About 1,000 people are injured in car accidents in Myrtle Beach each year. (South Carolina Department of Public Safety.) In 2017, there were nine fatalities and a total of 2,097 collisions. But Myrtle Beach accident statistics don’t tell the stories of the people whose lives are changed suddenly in an accident.
If you’ve been hurt, our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyers can represent you. Maguire Law Firm is a team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Myrtle Beach. Contact us at (843) 273-8215 to talk about your case.
Car Accident Lawyers Near Myrtle Beach
You may know that you deserve financial compensation. However, you may not know how to protect your rights. You may not even know what your rights are.
Our lawyers near Myrtle Beach have decades of experience helping people just like you. Don’t assume that the insurance company will treat you fairly. Their main concern is their bottom line. We can help you with everything following a car accident from the day it happens until you have compensation in your hands.
Contact us today for a consultation regarding your car accident claim. Ask how we can represent you with no costs to you until we recover compensation on your behalf.
Does my case qualify for car accident compensation?
You qualify for car accident compensation if the accident is someone else’s fault, and you have damages. South Carolina law requires the one who causes the accident to pay for damages. You shouldn’t have to suffer the losses of a car accident that isn’t your fault.
Who is at fault for a car accident?
Examples of fault for a car accident are:
- Speeding
- Following to closely, or “tailgating”
- Improper turn
- Ignoring a stoplight or stop sign
- Texting while driving, driving distracted
- Lane changes into traffic
- Driving under the influence, drunk driving
- Driving while tired or fatigued
- Aggressive driving, road rage
Negligence is enough for a party to have legal liability. For example, a party who runs a red light is at fault for an accident. They failed to use reasonable care and caution.
Driving can be dangerous. Drivers are expected to follow traffic laws and drive safely. Our lawyers can look at what happened and determine who is legally at fault to pay damages.
Parties who may be at fault for an accident include:
- A vehicle driver
- Employer of a vehicle driver
- Manufacturer/designer of the vehicle
- A party responsible for negligent vehicle maintenance
- Someone who obstructs traffic or causes a distraction
- A person who negligently entrusts their vehicle to someone else
- Government body for road design or maintenance
It’s not always just a driver who may be at fault for an accident. We investigate the underlying to determine who may truly be legally responsible for the collision.
What compensation can I get for a car accident?
The victim of a car accident deserves compensation for their losses. Too many victims believe that their compensation is limited to their car repairs and the emergency room bill. However, you deserve compensation for all the losses that you have. When you think about the ways that a car accident changes your life, you may identify may categories of damages, including:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Cost of getting to medical appointments
- Prescription costs, over-the-counter devices and products
- Mental health injuries and care
- Replacement income for inability to work
- Vehicle damage, personal property damage
- Rental car or other transportation expenses while you wait for vehicle repairs
- Physical pain
- Emotional and mental suffering
- Disfigurement, disability, and changes in lifestyle
When you’re injured in a car accident, it impacts you in many ways. Some ways are obvious financially – you have medical bills, and you may not be able to work. Other ways – like not be able to do things you used to enjoy – are not so obvious.
Part of our job as car accident lawyers is making sure that your car accident compensation claim is complete. We identify your damages, even if you aren’t aware of them. Then, we take the important steps of valuing losses, gathering documentation and submitting the claim to the insurance company. We apply our training and experience to ensure that you truly claim what you deserve and that you do the right things to receive a fair payment.
What if I may have been at fault?
Car accident fault isn’t always straight forward. For example, one party may have made an inappropriate lane change while another party was speeding. When there is shared fault for a car accident, a financial recovery may still be possible. South Carolina’s fault system works as follows:
- Compensation is still possible if there is shared fault for a car accident
- You may seek damages if you are not 50% or more at fault for the accident
- It’s not the insurance company who decides fault – you may pursue a formal claim if you disagree with their finding
- Damages are reduced to account for shared fault
Our lawyers can give you a personalized consultation about your situation. We can determine if shared fault applies and how it might impact your claim. We can fight for your rights and the compensation that you deserve, addressing allegations of fault raised by the other side or the insurance company.
How do I get compensated for a car accident?
To get compensation for a car accident, you must:
- Identify the party at fault and any insurance policies that apply to the claim
- Report the accident to the insurance company
- Determine what compensation you deserve and gather proof
- Make your claim to the insurance company and negotiate compensation
- Evaluate your settlement offer and determine whether to accept it
- File a formal legal claim, if necessary
No two cases are exactly alike, so there is no one right way to pursue every case. However, there are important deadlines and steps that must be followed to receive compensation. You don’t have to accept a settlement from the insurance company. You have the right to bring a case in court. Let our lawyers help you understand your options and guide you through evaluating settlement offers and other steps in the claims process.
How long do I have to bring a car accident claim?
Most car accident claims must be formally filed within three years. Once a lawsuit is filed, the amount of time it takes to process varies.
While the legal claim must be filed in three years, you shouldn’t wait to begin your case with our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyers. Making a timely report to the insurance company is very important. In addition, the process of documenting losses can take time. It’s always best to work with a Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Why choose our law firm
Here are some reasons that people choose Maguire Law Firm for representation following a car accident:
Knowledge – To make your car accident case a success, you must navigate complex rules and legal procedures. Even a small mistake or oversight can prevent you from getting a fair payment. At Maguire Law Firm, we know the laws and regulations that apply to your case.
Experience – With more than two decades of experience, we know the little things that matter to car accident victims. When you work with us, we pursue your best interests using experience as our guide.
Contingency Fees – Our lawyers act in your best interests. That means we can represent you with no cost to you until you receive your compensation.
Local – We live and work in the Myrtle Beach community. We know the roads, the courts and the community. That local perspective gives us the advantage as we prepare your case.
Aggressive – Your legal team must be relentless. After all, the insurance company doesn’t want to pay. We fight aggressively on your behalf.
Determination – Individuals should receive fair treatment from the powerful insurance companies. This determination drives us each day to go farther for your success.
Available – Throughout your case, we communicate. It’s important that you know what to expect and that you have the chance to ask questions. We’re available and accessible throughout your case.
Car Accident Lawyers Near Myrtle Beach
Our car accident lawyers represent victims in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas. When you’re looking for the best car accident lawyers near Myrtle Beach, come have a consultation with our law firm. We’re currently taking new cases, and there’s no obligation.
At your consultation, learn more about your case. Get answers to all your questions. We’re proud to represent members of our community as well as individuals who are hurt while visiting Myrtle Beach.
We’re dedicated to holding insurance companies accountable as well as those who cause accidents.
Currently Taking New Cases
Maguire Law Firm is taking new cases now. Contact us for your free consultation to see how we can represent you to get the compensation that you deserve after an accident.
Call us at (843) 273-8215 or send us a message through our website. We’re ready to help you today.
