Mount Pleasant Car Accident Lawyer Near You

Frequent Asked Questions about Car Accident Claims

• Can I get compensation after a car crash?
• What does it mean to make a claim against an insurance company?
• What is the car accident claim process?
• What is the average auto accident settlement?
• Are juries involved in car crash trials?
• What is a personal injury attorney?
• Should I hire a car accident lawyer?
• Types of car accidents
• Injuries caused by car accidents
• How to obtain a police accident report
• What makes motor vehicle accidents so dangerous?
• Does a car accident settlement affect SSDI (Social Security Disability) benefits?
• Does a car accident settlement affect SSI Benefits?
• Who is at fault when there is an accident at an intersection with flashing lights?

 

Who Is Responsible for Medical Bills after a Car Accident?

A common question that people who have been injured in automobile accidents have is who will be responsible for paying their medical bills. Accident victims may be left facing staggering medical bills combined with a reduced ability to earn an income. If you have been injured in an accident, it is important for you to understand the collateral source rule.

The collateral source rule is a common law principle that states that the person who is responsible for causing your accident because of negligence cannot have the amount that he or she is ordered to pay you reduced by payments that may have been made by an independent source. For example, if the liable party is found to be responsible for causing $100,000 in medical expenses for your injuries, that amount cannot be reduced by amounts that your insurance company might pay out of the total amount.

If the other driver caused your accident, his or her insurance company will pay for your medical expenses up to the policy limits for bodily injury in a car accident settlement or a verdict award. Until you receive the payment from the at-fault driver’s policy, your own health insurance will pay your medical bills. If you do not have health insurance, your attorneys will work to negotiate down the total amount that you have to pay for your medical costs. 

Who Will Repair My Car?

Another common question that accident victims have is who will pay to fix or replace their vehicle. If your car is repairable, and the at-fault party has accepted liability, their insurance company will pay to have your vehicle repaired. If your car is repairable, and the at-fault party has not accepted responsibility, the situation is different. If you have full coverage, your insurance company will pay to repair your vehicle. The company will then pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance company for reimbursement after liability is determined in your case.

If your vehicle is totaled out, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will determine the value of your vehicle and write you a check – if the driver has accepted liability. If not they have not acknowledged liability and you have full coverage insurance, you can submit a claim to your insurance company to replace your vehicle. When the at-fault driver is determined to be liable in your case, your insurance company will try to recoup reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Always get a police report if you have been involved in a car accident in Mount Pleasant. Contact the local police department at 100 Ann Edwards Ln, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

Every car accident case is different. There isn’t a single, easy answer for determining how much a particular case is worth. The amount that you might expect to receive in compensation for your accident will depend on a number of different factors, including the nature, severity, and extent of your injuries, the likelihood that you will recover, the time that you have lost from work, your medical bills, and other factors. Your attorney will analyze the facts of your case to calculate an estimated value of your case.

Will I Get Compensated for Lost Wages After a Car Accident?

If you have income losses because you were forced to miss work because of your injury accident, the amounts are recoverable in your personal injury claim. However your income losses and the amount of time you have missed from your job must be documented by your employer. You can also show your doctor’s order to not work during your recovery period.

Your tax returns will be important if you are self-employed. This is because you have the burden of proving your income losses and other damages. You may also need to hire an economist as an expert witness to prove that your accident resulted in income losses and will likely reduce your ability to earn an income in the future.

Can I Get Compensation for Pain and Suffering?

in South Carolina, pain and suffering damages are considered non-economic or general damages. Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for physical pain as well as emotional distress car accident compensation you may be entitled to after your accident. Juries are instructed there is no set standard for determining the amount of compensation awarded for pain and suffering or whether to award damages at at all. Jurors are supposed to use their own reasoning, in addition to testimony and evidence they have been presented at trial, to decide what amount of compensation is appropriate to award for pain and suffering.

How Much Is the Average Car Accident Settlement?

Every case is unique. You can’t just call up a personal injury attorney and expect to find out what type of settlement you will receive for car accident injuries. Your attorney will review evidence and expenses from your case to determine a range of value for a reasonable settlement amount.

Recent South Carolina Car Accident Settlements 

How much compensation am I entitled to for a car accident case? It can be difficult to determine accurate averages for car accident settlements because of numerous factors in car wreck cases. Severity of injuries plays a role, as well as how debilitating your injuries are, and whether you were at fault at all for the accident. How much compensation you will receive for a car accident in South Carolina varies based on the circumstances. According to our internal settlement data, the average South Carolina car accident settlement ranges from $98,284 to $250,000. Every car accident case is different, so it is advised to speak with an experienced accident lawyer near you for an accurate case evaluation.

At the Lovely Law Firm, we have helped numerous clients recover substantial compensation settlements after a serious car accident. Below are examples of settlements we have won for our clients in Mount Pleasant and the the nearby region:

• MVA Tractor Trailer Illegal U-Turn with Lights Off – $8,000,000
• MVA Car Wreck Rear Ended By Dump Truck – $725,000 
• MVA Rollover Case – $419,047
• MVA Drunk Driver With Tesla in Auto Pilot – $305,852
• MVA Failure to Yield Accident – $250,000
• MVA Head on Collision with Drunk Driver – $250,000
• MVA Hit and Run Accident Failure to Yield – $211,000 
• MVA Sideswiped By at Fault Fleeing From Police – $138,832
• MVA Hit and Run Accident Failure to Yield – $110,000
• MVA Car Wreck Collision with Drunk Driver – $98,284
• MVA Rear-ended by a Dump Truck – $65,000

Tractor Trailer Illegal U-Turn with Lights Off Accident Settlement

Hit and Run Failure to Yield Accident Settlement

 

 

Motor Vehicle Collision with Drunk Driver Accident Settlement

 

Jury Instructions on How to Calculate Damages

If your claim goes to a jury trial, the jury will receive instructions from the judge about potential damage amounts. Your attorney may ask for the jury to receive instructions about actual damages, loss of enjoyment of life, personal injuries, prospective damages, life expectancy impacts, punitive damages, recklessness, and punitive damages in negligence cases if applicable.

If the jury issues a verdict in your favor, the actual damages instruction informs them they must calculate the actual damages by determining what compensation you would need to get you back to the same place you were before your accident, as if it had never occurred. The loss of enjoyment of life instruction explains to the jury that if you have been limited by your injuries from being able to enjoy your life, that limitation can be compensated.

Personal injury instruction explains several things to the jury. The jury is instructed that your actual damages include noneconomic losses, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, impairment of your physical condition or health condition, and any disfigurement that you have suffered. Instructions to the jury include considering both past and future losses caused by your injuries. Plaintiffs may be able to recover future expected losses that they might incur as a result of their accidents and injuries.

Mental suffering instructions explain to the jury what constitutes mental suffering and that mental suffering is a recoverable loss. The life expectancy instruction may be used in cases in which the plaintiff has been seriously and permanently injured, resulting in permanent disability. Life expectancy instructions may also be given in wrongful death cases when the jury is calculating future income losses of the decedent’s income. The punitive damages instructions may be given to the jury in cases that involve defendants who have engaged in particularly egregious conduct. Punitive damages will not be available in every case however.

Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else, you should hire a car accident lawyer. You may be able handle on your own  a claim that only involves property damage, but injury claims are more complex. Hiring a car accident attorney for your injury claim can help you to ensure that you receive fair compensation for losses sustained in a car wreck.

What Is a Contingency Fee and How Does it Work?

Most car accident attorneys do not charge money upfront. Instead they practice under a contingency fee basis. A contingent fee is a percentage that a car accident attorney takes from the total amount of your settlement or verdict award. Contingency fees may range from one-third of your recovery amount to 40%. Choosing a lawyer based on the contingency fee percentage is not advisable in many cases. Some attorneys who are less experienced charge lower contingency fee percentages, while more experienced lawyers may charge higher contingency fee percentages. An experienced car accident attorney can also help you secure a Letter of Protection for any medical care you need. This can ensure your doctors provide top-tier care with the guarantee that they’ll be paid from the settlement you may receive.

Since car accident attorneys who work on a contingency fee basis will not be paid unless they recover compensation for you, they will likely only accept your case if you have a good chance of winning. When you meet with an attorney, ask about fees and contingency percentage. The lawyer should be able to provide you with an honest assessment of the likelihood of winning your claim and to give steps to take in the process.

Hit and Run Car Accidents: Who Should I Sue?

How to Recover Damages after a Hit and Run

Hit-and-run accidents occur everyday. Being injured in an automobile accident can be extremely costly: medical bills, lost time from work, and damaged vehicles. Usually damage is covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If you have been injured by an unknown at-fault driver who fled the scene,  there is no one to recover damages from. Fortunately, you can still recover damages to cover medical care for your injuries.

How Do I Recover Damages in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

When you are injured by a hit-and-run driver and the driver is not able to be identified, then your own car insurance company will bear the responsibility for your accident. The method by which you can recover damages from your insurance company depends on whether or not you live in a no-fault state. If you do live in a no-fault state, then you will simply file a claim with your car insurance to recover damages resulting from your accident. If you live in South Carolina, then you can receive compensation from your insurer by filing an uninsured motorist claim, as South Carolina is not a no-fault state. This is something best tackled with the help of an experienced hit and run accident lawyer near you. 

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is a mandatory insurance coverage in South Carolina that provides coverage when the at-fault driver has no insurance coverage. In South Carolina, uninsured motorist coverage also covers hit-and-run drivers, since the driver is unknown and thus cannot be located to determine insurance coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage will cover damages that you suffered as a result of your accident. If the coverage amount is not enough to take care of all of your damages, then you may be able to recover additional damages if you also have underinsured motorist coverage.

What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is an insurance that is optional in South Carolina. This insurance coverage kicks in if your uninsured motorist coverage is not high enough to cover all of your damages. This happens frequently in accidents involving severe injuries and property damage, so underinsured motorist coverage is recommended, even if it is not mandatory in South Carolina.

“Stacking” Insurance Policies

If there is more than one vehicle on your policy, then you may be able to “stack” your coverage for each of these vehicles in order to add up to an amount that will cover the damages that you suffered in your accident. This coverage is not always available, however, so it is a good idea to consult a hit and run attorney to determine whether this option is available for you.

Speak With a Hit and Run Lawyer in Mount Pleasant Today

Hit and Run Accidents can be tricky to bring but we know the rules to achieve your recovery. If you have been injured due to an accident caused by a driver who fled the scene, the experienced hit and run accident attorneys at the Lovely Law Firm are here to help you fight for the compensation that you deserve. To schedule a free case evaluation and have an auto accident attorney discuss your claim with you, call 843-839-4111 today.

How Do I Pick a Car Accident Lawyer in Mount Pleasant?

Multiple factors should go into your decision about the car accident lawyer that you choose to represent you in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. When you need an attorney, it is common for well-meaning family and friends to make recommendations of attorneys who have helped them. However, you should make certain that a lawyer that you consider focuses on car accidents and personal injury claims instead of being a general practitioner. Ask an attorney that you interview what percentage of his or her practice that he or she devotes to car accident claims. You should also ask about your attorney’s record and how many cases that he or she has taken to trial.

You can also research a potential accident attorney online. Complete a Google search of the attorney’s name, and read any Google reviews that you find. You can also check legal rating sites such as Avvo.com. Look for a personal injury lawyer who has a rating of 10 out of 10 on Avvo. It is also a good idea for you to choose a local attorney instead of hiring someone from somewhere else. Local personal injury lawyers know the court personnel and the judges. They also know the attorneys that make up the local defense bar and the insurance adjusters that handle the claims for different insurance companies in Mount Pleasant.

A local attorney may give you an edge in your claim. Since he or she will know all of the players, he or she can give you more insight about what to expect as your case progresses. Finally, choose a car accident lawyer who is active in the community. It is always best to pick a lawyer who believes in giving back and with whom you have a good rapport.

Choosing an attorney that you trust is important. When you retain a personal injury lawyer, you will need to work together with him or her for months or years as your case progresses. You should pick an attorney that you trust to give you good information and who will respond to your questions when you have them. A good attorney should be willing to keep you informed about your case and to explain each phase of the process. Learn more on South Carolina Car Seat Laws.

What is a Personal Injury Attorney?

A personal injury attorney is a tort lawyer. This type of attorney represents people who have been injured because of the negligent acts, negligent omissions, or intentional acts of other people or entities. Tort law encompasses many different types of claims, including the following:

 

• • Car Accidents (including 4 Way Stop Accidents and Left Turn Accidents)
  • Truck Accidents
  • Bus Related Accidents (Such as a Greyhound, Tri-County Link, or other accidents involving a shuttle bus)
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Bicycle Accidents
  • Rideshare and pedestrian accidents
  • Golf cart accidents
  • Slip and fall cases
  • Defective products claims
  • Civil assaults and batteries
  • Workplace injuries
  • Work Car Accidents – Who’s At Fault?
  • Moped Accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Construction accidents
  • High-speed police pursuit injuries 
  • Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Common Injuries with Nurses/Healthcare
  • Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

 

When you retain a car accident attorney, you will be hiring a personal injury lawyer whose practice includes representing people who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents because of the negligence of other drivers or parties.

Car Accident Facts/Statistics for Mount Pleasant

Car accidents can result in serious personal injuries or fatalities. If you have suffered an injury or have lost a loved one, you should talk to an experienced Mount Pleasant car accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer from our firm can assess your potential claim and provide you with an assessment of its value.

Not in Mount Pleasant? We serve many areas in South Carolina. Get in touch with one of our experienced car accident lawyers in Florence, car accident lawyers in North Charleston, car accident lawyers in Columbia, or car accident lawyers in Murrells Inlet.

What Our Clients Have To Say

 

Have You Been Hurt in a Car Accident? We Can Help

If you or someone close to you has been in a car accident, contact us for help.

You don’t have to face this situation alone. If you are asking yourself “Is there a car accident lawyer near me?” Our team can help you navigate through the steps you need to take. Watch the short video below.

IMPORTANT: If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please seek medical attention immediately.

What to Do after a Car Accident in Mount Pleasant

1. Call the Police
2. Seek Medical Attention
3. Exchange Driver Information
4. Take Pictures and Video of the Scene
5. Get Statements from any Witnesses
6. Should I Go to a Chiropractor?
7. How to Deal with the Insurance Company
8. Do I Get a Rental Car?

How a Good Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

1. Get help with reimbursement for medical bills.
2. Get help with car repair.
3. Helping document how much you are legally entitled to because of the crash.
4. Determining if you should be paid for lost wages.
5. Figuring out if your circumstances legally entitle you to financial compensation for pain and suffering.

 

Frequent Asked Questions about Car Accident Claims

• Can I get compensation after a car crash?
• What does it mean to make a claim against an insurance company?
• What is the car accident claim process?
• What is the average auto accident settlement?
• Are juries involved in car crash trials?
• What is a personal injury attorney?
• Should I hire a car accident lawyer?
• Types of car accidents
• Injuries caused by car accidents
• How to obtain a police accident report
• What makes motor vehicle accidents so dangerous?
• Does a car accident settlement affect SSDI (Social Security Disability) benefits?
• Does a car accident settlement affect SSI Benefits?
• Who is at fault when there is an accident at an intersection with flashing lights?

 

Who Is Responsible for Medical Bills after a Car Accident?

A common question that people who have been injured in automobile accidents have is who will be responsible for paying their medical bills. Accident victims may be left facing staggering medical bills combined with a reduced ability to earn an income. If you have been injured in an accident, it is important for you to understand the collateral source rule.

The collateral source rule is a common law principle that states that the person who is responsible for causing your accident because of negligence cannot have the amount that he or she is ordered to pay you reduced by payments that may have been made by an independent source. For example, if the liable party is found to be responsible for causing $100,000 in medical expenses for your injuries, that amount cannot be reduced by amounts that your insurance company might pay out of the total amount.

If the other driver caused your accident, his or her insurance company will pay for your medical expenses up to the policy limits for bodily injury in a car accident settlement or a verdict award. Until you receive the payment from the at-fault driver's policy, your own health insurance will pay your medical bills. If you do not have health insurance, your attorneys will work to negotiate down the total amount that you have to pay for your medical costs. 

Who Will Repair My Car?

Another common question that accident victims have is who will pay to fix or replace their vehicle. If your car is repairable, and the at-fault party has accepted liability, their insurance company will pay to have your vehicle repaired. If your car is repairable, and the at-fault party has not accepted responsibility, the situation is different. If you have full coverage, your insurance company will pay to repair your vehicle. The company will then pursue the at-fault driver's insurance company for reimbursement after liability is determined in your case.

If your vehicle is totaled out, the at-fault driver's insurance company will determine the value of your vehicle and write you a check - if the driver has accepted liability. If not they have not acknowledged liability and you have full coverage insurance, you can submit a claim to your insurance company to replace your vehicle. When the at-fault driver is determined to be liable in your case, your insurance company will try to recoup reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurance company. Always get a police report if you have been involved in a car accident in Mount Pleasant. Contact the local police department at 100 Ann Edwards Ln, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

Every car accident case is different. There isn't a single, easy answer for determining how much a particular case is worth. The amount that you might expect to receive in compensation for your accident will depend on a number of different factors, including the nature, severity, and extent of your injuries, the likelihood that you will recover, the time that you have lost from work, your medical bills, and other factors. Your attorney will analyze the facts of your case to calculate an estimated value of your case.

Will I Get Compensated for Lost Wages After a Car Accident?

If you have income losses because you were forced to miss work because of your injury accident, the amounts are recoverable in your personal injury claim. However your income losses and the amount of time you have missed from your job must be documented by your employer. You can also show your doctor's order to not work during your recovery period.

Your tax returns will be important if you are self-employed. This is because you have the burden of proving your income losses and other damages. You may also need to hire an economist as an expert witness to prove that your accident resulted in income losses and will likely reduce your ability to earn an income in the future.

Can I Get Compensation for Pain and Suffering?

in South Carolina, pain and suffering damages are considered non-economic or general damages. Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for physical pain as well as emotional distress car accident compensation you may be entitled to after your accident. Juries are instructed there is no set standard for determining the amount of compensation awarded for pain and suffering or whether to award damages at at all. Jurors are supposed to use their own reasoning, in addition to testimony and evidence they have been presented at trial, to decide what amount of compensation is appropriate to award for pain and suffering.

How Much Is the Average Car Accident Settlement?

Every case is unique. You can't just call up a personal injury attorney and expect to find out what type of settlement you will receive for car accident injuries. Your attorney will review evidence and expenses from your case to determine a range of value for a reasonable settlement amount.

Recent South Carolina Car Accident Settlements 

How much compensation am I entitled to for a car accident case? It can be difficult to determine accurate averages for car accident settlements because of numerous factors in car wreck cases. Severity of injuries plays a role, as well as how debilitating your injuries are, and whether you were at fault at all for the accident. How much compensation you will receive for a car accident in South Carolina varies based on the circumstances. According to our internal settlement data, the average South Carolina car accident settlement ranges from $98,284 to $250,000. Every car accident case is different, so it is advised to speak with an experienced accident lawyer near you for an accurate case evaluation.

At the Lovely Law Firm, we have helped numerous clients recover substantial compensation settlements after a serious car accident. Below are examples of settlements we have won for our clients in Mount Pleasant and the the nearby region:

• MVA Tractor Trailer Illegal U-Turn with Lights Off – $8,000,000
• MVA Car Wreck Rear Ended By Dump Truck – $725,000 
• MVA Rollover Case – $419,047
• MVA Drunk Driver With Tesla in Auto Pilot – $305,852
• MVA Failure to Yield Accident – $250,000
• MVA Head on Collision with Drunk Driver – $250,000
• MVA Hit and Run Accident Failure to Yield – $211,000 
• MVA Sideswiped By at Fault Fleeing From Police – $138,832
• MVA Hit and Run Accident Failure to Yield – $110,000
• MVA Car Wreck Collision with Drunk Driver – $98,284
• MVA Rear-ended by a Dump Truck – $65,000

Tractor Trailer Illegal U-Turn with Lights Off Accident Settlement

Hit and Run Failure to Yield Accident Settlement

 

 

Motor Vehicle Collision with Drunk Driver Accident Settlement

 

Jury Instructions on How to Calculate Damages

If your claim goes to a jury trial, the jury will receive instructions from the judge about potential damage amounts. Your attorney may ask for the jury to receive instructions about actual damages, loss of enjoyment of life, personal injuries, prospective damages, life expectancy impacts, punitive damages, recklessness, and punitive damages in negligence cases if applicable.

If the jury issues a verdict in your favor, the actual damages instruction informs them they must calculate the actual damages by determining what compensation you would need to get you back to the same place you were before your accident, as if it had never occurred. The loss of enjoyment of life instruction explains to the jury that if you have been limited by your injuries from being able to enjoy your life, that limitation can be compensated.

Personal injury instruction explains several things to the jury. The jury is instructed that your actual damages include noneconomic losses, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, impairment of your physical condition or health condition, and any disfigurement that you have suffered. Instructions to the jury include considering both past and future losses caused by your injuries. Plaintiffs may be able to recover future expected losses that they might incur as a result of their accidents and injuries.

Mental suffering instructions explain to the jury what constitutes mental suffering and that mental suffering is a recoverable loss. The life expectancy instruction may be used in cases in which the plaintiff has been seriously and permanently injured, resulting in permanent disability. Life expectancy instructions may also be given in wrongful death cases when the jury is calculating future income losses of the decedent's income. The punitive damages instructions may be given to the jury in cases that involve defendants who have engaged in particularly egregious conduct. Punitive damages will not be available in every case however.

Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else, you should hire a car accident lawyer. You may be able handle on your own  a claim that only involves property damage, but injury claims are more complex. Hiring a car accident attorney for your injury claim can help you to ensure that you receive fair compensation for losses sustained in a car wreck.

What Is a Contingency Fee and How Does it Work?

Most car accident attorneys do not charge money upfront. Instead they practice under a contingency fee basis. A contingent fee is a percentage that a car accident attorney takes from the total amount of your settlement or verdict award. Contingency fees may range from one-third of your recovery amount to 40%. Choosing a lawyer based on the contingency fee percentage is not advisable in many cases. Some attorneys who are less experienced charge lower contingency fee percentages, while more experienced lawyers may charge higher contingency fee percentages. An experienced car accident attorney can also help you secure a Letter of Protection for any medical care you need. This can ensure your doctors provide top-tier care with the guarantee that they'll be paid from the settlement you may receive.

Since car accident attorneys who work on a contingency fee basis will not be paid unless they recover compensation for you, they will likely only accept your case if you have a good chance of winning. When you meet with an attorney, ask about fees and contingency percentage. The lawyer should be able to provide you with an honest assessment of the likelihood of winning your claim and to give steps to take in the process.

Hit and Run Car Accidents: Who Should I Sue?

How to Recover Damages after a Hit and Run

Hit-and-run accidents occur everyday. Being injured in an automobile accident can be extremely costly: medical bills, lost time from work, and damaged vehicles. Usually damage is covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If you have been injured by an unknown at-fault driver who fled the scene,  there is no one to recover damages from. Fortunately, you can still recover damages to cover medical care for your injuries.

How Do I Recover Damages in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

When you are injured by a hit-and-run driver and the driver is not able to be identified, then your own car insurance company will bear the responsibility for your accident. The method by which you can recover damages from your insurance company depends on whether or not you live in a no-fault state. If you do live in a no-fault state, then you will simply file a claim with your car insurance to recover damages resulting from your accident. If you live in South Carolina, then you can receive compensation from your insurer by filing an uninsured motorist claim, as South Carolina is not a no-fault state. This is something best tackled with the help of an experienced hit and run accident lawyer near you. 

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is a mandatory insurance coverage in South Carolina that provides coverage when the at-fault driver has no insurance coverage. In South Carolina, uninsured motorist coverage also covers hit-and-run drivers, since the driver is unknown and thus cannot be located to determine insurance coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage will cover damages that you suffered as a result of your accident. If the coverage amount is not enough to take care of all of your damages, then you may be able to recover additional damages if you also have underinsured motorist coverage.

What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is an insurance that is optional in South Carolina. This insurance coverage kicks in if your uninsured motorist coverage is not high enough to cover all of your damages. This happens frequently in accidents involving severe injuries and property damage, so underinsured motorist coverage is recommended, even if it is not mandatory in South Carolina.

“Stacking” Insurance Policies

If there is more than one vehicle on your policy, then you may be able to “stack” your coverage for each of these vehicles in order to add up to an amount that will cover the damages that you suffered in your accident. This coverage is not always available, however, so it is a good idea to consult a hit and run attorney to determine whether this option is available for you.

Speak With a Hit and Run Lawyer in Mount Pleasant Today

Hit and Run Accidents can be tricky to bring but we know the rules to achieve your recovery. If you have been injured due to an accident caused by a driver who fled the scene, the experienced hit and run accident attorneys at the Lovely Law Firm are here to help you fight for the compensation that you deserve. To schedule a free case evaluation and have an auto accident attorney discuss your claim with you, call 843-839-4111 today.

How Do I Pick a Car Accident Lawyer in Mount Pleasant?

Multiple factors should go into your decision about the car accident lawyer that you choose to represent you in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. When you need an attorney, it is common for well-meaning family and friends to make recommendations of attorneys who have helped them. However, you should make certain that a lawyer that you consider focuses on car accidents and personal injury claims instead of being a general practitioner. Ask an attorney that you interview what percentage of his or her practice that he or she devotes to car accident claims. You should also ask about your attorney's record and how many cases that he or she has taken to trial.

You can also research a potential accident attorney online. Complete a Google search of the attorney's name, and read any Google reviews that you find. You can also check legal rating sites such as Avvo.com. Look for a personal injury lawyer who has a rating of 10 out of 10 on Avvo. It is also a good idea for you to choose a local attorney instead of hiring someone from somewhere else. Local personal injury lawyers know the court personnel and the judges. They also know the attorneys that make up the local defense bar and the insurance adjusters that handle the claims for different insurance companies in Mount Pleasant.

A local attorney may give you an edge in your claim. Since he or she will know all of the players, he or she can give you more insight about what to expect as your case progresses. Finally, choose a car accident lawyer who is active in the community. It is always best to pick a lawyer who believes in giving back and with whom you have a good rapport.

Choosing an attorney that you trust is important. When you retain a personal injury lawyer, you will need to work together with him or her for months or years as your case progresses. You should pick an attorney that you trust to give you good information and who will respond to your questions when you have them. A good attorney should be willing to keep you informed about your case and to explain each phase of the process. Learn more on South Carolina Car Seat Laws.

What is a Personal Injury Attorney?

A personal injury attorney is a tort lawyer. This type of attorney represents people who have been injured because of the negligent acts, negligent omissions, or intentional acts of other people or entities. Tort law encompasses many different types of claims, including the following:

 

• • Car Accidents (including 4 Way Stop Accidents and Left Turn Accidents)
  • Truck Accidents
  • Bus Related Accidents (Such as a Greyhound, Tri-County Link, or other accidents involving a shuttle bus)
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Bicycle Accidents
  • Rideshare and pedestrian accidents
  • Golf cart accidents
  • Slip and fall cases
  • Defective products claims
  • Civil assaults and batteries
  • Workplace injuries
  • Work Car Accidents - Who's At Fault?
  • Moped Accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Construction accidents
  • High-speed police pursuit injuries 
  • Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Common Injuries with Nurses/Healthcare
  • Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

 

When you retain a car accident attorney, you will be hiring a personal injury lawyer whose practice includes representing people who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents because of the negligence of other drivers or parties.

Car Accident Facts/Statistics for Mount Pleasant

Car accidents can result in serious personal injuries or fatalities. If you have suffered an injury or have lost a loved one, you should talk to an experienced Mount Pleasant car accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer from our firm can assess your potential claim and provide you with an assessment of its value.

Not in Mount Pleasant? We serve many areas in South Carolina. Get in touch with one of our experienced car accident lawyers in Florence, car accident lawyers in North Charleston, car accident lawyers in Columbia, or car accident lawyers in Murrells Inlet.

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Have You Been Hurt in a Car Accident? We Can Help

If you or someone close to you has been in a car accident, contact us for help.

You don't have to face this situation alone. If you are asking yourself "Is there a car accident lawyer near me?" Our team can help you navigate through the steps you need to take. Watch the short video below.

IMPORTANT: If you've been injured in a car accident, please seek medical attention immediately.

What to Do after a Car Accident in Mount Pleasant

1. Call the Police
2. Seek Medical Attention
3. Exchange Driver Information
4. Take Pictures and Video of the Scene
5. Get Statements from any Witnesses
6. Should I Go to a Chiropractor?
7. How to Deal with the Insurance Company
8. Do I Get a Rental Car?

How a Good Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

1. Get help with reimbursement for medical bills.
2. Get help with car repair.
3. Helping document how much you are legally entitled to because of the crash.
4. Determining if you should be paid for lost wages.
5. Figuring out if your circumstances legally entitle you to financial compensation for pain and suffering.

 

Frequent Asked Questions about Car Accident Claims

• Can I get compensation after a car crash?
• What does it mean to make a claim against an insurance company?
• What is the car accident claim process?
• What is the average auto accident settlement?
• Are juries involved in car crash trials?
• What is a personal injury attorney?
• Should I hire a car accident lawyer?
• Types of car accidents
• Injuries caused by car accidents
• How to obtain a police accident report
• What makes motor vehicle accidents so dangerous?
• Does a car accident settlement affect SSDI (Social Security Disability) benefits?
• Does a car accident settlement affect SSI Benefits?
• Who is at fault when there is an accident at an intersection with flashing lights?

 

Who Is Responsible for Medical Bills after a Car Accident?

A common question that people who have been injured in automobile accidents have is who will be responsible for paying their medical bills. Accident victims may be left facing staggering medical bills combined with a reduced ability to earn an income. If you have been injured in an accident, it is important for you to understand the collateral source rule.

The collateral source rule is a common law principle that states that the person who is responsible for causing your accident because of negligence cannot have the amount that he or she is ordered to pay you reduced by payments that may have been made by an independent source. For example, if the liable party is found to be responsible for causing $100,000 in medical expenses for your injuries, that amount cannot be reduced by amounts that your insurance company might pay out of the total amount.

If the other driver caused your accident, his or her insurance company will pay for your medical expenses up to the policy limits for bodily injury in a car accident settlement or a verdict award. Until you receive the payment from the at-fault driver's policy, your own health insurance will pay your medical bills. If you do not have health insurance, your attorneys will work to negotiate down the total amount that you have to pay for your medical costs. 

Who Will Repair My Car?

Another common question that accident victims have is who will pay to fix or replace their vehicle. If your car is repairable, and the at-fault party has accepted liability, their insurance company will pay to have your vehicle repaired. If your car is repairable, and the at-fault party has not accepted responsibility, the situation is different. If you have full coverage, your insurance company will pay to repair your vehicle. The company will then pursue the at-fault driver's insurance company for reimbursement after liability is determined in your case.

If your vehicle is totaled out, the at-fault driver's insurance company will determine the value of your vehicle and write you a check - if the driver has accepted liability. If not they have not acknowledged liability and you have full coverage insurance, you can submit a claim to your insurance company to replace your vehicle. When the at-fault driver is determined to be liable in your case, your insurance company will try to recoup reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurance company. Always get a police report if you have been involved in a car accident in Mount Pleasant. Contact the local police department at 100 Ann Edwards Ln, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

Every car accident case is different. There isn't a single, easy answer for determining how much a particular case is worth. The amount that you might expect to receive in compensation for your accident will depend on a number of different factors, including the nature, severity, and extent of your injuries, the likelihood that you will recover, the time that you have lost from work, your medical bills, and other factors. Your attorney will analyze the facts of your case to calculate an estimated value of your case.

Will I Get Compensated for Lost Wages After a Car Accident?

If you have income losses because you were forced to miss work because of your injury accident, the amounts are recoverable in your personal injury claim. However your income losses and the amount of time you have missed from your job must be documented by your employer. You can also show your doctor's order to not work during your recovery period.

Your tax returns will be important if you are self-employed. This is because you have the burden of proving your income losses and other damages. You may also need to hire an economist as an expert witness to prove that your accident resulted in income losses and will likely reduce your ability to earn an income in the future.

Can I Get Compensation for Pain and Suffering?

in South Carolina, pain and suffering damages are considered non-economic or general damages. Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for physical pain as well as emotional distress car accident compensation you may be entitled to after your accident. Juries are instructed there is no set standard for determining the amount of compensation awarded for pain and suffering or whether to award damages at at all. Jurors are supposed to use their own reasoning, in addition to testimony and evidence they have been presented at trial, to decide what amount of compensation is appropriate to award for pain and suffering.

How Much Is the Average Car Accident Settlement?

Every case is unique. You can't just call up a personal injury attorney and expect to find out what type of settlement you will receive for car accident injuries. Your attorney will review evidence and expenses from your case to determine a range of value for a reasonable settlement amount.

Recent South Carolina Car Accident Settlements 

How much compensation am I entitled to for a car accident case? It can be difficult to determine accurate averages for car accident settlements because of numerous factors in car wreck cases. Severity of injuries plays a role, as well as how debilitating your injuries are, and whether you were at fault at all for the accident. How much compensation you will receive for a car accident in South Carolina varies based on the circumstances. According to our internal settlement data, the average South Carolina car accident settlement ranges from $98,284 to $250,000. Every car accident case is different, so it is advised to speak with an experienced accident lawyer near you for an accurate case evaluation.

At the Lovely Law Firm, we have helped numerous clients recover substantial compensation settlements after a serious car accident. Below are examples of settlements we have won for our clients in Mount Pleasant and the the nearby region:

• MVA Tractor Trailer Illegal U-Turn with Lights Off – $8,000,000
• MVA Car Wreck Rear Ended By Dump Truck – $725,000 
• MVA Rollover Case – $419,047
• MVA Drunk Driver With Tesla in Auto Pilot – $305,852
• MVA Failure to Yield Accident – $250,000
• MVA Head on Collision with Drunk Driver – $250,000
• MVA Hit and Run Accident Failure to Yield – $211,000 
• MVA Sideswiped By at Fault Fleeing From Police – $138,832
• MVA Hit and Run Accident Failure to Yield – $110,000
• MVA Car Wreck Collision with Drunk Driver – $98,284
• MVA Rear-ended by a Dump Truck – $65,000

Tractor Trailer Illegal U-Turn with Lights Off Accident Settlement

Hit and Run Failure to Yield Accident Settlement

 

 

Motor Vehicle Collision with Drunk Driver Accident Settlement

 

Jury Instructions on How to Calculate Damages

If your claim goes to a jury trial, the jury will receive instructions from the judge about potential damage amounts. Your attorney may ask for the jury to receive instructions about actual damages, loss of enjoyment of life, personal injuries, prospective damages, life expectancy impacts, punitive damages, recklessness, and punitive damages in negligence cases if applicable.

If the jury issues a verdict in your favor, the actual damages instruction informs them they must calculate the actual damages by determining what compensation you would need to get you back to the same place you were before your accident, as if it had never occurred. The loss of enjoyment of life instruction explains to the jury that if you have been limited by your injuries from being able to enjoy your life, that limitation can be compensated.

Personal injury instruction explains several things to the jury. The jury is instructed that your actual damages include noneconomic losses, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, impairment of your physical condition or health condition, and any disfigurement that you have suffered. Instructions to the jury include considering both past and future losses caused by your injuries. Plaintiffs may be able to recover future expected losses that they might incur as a result of their accidents and injuries.

Mental suffering instructions explain to the jury what constitutes mental suffering and that mental suffering is a recoverable loss. The life expectancy instruction may be used in cases in which the plaintiff has been seriously and permanently injured, resulting in permanent disability. Life expectancy instructions may also be given in wrongful death cases when the jury is calculating future income losses of the decedent's income. The punitive damages instructions may be given to the jury in cases that involve defendants who have engaged in particularly egregious conduct. Punitive damages will not be available in every case however.

Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else, you should hire a car accident lawyer. You may be able handle on your own  a claim that only involves property damage, but injury claims are more complex. Hiring a car accident attorney for your injury claim can help you to ensure that you receive fair compensation for losses sustained in a car wreck.

What Is a Contingency Fee and How Does it Work?

Most car accident attorneys do not charge money upfront. Instead they practice under a contingency fee basis. A contingent fee is a percentage that a car accident attorney takes from the total amount of your settlement or verdict award. Contingency fees may range from one-third of your recovery amount to 40%. Choosing a lawyer based on the contingency fee percentage is not advisable in many cases. Some attorneys who are less experienced charge lower contingency fee percentages, while more experienced lawyers may charge higher contingency fee percentages. An experienced car accident attorney can also help you secure a Letter of Protection for any medical care you need. This can ensure your doctors provide top-tier care with the guarantee that they'll be paid from the settlement you may receive.

Since car accident attorneys who work on a contingency fee basis will not be paid unless they recover compensation for you, they will likely only accept your case if you have a good chance of winning. When you meet with an attorney, ask about fees and contingency percentage. The lawyer should be able to provide you with an honest assessment of the likelihood of winning your claim and to give steps to take in the process.

Hit and Run Car Accidents: Who Should I Sue?

How to Recover Damages after a Hit and Run

Hit-and-run accidents occur everyday. Being injured in an automobile accident can be extremely costly: medical bills, lost time from work, and damaged vehicles. Usually damage is covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. If you have been injured by an unknown at-fault driver who fled the scene,  there is no one to recover damages from. Fortunately, you can still recover damages to cover medical care for your injuries.

How Do I Recover Damages in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

When you are injured by a hit-and-run driver and the driver is not able to be identified, then your own car insurance company will bear the responsibility for your accident. The method by which you can recover damages from your insurance company depends on whether or not you live in a no-fault state. If you do live in a no-fault state, then you will simply file a claim with your car insurance to recover damages resulting from your accident. If you live in South Carolina, then you can receive compensation from your insurer by filing an uninsured motorist claim, as South Carolina is not a no-fault state. This is something best tackled with the help of an experienced hit and run accident lawyer near you. 

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is a mandatory insurance coverage in South Carolina that provides coverage when the at-fault driver has no insurance coverage. In South Carolina, uninsured motorist coverage also covers hit-and-run drivers, since the driver is unknown and thus cannot be located to determine insurance coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage will cover damages that you suffered as a result of your accident. If the coverage amount is not enough to take care of all of your damages, then you may be able to recover additional damages if you also have underinsured motorist coverage.

What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is an insurance that is optional in South Carolina. This insurance coverage kicks in if your uninsured motorist coverage is not high enough to cover all of your damages. This happens frequently in accidents involving severe injuries and property damage, so underinsured motorist coverage is recommended, even if it is not mandatory in South Carolina.

“Stacking” Insurance Policies

If there is more than one vehicle on your policy, then you may be able to “stack” your coverage for each of these vehicles in order to add up to an amount that will cover the damages that you suffered in your accident. This coverage is not always available, however, so it is a good idea to consult a hit and run attorney to determine whether this option is available for you.

Speak With a Hit and Run Lawyer in Mount Pleasant Today

Hit and Run Accidents can be tricky to bring but we know the rules to achieve your recovery. If you have been injured due to an accident caused by a driver who fled the scene, the experienced hit and run accident attorneys at the Lovely Law Firm are here to help you fight for the compensation that you deserve. To schedule a free case evaluation and have an auto accident attorney discuss your claim with you, call 843-839-4111 today.

How Do I Pick a Car Accident Lawyer in Mount Pleasant?

Multiple factors should go into your decision about the car accident lawyer that you choose to represent you in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. When you need an attorney, it is common for well-meaning family and friends to make recommendations of attorneys who have helped them. However, you should make certain that a lawyer that you consider focuses on car accidents and personal injury claims instead of being a general practitioner. Ask an attorney that you interview what percentage of his or her practice that he or she devotes to car accident claims. You should also ask about your attorney's record and how many cases that he or she has taken to trial.

You can also research a potential accident attorney online. Complete a Google search of the attorney's name, and read any Google reviews that you find. You can also check legal rating sites such as Avvo.com. Look for a personal injury lawyer who has a rating of 10 out of 10 on Avvo. It is also a good idea for you to choose a local attorney instead of hiring someone from somewhere else. Local personal injury lawyers know the court personnel and the judges. They also know the attorneys that make up the local defense bar and the insurance adjusters that handle the claims for different insurance companies in Mount Pleasant.

A local attorney may give you an edge in your claim. Since he or she will know all of the players, he or she can give you more insight about what to expect as your case progresses. Finally, choose a car accident lawyer who is active in the community. It is always best to pick a lawyer who believes in giving back and with whom you have a good rapport.

Choosing an attorney that you trust is important. When you retain a personal injury lawyer, you will need to work together with him or her for months or years as your case progresses. You should pick an attorney that you trust to give you good information and who will respond to your questions when you have them. A good attorney should be willing to keep you informed about your case and to explain each phase of the process. Learn more on South Carolina Car Seat Laws.

What is a Personal Injury Attorney?

A personal injury attorney is a tort lawyer. This type of attorney represents people who have been injured because of the negligent acts, negligent omissions, or intentional acts of other people or entities. Tort law encompasses many different types of claims, including the following:

 

• • Car Accidents (including 4 Way Stop Accidents and Left Turn Accidents)
  • Truck Accidents
  • Bus Related Accidents (Such as a Greyhound, Tri-County Link, or other accidents involving a shuttle bus)
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Bicycle Accidents
  • Rideshare and pedestrian accidents
  • Golf cart accidents
  • Slip and fall cases
  • Defective products claims
  • Civil assaults and batteries
  • Workplace injuries
  • Work Car Accidents - Who's At Fault?
  • Moped Accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Construction accidents
  • High-speed police pursuit injuries 
  • Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Common Injuries with Nurses/Healthcare
  • Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

 

When you retain a car accident attorney, you will be hiring a personal injury lawyer whose practice includes representing people who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents because of the negligence of other drivers or parties.

Car Accident Facts/Statistics for Mount Pleasant

Car accidents can result in serious personal injuries or fatalities. If you have suffered an injury or have lost a loved one, you should talk to an experienced Mount Pleasant car accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer from our firm can assess your potential claim and provide you with an assessment of its value.

Not in Mount Pleasant? We serve many areas in South Carolina. Get in touch with one of our experienced car accident lawyers in Florence, car accident lawyers in North Charleston, car accident lawyers in Columbia, or car accident lawyers in Murrells Inlet.

What Our Clients Have To Say