South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states in the country in terms of serious car accidents. The Palmetto State is second only to Mississippi for the rate of car accident fatalities.
For every person who dies in a car accident, countless others have their lives changed forever.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you could be entitled to significant financial compensation. Reach out to Hunter & Everage today to learn more about how you can hold the other driver accountable and receive a settlement check for your injuries.
Car Accidents in York County
In 2021, there were 6,609 collisions in York County. Thirty-seven of these accidents involved fatalities, and another 111 involved serious injuries. In all, 1,375 accidents involved physical injuries to one or more occupants of the cars.
The stretch of I-77 that passes through the York County area is one of the more dangerous roadways in the state. It is heavily congested, and drivers do not always observe traffic laws.
There are also numerous dangerous intersections in York County. For example, the intersection of Paraham and Campbell Roads has been the scene of numerous fatal traffic accidents over the years. There are also many serious accidents at intersections located right off of I-77 as drivers enter and exit the highway.
Common Types of Car Accidents in York County
A driver can cause a serious accident with one momentary lapse of judgment. Unfortunately, many drivers are not concerned about you and your welfare when they are behind the wheel.
They cannot see beyond their own immediate self-interest and do not take the appropriate care to avoid accidents.
Common types of car accidents in York County include:
- Rear end: This is the most common type of car accident, often resulting in whiplash injuries for the driver who was struck.
- Intersection: Also known as T-Bone car accidents, one car has failed to yield the right of way when required at a stop sign or red light.
- Head-On: This is the single most dangerous type of car accident because it unleashes the most possible force on each driver.
- Sideswipe: One driver has failed to check their blind spots, or they have drifted out of their lane.
In any car accident case, you have the burden of proof to show that the other driver was to blame. This is required to receive any amount in compensation. Our attorneys investigate your case and compile the evidence you need to become eligible for financial compensation.
The Car Accident Legal Process
Your car accident legal process begins when you contact an experienced attorney to represent you. Although there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer, you generally obtain better financial results when you have legal help.
Your attorney would likely begin with the other driver’s insurance company. You would file a claim, either informally or through a demand letter. The insurance company would then consider the evidence that your attorney puts forward when determining liability for the crash. If the insurance companies agree that the other driver was at fault, they would have a legal obligation to pay you compensation.
Your attorney may try to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, seeking full compensation for your damages. This is no easy task, as insurance companies work to minimize what they owe you. Over time, negotiations could lead to a settlement agreement.
You also retain the option to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver involved in the crash. Even if you do file a court case, most lawsuits will reach a settlement agreement before they ever go in front of a jury.
What Type of Financial Compensation Can I Pursue After a York County Car Accident with Injuries?
Your car accident damages break down into two general categories:
- Economic losses reimburse you for the actual financial costs of the car accident, including your medical expenses and lost wages that you could have earned from work.
- Non-economic damages pay you for the effect the car accident has had on your life and would continue to have in the future, including such things as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
The key is that you know how much to seek before you deal with the insurance company. Your attorney would estimate the value of your damages and keep the pressure on the insurance company until they are willing to pay you.
The Statute of Limitations for a York County Car Accident Case
In South Carolina, you typically have three years from the time you were injured or should have known you were injured to file a claim or lawsuit. It is not advisable to wait this long. The longer you wait to file a claim, the harder it may be for you to recover any type of compensation. You may not even be able to find a lawyer who is willing to take your case if you have delayed the legal process for too long.
Contact a York County, SC, Car Accident Lawyer Today
The attorneys at Hunter & Everage are your advocates and the protector of your legal rights when you have been injured in a car accident. Our lawyers fight the good fight when the insurance company tries to tell you no. When you hire us for your case, we will immediately get to work to help you maximize the compensation to which you are entitled when someone else is to blame for your accident. Get started today by calling us at 704-377-9157 or by sending us a message through our website to schedule a free initial consultation. You never pay us anything unless you win your case.