Victims of car accidents face numerous hurdles in trying to get their lives back on track. They may need to be hospitalized, undergo extensive medical treatments, and remain out of work while recovering. Even when injuries are seemingly minor, such as connective tissue injuries, they may lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain. Further compounding the problem, the victims’ vehicles may have sustained serious damage, creating additional logistics and financial problems.
As a lawyer who specializes in helping South Carolina car accident victims through these difficult times, Michael Jeffcoat has a keen understanding of what it takes to help victims navigate the aftermath of a collision. If you or a loved one has been injured or sustained property damage in a car accident in Columbia, Lexington, or Richland Counties, Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers can walk you through your options for recovering just compensation.
Third-party insurance claims
South Carolina is a “fault” vehicle insurance state. This means that the person who is found to be at fault for the car accident can be held liable for injuries, vehicle damage, and other damages. Because of this, car accident victims in South Carolina can file a third-party insurance claim. This is a claim filed directly with the insurer of the at-fault driver.
However, it’s not uncommon for an insurance company to dispute that the responsible party was partially or completely at fault for the crash, which is why it’s best for victims to contact a South Carolina car accident lawyer with experience in this area. Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers understands the tactics insurance companies may try to use and with the specialized resources of our law firm, we can conduct a thorough investigation to prove the fault of the other party.
Other insurance claims
Another way Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers can help car accident victims recover compensation is by filing a claim and negotiating directly with the victims’ own car insurance carrier. The victim’s’ insurer is then likely to request reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance company. When injured parties have a skilled lawyer represent their interests, they stand a much better chance of recovering the compensation they deserve.
Personal injury lawsuits
If filing an insurance claim doesn’t have the desired outcome, Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers can file a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of the plaintiff. However, deadlines do apply. South Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations that applies to personal injury actions. This means that if the injured party waits too long before taking legal action, any claims to compensation may be forfeited.
For example, the four passengers who sustained injuries in the collision near Spartanburg, S.C. early in August would be well advised to get in touch with a lawyer promptly. The extent of their injuries was not disclosed; however, one of the individuals involved in the wreck lost her life. A personal injury lawsuit that results in a settlement or jury award could help these victims pay their medical expenses and related costs.
Protect your rights with the right legal advocate
When a family member loses a loved one in a car crash in South Carolina, Mr. Jeffcoat can help them demand justice by filing a wrongful death claim on their behalf. This could be an option for the family of Rene Gustavo Villanueva Rodriguez, a 39-year-old man who sustained fatal internal blunt force trauma in a collision earlier in August. The investigation is ongoing; however, police have said that it appears Rodriguez lost control of the vehicle. If this loss of control was due to mechanical malfunction, the family may be able to sue the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts.
Even if you think you may have been partially at fault for a car crash, you may still be able to recover compensation for your losses, given that South Carolina is a shared fault state. Protect your legal rights by contacting Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers today at (803) 200-2000. Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers is proud to serve residents throughout Richland, Columbia, Lexington, and beyond.