Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries in Conway and the surrounding areas. Consequentially, another person’s reckless actions could lead to life-changing injuries that even the most cautious drivers cannot avoid. A simple moment in time could require victims to seek extensive medical care, force them to lose income, and have a devastating effect upon their overall quality of life.
At-fault drivers who cause these accidents carry civil liability to provide reimbursement for these losses. Still, injured claimants cannot simply state that they were injured in a car accident. Typically, they need to demonstrate that a defendant was negligent which involves a complex legal process.
A Conway car accident lawyer could stand by your side to prove wrongdoers’ negligence and to demand appropriate compensation. A skilled attorney could work to protect your rights from aggressive insurance companies and press for compensation during settlement talks and in court.
Proving a Car Accident Case in Conway
Most collisions that involve motor vehicles are accidents. This means that neither party intended to have a collision, but nevertheless, an incident did occur. While a defendant in these cases did not mean to cause any harm, the law says that they are still responsible.
This concept forms the backbone of the legal cause of action known as negligence. All drivers maintain a duty to other people while behind the wheel. Taking an action that places these people at an unnecessary risk of harm which results in an accident may implicate a defendant as negligent. Examples of this careless driving include:
- Failing to use turn signals
- Texting while driving
- Driving while drunk
- Speeding
- Tail-gaiting
- Ignoring stop signs
A Conway car accident lawyer could help potential clients to perform in-depth investigations into their accidents. Using the evidence gathered in these investigations, an attorney could build a case that alleges defendant driver negligence.
What to Expect After Filing a Claim
Conway laws require all drivers to carry car insurance. This means that most car accident cases demand compensation from an insurance company. However, insurance companies will often fight to protect their profits and the reputation of their clients. As such, they might utilize many tactics to limit their payouts.
One strategy used by insurance companies is to convince plaintiffs to give recorded statements that may weaken their cases. While an insurance company certainly has the right to conduct their own investigation into the incident, plaintiffs should be aware that any statement they give is under oath. If a plaintiff admits that they were driving in a careless manner or that they shared fault for the accident, this may severely limit their case.
Insurance companies are also aware of the time limits that control car accident cases in Conway. South Carolina Code §15-3-530 states that all plaintiffs in car accident cases must file a case no more than three years from the date of the incident. Insurance companies may attempt to draw out a case to extend beyond this time limit.
Finally, insurance companies may dispute the extent of a plaintiff’s injuries. While a claim could demand compensation for any injury connected to the accident, defendants may dispute whether an injury preexisted the crash. A Conway car accident lawyer could work to clarify any medical records resulting from the crash to connect a client’s injuries to the accident.
A Conway Car Accident Lawyer Could Help Victims Recover Compensation
All negligent drivers in Conway have a responsibility to their victims. This could include paying for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Of course, insurance companies and defendants do not often pay unless they must. To collect compensation, a plaintiff must prove that another party’s negligence caused their losses.
A Conway car accident lawyer could assist your case. This could include conducting an independent investigation into the crash, compiling medical records, and connecting your injuries to the accident. Using these methods, many cases end without ever going to court. Contact a Conway car accident lawyer today to learn more.
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