Experienced Columbia Car Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a motor vehicle accident in Columbia, our car accident attorneys at Koon Cook & Walters, can help. Our experienced team will focus on your interests, help you understand all your options, negotiate with insurance companies or take your case all the way through to the conclusion of a trial if necessary.
We aren’t the type to back down and settle; our goal is to see your case all the way through and seek the results you want. To learn more about how we can support you, call our office today at 803-991-0685.
Why Hire Koon Cook & Walters?
If you suffer a painful and serious injury in a motor vehicle accident, you may be facing a lot of worries and uncertainties, especially if your insurer denies your claim. That’s why hiring an experienced team of injury attorneys is so important. We’ve been helping car accident victims across South Carolina pursue compensation since 1974 and have built a strong reputation for our tenacity and fierce commitment to our clients’ interests. Whether you are looking to settle inside or outside of court, we are here to fight for you. To us, you are a human being, not a number on a spreadsheet, so you can expect us to treat your situation as if it were our own. Whether you are looking to resolve your issues inside or outside of the courtroom, we have your back.
Let’s help you pursue a claim and develop a compelling case today – call our Columbia office at 803-991-0685.
Benefits Of Hiring A Columbia Car Accident Lawyer
Even if the property damage was minor, or you don’t think that your injuries were that serious, it still helps to hire an attorney after you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident. A Columbia car accident attorney can help make sure you are not missing any important steps in recovering damages. An accident lawyer will be able to help identify all of the possible sources for recovery. In addition, an attorney will help negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you are getting the financial compensation you deserve. At Koon Cook & Walters, our car crash lawyers have nearly 60 years of combined experience. They will be able to assess your situation, negotiate a settlement on your behalf, or take your case all the way through litigation if necessary.
Understanding South Carolina’s Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Laws
South Carolina is considered an “at-fault” state when it comes to who is responsible for a car wreck. In other words, in South Carolina, the law states that the person who caused the accident has to pay for the damages caused by their negligent behavior. For example, if reckless driving was involved as part of the cause of the accident, the reckless driver, or more likely, their insurance company, would have to pay for any damages caused by that accident.
Types Of Car Accidents In Columbia, SC
A motor vehicle accident claim can arise out of any number of different scenarios. Our car accident lawyers help those who have been injured or suffered property damage from the following:
- Car accidents: Whether you get hurt by a rear end collision, head-on collision, rollover accident or sideswipe, we are here to help you pursue the medical and lost wage coverage you need to heal with peace of mind.
- Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists can be particularly vulnerable to serious injuries. If you get hurt in a motorcycle accident, we are here to uphold your rights as motorcyclists and seek the appropriate compensation you need for your recovery.
- Commercial vehicle/truck accidents: Getting hit by a commercial vehicle or large truck can be particularly devastating. We can help identify negligent parties and pursue damages against insurers, trucking companies or the drivers themselves.
- Pedestrian/bicycle accident: Much like motorcycle accidents, getting hit as a pedestrian or cyclist can leave you in a vulnerable position. Our job is to pursue damages and push back against insurance companies for the compensation you need. That way, you can recover with peace of mind.
- Hit-and-run accidents: If you get hurt in a hit-and-run type accident, we can help you go after your own insurance for the coverage you need for your recovery.
- Rideshare Accidents
If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding the specifics of your case, please do not hesitate to reach out.
The Most Dangerous Roads In South Carolina
These are a few of the most hazardous in and around the Columbia metropolitan area:
- I-26: This interstate can be a hotbed for semi truck accidents.
- I-20: This interstate can become particularly dangerous around the interchange with I-26.
- Farrow Road: This can be a particularly dangerous traffic corridor, especially between midnight and 6 a.m..
- Two Notch Road: This road has garnered a reputation for being one of the most deadly in the Columbia metro, as the area along this road boasts a high number of drivers and pedestrians.
- I-77: This road can be dangerous due to the high traffic volume and the convergence of other interstates.
Alongside these roads, some of the most dangerous intersections in the city include Broad River Road and Bush River Road; Two Notch Road and Trenholm Road Extension; Two Notch Road and Sparkleberry Lane; and Assembly Street and Gervais Street.
Steps You Should Take Immediately After A Car Accident
After a crash, you will want to make sure you do the following:
- Make sure everyone at the scene is okay
- Call police/paramedics
- File a police report
- Take photographs of the accident scene
- Speak with/get quotes from witnesses
- Report the accident to the insurance company
- Seek medical attention
Once you do all of these steps, it’s important to get in contact with an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney, especially if the injuries you sustain are particularly severe.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents?
They usually include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Drowsy driving
- Harsh weather conditions
- Vehicle defects
- Road construction/unsafe road conditions
- Traffic violations
No matter how you end up getting in a car accident, our attorneys are here to fight for every penny you deserve.
Types Of Damages You Can Receive For A Car Accident
In South Carolina, car accident victims may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages for their personal injury claims. At Koon Cook & Walters, we will fight hard on your behalf to make sure that you are getting all of the damages you deserve.
Compensatory Damages For A Car Crash In South Carolina
Compensatory damages are damages that are calculated to make you whole again, or in other words, return you to the position you would be in had the accident never happened in the first place. Compensatory damages include economic damages and are calculated by adding up all of the costs you have incurred because of the accident. They can include:
- Damage to your property, like car repairs
- Financial losses, including lost wages
- Medical costs such as hospital or physical therapy bills
- Emotional costs, like therapy bills
Compensatory damages also include non-economic damages such as emotional pain and suffering. Putting a dollar amount on something abstract like emotional trauma can be difficult, and several factors go into calculating damages. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you understand what sorts of damages can be compensatory in a motor vehicle accident.
Punitive Damages For Car Accident Claims In South Carolina
In South Carolina, if a driver is drunk or distracted and causes injury to another, the injured person can ask for punitive damages in a car accident claim. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer.
Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Claim
In South Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, there can be exceptions to this rule, like if the claim is against a government entity or if one of the injury victims is a minor or is mentally incapacitated.
Getting Hit By An Uninsured Motorist
If you get in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance, you still have options for pursuing a legal claim against them. To learn more about how we can help you file a lawsuit and seek the compensation you deserve against an uninsured motorist, check out our uninsured motorist accidents page.
Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics In South Carolina
In 2022, South Carolina was ranked “third worst in the nation” (tied with Montana) when it comes to bad drivers. According to Car Insurance Comparison, South Carolina also has the worst overall death rate associated with motor vehicle accidents among all the states and is the second worst when it comes to cyclist deaths. It is also the second-worst state for speeding, with 45.85% of all fatal accidents being tied to this particular issue.
In addition, according to the 2022 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book.
- There is one traffic collision every 3.7 minutes.
- Someone is injured in a motor vehicle accident every 15.4 minutes, and one person is killed every 8.6 hours.
- One pedestrian is killed by a motor vehicle every 2.1 days.
- One motorcyclist dies every 2.5 days as a result of collisions.
- One bicyclist is killed every 14.6 days.
This makes it critical for South Carolina residents to understand their rights to fair compensation after a motor vehicle crash.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
Do you have questions about your car accident? You are not alone. Here are some questions clients have asked our experienced personal injury lawyers:
How long could my car accident case take?
How long your car accident case takes can depend on the circumstances. For example, some car accident cases can be resolved in a few months if injuries are minor and parties can agree on compensation amounts. However, car accident cases that involve severe injury, vehicle damage or the loss of a life could take longer. In some cases, it can take years to reach a settlement.
Why is it important to see a doctor after a car accident?
Seeing a doctor after a car accident is important because it can help you identify serious injuries early on and pursue the proper medical treatment for them. Even if you feel fine after an accident, it’s still important to talk to a doctor as soon as possible. That’s because the signs and symptoms of some serious injuries may not show up for days, or in some cases, weeks. Additionally, documenting a serious injury in your medical report can be important for building a strong case and effectively pursuing the compensation you need.
Can I continue to drive my car?
It can depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident. A thorough vehicle inspection may be necessary before you drive your vehicle again. Even if there are only a few bumps or scratches, your vehicle may have hidden damages. Our attorneys can discuss whether it is safe to drive after a car accident.
Why should I contact a car wreck lawyer?
Contacting a car wreck lawyer after a serious accident is important. When you work with experienced legal counsel, you can have someone who:
- Knows how to effectively represent you inside and outside of the courtroom.
- Can help you gather and organize the necessary evidence.
- Can work closely with medical and other professionals to provide unique perspectives and second opinions.
- Has the knowledge and experience necessary to provide you with the legal guidance and advice you need.
- Can help identify the appropriate amount in damages you need to cover the cost of medical treatment.
- Fight relentlessly for your interests when insurance companies refuse to cooperate
- Call out insurance companies when their efforts to deny you compensation are an act of bad faith.
If you want to learn more about what our Columbia attorneys can do for you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
How soon should I contact a car wreck lawyer?
You should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you can after a car accident. While you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim, the sooner you begin your case, the better chances you have of collecting maximum compensation.
Injured In A Car Accident? Deadlines Apply. Call Today.
In a car accident or auto injury claim, statute of limitations and filing deadlines apply. If you don’t file your claim in a timely manner, you can lose the right to recover damages for your injuries. Call our Columbia car accident lawyers today at 803-991-0685 or send an email through our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation initial consultation and case evaluation today.