Fighting For Justice After South Carolina Motor Vehicle Accidents

At Hurley Law PA, we have seen the life-changing impact of motor vehicle accidents on individuals and families. As a Greenville law firm, we are committed to fighting for the rights of those injured due to negligence or malpractice. Founded in 2019 by attorney Sarah Hurley, who has 35 years of experience, our firm is dedicated to providing tenacious representation to those who need it most.

You deserve a lawyer who will fiercely advocate for your rights, not an ambulance chaser who only cares about quick settlements. With decades of experience and a proven track record of success, Sarah Hurley is the ally for you in your time of need. She fights with determination and compassion, always safeguarding your rights.

Our Motor Vehicle Accident Services

We provide comprehensive legal services to individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents. In her decadeslong career, Sarah has handled cases of every type, including complex multicar accidents. She can assist you with claims involving:

• Car accidents: From minor fender benders to major collisions, we handle all types of car accident cases. We will investigate the cause of the accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
• Commercial truck accidents: These accidents can be more complex due to the involvement of large vehicles and companies. We will examine the trucking company’s policies and procedures to determine if they contributed to the accident.
• Motorcycle accidents: Riders often face severe injuries. We will work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
• Pedestrian accidents: You should be able to walk on the road safely. We will fight to help you if a car or another vehicle strikes you as a pedestrian.
• Bicycle accidents: Cyclists injured by negligent drivers deserve justice. We will advocate for your rights as a cyclist.
• Wrongful death accidents: Losing someone you love in a motor vehicle accident is devastating. We will guide you through a claim if you lose your loved one in an auto accident.

Our personal injury attorney is dedicated to providing personalized attention to each client, always meeting your needs adequately throughout the legal process. She helps to relieve the legal burden on your shoulders. Sarah Hurley manages the legal complexities so you can focus on healing. She will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, whether through negotiation or litigation.

What To Do After A Motor Vehicle Accident

Knowing the right steps to take immediately following a motor vehicle accident can be crucial for your health, safety and legal rights. It is important to remain calm and collected, prioritize your well-being, and gather essential information. Here is a step-by-step guide to follow after a motor vehicle accident:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are seriously injured.
2. Call the police and file a report to document the accident.
3. Exchange information with the other parties involved, including insurance information.
4. Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles and any visible injuries.
5. Do not give a statement to the insurance company without consulting with an attorney.

Remember, the actions you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your claim. By seeking medical attention and documenting the accident, you can strengthen your case and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

The Most Common Injuries From Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to permanent quadriplegia. Sarah Hurley has worked with clients who survived a vast spectrum of car crash injuries. Just a few of the most common types of injuries she has seen include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Emotional trauma
• Amputation
• Total or partial paralysis
• Road rash

These injuries can have a lasting impact on your quality of life. It is essential to seek medical attention and legal representation as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen over time.

South Carolina’s Modified Comparative Negligence Laws

When it comes to compensation for motor vehicle accident damages, South Carolina follows a type of law called modified comparative negligence. Modified comparative negligence means that you can still recover damages even if you are partially responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 20%. This complex system requires the guidance of an experienced attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation. You can only recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault. If you have 51% fault or more, then you may not recover financial compensation.

Taking The Wheel After A Commercial Truck Accident

Commercial truck accidents are often more complex than car accidents, involving multiple parties and intricate regulations. The consequences of a commercial truck accident can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries, fatalities and significant property damage. Major highways like Interstate 26, Interstate 85, Interstate 95 and South Carolina Highway 9 have a high volume of commercial truck traffic, increasing the risk of major accidents. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage, and the impact of a collision can be felt for years to come.

In these cases, third-party liability may exist, and trucking companies will vigorously fight these claims. The investigation into the accident will involve multiple parties, including the trucking company, the driver, the manufacturer of the truck and its components, and other potentially liable parties. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry, and compliance with these regulations can be a critical factor in determining liability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can lead to significant injuries and serious financial difficulties. Victims often have a lot of questions, such as:

What are my options for recovering compensation in South Carolina if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured?

If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, it can be harder to seek damages. However, you may be entitled to compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is typically what happens in hit-and-run accidents as well.

In some cases, it may also be possible to pursue a civil claim directly against the at-fault driver to recover your losses through their assets.

What if my car accident injuries do not appear until days after the crash?

Some injuries do not manifest for several days after an auto accident. This can happen either because adrenaline can hide the pain and severity of injuries at the time of a crash or because the injuries are simply slow to fully develop. This is common with internal injuries and nerve damage.

This is why it is important to seek medical care immediately after a car accident. An early medical exam can identify hidden injuries. Ongoing care can help track the changes in your medical condition, which could be essential to recovering damages in an auto accident claim later.

Insurance companies typically seek to challenge the connection between delayed-onset injuries and crashes, so strong medical evidence can be very helpful when it comes to establishing a clear link between delayed injuries and the crash.

What types of damages can I recover in a car accident claim beyond medical bills and vehicle repair?

Medical bills and vehicle repair expenses are only a few of the possible forms of compensation you can recover from a car accident claim. However, you may also be entitled to the following forms of compensation:

• Lost wages: Income loss while recovering from injuries and hospital stay and future job loss after suffering from long-term disabilities
• Funeral expenses: Cremation and burial expenses for a wrongful death
• Emotional turmoil: Damages for pain and suffering, depression, loss of enjoyment from life and loss of companionship

Our attorneys can assess the value of your case and help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses after a car accident.

Take The First Step Toward Justice: Consult A Greenville Attorney

After the turmoil and pain of a car accident, contact us at Hurley Law PA. We can help you with the complex legal process as we seek the compensation you deserve. Call us at 864-641-7990 or email us to schedule a consultation.