What Do Car Accident Lawyers Do?

The moments following a car wreck are often chaotic and stressful. You might be dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and damage to your vehicle. The insurance companies might already be pressuring you to settle your claim quickly, probably for less than you deserve. After a wreck, don’t be a victim twice. Consult a car accident lawyer in Columbia to understand what your case is really worth.

Even if you think your case is straightforward, an experienced attorney can often uncover aspects of your case that you might not have considered. For instance, did you know that even in a single-vehicle crash, there might be grounds for a claim?

A skilled lawyer can investigate whether factors like road conditions, vehicle defects, or other external circumstances contributed to your accident. This is just one example of how a car accident attorney can significantly improve the outcome of your case. That’s why it comes as no surprise that the insurance industry’s own research shows that people who hire an attorney receive more money than those who go it alone.

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The Role of a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer

So, what exactly do car accident lawyers do? Here’s a breakdown of the key ways we can assist you:

Investigate the Accident

A thorough investigation is the foundation of a strong case. Our team will:

Visit the accident scene
Gather and preserve evidence
Obtain police reports
Interview witnesses
Collect medical records
Consult with accident reconstruction experts, if necessary
Build a compelling narrative that proves your right to maximum compensation

Handle Communication with Insurance Companies

Sophia talking on the phone with a client

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be stressful and overwhelming. They are specifically trained to get you to bend to the insurance company’s will in order to minimize what they have to pay out. We’ll take this burden off your shoulders by:

Handling all communications with the at-fault insurance companies
Protecting you from making statements that could harm your case
Negotiating for a fair settlement on your behalf

Determine the Full Extent of Your Damages

Many car crash victims underestimate the true cost of their injuries. We’ll help you account for all your losses, including:

Current and future medical expenses
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage
Punitive damages, if applicable

Unlike some firms, we utilize a team approach to our client’s cases. This helps you benefit from the collective wisdom of our entire team of personal injury attorneys. Multiple attorneys review client cases in a unique, weekly case evaluation meeting to ensure we’re pursuing maximum compensation for our clients.

Identify All Potential Sources of Compensation

In addition to the at-fault driver’s insurance, other sources of compensation may help pay for your losses. We’ll explore all options, such as:

Your own insurance (underinsured and/or uninsured motorist coverage)
Third-party claims (e.g., against a vehicle manufacturer for defective parts)
Dram shop claims (if a drunk driver was involved)

Build a Strong Legal Case

Our trial lawyers will:

Perform legal research on the relevant South Carolina laws that apply to your case
Gather and organize evidence to support your claim
Prepare legal documents and file them correctly and on time
Represent you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached

To us, you are the most important part of your case. That’s why throughout the process, your legal team will answer your questions and address your concerns. We promise to keep you informed about the progress of your case and will offer advice on medical treatment and other important decisions. Your lawyer can provide peace of mind that your claim is being handled effectively.

As a South Carolina firm, we have in-depth knowledge of state laws, local court systems, and insurance company tactics. Since opening our doors in 1968, we’ve become familiar with the inner workings of the insurance companies, their adjustors, and their lawyers who do business here. This local know-how can be invaluable in building a strong case.

All Joye Law Firm clients receive our exclusive No Fee Guarantee. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case, and we promise never to make more than you do on your pre-litigation file. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal fees.

Understanding South Carolina’s Statute of Limitations

two men arguing about the damages to their car after a crash

One of the most important reasons to promptly speak with a car accident lawyer is the statute of limitations. In South Carolina, you generally have three years to file a personal injury claim from the accident date.

This might seem like a long time, but building a strong case often requires extensive investigation and preparation. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence and faded memories, weakening your claim.

If you do not file within the required time, you cannot bring a claim.

Exceptions to this rule may apply. For example, if the at-fault party was a government representative, the time limit may be reduced drastically. Consult a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing any critical deadlines.

South Carolina Negligence Laws: What You Need to Know

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which can significantly impact your ability to recover damages after a car crash. Under this system, you can still receive compensation as long as you’re found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault, if your case goes to trial.

This is why having a skilled car accident lawyer is so important. At Joye Law Firm, our trial lawyers know how to build a strong case that minimizes your fault and maximizes your potential compensation. We’ll present the most compelling case possible on your behalf.

How Lawyers Use Technology in Car Accident Cases

In today’s digital age, technology has revolutionized how car accident cases are investigated, built, and presented. We’ve witnessed this transformation and actively embraced it. We understand that to effectively represent our clients, we must be as fluent in technology as we are in the law.

We’ve made it part of our mission to stay at the forefront of these technological advancements, ensuring that we can build the strongest possible cases for our clients. Let’s explore how these cutting-edge technologies are reshaping car accident law and why having a tech-savvy legal team like ours can benefit you if you’re involved in a crash in South Carolina.

Dashcam Footage: A New Eye on the Road

Dashcams have become increasingly popular among drivers, and for good reason. These small cameras mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard or windshield can provide evidence in the event of a crash.

When a client comes to us with dashcam footage of their accident, it’s like having an unbiased eyewitness. This video evidence clearly shows how the crash occurred, often settling disputes about who was at fault. It can capture details that might be missed or forgotten in the chaos of an accident, such as traffic light colors, the actions of other drivers, or road conditions.

However, it’s important to note that dashcam footage can be a double-edged sword. While it can prove your case, it could also potentially show if you were partially at fault. An experienced car accident attorney will strategize on how to best maximize or mitigate this evidence while keeping you in the best light possible.

Accident Reconstruction Software: Bringing Crashes to Life

Gone are the days when an accident reconstruction relied solely on physical evidence and witness testimony. Today, we have sophisticated accident reconstruction software that can create detailed, 3D simulations of how a crash occurred.

This software allows us to input data from the accident scene, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions. It then uses physics and engineering principles to visually depict the crash.

These simulations can be incredibly powerful in negotiations with insurance companies or in court. Simulations help jurors and judges understand complex accident dynamics in a clear, visual way. Simulations help after multi-vehicle crashes or accidents without independent witnesses.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While these systems are designed to improve safety, they’ve also complicated questions of liability in car accident cases.

For instance, if a car with automatic emergency braking fails to stop and rear-ends another vehicle, who’s at fault? The driver, for not paying attention? The manufacturer, for a potentially faulty system? Or perhaps the company responsible for maintaining the system?

As car accident lawyers, we now need to consider the role of ADAS in every case involving newer vehicles. This often involves bringing in technical experts to analyze the vehicle’s computer systems and determine if the ADAS functioned correctly. Many of these systems also record data similar to a plane’s black box, providing evidence about what happened before and after the crash to determine fault.

If someone else is found to be at fault in your case, we will conduct a thorough investigation and pursue compensation from all responsible parties.

Social Media: The Digital Footprint in Car Accident Cases

In today’s connected world, social media has become an unexpected factor in many car accident cases. While we advise our clients to be cautious about what they post online, social media activity can sometimes provide important evidence.

For example, if a driver posts about being at a party shortly before a late-night accident, it could suggest impaired driving. Or if someone claims to have severe, debilitating injuries from a crash, but then posts photos of themselves engaged in physical activities, it could undermine their claim.

As car accident lawyers, we now routinely review the social media accounts of all parties involved in a case. We strongly advise our clients to be very careful about what they post online while their case is ongoing. Even seemingly innocent posts can be taken out of context and used by the other side to challenge your claim.

The Future of Technology in Car Accident Cases

As technology continues to evolve, we expect to see even more changes in how car accident cases are handled. The increasing prevalence of self-driving cars, for instance, will bring new complexities to determining liability in accidents.

Leveraging technology effectively can make the difference between winning and losing a case. It can provide powerful evidence, but it needs to be properly collected, preserved, and presented to be effective in your case. We know how to use technology to your advantage, while also protecting you from potential pitfalls.

Joye Law Firm Attorneys’ Innovative Advocacy

Our attorneys know that while laws can be slow to change, the tactics needed to win against some of the world’s largest corporations are rapidly evolving.

Attorney Brent Arant, based in our North Charleston office, represented a woman whose life was upended by a severe neck injury after a rear-end collision. Understanding her reluctance to testify in a room full of attorneys, Attorney Arant traveled across the country with a camera crew to record her story at home. This compelling video testimony helped secure a $1.7 million settlement—nine times the initial offer.

Our firm also achieved the highest single-plaintiff personal injury verdict in South Carolina’s history, securing $262.5 million for the family of Sergio Jiminez, who was tragically killed due to corporate negligence. Attorney Mark Joye, Partner and Head of our Litigation Department represented Sergio’s family after a crash caused their Chrysler minivan to roll over, ejecting him from the vehicle because of a defective latch. Attorney Joye investigated Chrysler Corporation, presenting crash test evidence and testimony from Chrysler’s own safety team, which confirmed the defect was known but unaddressed. While nothing can heal the loss of a child, this verdict provided the family closure and pressured Chrysler to prioritize safety to prevent future tragedies.

Every case is unique, and while we can’t guarantee specific outcomes, clients of Joye Law Firm can trust that we will leave no stone unturned in pursuing justice for car accident victims.

Common Types of Car Crash Cases We Handle

At Joye Law Firm, we have experience with a wide range of traffic collision cases, including:

No matter what type of car crash you’ve been involved in, our team has the knowledge and resources to help.

The Car Accident Claim Process: What to Expect

While every case is unique, here’s a general overview of what you can expect when you work with Joye Law Firm:

Car Accident Claim Form

Initial Consultation: We’ll discuss the details of your case, answer your questions, and explain how we can help. This consultation is free, and confidential, and comes with no obligation to hire our firm.
Investigation: 1. : If you decide to work with our personal injury attorneys, our team will begin gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building your case.
Medical Treatment: We’ll help ensure you’re receiving appropriate medical care and document your injuries thoroughly. This is an important part of building your case and securing compensation for your injuries.
Demand Letter: Once we’ve built a strong case, we’ll send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your damages and the compensation we seek.
Negotiations: We’ll negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement.
Litigation: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we can file a personal injury lawsuit and take your case to court. We are experienced trial lawyers and are prepared to litigate before a judge or jury.

Whether through settlement or trial, we’ll fight for the best possible outcome for your case. We’ll keep you informed and involved throughout this process, ensuring you understand what’s happening and why.

Our Experienced South Carolina Car Wreck Lawyers Can Make a Difference in Your Personal Injury Case

A car crash can overwhelm you physically, emotionally, and financially. It can leave you unsure of how to move forward. But you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Our Columbia personal injury lawyers at Joye Law Firm understand the complexities of South Carolina traffic laws and how they apply to your situation. Our team of lawyers is committed to thoroughly reviewing every aspect of your case to ensure we pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. We have the experience and resources to build a strong case on your behalf.

Remember, time is of the essence in car accident cases. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start working on your behalf. Don’t let the statute of limitations, lack of medical treatment, or lost evidence weaken your claim.

If you or someone dear to you has been injured in a car crash in South Carolina, contact Joye Law Firm today. Call our office at 888-324-3100 or contact us online.