There are thousands of traffic collision injuries across South Carolina every year, with nearly 2,000 of those occurring here in Lexington County during one recent year alone. But you are not a statistic. You’re a person with rights worth pursuing, and Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers can help you accomplish this goal.
With over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of success, we can empathize with your financial and emotional needs at this difficult time. We also know how to get the best settlement deal possible for you and your family, all while treating you with a high level of care and respect. When we take on your case, we will be by your side throughout the entire legal process.
Our law firm handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. In other words, you pay no upfront costs or fees, so there is no risk in letting us go to work for you. Contact our offices or call at (803) 373-1302 or complete the contact form today to schedule a 100% no-obligation, free consultation.
We Handle All Types of Lexington, SC Car Accidents
Your legal needs will depend on the kind of collision that occurred, but not to worry. Our car accident lawyers in Lexington, SC, have experience handling a wide variety of car accident cases.
For instance, common types of car accidents that result in personal injury claims include:
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe (T-bone) accidents
- Single-car accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
Causes of Car Accidents in Lexington, South Carolina
At Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, our car accident lawyers in Lexington, SC, will investigate your accident thoroughly to determine the true cause of the collision. This is essential to firmly establish your legal claim.
The following are some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents we have seen.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is one of the top causes of all motor vehicle accidents. Easily preventable, distracted driving counts as doing anything that takes your focus away from the task of driving.
Common distracted driving behaviors include:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Eating or drinking
- Programming the GPS
- Adjusting the stereo
- Posting or checking social media
- Applying makeup or grooming
Driving while distracted is dangerous since it can lead to speeding, tailgating, reduced reaction times, inability to keep a vehicle in its own lane, and other unsafe driving behaviors.
Speeding
Some drivers have the faulty mentality that “everyone speeds,” so it must not be a big deal. However, there are posted speed limits for a reason. Speed limits are designed to keep drivers safe and allow them enough time to brake for vehicles or other obstacles, depending on road conditions.
If you are going 60 in a 45 mph zone, you may not be able to stop in time for a red light or brake for a tree branch that has fallen into the road. Speed limits are not set arbitrarily. A lot of studies, engineering, and research go into deciding speed limits that will keep both drivers and pedestrians safe.
Drunk driving
It is against the law to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or higher in South Carolina. Sadly, though everyone is aware of the dangers of drunk driving, this unlawful behavior continues to be the cause of many accidents every year.
Alcohol can result in:
- Reduced reaction times
- Poor judgment
- Reduced ability to concentrate
- Depth perception issues
- Blurry vision
- Loss of coordination
Thus, an intoxicated driver may not be able to sense dangerous situations, react appropriately to a hazard, or control his or her vehicle. Drugs can have similar effects as well.
Reckless driving
While many car accidents result from negligence or carelessness, others are caused by drivers intentionally operating their vehicles in an unsafe manner. Reckless driving is a serious traffic offense that can result in fines, points on your driver’s license, and even jail time.
The following are some reckless driving behaviors:
- Excessive speed
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Failing to pull over for emergency vehicles
- Swerving in between lanes
- Racing other vehicles
- Ignoring traffic lights or signals
- Failing to merge at the right time
Unsafe lane changes
Every driver has an obligation to exercise caution when changing lanes. Drivers should always check their mirrors, look over their shoulders, and only change lanes when there is adequate space to do so safely. Failure to do so can result in major accidents.
Negligent actions that could result in lane change accidents include:
- Failure to signal
- Changing lanes where not permitted
- Driving while distracted
- Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Failure to ensure a lane is clear before entering
Common Lexington, SC Car Accident Injuries
The Lexington car accident lawyers at our law firm understand that even a seemingly minor injury can completely derail your life. As your lawyers, we will do everything we can to get your life back on track after being injured in a car accident.
Our auto accident lawyers represent clients who have sustained various injuries, including but not limited to:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Chest injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Concussions
- Eye injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of a limb
- Burn injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
Feel free to contact us to schedule a case consultation even if you are still recovering from your injuries. We can schedule a video call or meet at a time and place convenient to you.
Who Is Liable for Your Motor Vehicle Accident?
Car accidents are not always straightforward, and various factors can contribute to a collision. You may be surprised to learn that several parties – not just the other driver – may be liable for your collision and resulting damages.
In South Carolina, you can potentially seek compensation from anyone whose negligence caused you harm.
Parties who might share responsibility for your injuries and losses include:
- Bicyclists
- Pedestrians
- Bus drivers
- Transit companies
- Car manufacturers
- Parts manufacturers
- Construction companies
- Delivery companies
- Trucking companies
- Truck leasing companies
- Government agencies
A car accident claim or lawsuit may allow you to recover compensation from individuals or companies whom you may not have initially thought of as being responsible for your collision.
Why Hire a Lexington Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be wondering whether it’s worth it to hire a personal injury lawyer. While it is true that you can file a claim on your own, there are many benefits to having a lawyer on your side. For example, car accident attorneys can help smooth out the following phases of a legal claim.
Communicating with the insurance company
Obtaining full compensation from the insurance company is not usually easy. Insurance companies do not care about your best interests. Rather, their goal is to get your case settled quickly and for as low of an amount as possible – to save money.
Insurers will look for excuses to deny your claim or reduce what they pay you, perhaps using tactics such as:
- Claiming your injuries were pre-existing rather than caused by the accident
- Trying to place all or part of the blame on you
- Calling you and trying to trick you into saying something that can be used to deny or reduce your claim
- Offering you a low and fast settlement
- Attempting to intimidate you into accepting less money than your claim is worth
As your car accident attorneys, we will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. Our goal is to get you full and fair compensation for your losses.
Gathering evidence and investigating your case
After taking on your car accident case, we will use our extensive resources to fully investigate the cause. We will gather evidence to determine what happened and to prove who was at fault.
Your Lexington personal injury lawyer may present evidence against the other driver, such as:
- Reports filed by law enforcement officers who responded to the accident scene
- Photographs of property damage, debris, injuries, and road conditions that were taken at the accident site
- Statements from anyone who was an eyewitness
- Video surveillance or dashcam footage if available
- Documentation of medical bills, car repairs, and other losses
Unfortunately, evidence essential in proving fault can quickly be lost or destroyed after an accident. For this reason, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible to start working on your case immediately.
Consulting and hiring expert witnesses
Car accident lawyers often rely on the testimony of expert witnesses while building cases for their clients. An expert witness is a professional with specialized skills, experience, knowledge, and training in a specific area.
The value of expert testimony is, potentially, immense. Expert witnesses can clarify technical aspects, provide medical expertise, and assess economic damages.
Lawyers may consult the following experts when handling car accident claims:
- Accident reconstructionists
- Medical experts
- Mental health professionals
- Economists
- Vocational experts
At Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, we care about building a strong claim on your behalf. So we may use expert witnesses to bring clarity to complex issues and lend credibility to your case. Their valuable input can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Negotiating a fair settlement
A personal injury lawyer will know how to accurately calculate the value of your claim. Your lawyer may send a demand letter to your insurance company explaining how much compensation is requested and the reason for that amount.
Car accident attorneys have various tactics at their disposal when negotiating higher settlements. Ultimately, your lawyer will present compelling evidence of your accident-related losses and negotiate for fair compensation.
Most Lexington car accident cases are settled through out-of-court negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend taking legal action by filing a lawsuit.
Litigating your case in court
When negotiations with the insurance company fail, your car accident lawyer may recommend taking further legal action. Insurers generally want to avoid the expense of a trial, so filing a lawsuit in court may push them into a settlement.
Even after the lawsuit is filed, your lawyer will likely continue to try to resolve your case through out-of-court negotiations. However, if an agreement still cannot be reached by a certain point, then your lawyer will be ready and able to take your case to court.
At trial, both parties will present their evidence and arguments before a judge and jury, who will then decide the outcome of the case.
Damages Available After a Lexington, SC Car Accident
The cost of a car accident can be overwhelming, both economically and emotionally. Thus, if someone else caused your accident and injuries, you may be eligible to recover compensation according to the losses you suffered and how your life has changed.
“Damages” is the term used to describe the types of monetary compensation that may be awarded to car accident victims. The damages you may be able to attain are separated into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
When you choose Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to represent you, our experienced team of personal injury attorneys will put together a car accident case tailored to your specific circumstances and designed to secure a full financial recovery for you.
Economic damages
Economic damages are calculable costs incurred as a direct result of the motor vehicle accident.
The following may be counted as economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of future earning potential
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages are characterized as intangible losses that cannot be easily calculated. These generally have to do with the emotional effects of an accident and injury.
In car accident cases, a victim may be awarded the following non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages
A third form of damages, known as punitive damages, may be awarded to car accident victims. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not awarded as compensation.
Rather, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior. A judge may award punitive damages when a driver’s actions are found to be intentional or especially reckless, such as in a drunk driving case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer in Lexington, SC
Were you involved in a car accident that has left you with painful, debilitating injuries? Did it happen because someone else failed to obey the rules of the road and drive carefully?
Whether you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, the victims of a collision should not have to pay the financial price for someone else’s negligence. Rather, you have hope. A car accident lawyer in Lexington, SC, can help you file your local claim and recover compensation for your injuries.
Contact Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers before evidence is lost and before an insurance company tries to take advantage of you. Our car accident lawyers in Lexington, SC, are able to file all necessary paperwork, deal with insurance companies, protect your rights, and recover maximum compensation for you.
With over 20 years of experience advocating for car accident victims in South Carolina, we understand how a serious injury can affect your life and what you need to recover. So let our experienced legal team help you!
Reach our car accident lawyers in Lexington, SC, today by calling (803) 373-1302 to schedule your free consultation today. Or, if you prefer, contact us by filling out the form below.
Lexington Injury Lawyer Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I could not have hoped for a better experience with the Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers! After a car accident that wasn’t my fault, I didn’t really know what to do. So I reached out to a couple of places and I just didn’t get a good feeling from any of them. From the first time I called Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers until the resolution of my case, they were consistently available, friendly, responsive and informative! Ms. Betsy initially helped me when I first reached out to them. I left a voicemail around 5:30 pm and she called me back that evening from her home just to talk to me and hear my story. She made me feel comfortable and confident, answered all of my questions and was so kind every time I spoke with her. Jess Harrell is who worked with me primarily and was CONSTANTLY available anytime I had a question! Phone calls, texts or emails, she never complained and made me feel welcome. She explained the whole process to me and made sure I understood everything each step of the way!
I would recommend the Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to anyone! If I ever have a situation where I need an attorney I won’t hesitate to work with them again!” – Sarah Truel.
Every case is different. You should not believe your case will get the same result.
