Car Accidents Lawyers

A car accident can change your life in an instant. One moment, you are running errands or commuting to work, and the next you are in physical pain, need medical care, have lost wages, and are unable to pay your bills. It can be difficult to know where to turn to get relief, but there is help available. 

Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC is a local law firm that takes South Carolina car accident cases throughout York County. Our auto accident attorneys take these many burdens off your shoulders and give you instant peace of mind, knowing your case is moving in the right direction. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. 

Car Accidents in South Carolina Are Serious and Deadly

Most people can’t avoid spending time on the roadways. But doing so involves taking a risk. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, traffic collisions in this state have reached a 10-year high. 

There is a traffic collision in this state every 3.6 minutes. In 2021 alone, this state had over 147,000 vehicle collisions, resulting in over 53,000 injuries and nearly 1,200 deaths. The primary contributing factor in both fatal and non-fatal accidents was driver error. Specifically, the common causes of these collisions include:

• Driving too fast for conditions
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Improper lane usage/change
• Following too closely
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Disregarded traffic signs/signals
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Fatigued driving

South Carolina is an at-fault state regarding auto insurance, meaning the responsible party should be held accountable for the damage they cause. To prove fault and collect compensation, you must demonstrate that the other party was negligent. 

It’s not always easy to determine who is at fault for an accident. If the other party was cited for a moving violation, this can strengthen your case. You might think you won’t have a claim if you were involved in a single-car accident, but this isn’t always true. If a road hazard or defective part caused your accident, another party could be held accountable. We urge you to reach out to us to discuss your options. 

Common Injuries Associated with Motor Vehicle Accidents

The injuries suffered by innocent victims of vehicle collisions range from minor to severe. An accident victim may recover after a few medical treatments or, in severe cases, require a lifetime of medical care and be left with permanent disabilities. The type and severity of injuries usually depend on the accident circumstances and other factors. The most common injuries caused by car accidents include:

• Whiplash
• Concussion
• Lacerations
• Back and neck injuries
• Broker and fractured bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Internal injuries
• Burns
• Soft tissue injuries
• Paralysis

If your injuries limit your ability to do routine tasks, spend time with your family, or hold gainful employment, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of these limitations. The negligent party should be held financially accountable for your damages. 

Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve in a South Carolina Car Accident Case

The car accident attorneys at Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC, have a strong track record of helping clients who’ve suffered auto accident injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Every car accident case results in monetary costs, which are damages you can claim for destroyed property, past and future medical bills, lost wages, and lost earning capacity. You can also claim other damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

To correctly calculate and prove damages in one of these cases, we often retain professionals such as expert accountants and financial analysts. When an insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement, we have no reservations about taking your case to court to achieve the best possible results. 

Steps to Take After a South Carolina Car Crash

The minutes, hours, days, and weeks following your vehicle collision can impact the direction of your personal injury case. Here are some of the steps we recommend that protect you and your rights.

1. Call the Authorities

It’s always a good idea to call 911 when you’ve been involved in an accident. This provides additional documentation, and the authorities might issue a citation if the other driver was at fault. 

2. Document as Much as Possible

Secure as much documentation as you can from the accident scene. This includes the other drivers and any witness information, photos of the scene and damage, and video footage. 

3. Get Medical Care

Make sure you seek appropriate medical care following your crash so you can document your injuries and get the treatment you need. Even if you don’t feel hurt, get checked out. Some injuries won’t become evident until several hours or days following a crash. 

4. Use Caution with Insurance Companies

While your claim needs to be reported to insurance, use caution with these companies. Don’t sign anything, avoid admitting fault, and don’t agree to a recorded statement. 

5. Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer

Speak with a knowledgeable and experienced local car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. This will give you the support you need moving forward. Your attorney can take over communication with the insurance company, explain all legal language, and ensure the responsible parties are held accountable for your harm. 

Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer to Schedule a Free Consultation

While you could handle a car accident claim on your own, it makes more sense to partner with an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney who will fiercely advocate for your interests while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery. At Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC, one of our goals is to do just that as we fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. 

When we handle your car accident case, you won’t pay us a dime upfront. We only get paid when we win compensation on your behalf. Please call us at (844) 843-1589 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We have offices in Fort Mill, Baxter Village, Lake Wylie, and Rock Hill, and we handle cases in Nashville by appointment.