Summerville, a town located in South Carolina, is known for its charming ambiance and friendly residents. However, like any other place, it’s also not immune to car accidents. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Summerville or anywhere else in South Carolina, understanding the state’s car accident laws and your legal options is crucial.
South Carolina follows an “at-fault” system when it comes to car accidents. This means that the party who caused the accident is responsible for any resulting harm or damage. The victim can seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company by filing a claim. If this doesn’t cover all damages or if the claim gets denied, one could potentially file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
One of South Carolina’s key statutes related to car accidents is the modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, as long as you are less than 51% at fault for causing an accident, you can still recover damages from other parties involved. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if you’re found 20% at fault and have $10,000 worth of damages; you’d only be able to recover $8,000 after subtracting your share of blame (20%). It’s important to note that if you’re found more than 50% at fault; under South Carolina law; you won’t be able to recover anything.
Moreover, there are time limits for filing lawsuits associated with car accidents known as statute of limitations which vary depending on whether it involves property damage or personal injury claims. In South Carolina; victims generally have three years from the date of their crash to file either type of lawsuit.
The process following a vehicle collision can often be overwhelming and complex especially when dealing with injuries or loss. Therefore; having professional legal representation increases chances of receiving fair compensation considerably.
Hiring experienced summerville car accident lawyer attorneys can help you navigate through the legal complexities and ensure your rights are protected. They can assist in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and if necessary, representing you in court.
If you’ve been injured or suffered property damage due to a car accident in Summerville; it’s important to understand your legal options. While insurance claims may offer some compensation; they often fall short of covering all expenses related to an accident. An experienced attorney can help explain these laws as well as guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit if necessary.
In conclusion, understanding Summerville’s car accident laws and knowing your legal options is crucial following a collision. Retaining an experienced attorney could be beneficial for anyone seeking justice after such unfortunate incidents and ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the process.
Murphy Crantford Meehan
136 W Richardson Ave, Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 832-1120
