Personal injuries can be caused by many factors, but when they occur as a result of someone’s recklessness or negligence the victim is legally allowed to seek compensation for injuries sustained. Our Abbeville personal injury lawyers will fight to win you the compensation you deserve, whether that is through a settlement or a lawsuit.
With more than 25 years of experience, Ayers, Smithdeal & Bettis is a trusted and reputable injury firm in South Carolina. Contact us today at 855-213-4405 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and discuss your legal options.
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What Should I Do After An Injury?
An accident can happen at any time. It does not matter whether you are on the road driving or at work, one thing for sure is that accidents occur when we least expect them to do so. However, we always recommend doing what is right especially if someone else is to blame. Here is what you are required to do.
Get Medical Treatment
Your safety comes first that is why you should check on any injuries after an accident. Whether you were involved in a car accident or a slip and fall accident, make sure that your body does not sustain any minor or severe injuries. If necessary, seek medical attention so that more tests can be done to determine whether you are injured or not. Keep all records of your treatment.
Take Photos/Videos If You Can
We advise clients to take photos or record footage of the accident. The main reason for doing this is to secure evidence that can be used to determine liability. If you were involved in a car accident, free yourself from the wreck if you can take photos of the entire scene.
Moreover, you can also ask an eyewitness to record footage on your behalf making sure that all vital details are captured such as damaged property, injured victims, the weather, and the section of the road where the accident has taken place.
Get Names And Numbers Of Any Witnesses
Witnesses can help build a strong case by testifying in court. That is why you must get the names and contact details of any witnesses who are present at the scene. Do not be afraid to talk to witnesses or to ask for these important details from at least two or three witnesses. That is because a witnesses’ testimony can be used as a key factor to winning your case and getting a fair settlement.
Report The Incident
The only way you can seek compensation for personal injuries is by following the State’s legal procedure. Therefore, after being involved in a car accident, the first thing that you should do is contact the police. the police will take a report of the accident and conduct further investigation.
However, if you are involved in a work-related accident, you are required to report the matter to your superior. In this case, it can be a supervisor, manager, or business owner.
Never Admit Fault
Avoid admitting fault because if you do you will make matters worse for yourself. Instead of being compensated for your injuries and damage, you will be the one required to compensate the other victims for their loss. That is why it is wise to stay silent and talk to one of your lawyers first and seek legal advice.
Call A Personal Injury Lawyer
Call a personal injury lawyer and let him view your case. Our Abbeville personal injury lawyers will help you determine whether you have a case or not after a free review. All you have to do is contact us as soon as you make sure that you are safe and not seriously injured.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer?
An Abbeville personal injury lawyer can increase your chances of getting a fair settlement. Do not risk getting less by pursuing a personal injury claim alone, call Ayers, Smithdeal & Bettis and let us do the hard work for you including.
Case Preparation / Filing A Lawsuit
Case preparation and filing a lawsuit are part of legal requirements and should be done in a timely manner without any mistakes. That is why you need an experienced personal injury lawyer who is familiar with the regulations, laws, and rules of pursuing such a claim.
Settlement Negotiation
Settlement negotiation can sometimes be beneficial for both the defendant and plaintiff if the two parties agree on a fair settlement. However, we always advise clients to never engage in such negotiation without the presence of a personal injury lawyer. That is because a personal injury lawyer will protect your interests during negotiations.
Trial Preparation And Representation
As part of our duty, we will prepare for trial and take the matter to court if the settlement negotiation process fails. Our legal representative will represent the case to the jury and use the evidence gathered to fight for your rights and get a fair settlement.
What Type Of Damages Can I Recover In Abbeville, South Carolina?
In Abbeville, South Carolina, a victim can recover the following damages after getting involved in an accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages will cover any financial loss that you may have encountered as a result of the accident such as lost wages, medical expenses, in-home care, and even therapy cost if necessary.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover non-monetary losses such as loss of companionship, emotional distress, suffering, and pain.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not always awarded. They are meant to punish the defendant for their especially reckless actions and discourage such acts in the future.
How Is Liability Determined?
To win your case, we will be required to determine liability, and according to the state laws that means we must prove the following.
- Duty Of Care: The defendant owed the victim duty of care.
- Breach Of Duty Of Care: The defendant’s action breached the duty of care causing the accident.
- Causation: The accident occurred because the defendant breached the duty of care.
- Damages: Your lawyer is also supposed to prove that you indeed suffered injuries and losses related to the accident.
How Much Time Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim In South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you are required to file a personal injury claim within three years. That is why we recommend that you contact us after being involved in an accident so that we can start working on your case.
Personal Injury Claims Process
A personal injury claim process involves the following.
• Investigate to determine which party is liable by gathering all the evidence available at the scene of the accident.
• Assess the victim’s injuries and help determine the value of a personal injury claim.
• Negotiate for a fair settlement and if necessary take the matter to court.
• Offer legal counsel to you as your legal representative and provide any other legal support that the client needs.
How Much Will An Abbeville Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
At Ayers, Smithdeal & Bettis, our clients have the privilege of getting legal services without having to worry about legal fees. That is because we work on a contingency fee plan, which requires us to win your case in order to get paid.
Types Of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
At Ayers, Smithdeal & Bettis, we handle different types of personal injury cases including:
- Car accidents
- DUI accidents
- Back and head injuries
- Liability cases involving dog bites
- Industrial accidents
- Premises liability
- Construction accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Nursing home negligence
- Defective products
- Medical negligence
Contact Ayers, Smithdeal & Bettis Today
With more than 25 years of experience, Ayers, Smithdeal & Bettis is a trusted personal injury law firm in South Carolina. We can help you file your personal injury claim on time and help you navigate the legal process. We will fight for the compensation you deserve, whether that involves negotiating a settlement or representing you in court. All you have to do is contact us at 855-213-4405 for a free case review.
