Car accidents are an unfortunate reality for many drivers in Wade Hampton, South Carolina. Unfortunately, the aftermath of car crashes can devastate people who suffer serious injuries.
The effects of a severe car crash can include catastrophic personal injuries, significant medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and extensive physical and mental impairments. If you’re suffering from the effects of a car accident, you need to talk to our Wade Hampton car accident lawyers as soon as possible. We are ready to provide the legal support necessary to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us now to discuss your potential car accident claim with an experienced personal injury attorney at our law firm. The consultation is free, confidential, and without further obligations.
Top Reasons to Work with Our Wade Hampton Car Crash Attorneys
If you’ve been in a wreck, you want experience on your side. At The Melonakos Law Firm, we are dedicated car accident lawyers in Wade Hampton, SC. Our lawyers prioritize each client and their unique needs, seeking justice with a tailored approach to each case.
We work tirelessly to guide our clients through the legal process, from filing a claim to negotiating a settlement and even fighting in court if it comes to litigation.
The Wade Hampton car accident attorneys at The Melonakos Law Firm are ready to help you get back on track after a collision by fighting for the compensation you need to restore your health and your finances. Our lawyers offer:
- A compassionate and tailored approach to every case
- Proven results with over $50,000,000 recovered for our previous clients
- Over a decade of experience in personal injury law
- Personal communication with your lawyer
Our team includes a former defense lawyer, which provides unique insight into the insurance company’s perspective. That experience can assist when strategizing ways to recover the compensation you deserve.
Review our many positive client testimonials to discover what our past clients think about their experiences with our law firm. For example, a previous client wrote:
“Everyone at Melonakos Law Firm was so helpful! They held my hand every step of the way making the process after my accident so easy! Can’t recommend them and Attorney JP enough!” —Sydney
Common Car Accident Scenarios in Wade Hampton, SC
Although an accident can happen for any reason, some common factors contribute to crashes, including the following examples:
- Reckless driving – Speeding and other aggressive behaviors on the road are leading causes of car accidents. South Carolina law states that driving in any manner indicative of a willful or wanton disregard for others’ safety constitutes reckless driving.
- Distracted driving – Any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, adjusting the radio, or talking to a passenger, could lead to a collision.
- Drunk driving – Driving after consuming drugs, alcohol, and certain prescription medications can create a higher risk of accidents.
- Following too closely – Rear-end collisions often happen due to tailgating or failing to stop in time to prevent a crash.
- Poor weather and road conditions – Some weather conditions, such as fog, can reduce visibility. Similarly, road conditions like ice can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
Ultimately, a car accident can happen for any reason at all. If you’ve already suffered the devastating effects of a crash, it’s critical to seek a local lawyer who can help you through the legal process.
Understanding South Carolina Car Accident Laws
Our car accident lawyers in Wade Hampton have a thorough knowledge of the laws that apply in South Carolina collision claims. Our experience is essential for helping you fight your case and seeking maximum compensation.
Many aspects of state law can affect your case, such as:
- Comparative negligence rules – Courts use the principle of comparative negligence to determine the compensation you can recover if you were partially at fault for the accident that injured you. For instance, if you were 20 percent at fault, your compensation may be reduced by 20 percent. If you bear more than 50 percent of the fault, you’ll be unable to recover any compensation.
- Insurance requirements – South Carolina requires that all drivers carry insurance. That is important so you understand all avenues available to seek compensation. Some drivers choose to violate that law and not carry insurance coverage, or state minimums may be insufficient to pay all your losses. In those situations, you may be entitled to compensation from your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Statute of limitations – According to South Carolina law, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases generally gives you three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Failure to file a case before the deadline will likely cause you to lose your opportunity to see compensation in court, regardless of your case’s merits. That makes it critical to contact our lawyers as soon as possible.
Potential Compensation for Car Accident Victims
You could be eligible for several kinds of compensation after a car accident. Some examples include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Punitive damages
- Property damage
The best way to understand what you qualify for is to speak with our Wade Hampton car accident attorneys who can analyze your case details and calculate the full extent of all your related losses.
The Legal Process for Car Accident Claims in Wade Hampton
The car accident attorneys at The Melonakos Law Firm are prepared to handle every step of the legal process so you don’t have to worry about the details. Some of the key steps in the legal process for car accident claims include:
- The consultation and investigation are the first steps in the process. That is when your attorney speaks with you to understand the details of your case and then works to gather the necessary evidence to build a solid claim.
- Filing the claim is the next step. Your attorney will handle the filing process, making sure the paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time.
- Negotiation and settlements come next. In this step, your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies and the at-fault parties to seek a settlement that provides you with maximum compensation.
- Court representation can become necessary if no outcome is agreed to in negotiations. Our law firm prepares every case as if we are going to trial. We will be ready to represent you in court if that becomes the best strategy to seek the compensation you deserve.
The whole process can take a varied amount of time, depending on the details of your case. Speak to one of our knowledgeable car accident lawyers in Wade Hampton to find out how we can help you from start to finish.
Talk to Our Experienced Wade Hampton Car Accident Attorneys Today
At The Melonakos Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing experienced and effective legal counsel to our clients. Reach out to our team of skilled and compassionate lawyers today for a free consultation, and let us help you fight for peace of mind.
