Rock Hill, SC, is a great place to live. The people are friendly, and the city is full of life. However, like in any other city, there are accidents. Passengers in car accidents can be seriously injured; sometimes, these injuries can be life-threatening. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident as a passenger, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain of your legal options. However, you do not have to go through this process alone.
The Rock Hill car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor are here to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation! We will work hard to get you the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Rock Hill, SC?
Many different factors can contribute to a car accident. Some of the most common causes of auto accidents in Rock Hill, SC, include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Weather conditions
If you have been injured in an automobile accident, it is important to contact an experienced attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor are here to help you through this process.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident as a Passenger in Rock Hill, SC
If you have been injured in a car crash as a passenger in Rock Hill, SC, there are some important steps you should take:
- First, it is important that you seek medical treatment for your injuries. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, it is always best to get checked out by a medical professional.
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
- Gather evidence from the accident scene, if possible. This may include taking pictures of the damage to both vehicles, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the police report.
- Keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. This documentation will be necessary when it comes time to file a compensation claim.
Taking these steps after a motor vehicle accident can help you get your deserved compensation.
What if The At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the driver who caused the accident does not have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries. In South Carolina, all auto insurance policies also include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage is available when an uninsured motorist injures you. However, if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance, UM coverage will not provide any financial assistance. To prevent this, you can elect to add underinsured motorist coverage to your policy.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim as a Passenger?
Yes, injured passengers can file a personal injury claim as a passenger if they were injured in a car accident. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Who Pays for My Medical Bills?
There are a few options available to passengers of car accidents.
Claims Against the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
If another driver caused the accident, you would likely need to file a claim with their liability insurance company. Depending on their bodily injury liability coverage limits, their insurance company may be responsible for your medical bills, past and future lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
If you have been injured in a Rock Hill car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. This is typically only necessary if the at-fault party does not have insurance, your injuries are particularly severe, or the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement.
In a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The insurance company may try to lowball you by offering you a settlement that is much less than what your claim is worth. It is important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can negotiate with the insurance company and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Medical Payments Coverage in Rock Hill, SC
In no-fault states, drivers and passengers are typically covered by personal injury protection insurance. This coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, personal injury protection is not available or required under South Carolina law. Instead, South Carolina car insurance companies offer medical payments coverage (medpay.)
Medical payments coverage is insurance coverage that can help pay for your medical expenses after a car accident. This coverage is typically available through your auto insurance policy. Most medpay policies offer financial protection for medical or funeral expenses in the event of fatal accidents for drivers and their passengers up to their policy limit.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Auto Accidents in South Carolina?
The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for car accidents is three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you do not file a lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident, you will likely be barred from doing so.
What is My Case Worth?
The value of your case will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical expenses you have incurred, and the amount of lost wages you have suffered. An experienced car accident attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor Today for Help With Your Accident Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for help with your claim. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We value the attorney-client relationship and represent accident victims in Rock Hill, Columbia, and other areas in South Carolina.
