Car accidents can happen in a split second but leave a lifelong impact. If you are injured in an auto wreck in Florence or the surrounding areas, you need an experienced Florence car accident lawyer on your side. At Swilley Law Firm, LLC, we have been fighting for the rights of car crash victims for years. We know the challenges you face and are here to provide the strong legal representation you deserve during this difficult time.
Why Hire a Florence Car Accident Attorney?
After a serious car accident, you may be facing extensive medical bills, lost income from missing work, physical pain, emotional trauma, and an uncertain future. The insurance companies are not on your side.
Their goal is to pay out as little as possible on your claim.
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Florence can level the playing field and fight to get you maximum compensation. We will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your accident
- Gather critical evidence like police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photos
- Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies
- Work with experts to prove liability and the full extent of your damages if necessary
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Do not accept a lowball offer from the insurance company or try to handle your claim alone. Our experienced Florence car accident attorney at Swilley Law Firm is here to guide you through the legal process and pursue the full and fair financial recovery you are owed.
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their profits, not your best interests. They may try to get you to accept blame for the accident or downplay the severity of your injuries. Without strong legal representation, you may end up settling for far less than your case is worth.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florence, SC
While some car crashes are caused by factors outside a driver’s control, like poor weather or road conditions, the majority are the result of human error and negligence. Some of the leading causes of car accidents we see in Florence include:
- Distracted driving: Taking your eyes off the road even for a few seconds to text, eat, or adjust the radio or GPS can have disastrous consequences. Distracted driving is a leading cause of rear-end collisions and accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Speeding: Speeding affects the driver’s reaction time and the ability to safely maneuver to avoid hazards on the road. It also increases the severity of injuries in the event of a crash.
- Drunk driving: Despite harsh criminal penalties, people continue to get behind the wheel after drinking. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly increases the risk of a serious wreck.
- Reckless driving: Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, illegal passing, and other aggressive maneuvers put everyone on the road at risk.
- Fatigued driving: Drowsy drivers have slowed reaction times similar to drunk drivers. Falling asleep behind the wheel often leads to high-speed head-on or rollover accidents.
- Texting and Driving using a cell phone while driving a motor vehicle can have disastrous consequences and oftentimes results in the driver veering into oncoming traffic.
These are just a few examples of driver negligence. When another’s carelessness causes you harm, our Florence car accident lawyers will work tirelessly to hold them accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Other common factors that contribute to car accidents in Florence include poor vehicle maintenance, defective auto parts, and hazardous road conditions. Tire blowouts, brake failures, steering or suspension issues, and other mechanical problems can cause a driver to lose control.
Faulty car design or manufacturing, like defective airbags or ignition switches, also leads to crashes.
Additionally, roadway hazards such as large potholes, inadequate signage, malfunctioning traffic signals, or objects in the road can cause serious wrecks. In these complex cases, our Florence car accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all potential sources of liability and insurance, including auto manufacturers, mechanics, and government entities responsible for road maintenance.
Steps to Take After a Florence Car Accident
The aftermath of an auto accident is chaotic and overwhelming. However, the steps you take can have a big impact on the outcome of your car accident claim. Here are some important steps to keep in mind:
- Check for injuries and call 911. Your health and safety are the top priority. If you or anyone else is hurt, seek immediate medical attention.
- Move to a safe area, if possible. If your vehicle is blocking traffic or at risk of being hit again, move it to the shoulder if it is safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Call the police to report the accident. Officers will secure the scene, direct traffic, and create an official accident report. Be sure to get the responding officers’ names and badge numbers.
- Exchange information with the other drivers. Get their name, contact information, insurance details, driver’s license number, license plate, and vehicle make/model. Keep your comments brief, and do not apologize or admit fault.
- Document the accident scene. Take pictures of the position of the vehicles, damage, skid marks, injuries, and anything else that may help show what happened. Write down the date, time, location, weather, and road conditions.
- Talk to witnesses. Get the names and contact information of anyone who may have seen the accident occur. Their testimony can provide powerful support for your claim.
- See a doctor. Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible after the crash. Some serious injuries may not have immediate symptoms. Always follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Notify your insurance company. You are required to promptly inform them that an accident occurred. However, do not give a recorded statement, accept any settlement, or sign anything without consulting a Florence car accident attorney.
- Call a Florence car accident lawyer. The sooner you have experienced legal representation, the better. Your lawyer will deal with the insurance company and make sure your rights are protected.
The car accident claims process is complex, but you do not have to go through it alone. Let the dedicated legal team at Swilley Law Firm, LLC handle the details so you can focus on healing and putting your life back together.
What Compensation Can I Recover for My Florence Car Accident?
If you have been hurt in a car crash caused by another person’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. While every case is unique, damages in a car accident claim may include money for:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Lost wages from any time you had to miss work
- Diminished future earning capacity if your injuries impact your ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement or disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Punitive damages, in rare cases of extreme recklessness
Securing full and fair compensation after a wreck is not easy. The insurance company may try to blame you for the accident to avoid paying your claim. Their initial settlement offer may not come close to covering your total damages.
Our knowledgeable Florence car accident attorneys know the tactics insurance adjusters use to minimize payouts. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather extensive evidence, and work with experts to build the strongest claim possible. Our goal is to obtain maximum compensation for all of your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florence, South Carolina?
It is important to be aware of the statute of limitations, or legal deadline, for filing a car accident lawsuit.
In Florence, South Carolina, victims are legally required to file a claim within three years from when the accident occurred. If a loved one tragically died in the accident, you should file a wrongful death lawsuit three years from the date of death.
While three years may seem like a long time, it is advisable to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after your crash. Valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed over time, and witnesses’ memories can fade.
The sooner your Florence car accident attorney can start investigating, the better.
Also, keep in mind that most car accident cases are resolved through insurance settlements, not court trials. Insurance companies have much shorter reporting deadlines, often just a matter of days or a few weeks after the accident. If you miss an insurance deadline, you could lose your right to file a claim.
Contact Our Trusted Florence Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Swilley Law Firm, LLC, we know that a serious car accident can turn your whole life upside down in an instant. You should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s negligence. Our Florence car accident attorneys are committed to providing the caring, personalized representation you need during this challenging time.
We offer confidential consultations, so there is no risk in speaking to us about your potential case.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation with a knowledgeable Florence car accident lawyer. We look forward to putting our skills and experience to work for you. Let us help you get the compensation you legally deserve!
