Whether we like it or not, car accidents do unfortunately happen, regardless of how careful or attentive we are during our day-to-day activities. Despite our best efforts going into making sure that we’re protected against unpleasant, road-bound surprises, the truth is that every once in a while our attention is going to lapse, and we’re going to suffer for it.
In fact, it is estimated that more than 38,000 people in the US die every year in fatal car crashes. To make matters worse, an additional 4.4 million are dealt grave injuries that require medical attention or even long-term hospitalization.
In this article, we are going to approach the dreadful topic of car accidents and tell you all you need to know so that you have a solid base foundation when it comes to vehicle law. Remember – the law is there to your advantage!
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, then make sure to contact a legal team for assistance – a car crash lawyer can help you get the money you need to get back up on your feet and resume your life!
What Is Car Accident Law?
To put it simply, a car accident, also called a traffic collision, happens when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, leading to harm and injury to both drivers. Traffic accidents happen very frequently, although they don’t always lead to death, with the majority of them only leading to slight injuries.
Those who have been the victim of a car collision in which they were not at fault are entitled to compensation assuming they are ready to prepare a lawsuit against the offending party. Most car crash victims choose to push their claims, attempting to receive compensation for:
- Pain and suffering: A car crash often leads to severe injuries, which leaves the victim in a tremendous amount of suffering. Only financial compensation can help make up for the tortuous time in which the victim had to wait for their wounds to get better.
- Mental anguish: The physical effects of suffering through a car crash aren’t the only ones you have to deal with. Most also suffer from mental or emotional damage, their minds being irreparably scarred after being put through such a scenario.
- Property damage: The car of a traffic collision victim is also usually damaged after the event, more often than not with varying degrees of severity. Asking for compensation for damage dealt to your vehicle by the party at fault is only to be expected as long as proof is collected, such as through photographs.
- Medical expenses: One of the worst things about traffic collisions is the medical bills that come thereafter. Receiving intense medical treatment is not cheap, and odds are that if you’ve been part of a car accident, your bills must be reaching the several thousand dollars mark. Take this to court – you don’t have to pay this out of your own pocket!
- Lost wages: Being gravely wounded while driving means that you cannot work until you properly recover, which is a loss of income. You are also entitled to compensation for the number of days it takes until you are in perfect working condition again and can sustain yourself.h
The statute of limitations for a car accident in South Carolina is three years – this means you have three years at your disposal to file a claim in court before the right to do so has expired.
How Do You Determine Who Is At-Fault?
Determining fault during traffic collisions can become complicated. Unlike many “no-fault” states, South Carolina makes use of a fault-based system when it comes to approaching the topic of car accidents. What this means is that the person responsible for causing the accident is also directly responsible for paying losses or damages.
Have you been part of a car accident? There are several ways in which insurance companies determine who was at fault during a traffic collision, so make sure to check in with your insurance company to find out how you can take it from there!
Keep an Eye Out
No amount of injury, pain, and financial compensation can be worth taking your eyes off the road for a couple of seconds, which is enough to lead you into a life-threatening scenario. Always remember to remain perfectly attentive while driving, as even a slight mistake can turn your whole life upside down.
And remember – when in doubt, contact a legal team for assistance.
