When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Columbia, SC?

Many South Carolinians wonder when is the right time to hire a lawyer. You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. This will give them time to investigate the accident and gather evidence. If you wait too long, evidence may be lost, or witnesses may forget what happened.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Columbia, contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for a free consultation. We can help determine if hiring a car accident attorney is your best option.

South Carolina Auto Accident Statistics

In 2020, there were over 121,000 collisions in South Carolina.

Of those accidents:

  • 964 were fatal crashes with 1,066 fatalities
  • 45,378 resulted in fatalities
  • 10,617 occurred in Richland County, with 49 deaths and almost 4,000 injuries
  • 6,787 occurred in Lexington County, with 42 deaths and over 2,000 injuries

Unfortunately, car accidents are a common occurrence throughout South Carolina and Columbia. You are not alone if you are in a situation where you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a car crash. Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to see how we can help you.

Common Causes of Columbia Motor Vehicle Accidents

Many different factors can contribute to a car accident. Some of the most common causes of accidents in Columbia include:

  • Distracted Driving: With the increase in technology, drivers have more distractions than ever. From texting to using GPS, paying attention to the road is essential.
  • Speeding: Speed is a factor in many accidents. Drivers who are speeding are less likely to be able to stop in time or avoid an accident.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea. Not only is it illegal, but it can also lead to dangerous accidents.
  • Reckless Driving: Reckless driving includes running red lights, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic. These behaviors put other drivers at risk.
  • Weather Conditions: Bad weather can make driving more difficult and lead to accidents. If you can, avoid driving in bad weather whenever possible.

If you have been involved in an accident, contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today. We can help you investigate the cause of the accident and hold the responsible party accountable.

Is It Worth Getting a Columbia Car Accident Lawyer?

Deciding whether it’s worth it to get a lawyer for your case is a personal decision. Some people choose to handle their own case, while others hire a lawyer. There are a few things you should consider when making your decision:

  • The Severity of Your Injuries: If you’ve suffered any injuries that require medical treatment, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. They can help you get the compensation you deserve.
  • The Cost of Hiring a Lawyer: Many people worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer. However, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t have to pay anything upfront.
  • The Statute of Limitations: In South Carolina, you must file a personal injury claim three years from the accident date. If you wait too long, you may be unable to get compensation.

If you’re unsure whether hiring a lawyer is worth it, contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today. We can help you understand your options and make the best decision for your case.

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Claim?

Not every car accident will result in a personal injury claim. To have a valid claim, you must prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. You will also need to show that you suffered some injury from the accident.

To help prove your case, you may need:

  • Medical records: Documentation of your injuries will be necessary in proving your case.
  • Police reports: The police report can help to establish what happened and who was at fault.
  • Witness statements: If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information. Their testimony can help corroborate the facts of what happened.
  • Photographs: Photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle can help prove your case.

The Process of Filing a Columbia Car Accident Claim

Filing a claim can be complicated, but an experienced lawyer can help. Here’s a brief overview of the process:

  1. Investigating the Accident: The first step is to investigate the accident. This includes things like talking to witnesses and gathering evidence.
  2. Filing a Claim: Once you’ve gathered all the necessary evidence, you’ll need to file a claim with the insurance company. The insurance company will then investigate the accident and determine how much money you’re entitled.
  3. Negotiating a Settlement: If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a low settlement, you may need to negotiate with them. An experienced lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.

The process of filing a claim can be complicated. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced Columbia, SC, car accident attorney on your side.

Fault For Car Accidents In Columbia, South Carolina

In South Carolina, drivers are required to follow the rules of the road. This includes things like obeying traffic signals and yield signs. If a driver breaks the law and causes an accident, they may be found at fault.

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you’re 50% or less at fault for causing your crash, you will still be able to recover compensation for your injuries.

For example, let’s say you’re rear-ended at a stop light. The other driver was speeding and didn’t have time to stop. However, you did not have your seatbelt on and when you were hit, the crash caused your head to hit the windshield of your car and your injuries were more severe than if you had been wearing your seatbelt. . Under South Carolina’s comparative system, you may still be able to recover compensation as long as your percentage of fault was 50% or less.

Determining fault for the accident is critical to your claim. An experienced car accident attorney will help you gather evidence and build a strong enough case to prove your claim.

The Insurance Company Is Not On Your Side 

The insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to minimize the money they have to pay out. The insurance adjuster may try to get you to settle your case quickly and for less money than it’s worth. They may also try to get you to say things that will damage your case.

A lawyer will be able to protect you from the insurance company. They will handle all communication with the insurance company, so you don’t have to. They will also make sure you don’t say anything that could damage your case.

Liability and South Carolina Auto Insurance Laws

In South Carolina, all drivers are required to have auto insurance. You must have a minimum coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. If you’re involved in an accident, the other driver’s insurance company should pay for your damages. However, sometimes the insurance company will try to deny your claim.

A lawyer will be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. They will also be able to help you if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured. Don’t go up against the insurance company alone. Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to get started on your case.

Damages Available in a Columbia Car Crash Case

You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured in a car accident. The compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the damages you’ve suffered. Some of the most common types of damages include:

Medical Expenses

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be able to get compensated for your medical bills. This includes hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and medication costs.

Lost Wages

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be unable to work. This can lead to lost wages. You may be able to get compensated for the wages you’ve lost as a result of the accident.

Pain and Suffering

In some cases, you may be able to get compensated for the pain and suffering you’ve endured. This compensation is intended to help you with the physical and emotional trauma caused by the accident.

How much money you will receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the damages you’ve suffered. Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to learn more about what your case may be worth.

How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take to Settle?

The amount of time it takes to settle a car accident claim varies. It depends on the severity of your injuries and the insurance company’s willingness to cooperate. In some cases, claims can be settled within a few months. In other cases, they may take years to resolve.

An experienced lawyer will be able to help you get the compensation you deserve promptly. They will also be able to help you if your claim is taking longer than expected to settle.

How Long After an Accident Can You Sue in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This means you have three years from the date of the accident to take legal action against the at-fault driver.

If you don’t file a lawsuit within this period, you may be unable to recover any compensation for your injuries. That’s why it’s essential to contact an experienced lawyer immediately after the accident.

Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Columbia, SC You Can Trust

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Contact the Columbia car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

No one should go through the aftermath of a car accident alone. Let us help you get started on your road to recovery today.

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Notice of Data Security Event
Updated March 28, 2025

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor is providing notice of an event that may affect certain individuals’ information. Although we have no indication of identity theft or fraud in relation to this event, we are providing information about the event, our response, and additional measures individuals can take to help protect their information, should they feel it appropriate to do so.

What Happened? On October 28, 2024, The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor identified suspicious activity related to our email system. We quickly took steps to investigate and determined that an unknown actor may have accessed certain emails within our email system between August 7 and November 7, 2024. We then conducted a comprehensive review of the potentially affected emails and attachments to determine what information was contained therein and to whom the information related, which was completed on February 25, 2025. Unfortunately, we were unable to verify the addresses of certain affected individuals, so we are providing this notice to ensure potentially affected individuals receive information about the event.

What Information Was Involved? The information affected may include individuals’ Social Security number, driver’s license and state ID information, financial account number, and health information.

What We Are Doing. We are notifying individuals about this matter and providing guidance about free resources that are available to assist with monitoring relevant accounts, credit reports, and how to place a fraud alert or security freeze on one’s credit file. Further, as with our typical security practices, we will continue to evaluate our policies, procedures, staff training, and technical security measures to reduce the likelihood of an event like this reoccurring.

What Individuals Can Do. We encourage you to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing your account statements and monitoring your free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. We also recommend you review the below “Steps Individuals Can Take To Help Protect Personal Information”.

For More Information. If individuals have questions about this matter, we have a dedicated assistance line with agents ready to answer their questions. Please contact our toll-free dedicated assistance line at 1-800-939-4170, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m., excluding holidays. You may also write to us at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, Attn: Compliance, P.O. Box 2688, Hickory, NC 28603.

Sincerely,

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor

STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION

Monitor Your Accounts

Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.

Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.

As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, individuals may need to provide some or all of the following information:

1. Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
2. Social Security number;
3. Date of birth;
4. Addresses for the prior two to five years;
5. Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
6. A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, etc.); and
7. A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.

Should consumers wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:

Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/ https://www.experian.com/help/

https://www.transunion.com/credit-help
1-888-298-0045 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
Equifax Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 Experian Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
Equifax Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 Experian Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

Additional Information

Consumers may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect their personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state attorney general. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Consumers can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Consumers have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, consumers will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and the relevant state attorney general. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.

For District of Columbia residents, the District of Columbia Attorney General may be contacted at: 400 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 1-202-442-9828; and oag.dc.gov.

For Maryland residents, the Maryland Attorney General may be contacted at: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1-410-576-6300 or 1-888-743-0023; and https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/.

For New Mexico residents, consumers have rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as the right to be told if information in their credit file has been used against them, the right to know what is in their credit file, the right to ask for their credit score, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Further, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the consumer reporting bureaus must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information; access to consumers’ files is limited; consumers must give consent for credit reports to be provided to employers; consumers may limit “prescreened” offers of credit and insurance based on information in their credit report; and consumers may seek damages from violators. Consumers may have additional rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act not summarized here. Identity theft victims and active-duty military personnel have specific additional rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We encourage consumers to review their rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by visiting www.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf, or by writing Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580.

For New York residents, the New York Attorney General may be contacted at: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341; 1-800-771-7755; or https://ag.ny.gov.

For North Carolina residents, the North Carolina Attorney General may be contacted at: 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; 1-877-566-7226 or 1-919-716-6000; and www.ncdoj.gov.

For Rhode Island residents, the Rhode Island Attorney General may be reached at: 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903; 1-401-274-4400; and www.riag.ri.gov. Under Rhode Island law, individuals have the right to obtain any police report filed in regard to this event.
STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT A MINOR DEPENDENT’S PERSONAL INFORMATION

Typically, credit reporting agencies do not have a credit report in a minor’s name. To find out if a minor has a credit report or to request a manual search for a minor’s Social Security number each credit bureau has its own process. To learn more about these processes or request these services, consumers may contact the credit bureaus by phone, writing, or online:
Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/help/article-list/-/h/a/request-child-credit-report/
https://www.experian.com/help/minor-request.html
https://www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resources/child-identity-theft

1-800-685-1111 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

To request information about the existence of a credit file in a minor’s name, search for a minor’s Social Security number, place a security freeze or fraud alert on a minor’s credit report (if one exists), or request a copy of a minor’s credit report consumers may be required to provide the following information:
● A copy of their driver’s license or another government issued identification card, such as a state identification card, etc.;
● Proof of address, such as a copy of a bank statement, utility bill, insurance statement, etc.;
● A copy of the minor’s birth certificate;
● A copy of the minor’s Social Security card;
● The minor’s full name, including middle initial and generation, such as JR, SR, II, III, etc.;
● The minor’s date of birth; and
● The minor’s previous addresses for the past two years.

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