Charleston Car Accident Lawyer

When you are on the road, you try to be as careful as possible. Unfortunately, the same can’t always be said of other drivers. Some drivers drive distracted, disobey the rules of the road, drive intoxicated and engage in other behaviors that make the streets and highways dangerous places to be.

The injuries you may suffer from a car accident can be life-changing. It’s time to call a Charleston car accident lawyer if someone else’s negligence led to your injury.

If you or a loved one are injured in a Charleston car accident, don’t hesitate to call Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys at 843-701-8029. Read on to find out how we can get you the compensation you deserve.

Types of Car Accidents in Charleston

The Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney handles all types of Charleston car accidents. These include:

• Drunk driving accidents: Driving under the influence results in a lack of judgment and poor decision making that can cause a wreck. While drivers are considered intoxicated at a BAC of .08, many can have impaired perception before they reach that level. Drugs and medication can result in a dangerous situation as well.
• Distracted driving accidents: In today’s busy world, drivers get distracted easily. While electronic devices are a main cause of accidents, people may also lose focus because they are looking at billboards, eating, putting on makeup, or just caught up in their own thoughts.
• Disobeying the rules of the road: There are many rules in place made to keep the road safe, but some drivers don’t obey them. They pass red lights and stop signs, speed, tail gate, and more. Even failing to turn on a blinker can cause an accident.
• Manufacturing error accidents: Car accidents aren’t always the fault of the driver. They can also be caused by faulty parts. For example, the brakes or steering can give out and cause a crash. When these types of accidents happen, they are potentially the fault of the car manufacturer or mechanic.
• Road obstruction accidents: Accidents can also be caused by obstructions in the road such as potholes and debris. They can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles or swerve causing an accident. When a road obstruction accident occurs, the city or a construction company working on the road could be at fault.

Charleston Car Accident Collision Types We Handle

There are various types of collisions that can occur on the road. These include:

• Rear-end collisions: Rear end collisions occur when a driver hits into the back of the car in front of them. They are often caused by speeding or distracted driving. A rear end collision is almost always the fault of the driver in the back.
• T-bone collisions: T-bone collisions involve one car driving straight into the side of another car causing a T-shape. They commonly occur at intersections when one driver is trying to turn without enough clearance to do so, or when another driver cuts off a driver trying to turn. It can be difficult to establish fault in a T-bone accident.
• Sideswipe collisions: Sideswipe collisions usually happen when one driver tries to get over without seeing the car to the side of them. It causes the cars to hit each other on the side. Because the cars don’t hit head on, impact is generally not as great as it is in other types of accidents, so the drivers are less likely to get seriously injured.
• Vehicle rollovers: Vehicle rollovers can occur when a driver takes a sharp turn at a high speed. They are more likely to happen in SUVs and commercial trucks when they are loaded top-heavy. They are extremely dangerous and can cause other drivers to crash.
• Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are another type of extremely dangerous accident. They typically happen when a driver is going the wrong way or drifts into the wrong lane. They are usually caused by intoxicated or fatigued driving.

Common Types of Charleston Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injury victims can sustain all manner of harm. Car accident injuries usually worsen from more-severe impact forces. We represent car accident victims who suffer:

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): It’s not uncommon for people to hit their heads into the dashboard, steering wheel, air bag or windows during impact. This can lead to concussions or more serious TBIs which can cause permanent damage.
• Whiplash: Whiplash is caused by a rapid back and forth movement of the neck that occurs during a collision. It may go away on its own, but in some cases, it will cause ongoing pain and limited movement. It can also cause a spinal injury.
• Broken bones: Broken or fractured bones will usually heal in time, but is some instances, they may lead to surgery, limited movement and ongoing pain.
• Burns: Car crash burns can occur if a car catches fire or if a hot part of a car or car liquid comes into contact with skin. Burns can cause disfigurement, scarring and infection and may require surgery.
• Spinal cord injuries: A spinal cord injury can lead to various disabilities and even paralysis.
• Amputations: If a limb or extremity is severely injured in a car crash, it may need to be amputated.
• Organ damage: During a collision, drivers and passengers can be thrown into the steering wheel or dashboard causing trauma to the torso area where major organs such as the heart, liver, and kidney are located. Organ damage may not be apparent at first, but internal bleeding can be quite serious.

It’s always best to seek immediate medical treatment after a car accident occurs in Charleston so that the healing process can begin.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident Happens?

The steps you take directly after a car accident happens can make all the difference in building a strong case. Here are the actions we recommend:

Get to safety

Your priority should be to get to safety. If possible, get the car out of the way of traffic. If the car is not functioning, the passengers should get to a safe spot. If a victim is seriously injured, it is best not to move them until medical help arrives.

Call the police

The police will create a report that can be used as evidence in your case.

Document the scene

If you feel well enough, take pictures of the accident scene. Capture all areas of damage and take pictures from various angles. You should also used your phone or a pen and paper to take notes of what happened while it’s fresh in your mind.

Get contact info

Gather the contact info of everyone who was involved in the accident as well as witnesses on the scene. They may be able to testify on your behalf in court.

Seek medical help

It’s always best to get medical help directly after a serious accident occurs. Your injuries might not be apparent at first, but if you wait a few days for them to worsen, the defendant may claim they were not a direct result of the accident. If you see a doctor right away, they will create a medical record that establishes the cause of your injuries.

Don’t admit guilt

It’s important not to say anything to the police, another driver, or an insurance company that may make you seem guilty. Never say “I’m sorry’ or indicate that your actions put you at fault for the accident in any way.

Call our car accident lawyers

You should speak to a lawyer before discussing details of an accident with an insurance company. An insurance company’s main goal is to pay out as little as possible. They may even skew your words to make it seem as if you caused the accident. A lawyer will know exactly what to say to an insurance company and they will ensure you’re fairly represented.

What Type of Damages Can I Collect from a Car Accident? 

The damages you are able to collect from a car accident may include:

• Loss of wages: This covers wages lost for any time you had to take off work to recover from the accident.
• Loss of future earning potential: This will come into play if you were so badly injured that you are unable to return to your current job or are unable to work in any capacity.
• Medical expenses: These damages pertain to expenses to cover immediate and future medical needs necessary due to the injuries you sustained.
• Emotional pain and suffering: Many people suffer from PTSD after an accident. Damages will cover the reduced quality of life and the expense of psychiatric care.
• Property damage: This pertains to any damage to the vehicle as well as the surrounding property.

Contact the Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney in Charleston to Begin Your Car Accident Case

If you want to receive fair compensation for your car accident injuries in Charleston, building a strong case is essential. You need to be firm with the insurance company about your demands. Our team at the Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys will gather evidence and fight relentlessly to get you a proper settlement. We will represent you in court if it comes to it.

The lawyers at Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys have deep knowledge of South Carolina personal injury law, and compassion for the injured and their families. We’ll work hard to get you the justice you deserve.

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t delay, call Trey!