|
|
Last Modified on Jan 19, 2026
I-26 is one of the busiest highways in the Columbia area. Accidents can happen in various ways, from driver negligence to illegal misconduct behind the wheel. Every driver in the area should know what to do after a car accident on I-26 in Columbia, SC, and the value of working with an experienced attorney. The right legal representative at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help you pursue accountability and compensation for the damages you suffered.
What to Do After a Car Accident on I-26 in Columbia, SC
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported that in 2023, there were 145,761 vehicle crashes statewide. A total of 5,235 collisions were reported on I-26 that year, 23 of which were fatal, 37 of which resulted in serious injuries, and 880 of which resulted in other injuries. Crashes might happen on I-26 because of speeding, inattention, moving violations, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The initial aftermath of any car accident can be confusing and traumatic. Drivers involved in a crash in South Carolina are expected to call 911 to report any accident that results in serious property damage, injury, or death. If possible, the drivers involved should move their vehicles out of traffic after the accident, but this may not be possible or safe on a highway like I-26.
If you can do so safely, call 911 immediately to report the accident and document what you can from the crash scene while you wait for first responders. After you receive medical treatment for your injuries, you should hire a car accident lawyer at your first opportunity so they can determine your most viable options for legal recourse.
If another driver caused the accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages from them, but you have a short time to build your case. Some of the evidence you need for proving fault won’t be obtainable for very long, and you may be struggling with painful injuries after your accident. It’s crucial to consult a Columbia car accident attorney as soon as you can after a collision on I-26.
Recovering From an Accident on I-26
In South Carolina, all vehicle accidents involving multiple parties are resolved by determining fault. Whoever caused the accident is liable for resulting damages, so proving fault will be an essential first step in any car accident case following a crash on I-26. Your Columbia car accident attorney can gather proof of liability that shows exactly how the other driver caused your accident and determine the optimal way to recover compensation for your damages.
Every South Carolina driver is required to have auto insurance, and filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s policy is likely to be your first avenue of recovery after a crash. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging as they will almost always try to settle for as little as possible. Some will even attempt to unfairly deny or devalue claims, so do not wait for this to happen to you to hire a car accident lawyer.
Your legal representative can negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, and they can also build a comprehensive personal injury case if necessary for your recovery. You have a much better chance of winning your case and a greater likelihood of maximizing your total compensation with an attorney representing you. The plaintiff in a personal injury case can claim compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Ultimately, any highway accident has the potential to cause life-changing injuries, expensive economic damages, and various legal complications for the victim. The team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help you make sense of your recovery options after your recent accident, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services in Columbia.
FAQs
How Can I Prove Fault for a Car Accident on I-26?
To prove fault for a car accident on I-26, you will likely need various types of physical and digital evidence. Your attorney can gather evidence like vehicle computer data, cell phone records, witness statements, and police reports to assist you with proving fault. If you believe another driver caused your accident, you need to hire a car accident lawyer right away so they can start gathering the evidence you need to prove liability.
Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to the Police in Columbia?
Yes, you must report a car accident to the police in Columbia if the accident causes significant property damage, any injury, or death. If there is any doubt as to whether you need to report a collision, it is always safest to err on the side of caution and report it. This not only ensures there will be a police report on file for the accident, but also prevents you from facing penalties for failure to report or hit-and-run.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Car Accident on I-26?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a car accident on I-26 depends on the severity of your injuries. Once you prove fault for the accident, you can claim compensation for any economic and non-economic losses you suffered because of the at-fault driver’s negligence or misconduct. Your Columbia car accident attorney may help you secure compensation for vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Columbia?
You should hire a car accident lawyer in Columbia to have a better chance of not only winning your case but also maximizing your compensation. A skilled local attorney can help you prove fault for a crash on I-26, guide you through the auto insurance claim filing process, and build a cohesive personal injury case on your behalf if necessary to maximize your recovery. You are far more likely to reach a positive outcome with an attorney representing you.
The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has years of proven experience helping Columbia drivers recover from all types of accidents, including highway crashes on I-26. You can trust our team to gather proof of liability swiftly after the accident, accurately calculate your claimable damages, and develop an individualized legal strategy aimed at ensuring maximum compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.
