Columbia Rollover Collision Lawyer

Columbia Rollover Collision Attorney

Getting behind the wheel is something most of us do every day without a second thought. Road travel is an essential part of modern life, and it is easy to forget how dangerous driving can be. If you have been injured in a rollover collision, you know all too well how quickly things can change. If you live in the Columbia area and need to recover compensation for a rollover collision, you need the help of an experienced Columbia rollover collision lawyer.

About the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

If you have been injured because of someone else’s actions or negligence, you need experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel in your corner. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we have been serving the people of South Carolina for 30 years. From our office in Sumter, we tirelessly pursue justice, walking with our clients through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Common Causes of Rollover Collisions

Car accidents are, unfortunately, not uncommon. In 2023 alone, the United States saw almost 41,000 car accident fatalities. In the same year, 1,145 rollover collision accidents were reported in South Carolina. There are myriad causes for car accidents, but the following are a few of the most common: 

• Distracted driving. Technology is increasingly being integrated into our lives, and many drivers find it difficult to refrain from using their devices while behind the wheel. Modern drivers are tempted to text, scroll social media, read emails, and browse music while driving, and all of these activities can lead to accidents.
• Speeding. Speed limits are imposed for a reason, and ignoring them can have deadly consequences. Taking a curve too quickly or hitting a road hazard at high speed can lead to a rollover, even in the absence of another vehicle.
• Weather conditions. Some weather conditions can make roadways treacherous, and even the most careful drivers can lose control. Rain, snow, and ice can significantly reduce friction between tires and the road. In places like South Carolina, winter weather can be especially hazardous, as residents are not used to driving in such conditions.

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Rollover Collision in South Carolina

If you are in a rollover collision, the first thing to do is seek emergency medical care if you are injured. If you are able, you should also call the police and report the accident. You should also attempt to get the other driver’s insurance information, if possible, as well as contact information for anyone who may have witnessed the crash.

The next step is to file an insurance claim. You can file a claim with the other driver’s insurance by calling the company and giving them some information about the accident. South Carolina is an at-fault state for car accidents, so liability must be determined before an insurance company will pay for a claim. Insurance companies use findings from police reports to support their decisions about paying claims.

Why You Should Hire a Rollover Collision Lawyer

It is always a good idea to hire a rollover collision lawyer to help you navigate incidents like this. Insurance companies typically look for every possible way to save money, even if that means putting their customers and other drivers at a disadvantage. Unfortunately, this means insurance companies sometimes deny claims or underpay for damages that should be covered according to their own policies.

Your lawyer can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, from filing the initial claim to answering questions about the accident. If the company denies or underpays your claim, your attorney can push back for you and try to reach an acceptable settlement. If your case goes to court, your lawyer can gather information and present it for you in front of the judge.

FAQs About Rollover Collision Law

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rollover Collision Lawyer in Columbia?

The cost to hire a rollover collision lawyer in Columbia can vary significantly from case to case, depending on the complexity of the case and the individual fees set by attorneys. However, many lawyers who take these kinds of cases work on a contingency basis. Rather than taking a fee up front, they take a percentage of any settlement they secure for their client.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Rollover Collision?

You have three years to file a personal injury claim for a rollover collision in accordance with Section 15-3-530 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. This time limit for legal action is called a statute of limitations. After that three-year window, the injury victim is no longer allowed to take legal action to recover damages, so it is important to file your initial claim as soon as you can.

What Damages Can I Collect for a Rollover Collision Injury?

A fair settlement for injuries sustained in a rollover collision should cover medical bills, including immediate medical care and ongoing care like physical therapy. Compensation should also offset lost wages, whether you are off work for only a couple of weeks or the injury permanently prevents you from doing your job. Finally, the compensation should include an amount for pain and suffering.

How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated?

Usually, pain and suffering are calculated using the per diem method, the multiplier method, or a combination of both. Under the per diem method, pain and suffering are calculated based on what the injured person would normally earn in a day of work. With the multiplier method, the total financial losses are multiplied by a factor determined by the injury’s overall impact on the victim’s life.

Hire a Trusted Attorney – Contact the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

If you have been injured in a rollover collision, you may feel like your life has been turned upside down. You don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. A trusted attorney can help you take the first steps toward recovery. Contact the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III today to discuss your case and find out how we can help you.