South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

If you were harmed by the negligence of another person or entity, you may have a personal injury case. Our team is well-versed in how to successfully approach many types of cases, from vehicular accidents to premises liability. 

Our South Carolina personal injury attorneys are prepared to represent you in cases involving:

• Car Accidents. When a driver negligently speeds excessively, changes lanes or turns without signaling, fails to obey traffic signals, or otherwise operates their vehicle recklessly, they put everyone else on the road at risk. Even a brief moment of negligence behind the wheel can lead to devastating consequences. 
• Drunk Driving Accidents. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a crime that can lead to serious prison time. Regardless of whether a drunk driver is criminally convicted, any party injured by their conduct has the right to pursue a civil lawsuit.
• Rideshare Accidents. Liability can be especially complex in vehicular cases involving rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. In these instances, rideshare companies maintain insurance policies that cover damages that a liable rideshare driver’s policy does not. We can fight to ensure you get what you deserve, no matter who is ultimately responsible. 
• Motorcycle Accidents. Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable and at an especially high risk of sustaining debilitating injuries in the event of a collision. 
• Truck Accidents. Truck accidents can be especially dangerous due to their size and weight. Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is more than 10 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. Because of this great disparity in weight and size, truck accidents tend to cause significantly more serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Depending on what specifically caused the accident, more than one party may be liable.
• Pedestrian Accidents. Because pedestrians do not have any form of physical barrier between them and an oncoming vehicle, they are far more likely to suffer serious injuries or even be killed from even minor collisions. Each state enforces laws defining when passengers have the “right of way” over vehicles, which can influence liability in these cases.
• Premises Liability. Property owners must make reasonable efforts to maintain safe premises for visitors. Should a visitor to a property suffer injuries due to a hazard the property owner knew or should have known about, the injured can file a premises liability lawsuit against the property owner.
• Wrongful Death. When someone suffers fatal injuries in an accident, certain qualifying parties have the right to bring a wrongful death claim against the responsible party on their behalf. Each state has different rules for who has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

Personal claims must be filed within a certain period of time. This period is referred to as the “statute of limitations” and typically falls somewhere between one and six years from the date of the accident. It can be difficult to determine exactly how much time you have to file a lawsuit, as the deadline will depend on the laws in your state or jurisdiction and the type of injury sustained. In South Carolina, for example, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to start the legal process, or two years if the at-fault party is a governmental entity.

Because of these time limits, it is in your best interest to consult with our team at Bell Legal Group as soon as possible after an accident. Failing to file before the applicable statute of limitations expires will likely result in your losing the right to file a personal injury claim. Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers can walk you through your legal rights and provide guidance on when and how to seek compensation.

How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?

There is no way of knowing precisely how long it will take to secure compensation for damages through a personal injury claim, though many take one to three years before a resolution is reached. Claims that go to trial tend to take longer than those that are settled out of court. We recognize how frustrating this can be, which is why we make every effort to accelerate the legal process whenever possible. 

The defendant or their insurance company may offer you a monetary settlement ahead of a trial. While this money may be tempting, keep in mind that you will almost certainly forfeit your right to pursue further legal action by accepting, which is why you should never sign or accept anything without first consulting a legal professional. We will be transparent and honest when evaluating a proposed settlement, whether we believe it to be fair, and whether we think we can get you more if go to court. Our litigators are never afraid to go to trial and will always seek the best possible outcome.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?

The specific types of damages you can recover will depend on your state and the types of losses sustained. Generally, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to calculable expenses resulting from your injuries, while non-economic damages cover less tangible consequences. Most states do not limit the amount of economic damages you can recover, though some do cap non-economic damages.  Punitive damages are only sometimes available as a means of punishing a defendant for especially egregious conduct, and they are capped in some states. 

The bottom line: We will thoroughly evaluate your circumstances and determine the full extent of your damages. From there, we will seek the maximum compensation available to you under the law.

Our litigators will leverage our experience, skills, and resources to get you just compensation for all losses, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Contact us online or call (843) 396-1777 to start exploring your legal options.