If you were injured in a car accident in Little River, South Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation. Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the money you need. We can help you file a claim for your financial losses, pain and suffering, and more. Call us at (843) 390-9111 to get started with a free consultation.
With 58 years of combined experience and tens of millions of dollars recovered, our Little River car accident lawyers know what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable. We are prepared to investigate your case thoroughly and maximize the compensation you receive. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Why Choose Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers After a Car Crash in Little River, SC?
When you work with Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers, you get a dedicated advocate who will handle every part of your case while you focus on your health and well-being. We will provide you with comprehensive legal services every step of the way, including taking your case to trial if that’s in your best interest.
Members of our award-winning team have been recognized in various ways, including the following:
- Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers
- Best of the Beach (The Sun News)
- Top 1% National Association of Distinguished Trial Lawyers
A Little River personal injury lawyer won’t cut any corners when it comes to making the most of your claim. Insurance companies work hard to minimize claims and avoid payouts, but we understand their tactics and won’t let them get away with offering you less than you deserve.
Contact Little River personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. We have a track record of successful results you can depend on.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
After a crash, you might be wondering whether it’s necessary to involve a lawyer. Although the law doesn’t require you to hire legal representation, doing so can significantly improve your chances of securing fair compensation.
An experienced car accident lawyer can provide the following benefits:
- Identify legal issues and opportunities that may not be obvious to non-lawyers
- Push back against the tactics insurers use to reduce or deny claims
- Make sure all filing deadlines and legal procedures are properly handled
- Protect your rights if you are wrongly blamed for the accident
- Represent you in court if litigation becomes necessary
Most importantly, hiring a car accident attorney allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal work.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Little River Car Accident Claim?
Every car accident case is different, and the amount of compensation available depends on a wide range of factors. While some claims are worth thousands of dollars, others involve more substantial losses and may result in six- or even seven-figure settlements.
When evaluating your claim, we will consider factors such as:
- The seriousness and permanence of your injuries
- How your injuries have affected your ability to earn a living
- The cost of past and future medical care
- Whether you experienced long-term pain or disability
- The emotional toll the accident has had on your quality of life
- How clearly fault can be proven
- The amount of available insurance coverage
Our personal injury law firm regularly works with economists, doctors, and other experts to calculate the true value of your damages. We’ll work hard to put as much money into your pocket as we can.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Little River?
If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, South Carolina law allows you to recover compensation for a wide range of damages. This includes both tangible economic damages and more subjective non-economic damages. In some cases, punitive damages may also apply.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, hospital stays, and follow-up treatment
- Lost wages for time you had to miss work
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Other costs like medications, mobility aids, or transportation
Non-economic damages address the personal effects of the crash, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Reduced enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or support
Punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing. These are rare, but they can be available in cases involving drunk driving or reckless conduct.
What if I’m Partially to Blame for My Car Accident in South Carolina?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence law when more than one party shares responsibility for a car accident. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you’re less than 51% at fault for the crash.
However, your damages will be reduced based on your share of the blame. For example, if you’re awarded $50,000 but found 20% responsible, you would receive $40,000.
Insurance companies often try to use this rule to reduce their payout. They might argue that you contributed to the crash, even when the facts don’t support it. That’s why it’s important to have a car accident lawyer who can push back and protect your right to fair compensation.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?
Under South Carolina law, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal time limit is called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, your case can be dismissed, and you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether.
Although three years may sound like a long time, evidence can disappear quickly, and witness memories can fade. There are also exceptions that can change the time limit for some cases. For these reasons, it’s best to get in touch with an auto accident attorney in Little River as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most attorneys in this area of the law, including ours at Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t owe us anything upfront, and you only pay if we win money for you.
You’ll sign a written agreement that outlines the percentage we receive from your settlement or trial verdict. This percentage usually falls between one-third and 40%, depending on the case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you won’t pay anything in attorney’s fees.
Hiring a car accident lawyer in Little River shouldn’t be a financial burden. This arrangement allows you to get the legal help you need without worrying about hourly rates or retainer fees. It also gives us strong motivation to work hard on your behalf because our success is directly tied to yours.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Little River, SC, Help Me?
After a serious crash, you may feel overwhelmed by medical bills, time off work, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies. A car accident attorney can step in and handle the legal legwork so you can focus on healing.
Here’s what we can do for you:
- Conduct a full investigation into your accident
- Identify every potential source of compensation
- Collect and preserve critical evidence
- Handle all paperwork and deadlines
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Defend you from blame or partial liability
- Bring in medical, economic, or accident reconstruction experts if needed
- File a lawsuit and represent you in Horry County court if necessary
Working with an attorney may be the difference between a denied claim and a meaningful financial recovery. Get in touch with us today to set up a completely free initial consultation.
Will My Little River Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident claims are resolved outside of court. In fact, a large majority are settled during negotiations with the insurance company. Still, there are situations where a trial becomes necessary for injury victims.
You might need to go to court if:
- The insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer
- The other driver denies responsibility
- The value of your damages is disputed
- There is conflicting evidence
Filing a lawsuit allows your lawyer to enter the discovery phase, where both sides exchange information. This can uncover crucial details (like black box data, witness testimony, or maintenance records) that support your claim. Even after a lawsuit is filed, settlement discussions can still continue.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Little River
The moments after a car crash can be overwhelming, especially if you or a loved one has been hurt. What you do next can affect your health, your finances, and your ability to recover compensation.
If you are able, take the following steps after your Little River car accident:
- Move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible, and turn on your hazard lights
- Call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive and complete an accident report
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
- Do not admit fault or apologize, even casually
- Take photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and anything else relevant
- Speak with witnesses and get their contact information if they are willing
- Seek medical care, even if your injuries seem minor at the time
- Follow all medical advice and attend your follow-up appointments
After you’ve taken care of your immediate safety and medical needs, contact a car accident lawyer in Little River. A legal professional can review your case, protect your rights, and guide you through the next steps in your claim.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Little River, South Carolina
At Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers, we have decades of experience handling a broad range of motor vehicle accident cases. Whether your collision occurred on a rural highway or a congested city street, our Little River car accident lawyers can help. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases based on car crashes we take on include:
Rear-End Collisions
These often happen in stop-and-go traffic or when one driver follows too closely. Whiplash, back injuries, and head trauma are frequently associated with this type of crash. Contact our Little River rear-end collision lawyers today.
Left-Turn Accidents
When a driver makes an unsafe left turn without yielding, it can result in serious injuries. These cases often involve disputes about right-of-way and can benefit from a detailed investigation. If you need help, call our Little River left-turn accident attorneys for a free case review.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Piling up on busy roads, these incidents are complex and typically involve multiple at-fault parties and insurance policies. Our experienced multi-vehicle crash lawyers in Little River will work to sort through the confusion and establish liability.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Leaving the scene of a crash is illegal, yet it happens far too often. If you were hit by a driver who fled, our Little River hit-and-run car accident lawyers can help explore your options for recovery, such as uninsured motorist coverage.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you don’t see your specific situation listed here. We can also help with many other types of cases, such as DUI accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and more. We stand ready to evaluate your personal injury claim for free.
What Are Some Common Types of Car Accident Injuries?
Car accidents can lead to a wide variety of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to long-term or even permanent conditions. The type and severity of the injury often influence the value of your claim, as well as the kind of medical treatment you’ll need.
Some of the most common injuries we help clients recover from include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Dislocated joints
- Burns and lacerations
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Unfortunately, some victims lose their lives due to the extent of their injuries. In those heartbreaking cases, our personal injury attorneys can also assist surviving family members in filing a wrongful death claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Little River
Most car accidents in South Carolina are preventable and happen because someone failed to drive responsibly. When drivers ignore the rules of the road or act carelessly, they put everyone around them at risk.
Some of the leading causes of accidents in Little River and surrounding areas include:
- Distracted driving, including texting behind the wheel
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield or merge properly
- Following too closely
- Driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
- Poor weather or road conditions
- Mechanical failure or tire blowouts
When our legal team investigates your case, we’ll gather evidence that points to the real cause of the crash. This may include police reports, eyewitness statements, surveillance video, crash reconstruction experts, and more.
Little River Car Accident Statistics
Car accidents are a regular occurrence in Horry County, and Little River is no exception. With major roads like Highway 17 and Highway 9 running through the area, the risk of collisions remains high throughout the year.
According to recent data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety:
- Horry County recorded over 10,000 motor vehicle collisions in 2022 alone
- Nearly 3,000 of those crashes resulted in injuries
- Over 75 accidents were fatal
Coastal areas like Little River continue to see significant accident rates, likely due to factors like tourism, local traffic, environmental conditions, and highway congestion.
Contact Our Little River Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you or someone close to you was hurt in a crash in or near Little River, South Carolina, legal help is just a phone call away. At Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers, we have 58 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions for people across the state. We know the law, and we’re ready to put our skills to work for you.
Your consultation is free, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win compensation for your case. Contact our award-winning Little River car accident attorneys today.