When someone crashes into you, life can change in an instant. One minute, you’re driving to work or heading home. In the next minute, you’re hurt, your car is wrecked, and the bills won’t stop coming.
If someone else’s careless driving caused your injuries, a Bluffton car accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates will seek the damages you need from those responsible for the crash. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for injured people across the Southeast.
With 350 years of combined legal experience on our team, we know what it takes to win tough car accident cases. Our personal injury lawyers in Bluffton treat every client with respect and care. Call now for a free consultation. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win your case.
What to Know About Car Accident Cases in South Carolina
Car accident cases in South Carolina follow a fault-based system. This means the driver who caused the accident is also the one responsible for the damages. These cases may seem straightforward, but insurance companies often make things more difficult than they need to be.
They may:
- Deny fault or blame you.
- Downplay your injuries.
- Pressure you into a low settlement.
You don’t have to handle this on your own. A Bluffton car accident attorney from our team can step in, handle the insurance company, and make sure your side is heard.
Get the strong arm
Our Car Crash Attorneys in Bluffton Treat Every Case With Care
At John Foy & Associates, we know you’re not just another case file. You’re a person dealing with real stress, pain, and uncertainty. That’s why we work closely with every client to:
- Listen to your story and answer questions.
- Collect and organize medical records.
- Prepare and file your claim.
- Negotiate directly with the insurer.
- Represent you in court if needed.
We’ll also help connect you with medical care and financial resources if you’re struggling after the crash.
We Help Injured People With Various Kinds of Car Accidents
Not all car accidents are the same, and neither are the legal challenges that come with them. Whether a rideshare driver hit you, you were hurt in a rear-end crash, or you’re dealing with an uninsured motorist, the details of your case matter.
Our team knows how to handle the unique issues in each type of accident and will tailor our approach to fit your situation.
Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Accidents
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, or it’s not enough to cover your costs, your UM/UIM policy may kick in. But your insurer may still fight your claim. We’ll handle the negotiations and make sure you get what you’re owed.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber/Lyft)
Accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers can be tricky. Their insurance coverage changes based on whether the driver was waiting for a ride, en route, or had a passenger. We’ll figure out which policy applies and fight for full coverage.
Rear-End Collisions
Even though rear-end crashes seem straightforward, some insurers still argue over fault. We’ll gather the facts and use accident reconstruction experts if needed.
T-Bone or Side-Impact Crashes
These accidents often involve disputes over who had the right of way. We’ll collect evidence like traffic light data, video footage, and witness testimony.
Multi-Car Pileups
In accidents involving several vehicles, determining fault is challenging. We will sort through police reports, damage patterns, and driver statements to untangle the truth.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Car crashes can leave behind serious injuries, including:
- Whiplash and neck pain
- Back injuries and herniated discs
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Burns, lacerations, and facial trauma
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
Even injuries that seem minor at first can become serious later. That’s why getting medical care and legal help right away is so important.
Types of Damages You Can Recover After a Car Crash in Bluffton
If you were hurt in a crash someone else caused, South Carolina law allows you to recover damages such as:
- Healthcare expenses: Hospital visits, rehabilitation therapy, surgery, medications, etc.
- Lost wages: Time you missed from work
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental distress, or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
- Wrongful death damages: Funeral costs and loss of companionship (if you lost a loved one)
Common Liability Issues in Car Accidents That We Handle
Careless or reckless actions often cause car crashes. Common causes include:
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, etc.)
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Failure to yield or follow traffic laws
- Vehicle defects or poor maintenance
South Carolina uses a rule called modified comparative negligence. This means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault.
However, if the other driver or their insurer tries to blame you, it could reduce or block your claim. A lawyer can push back and make sure the facts are clear.
Proving Fault in a Car Crash
To hold someone else responsible, you have to prove negligence. That means showing that:
- They had a duty to drive safely.
- They broke that duty by acting irresponsibly.
- Their actions caused the crash.
- You suffered damages, such as medical bills and lost income, as a result.
Sometimes, it’s not just the other driver who’s responsible. Other parties might also be held liable, such as:
- Vehicle manufacturers: If a car part failed
- Employers: If the driver was on the job
- Government agencies: If there was poor road design or maintenance
At John Foy & Associates, our Bluffton car collision attorneys investigate every case thoroughly to uncover all possible sources of fault and insurance.
Filing Deadlines Apply in Injury Cases in South Carolina
In South Carolina, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, the deadline is three years from the date of death (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530).
We encourage you not to wait too long to seek legal action. Once the deadline expires, you lose your right to sue.
Have You Been in a Crash in Bluffton? Here’s What to Do Next
After a crash, you may feel like you don’t know where to turn next. But taking these steps can help you protect your case:
- Call 911 and get medical help as soon as possible.
- Take photos and video footage of the crash scene, cars, and any injuries.
- Exchange information with the other driver and get information from the people who saw the crash so that you can document all witness testimony.
- Follow up with all medical care and follow all prescribed treatment.
- Talk to our attorney handling car accident cases in Bluffton before accepting any settlement offer.
The sooner our legal team meets with you, the better chance we have to collect key evidence and build your case.
Call Our Bluffton Car Accident Lawyer Who Will Fight for You After a Crash
You’ve been through enough. Let us take on the legal battle while you focus on healing. Our team is ready to stand up to the insurance companies, protect your rights, and pursue every dollar you deserve.
Call John Foy & Associates today for your free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form