Best Car Accident Lawyers in Greer

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Greer, South Carolina?

  The City of Greer Police Department non-emergency dispatch may be reached at (864) 848-2151.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Greer, South Carolina?

  You may request an accident report from the Records Division by sending an email to pdrecords@cityofgreer.org, together with the case no., driver’s name, and a copy of the FR-10 form given by the police officer at the accident scene. You may also call (864) 848-2161 or drop by the Police Department during business hours.

• What are the causes of auto accidents in Greer?

  Unsafe driving behaviors, such as talking on the phone, texting, eating, speeding, disobeying traffic laws, and driving under substance influence, are some of the common causes of car crashes in Greer. Accidents can also arise from vehicle manufacturing defects and dangerous road situations, like broken traffic lights, missing street signs, and unsecured construction zones.

• Are vehicles in Greer at risk of meeting fatal accidents?

  Yes. Those driving through Greer may still face fatal accidents, based on data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. While the statewide fatalities went down by 12% in 2022, this decline was inconsistent per county. Greer lies on the border of Greenville and Spartanburg counties, which ranked first and sixth in terms of traffic deaths, respectively.

• If your family member wrongfully died in a Greer auto accident, how long do you have to file a claim?

  You have three years to seek damages for a car accident in Greer, according to S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530. The duration is counted starting from the date of your loved one’s death. For claims and lawsuits involving property damage and non-fatal injuries, South Carolina law allows three years from the date of the crash. A lawyer can help you file your case within the deadline, as well as support it with evidence such as witness testimonies, photos, and video footage.

• If you were found more than half at fault for a car crash in Greer, can you still seek compensation?

  No. Following South Carolina law, car crash cases in Greer operate within the modified comparative negligence doctrine. This rule forbids plaintiffs from receiving compensation if the court determines that their actions contributed to 51% or more of an accident. Injured persons must prove that they are 50% or less at fault in order to recover damages.

• What types of damages can someone recover after a Greer auto accident?

  Victims of car wrecks in Greer may file claims to seek compensation for medical treatment and loss of income resulting from the injuries they have sustained. They may also include physical disfigurement and impairment, emotional pain and suffering, and the loss, damage, or reduced value of property in their claims.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.