In your quest for compensation, strong legal representation is incredibly valuable.
But many car crash victims, already overwhelmed by the recovery process that lies ahead, are unsure where to turn. Read on to learn more about choosing the right North Charleston auto accident attorney – and partnering with a team you can trust.
Here are some things to consider when evaluating a potential North Charleston personal injury law firm:
- Client Reviews
Take a close look at independent directories, not just the law firm’s website, to see what clients have to say about the service they received. - Fees and Terms
Many law firms operate on a contingency basis, meaning that you don’t pay unless your attorney wins your case. Be sure to confirm this, and also ask about additional costs for expert witnesses, resources, etc. - History of Cases In Your Area
Ask the attorney about similar cases that they have handled here in Charleston County and the surrounding areas. It is also important that the law firm is local, ensuring easy access and availability. - Experience with Car Accident Cases
It is absolutely crucial that your attorney has specific experience handling cases like yours, so make sure to ask about other car accident cases on their record. - Good Negotiation Skills
Because insurance companies will do all they can to avoid a payout, strong negotiation skills can help maximize your settlement. Ask what kinds of settlements the Charleston car accident lawyer has obtained. - Open Client-Attorney Communication
Make sure that youfeel comfortable sharing the details of your auto wreck with your attorney – and that you trust the legal advice they give in return. Your free consultation is a good opportunity to find out if the North Charleston auto accident attorney is a good listener, strong communicator, etc. - Record of Results in the Courtroom
While most personal injury cases never go to trial, your attorney must be prepared if yours does. Ask about how many of their cases went to court – and how many were successful.
For Charleston County, these following injuries are often associated with auto wrecks:
Back Injuries
While back injuries may not be immediately evident, they can have long-lasting effects. From nerve damage to slipped discs, the impact sustained in a car crash can result in a wide array of back injuries.
Burns
Burns can occur if your vehicle catches fire or if hot steam or chemicals are present. Burns can range in severity, with some requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
Crush Injuries
These car crash injuries occur when a part of the body is caught between two objects. Bruising and cuts are common, but more serious damage to internal organs, bones and tissue is possible as well.
Facial Injuries
Cuts from broken glass or contact with the airbag, dashboard, steering wheel, etc. can cause serious injury to the face. Some injuries are severe enough to require surgery and may leave permanent scarring.
Foot/Ankle Injuries
Sprains, strains, and fractures often occur during auto wrecks. In the worst cases, feet and toes may even be severed.
Fractures & Broken Bones
Ranging from simple breaks that require little more than a cast to compound fractures that must be surgically repaired, these injuries are common. The most common broken bones in car accidents are legs, arms, wrists, ribs, and ankles.
Internal Injuries
Serious damage to internal organs can occur with the impact of an auto wreck. Internal bleeding requires emergency treatment, so if you suspect it, be sure to seek immediate medical care.
Knee Injuries
Knee damage is often sustained in a car crash when an object smashes into the knee or the cartilage is torn.
Lacerations, Bruises, & Road Rash
Cuts or lacerations are common where broken glass or torn metal is present. Bruising often results when the body makes painful contact with another object. Road rash is especially common in motorcycle accidents when the rider’s skin meets the pavement.
Limb Loss/Amputation
Losing a limb can be devastating and impact a car crash victim’s quality of life and ability to return to work. Permanent disability may also result.
Neck Injuries/Whiplash
Whiplash can occur even in low-speed collisions, with vehicles traveling as slow as 15mph. The rapid jarring motion can cause painful symptoms and may even result in serious disk injury.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
In addition to physical injuries, a car crash can leave behind unseen scars. Some auto accident victims experience mental and emotional trauma that takes a major toll on their mental health.
Shoulder Injuries
These injuries often occur when crash victims brace themselves against the steering wheel or dashboard, with the joint absorbing some of the force of the impact.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Damage to muscles, ligaments and tendons is common, often leaving car crash victims with painful symptoms and a longer recovery.
Spinal Cord Injuries/Paralysis
Partial or total paralysis is a potential consequence of spinal cord damage. Paralysis often occurs below the level of injury.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Car crashes are the leading cause of TBI, with 50,000 fatal traumatic brain injuries occurring each year. Another 80,000 to 90,000 people are left with long-term disabilities.
Wrist/Hand Injuries
Broken wrists are extremely common in car accidents, occasionally requiring surgery if severe enough.
These startling statistics prove that auto wrecks are far too common here in the Palmetto State:
- Fatal collision: One every 9.5 hours
- Injuries: One every 8.7 minutes
- Fatal DUI collision (.08+): One every 28 hours
- Teen driver involved in a fatal or injury collision: One every 1.3 hours
- Bicyclist fatality: One every 21.5 days
- Motorcyclist fatality: One every 3.1 days
- Pedestrian fatality: One every 2.3 days
- Injury in a collision: One every 13.3 minutes
Looking for trusted legal representation right here in North Charleston, SC? For Charleston County, Berkeley County, Dorchester County, and surrounding areas, you can choose Mike Hostilo!
Simply call (844) 431-4024 for trusted legal support when you’re in a car accident, motorcycle accident, trucking accident, wrongful death, slip & fall and other personal injury claims, Hostilo can help. Don’t just take our work for it, you can see honest reviews about our genuine legal work for yourself.
With skilled North Charleston car accident lawyers, our Charleston law firm has experience handling cases like yours, and securing maximum compensation for your accident injuries.
So, let’s begin, schedule your free consultation today!
You can find us serving accident injury victims in the following areas:
SOUTH CAROLINA LAWYERS
GEORGIA LAWYERS
(Park of Commerce) Savannah, GA
ALABAMA LAWYERS
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