Car accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injuries in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Victims are often left with expensive medical bills, costly repair estimates, missing wages from time off work, and painful injuries that keep them from the activities they love. If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be owed money for these and other losses. But getting this money can be difficult without the help of an experienced attorney.
At The Melonakos Law Firm, our legal team is committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation for those who need it. We can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Should the insurers offer an unreasonable settlement, we are prepared to advocate for your rights in court. We have the experience, skills, and knowledge to build a solid case to help you get your life back on track.
Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced car accident lawyer. We offer free consultations to every client, so it won’t cost you anything to learn more about your options.
How a Traffic Collision Lawyer Can Help You with Your MVA Accident Claims
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be owed compensation from the at-fault driver by way of their insurance policy. Unfortunately, insurance companies often undervalue cases and offer lowball settlements as a way of saving themselves and their shareholders money. You could benefit from the help of an experienced lawyer who’s ready to:
Investigate the cause of the accident
Manage communication between you and the insurance company
Calculate the amount of compensation you deserve
Gather evidence that supports your case
Establish the other party’s liability
Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
Explain your settlement options
Take your case to court if a settlement cannot be reached
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident on your own is not always easy. A knowledgeable SC auto accident attorney can protect your right to compensation and guide you through the legal process.
Common Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents
At The Melonakos Law Firm, we have considerable experience handling cases that involve:
Head-on crashes
Side impact or T-bone accidents
Rear-end collisions
Intersection accidents
Rollover crashes
Multi-vehicle accidents
Our auto accident attorneys in South Carolina are here to help with every aspect of your claim.
Common Types of MVA Accident Injuries
Car crashes can be violent and often result in serious injuries, including:
Traumatic brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have life-altering consequences as they are often irreversible. Common TBIs include concussions and penetrating head wounds.
Paralysis – Paralysis can occur when a car crash damages or severs part of a victim’s spinal cord. This damage can be temporary or permanent and impact mobility and bodily functions.
Whiplash – The sudden and violent force of a car accident can damage the soft tissue in the neck and back, resulting in pain, stiffness, and temporary loss of mobility.
Broken bones – The extreme force of a car accident can break bones in the legs, arms, wrists, hips, and head. A car crash can also break ribs, which may puncture a victim’s lung or other internal organs.
Soft tissue damage – Car accidents often result in considerable damage to the soft tissues, a term that describes the parts of the body softer than bone. Soft tissue damage can include sprains, strains, and contusions.
Lacerations – Lacerations or cuts are also common in car accidents. They can be caused by sharp metal, glass, or flying debris.
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Most car accidents are ultimately the fault of one or more of the drivers involved. While poor weather conditions and mechanical defects can also cause or contribute to accidents, most result from driver error, such as:
Distracted driving – Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. The South Carolina Department of Insurance estimates that there are two crashes involving a distracted driver in the state every hour. Common distractions include phone calls, texting, programming a GPS, grooming, eating, and drinking.
Drunk driving – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair a person’s judgment and motor skills, making them more likely to cause an accident.
Speeding – Speeding makes it harder to stay in control of a vehicle, come to a stop in an emergency, or take evasive maneuvers to avoid accidents when traffic patterns change.
Drowsy driving – Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Driving while fatigued impairs cognition and motor skills and increases a driver’s chances of being involved in a crash.
What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident
If you are involved in a motor vehicle crash, you should immediately dial 911 or call local law enforcement. Next, consider taking the following steps to protect your rights:
Seek medical attention – Get medical attention as soon as possible. The adrenaline rush of being in an accident can mask pain and signs of injury, which means you could be seriously hurt even if you feel fine. Furthermore, medical records can prove to be vital evidence in your case. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments.
Document the scene – Exchange information with the other driver and document the crash by taking photos of the damage from multiple angles. Take pictures of debris, skid marks, and traffic signs. If you are injured, have someone else do this for you.
Contact an attorney – An experienced car accident lawyer can explain your legal options following a crash and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Stay off social media – Do not discuss the accident or your injuries on social media or elsewhere online. Insurance companies sometimes monitor an injury victim’s online presence for any evidence they can use to undercut the victim’s claims.
Keep receipts – Keep copies of all medical bills, repair estimates, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
Contact a Knowledgeable Car Accident Attorney in South Carolina for Help with Your Claim
If you’ve been injured by a careless driver in South Carolina, contact The Melonakos Law Firm today for a free initial consultation. We can explain your legal options following a car crash and advise you on the best strategy for your case.
