Automobile Accidents

JGLF understands that if you have been in a car accident, or are the family member of a victim, you may be overwhelmed by all that has happened – perhaps suffering from emotional, physical and financial injury and loss. While monetary compensation cannot change what happened, it can help with medical bills, employment, rehabilitation and your financially stability in your future.

Even the most minor automobile accidents can produce injuries that seem disproportionate to the actual accident itself, and physical injuries may not arise until months after the original accident. It is important to contact a qualified automobile accident attorney to discuss the details of your accident, and the physical and financial impact you have suffered. Your attorney will help you determine if you have a claim against the other driver for damages.

Auto accidents in Charleston and throughout South Carolina may be fatal, or result in serious injury, due to the negligence or recklessness of drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 6 million reported motor vehicle crashes in 2004. While the majority of accidents involved only damage to property, 38,000 lives were lost – more than 1,000 of those were on South Carolina roadways.

Most traffic fatalities occurred in Greenville County, which lies along the busy I-85 corridor, halfway between Charlotte and Atlanta. It is also the most populated region in South Carolina -- home to Michelin, BMW, General Electric and others – and experiences a high volume of passenger vehicle and tractor-trailer traffic. Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Beaufort, Colleton, Horry, Richland, Lexington and Georgetown Counties are also experiencing dramatic population increases and a corresponding increase in automobile and truck collisions.

People involved in motor vehicle accidents who may have a claim for their injuries or damages include:

• Drivers of vehicles involved in accidents where another driver was at fault
• Passengers in vehicle accidents whose driver or the driver of another vehicle was at fault
• Pedestrians hit by vehicles
• Cyclists and motorcycle riders hit by motorists

In South Carolina, those injured in automobile accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others are entitled to file a civil suit – called a “tort action” – against those who caused them harm. The plaintiff (claimant) files a lawsuit against the party that caused the injury (defendant). If negligence is proven, the defendant must pay the plaintiff monetary “damages” that may include compensation for present and future loss of earnings, property damages, medical expenses and pain and suffering. In order for the plaintiff to recover damages, a skilled attorney must prove the critical elements of negligence:

• The defendant had a duty to the plaintiff
• The defendant failed in that duty
• The plaintiff was injured and damages resulted from the defendants’ breach of duty

If a car accident was caused by a driver’s exceedingly reckless or careless conduct, then punitive damages may be awarded to the victim. Drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs, speeding, or other failure to abide by traffic laws and regulations will generally justify punitive damages.

Car accidents may also be caused by defects in an automobile, including defective fuel tanks, brakes, tires, steering, suspension systems and seatbelts.

Let a personal injury attorney at Joe Griffith Law Firm, LLC assist you in obtaining the maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages as a result of your car accident. Joe Griffith and JGFL are dedicated to our profession, and our clients. JGFL stands ready and capable to provide its clients the highest caliber of professional service, with a personal touch and a friendly attitude.

Call the firm today, at 843-CALL-JOE (843-225-5563), or contact the firm via the online form.

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