South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer

You have a lot of options when it comes to car accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach, so why should you choose Wright Injury Law to represent you when you have been injured in a crash? Brooke Eaves Wright is a proven winner interested in more than just getting a quick settlement and moving on to the next case. She wants to help her clients achieve their goals, whatever they may be.

If you ended up in the hospital after a car crash that was not your fault, call Wright Injury Law as soon as possible to start building a case against the negligent driver who caused the crash. You should not have to pay for someone else’s mistake.

How Negligent Drivers Cause Car Crashes in Myrtle Beach

We see all kinds of crazy driving in Myrtle Beach and along the Grand Strand. It’s a wonder there aren’t more accidents than there are! From tourists who don’t know where they’re going to drunk drivers who shouldn’t be behind the wheel at all, dangerous drivers are everywhere.

Failure to Obey Traffic Laws

Many crashes are caused by drivers simply not following the rules of the road. Speeding comes under this category, but another common cause of accidents is failure to yield, which is the official charge when someone cuts you off when changing lanes or entering a roadway. Running red lights or stop signs and ignoring other traffic rules and signals are also causes of crashes that can be grounds for a personal injury claim if the negligence causes a crash that injures someone. Police reports are important pieces of evidence in these claims.

Distracted Driving

Texting, talking on the phone, eating, talking to passengers, and even daydreaming are all forms of distracted driving that can cause a crash. Driver inattention plays a part in almost every collision, whether the driver was also drunk, lost, or exceeding the speed limit.

Attorney Brooke Eaves Wright will investigate the driver’s actions to determine if distraction was a cause of the crash that left you injured.

Common Fractures After Car Accidents

Car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, with fractures being among the most common. Here are some of the most frequently occurring fractures following a car accident:

Clavicle (Collarbone) Fractures: Often occur due to the force of the seatbelt or impact on the shoulder.
Arm and Wrist Fractures: These are common when individuals brace themselves against the vehicle or dashboard during a collision.
Rib Fractures: Can result from the force of the seatbelt or direct impact to the chest.
Leg and Ankle Fractures: Occur frequently due to the positioning of the legs during a crash and the force of impact.
Facial Fractures: Result from contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag.
Spinal Fractures: These can occur when the force of the accident exerts pressure on the spine, leading to vertebral fractures.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention following a car accident to properly assess and treat any potential fractures or injuries.

Common Injuries from Rollover Collisions

Rollover collisions are among the most dangerous types of vehicle accidents due to the potential for severe injuries. Some common injuries that can occur from rollover collisions include:

Head Injuries: These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) due to the violent motion and possible impact with the vehicle's interior.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a rollover can lead to serious spinal injuries, which may result in paralysis or long-term disability.
Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact and force involved in rollovers can cause various fractures, including broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.
Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can occur from the force of the accident or from being struck by parts of the vehicle.
Lacerations and Abrasions: Glass breakage and contact with vehicle surfaces can lead to deep cuts and scrapes.
Whiplash: The sudden movement of the head and neck during a rollover can cause whiplash or neck strain.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments may be stretched or torn during the accident.

It is crucial for individuals involved in rollover collisions to seek immediate medical attention, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Fortunately, Myrtle Beach, Conway and Horry County has wonderful nurses, doctors, surgeons, and physical therapists that can help provide the medical treatment needed after a collision. Myrtle Beach, Conway and Horry County also has experienced police, law enforcement, and ambulance EMS staff that can promptly respond to an automobile crash and assist in getting those injured the help they need from a medical provider.

Steps to Get Your Car Fixed After a Non-fault Accident

Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurer about the accident as soon as possible; however, remember even your own insurance company may try to use anything you say against you later to attempt reduce the value of your claims. At Wright Injury Law we recommend to our clients that they do not allow a recorded statemement to any insurance company and we recommend that our clients refuse to discuss their bodily injury claim without having an attorney present. It is important to provide the insurance company with a copy of the accident report.
Gather Evidence: Collect evidence such as photos of the accident scene, damage to both vehicles, and contact information of any witnesses. This will support your claim.
File a Claim: You can either file a claim through your insurance or go directly through the at-fault driver's insurance. The at-fault driver's insurance company is usually responsible for paying for the costs of repairs to your vehicle. However, your own insurance company can handle the process for you, especially if you have collision coverage and then your insurance company will usually seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurance company called "subrogation". An experienced attorney like Attorney Brooke Eaves Wright can help you with your property damage claim and answer any questions you have at Wright Injury Law.
Get an Estimate: Have a professional mechanic or body shop assess the damage and provide an estimate for the repairs.
Repair Authorization: Once the insurance company approves the claim, you can proceed with the repairs. Make sure you get written authorization from the insurance company.
Choose a Repair Shop: You can choose a repair shop of your preference or go with one recommended by the insurance company.
Repair Process: Schedule the repairs with the shop and ensure that all parts and labor are covered by the insurance claim.
Final Inspection: After the repairs are complete, inspect your vehicle to ensure all work was done satisfactorily before signing any final paperwork.
Payment: The insurance company should handle the payment directly with the repair shop, but confirm this arrangement to avoid unexpected bills.

If you encounter any issues or disputes, consider seeking legal advice to ensure your rights are protected.

The term total loss for vehicle damage refers to a situation where a vehicle is so extensively damaged that the cost of repairing it is higher than its actual cash value before the accident occurred. In such cases, insurance companies often decide it is not economically feasible to repair the vehicle, and instead, they declare it a total loss.

When a vehicle is declared a total loss, several steps typically follow:

The insurance company usually pays the vehicle owner the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of the accident, minus any deductible if applicable.
The insurance company usually takes possession of the vehicle and may sell it for salvage.

It's important for vehicle owners to understand their insurance policy terms to know how total loss claims are handled and speak with an experienced attorney to determine what compensation they are entitled to receive.

If you have any doubts or face challenges during the process, consider consulting with a legal professional experienced in handling auto insurance claims in South Carolina.

Damages Recoverable After a Car Accident in South Carolina

In South Carolina, a person injured in an automobile accident that was not their fault can potentially recover several types of damages following a car accident. These damages are generally categorized into economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses: This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical expenses related to the accident. Complex and serious injuries may include medical bills from various medical providers including ambulance services, emergency room treatment, physician billing from the hospital treatment, radiology and MRI imaging bills, anesthesia services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthopedic treatment, vestibular rehabilition, and surgery bills.
Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of the vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Lost Wages: If the injured person is unable to work due to the accident, they may recover compensation for lost wages.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injury affects the person's ability to earn a living in the future, they may be compensated for the loss of earning potential.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
Emotional Distress: This includes anxiety, depression, and other emotional impacts of the accident.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injuries on the injured person's relationship with their spouse or family.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future.

It is important for injured parties to consult with a qualified attorney to understand their rights and to ensure they receive fair compensation for their losses.

Compensation for Lost Wages After a Car Accident

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can be claimed if the accident caused you to miss work and lose income as a result. Here are some steps and considerations:

Steps to Claim Lost Wages

Documentation: Gather all necessary documentation, such as medical records, accident reports, and employment verification, showing that you were unable to work due to the injury.
Legal Consultation: Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Types of Compensation

Compensation for lost wages can include:

Regular wages or salary you would have earned during the recovery period.
Bonuses or commissions you missed due to the inability to work.
Potential for future lost earnings if the injury affects your long-term ability to work.

Important Considerations

Keep in mind:

The process and eligibility for claiming lost wages can vary by state and insurance policy.
Thoroughly documenting your losses and following procedural requirements will aid in a successful claim.

For more detailed information specific to your situation, it's recommended to seek professional legal advice.

What is average settlement for a car accident claim in South Carolina?

The average automobile accident settlement in South Carolina can vary widely based on several factors, including the severity of the accident, the amount of medical bills, the extent of injuries, and the degree of fault. It's important to consult with a legal professional for specific advice tailored to an individual case. Each injury case is unique and it is important to have an experienced injury attorney review the specific facts of your case to discuss the potential settlement value.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Myrtle Beach During Summer

Myrtle Beach, known for its beautiful coastline and tourist attractions, sees an influx of visitors during the summer months. This increase in traffic can lead to a variety of common car accidents, including:

Rear-End Collisions: With more vehicles on the road, especially during peak tourist season, rear-end collisions become more frequent. These often occur at traffic signals and busy intersections.
Parking Lot Accidents: As tourists flock to the beach, shopping centers, and attractions, parking lots become crowded, leading to fender benders and minor collisions.
Side-Impact Crashes: Also known as T-bone accidents, these can occur at intersections where drivers may not yield or stop appropriately due to increased traffic and distractions.
Pedestrian Accidents: With an influx of visitors, pedestrian traffic increases along with vehicles, sometimes resulting in accidents where pedestrians are struck by cars.
Drunk Driving Accidents: Summer gatherings and celebrations can lead to an increase in impaired driving, which in turn leads to a higher risk of accidents.

It is important for both locals and visitors to exercise caution and stay alert while driving in Myrtle Beach, especially during the busy summer months.

How long does it usually take to settle a car accident claim in South Carolina?

The time it takes to settle a car accident claim can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the accident, the clarity of liability, the extent of injuries and damages, and the cooperation of insurance companies involved. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Here are some factors that influence the timeline:

Clear Liability: If liability is clear and straightforward, the claim may settle more quickly.
Extent of Damages: More severe accidents with extensive damages or injuries may take longer to evaluate and settle.
Insurance Processing: The efficiency and responsiveness of the insurance companies involved can affect the timeline.
Negotiations: If there are disputes over the amount of compensation, negotiations may prolong the process.
Legal Involvement: If a lawsuit needs to be filed for the claim, then it may take more time to reach a settlement; however, often the settlement value may be much higher after a lawsuit has been filed.

If you are involved in a car accident or wreck in South Carolina with injuries, it's important to promptly consult with an experienced injury attorney licensed in South Carolina to ensure that your claim is handled efficiently. Every case is different and the time it takes to obtain a settlement or jury verdict will vary based on the specific cirumstances of each claim. At Wright Injury Law, Attorney Brooke Eaves Wright can provide a free consultation about your injury claim and explain an estimated timeline for your specific situation.

Car Accident Settlement Timeline

The time it takes to receive a settlement offer after a car accident can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

The complexity of the accident and the extent of the injuries.
The time it takes to gather necessary documentation such as police reports, medical records, and repair estimates.
The insurance company's processing time and negotiation period.
Whether liability is clear or disputed.

Typically, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to receive a settlement offer. If the case is straightforward and the liability is clear, you might receive an offer within a few weeks. However, if the case is more complex or if there are disputes regarding the details of the accident or the compensation amount, the process could take longer.

It's important to consult with an injury lawyer to understand your specific situation and to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Winning a Car Accident Lawsuit

Winning a car accident lawsuit can vary in difficulty based on several factors. Attorney Brooke Wright has experience winning car accident cases and overcoming challenges. Here are some of the key considerations:

Factors Affecting the Difficulty

Evidence: The availability and strength of evidence such as eyewitness testimony, police reports, and accident scene photos are crucial.
Liability: Establishing who is at fault is central to the case. Clear liability makes it easier to win.
Injury Severity: The extent of injuries and their documentation can impact the case outcome.
Legal Representation: The expertise and experience of your legal team can significantly influence the lawsuit.
Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often aim to minimize payouts. Attorney Brooke Wright has experience negotiating with insurance companies to maximize outcomes for her clients.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Success

Collect and preserve all evidence immediately after the accident.
Seek prompt medical attention to document injuries.
Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Take photographs of the vehicle and any injuries.
Call the police immediately after the accident.

Each car accident case is unique, and outcomes can depend on specific circumstances. It's advisable to seek professional legal advice to navigate the complexities of a lawsuit.

Myrtle Beach Car Accident Attorney Here to Help You