Sumter Car Accident Lawyer

If you, or a family member, have been the victim of an auto accident that was not your fault, you may be interested in finding a Sumter car accident lawyer to represent you in a car accident claim.

Deas Law Firm has handled numerous auto accident cases and is very familiar with car accident law and the principles of negligence as they are applied in these cases. Call us today to discuss your case!

In the event you or a loved one have been the victim of a drunk driver, Deas Law Firm is the best accident lawyer in the area and will do everything in our power to hold that person accountable, and help you get accident compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

The Role of a Car Accident Attorney

When someone is involved in a car accident, the immediate aftermath of events to deal with can be extremely overwhelming. This makes it vital to seek help from a car accident attorney. These legal professionals are well-versed in South Carolina law and can help navigate the nuances specific to each car crash. The advocacy that one gets when hiring a Sumter car accident lawyer can be invaluable for minimizing confusion and stress, which would otherwise be difficult to manage alone.

A car accident lawyer has a multifaceted role. They can first act as a guide to help their clients understand the legal procedures that are to come and what rights they have in each step. Providing this base-level understanding can help their clients better understand the law and make more informed decisions when needed.

Attorneys are also skilled negotiators. This can be critical when an original offer from the opposing counsel or an insurance company is underwhelming. It’s not uncommon for insurance providers to minimize the full amount of compensation they offer, especially toward individuals who are not represented by an attorney. When compensation is depended on to satisfy costs like medical bills and lost wages, it’s important to fight for what is truly deserved.

In addition to these responsibilities, a car accident attorney can also:

Gather and Analyze Evidence

Every case needs solid evidence to support the plaintiff’s claim of what happened and what a decision rooted in justice would be like. This is why an attorney can spend significant time collecting police reports, witness statements, medical records, and even an accident reconstructionist report if necessary. They have been trained on how to collect and present compelling evidence to prove liability and the extent of their client’s injuries.

Representation in Court

While it is possible to settle a car accident case out of court, an attorney can also be prepared to go to trial if needed. At this point in a case, having a competent car accident attorney next to you in the courtroom becomes even more critical to your success. They can present your case and cross-examine each witness. Your Sumter vehicle accident attorney can also object to any evidence that is misaligned with the facts of the case.

Emotional Support

While an attorney is not a therapist who can analyze and diagnose your own feelings, the knowledge and confidence that they can instill in their clients can be a huge morale boost. Any insecurities over not knowing what comes next in the case or missing an important deadline can be nonexistent when hiring an attorney. All this can significantly reduce a client’s stress and anxiety, allowing them to focus all their energy on their own responsibilities within the case.

Launch an Appeal

If you are upset with the results of your case, an attorney can assess your likelihood of winning the case if you were to advance an appeal. Once you and your attorney have consulted and agreed to appeal, the attorney can take the first action to alert the court. During the trial, they can make a case for why the original verdict needs to be overturned.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen for many reasons, from driver error to outside conditions. Some of the most common causes of vehicle accidents include:

• Distracted driving: Any activity that takes a driver’s full attention off the road is considered an act of distracted driving. Texting is one of the most common in today’s world, but it could also include eating, adjusting the music, or using a GPS.
• Speeding: It’s illegal to drive over the speed limit, but that, unfortunately, does not stop the act from happening across Sumter on a daily basis. Speeding is actually one of the leading causes of accidents. The faster that one drives, the more difficult it can be to react to a sudden change or an obstacle in the way.
• Driving under the influence: It is illegal to operate a vehicle after drinking alcohol or using drugs. This is because it impairs the ability to make appropriate judgments, which is essential for driving safely on the road. The resultant significant reduction in reaction time and motor skills has contributed to a ton of serious accidents across South Carolina.
• Reckless driving: Everyone is familiar with the term “road rage,” but they may be less familiar with how this behavior can be the cause of a car accident. Decisions such as changing lanes quickly, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals can lead to dangerous situations and accidents.
• Weather conditions: It’s always recommended that you keep an eye on the weather before driving. This is because poor weather conditions, like rain, snow, and fog, can turn an ordinary drive into a hazard. Slippery roads and reduced visibility are two of the most common weather conditions that cause the most accidents, especially when drivers neglect to adjust their driving habits to accommodate these conditions.
• Driver fatigue: You may have heard the expression that driving tired is just as bad as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This is because tired drivers also have slower reaction times and reduced attention to the road. In the most extreme cases, falling asleep behind the wheel can also lead to a car crash, either into another car or alone on the side of the road.
• Vehicle defects: Sometimes, an accident can happen due to a vehicle malfunctioning. This could include a brake failure, a blown-out tire, or even steering issues. Staying on top of regular maintenance needs and prompt repairs when needed can help avoid accidents due to vehicle defects.
• Road conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, or a lack of proper signage can all lead to car crashes. While authorities are responsible for maintaining the quality and safety of the roads, drivers are still required to remain cautious and alert throughout their entire trip to avoid causing an accident.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Car Accidents

Car accidents can lead to many types of injuries with a range of severity. Some of these include:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

A whiplash injury happens when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward. This strains the neck muscles and ligaments. It’s a common injury in rear-end collisions that can result in chronic neck pain and migraines. While symptoms may not appear right away, they can develop over a few days. In the most severe type of whiplash cases, an individual could experience prolonged periods of reduced mobility that might require physical therapy sessions to treat.

Head Injuries

Mild head concussions from a car accident can cause temporary disorientation or headaches, while more severe cases could result in long-term traumatic brain injuries. This could lead to long-term cognitive issues, motor function impairment, or changes in personality from depression.

Broken Bones

The impact of a vehicle collision can put a tremendous amount of force on the human body. This can lead to fractures or broken bones. Common bones that are broken as a result of a car accident include ribs, arms, legs, and the pelvic area. These types of injuries are known to be extremely painful, and they could require surgery to remediate.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Based on the position where one sits while operating a vehicle, injuries to the back and spinal cord become a major concern. These can range from strain in the lower back to severe spinal cord damage, which can result in indefinite paralysis. The most common forms of treatment for back and spinal injuries include surgery, long-term medication, and a lot of time with a physical therapist to re-learn basic movements under the new physical constraints.

Lacerations and Bruises

The amount of broken glass and metal fragments that can be thrown around during a car collision can cause lacerations and bruises to the driver. While some of these injuries will heal quickly, others could have penetrated deep into the skin and require stitches or surgery. In the most extreme cases, severe lacerations can lead to a significant amount of blood loss, scars, or infection.

Internal Injuries

Some injuries could go unnoticed after a car accident, such as internal injuries. Some examples include internal bleeding and organ damage. While they might not be apparent at first glance, they can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention to resolve. Different diagnostic tests, like CT scans and MRIs, can help identify the exact nature of the injury and what treatments could be effective.

Psychological Trauma

In addition to the physical injuries sustained from a car accident, the psychological impact can be just as debilitating. This could include PTSD, anxiety, depression, or even the development of a new phobia, like traveling in vehicles. A lot of these mental conditions will need to receive long-term treatment, such as a combination of therapy and medicine, to improve the individual’s daily life and overall well-being.

Burn Injuries

Fires, explosions, or forced contact with hot surfaces and fluids are all events that commonly happen after a car accident. These injuries can range from first-degree burns, which rest on top of the skin, to third-degree burns, which cause deep damage to multiple layers of skin. The more severe the burn, the more likely an individual will have to be hospitalized for treatment. They could also face long-term implications, such as scars or disfigurement.

Amputations

The need for an amputation can happen during or after a car accident. A traumatic amputation during an accident would be a direct result of the impact, like a severed arm or leg. There could also be a scenario where a surgeon needs to amputate a certain body part due to irreparable damage. Amputations not only require immediate medical attention, but they could also require prosthetics and long-term rehabilitation to adjust.

Wrongful Death

Cases involving tractor-trailer accidents can be vastly different than a simple auto accident. If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer and the accident was not your fault then Deas Law Firm is ready to represent you. We are Sumter’s top auto accident attorney, call us today to discuss the details and see if you have a viable case.

If somebody dies or is killed due to negligence or misconduct of another, survivors may file a wrongful death suit. Deas Law Firm has experience with cases involving wrongful death and will work for you to ensure you receive compensation like loss of companionship, funeral costs, and lost wages of the deceased.

If you have lost a family member, contact us today to discuss your legal rights and your potential case.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

A: The first thing to do is ensure your own personal safety and that of everyone else involved. Move to a safe location, if possible, to stay out of harm’s way while checking for injuries. You should then call for emergency services, including a medic and police officer.

If you can, document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, the condition of the roads, and any visible injuries you have. Also, be sure to exchange contact information with the other drivers involved. Avoid making any statements that could be used against you later in court.

Q: How Do I File an Insurance Claim After an Accident?

A: You want to notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information you can, such as the date, time, location, and description of what happened before and after the accident. Your insurance company will guide you through the process of establishing your claim, which may require you to submit photos of the accident and certain medical reports.

While this process is going on, it’s important to connect with an auto accident attorney who can supervise the entire process. They can make sure that the insurance company is not withholding sufficient support.

Q: Can I Claim Compensation for Emotional Distress After a Car Accident?

A: Yes, there can be grounds to file for emotional distress after a car accident. This type of claim falls under non-economic damages, and it must include evidence that you are experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, or other documented psychological effects from a medical professional.

Evidence showing your emotional distress is imperative for receiving the compensation you seek, as it can be tricky to prove that you are genuinely experiencing these emotions. By documenting your experiences and seeking psychological counseling, you and your personal injury attorney can work together and seek this form of additional compensation.

Q: How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident Case?

A: Determining fault in a car accident will require a deep investigation into all the available evidence, South Carolina law, and the specifics of the accident. Key factors include police reports, witness statements, traffic laws, and evidence directly from the accident scene. In some cases, determining fault will be relatively straightforward, while others may require an accident reconstructionist to better understand exactly what happened.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

At Deas Law Firm, we work tirelessly for you to make sure you are fairly compensated on your personal injury case. From slip and fall cases or even catastrophic injury cases, Deas Law Firm is ready to fight for you and your rights. Call us today or fill out the online form to discuss your personal injury case.