When Medical Bills, Lost Wages, Frustration, And Pain And Suffering Pile Up After A Car Accident, You Need To Hear Some Good New From a Car Accident Lawyer.
Injured, out of work, medical bills piling up, and not enough money to afford surgery, Tom didn’t know where to turn. Another driver ran a stop sign, causing a horrific accident that sent Tom to the emergency room. The car accident put Tom out of work, so he is not able to properly provide for his family. To top things off, he cannot afford the necessary medical treatment that he needs to be able to return to his work. He feels hopeless and lost.
The insurance company for the person who caused the crash isn’t helping Tom. Either the adjuster won’t answer his calls, won’t give him straight answers, or is rude and pushy. The insurance company only cares about one thing: their bottom line. Tom knows they have near unlimited resources to fight his case, and without a knowledgeable attorney on his team, he sees he doesn’t stand much of a chance taking on the insurance company.
Tom’s story is fictional, but it is one that our law firm sees all too often in real life. Experiencing a car accident can turn your life upside down. Most people, have never gone through an experience like this before and don’t know how to respond. That’s where the Law Office of Brian T Smith can help.
The Law Office of Brian T. Smith has seen the devastating effects of head-on collisions. The results of these most tragic accidents are numerous and cause a lot of pain and suffering for those involved.
According to the U.S Census Bureau, head-on collisions are among the most dangerous and deadly of all car accidents. The injuries that result from these crashes can often result in lifelong disabilities or even death for the victims.
Reckless driving is when an individual drives unsafely with a deliberate disregard for the safety of others and with the full knowledge that their driving could result in an accident. For example, a driver could be found to be reckless if he drives in a threatening or harassing manner out of “road rage,” and causes a car accident. Road rage is defined as an assault with a motor vehicle against the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle. Criminal charges can stem from this and related behavior.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describes aggressive driving as a progression of unlawful driving actions such as speeding, improper or excessive lane changing, failing to signal intent, or improper passing.
Aggressive driving greatly increases the risk of car accidents. However, when faced with an aggressive driver, there are things you can do to decrease your chances of being involved in an accident.
When Faced With An Aggressive Driver:
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, high-speed collisions played a role in approximately 30% of all fatal crashes in 2004. And since then, the numbers have not improved.
In a high-speed collision, the physical structure of the vehicle and its safety mechanisms can no longer adequately protect the passengers from serious harm. High-speed collisions are devastating and deadly.
It is important to keep in mind that when you speed:
The physical and emotional recovery process can be both extremely painful and astonishingly expensive for the survivors of high-speed car accidents. That is why you need a car accident lawyer on your side.
Drunk Driving is a choice. Each one of us is aware of the inherent risk involved when drinking and driving; yet too many people decide to take chances and that often results in a car accident. Driving while intoxicated is one of the leading causes of injuries and death on our roads. When a driver chooses to break the law and operate a vehicle while intoxicated, they have chosen to gamble with not only their own life, but the life of someone else as well.
Drunk driving-related car accidents most often result when a driver:
In some cases, the supplier of the alcohol may be found negligent along with the motor vehicle operator.
The victim of a drunk driving related accident is often left with both crushing emotional trauma and expensive and sometimes debilitating personal injuries. Injuries can range from minor scratches to complete paralysis or even death.
Even though we all have the common sense to understand the dangers of texting while driving, texting has become one of the most dangerous and common distractions for motorists.
Texting while driving accidents are common. It is best to wait to respond to a text after you have arrived at your destination. If someone hit you because distracted driving, we can help.
If you are suffering from an injury due to someone texting while driving, call the Law Office of Brian T. Smith today. Our team will fight for results that benefit you.
Side impact collisions are both serious and common accidents. They are responsible for approximately 8,500 deaths per year in the United States.
A side impact collision happens when the front of an oncoming vehicle hits the side of your vehicle. This is also referred to as being t-boned. Most often these accidents occur at intersections after failure to yield at a stop sign or red light.
The severity of side impact collisions depends on several factors, including the speed and weight of the oncoming vehicle, and where that oncoming vehicle impacts yours.
The risk of fatalities involving a side impact collision can be reduced with side airbags. However, it is important to understand that children under the age of 12 should not ride in the front seat at all. The power an airbag deploys can cause death to a child, regardless of the severity of the impact of the crash.
Falling asleep or dozing off while driving result in many car, bus, and tractor trailer accidents each year. Nearly four percent of all deadly crashes nationwide involve fatigued drivers; hundreds more each year result in injuries of various severity.
Any accident involving a tired driver is completely preventable. If you are driving and feel as though you may fall asleep at the wheel, pull over into a rest area. Although it may be inconvenient, the caution far outweighs the potential consequences. Not only is driving while fatigued dangerous for you, it is dangerous for everyone else on the road.
Truck drivers have historically had issues with driving without enough rest. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued rules limiting the number of hours a driver may be on the road. The FMCSA estimates that the new rule will save up to 75 lives and prevent as many as 1,326 accidents each year.
If you or a member of your family have been injured or killed because of a vehicle rollover accident, the road conditions or even the vehicle itself may have contributed to the accident.
To prove a road defect was present or that there was a design or manufacturing defect that factored into the crash, you need an experienced personal injury attorney—a car accident lawyer who will put your interests first.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for my accident?
Yes. South Carolina is a comparative negligence state, meaning that the court will decide what degree of fault each party involved has for the accident. The court then applies that percentage to the damages awarded.
Should I speak with the other driver’s insurance company?
No. You should consult your own car accident lawyer. It is best that you let your car accident attorney communicate with the other party’s insurer and negotiate on your behalf. Insurance adjusters could take a statement you’ve made, twist it around, and use it against you. Our car accident team will ensure that does not happen.
Should I accept the insurance company’s offer?
Not until you’ve consulted your car accident lawyer. Insurance companies always try to lowball you and try to get you to accept a settlement that is far less than what you truly deserve. An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine how much you should ask for and will fight to make sure you get it.
What is the statute of limitations for an automobile accident injury in South Carolina?
In most instances, the statute of limitations for filing an injury claim is 3 years. However, if the victim is under 18 years old, the statute of limitations doesn’t start until the victim turns 18, ending three years later. If you’re suing the state of South Carolina, you have two years to file a claim. If you are suing a municipality or other government agency, the statute of limitations could be one year or even less. This is another important reason why you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Our team can provide you with a customized battle plan that will get you what you deserve.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
That is never the case at the Law Office of Brian T. Smith. Like any reputable personal injury attorney, we do not expect payment until after we win your case. Legal costs tend to be about one third of the overall settlement.
Call us 24/7 at (864) 239-2007 or fill out the form below to receive a free and confidential consultation.
*Files are primarily handled in our Greenville office.
Disclaimer: This website is not intended to be a substitute for personal legal advice.
