) 430-6959 to learn more and get started on your auto accident case!