Representation You Can Trust For Your Car Accident Personal Injury Claims
We drive our cars everywhere, every day. Car accidents can happen anywhere. Some car wrecks are minor fender benders. Others can change your whole life. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Columbia, our car accident attorneys at Koon Cook & Walters, LLC, 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.
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, LLC, 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 personal injury claim. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer.
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 injury case take?
The length of your car accident case will likely depend on a few factors. Simple car accident cases could be resolved within a few months if all issues are discussed and compensation is agreed upon. However, a case may be more complicated if there are severe injuries, vehicle damage or the loss of a life. As a result, it may take several years before a settlement is reached. Our personal injury attorneys can help you prepare for a car accident case.
Why is it important to see a doctor after a car accident?
Yes. You need to see a doctor after a car accident to identify hidden injuries and create a record of your medical conditions. A medical report is an important document that can be used to determine the damages you should be awarded in a successful personal injury case. It also establishes a direct link between the accident and your injuries.
Can I continue to drive my car?
A thorough vehicle inspection may need to be done to confirm whether it is safe to continue driving. Even if there are only a few bumps or scratches, your vehicle may have been severely damaged. Our attorneys can discuss whether it is safe to drive after a car accident.
Why should I contact a car wreck lawyer?
Contacting a personal injury lawyer after a car wreck can help you in a number of ways. We can educate you on your legal options, help identify possible damages you may be entitled to, collect key documents and represent you in court.
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 An Auto 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 personal injury lawyers today at Koon Cook & Walters, LLC or send an email through our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation initial consultation and case evaluation today.