Hurt in an Accident in Columbia? Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review
Columbia Personal Injury Attorney
At Hart Law, our Columbia personal injury lawyer is a skilled, experienced, and justice-first advocate for injured victims. As leaders in the law, we fight tirelessly to help our clients get accountability and the maximum financial compensation. Our team handles the full range of personal injury cases. We dig into the details, compile evidence to fortify your case, and do all we can to hold negligent parties accountable for their harmful actions.
From negotiation to trial, we confidently stand by you. Let us navigate the legal landscape so that you can focus on recovery. If you or your loved one was hurt in a serious accident, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a top-tier Columbia personal injury lawyer. Call us today at (803) 771-7701.
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We Handle All Types of Personal Injury Claims in Columbia, SC
Our founding attorney, Chris Hart, understands the intricate world of personal injury cases, covering various cases in Columbia. Whether it’s a car accident, truck accident, uber accident, or another type of case, we’re here to shoulder the legal weight so you can focus on healing. Our approach goes beyond aiming for just a settlement; we care about every one of our clients and ensure them that their case is in safe hands.
Hart Law is a boutique firm devoted to providing the highest level of personalized advocacy to injured victims and their families. We handle all types of accidents—and our mission is to win your case so that you can secure justice, accountability, and the maximum financial compensation. Our legal team is a resource, no matter the cause of your accident or the severity of your injury. We will invest time and resources into providing you with top-tier legal representation. Along with other types of cases, our Columbia personal injury lawyer has experience with:
- Car Accidents: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of accidental injuries in our region. They involve collisions between cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other types of vehicles. Insurance companies can make the claims process difficult. Our Columbia personal injury lawyer has extensive experience handling car accident claims.
- Ridesharing Accidents: Ridesharing accidents are concerned with incidents involving drivers from companies like Uber and Lyft. These cases can be especially complex since multiple parties are involved and our state has ridesharing-specific insurance regulations. Hurt in a ridesharing crash? Contact our Columbia personal injury lawyer today.
- Semi-Truck Accidents: Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks are disproportionately likely to be involved in bad crashes. Our Columbia personal injury attorney has the experience needed to take on big truck companies. We are prepared to investigate your crash, review state/federal safety regulations, and take action to get justice.
- Motorcycle Crashes: Motorcyclists are vulnerable. When accidents happen, they are far more likely to be hurt. Our Columbia personal injury lawyer fights for justice and the maximum compensation for injured motorcyclists in South Carolina.
- Pedestrian Collisions: Hurt in a pedestrian accident? If your crash was caused by a negligent driver—such as one that ran a stop sign, was speeding, or was distracted while behind the wheel—you can hold them liable for your injuries. Our Columbia personal injury lawyer fights tirelessly to protect the rights of injured pedestrians.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Slips, trips, and falls are incidents where individuals fall on another’s property due to unsafe conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. These claims fall under premises liability law in South Carolina. If you were hurt in a slip and fall, our Columbia personal injury will help you with your personal liability claim.
- Workplace Accidents: Workplace accidents involve injuries or illnesses that occur in the work environment due to unsafe working conditions, equipment malfunctions, or lack of proper safety measures. Our firm handles both workers’ compensation cases and third-party liability claims. Contact our Columbia personal injury lawyer today for a free case review.
- Catastrophic Injury Claims: Catastrophic injury claims deal with injuries that permanently prevent victims from resuming their pre-accident lifestyle. Some examples include spinal cord injuries, severe burns, or severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Our Columbia personal injury lawyer has the skills and experience to take on all types of catastrophic injury claims.
Know the Deadline: Personal Statute of Limitations
Personal injury claims are time-sensitive legal cases. Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-3-20), there is a three-year statute of limitations. Only very narrow exceptions apply. If you do not file a personal injury lawsuit within three years of your accident, you may be denied the opportunity to recover any compensation at all.
Do not fall behind in the personal injury claims process. Defendants and insurers waste no time. Be proactive: Speak to an experienced Columbia, SC personal injury lawyer right away after a serious accident.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Injured Victims
In South Carolina, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation for the full value of their damages, including for any non-economic losses. How much can you expect to get through a personal injury claim? The answer depends, in large part, on the specific facts of your case—including the extent of your damages. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to undervalue personal injury claims.
They want to pressure people into settling for less. Our Columbia personal injury lawyer can help. You may be entitled to recover monetary damages for:
- Property loss, such as automobile repairs;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other types of medical expenses;
- Physical therapy and other rehabilitative care;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning potential;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Disability, disfigurement, and impairment;
- Loss of quality of life; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
The personal injury claims process typically begins with the injured party seeking medical attention. Next comes filing a claim—usually with an insurance company. As the victim, you can rely on your personal injury lawyer to gather evidence to prove liability and establish your damages. Negotiations with the insurance company come next.
In many cases, a demand letter will be sent by your lawyer to move the settlement process forward. The goal is to get full and fair compensation through a settlement. However, if the insurance company’s offer doesn’t adequately cover the losses, the claim may escalate to a lawsuit. The lawsuit involves more in-depth evidence gathering, possibly mediation, and pre-trial motions. Trial is the step of the process. Most cases do not reach litigation.
Why Trust Our Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating the aftermath of a serious accident is not easy. It can put a lot of pressure and strain on the victim and their families. Unfortunately, insurance companies can make an already difficult process all the more challenging. Christopher R. Hart is a top Columbia personal injury lawyer.
He is focused on winning cases for victims. With demonstrated leadership in law and a history of client testimonials, you can rely on our firm for proactive, personalized legal guidance and support. Along with other things, our Columbia personal injury lawyer is prepared to:
- Conduct a free, detail-focused evaluation of your legal case;
- Answer questions and explain the personal injury process;
- Carefully investigate your accident—gathering the evidence to prove fault;
- Represent you in any settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
- Take aggressive legal action to help you secure the maximum financial recovery.
Personal Injury Claims in Columbia, SC: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I Need to See a Doctor After an Accident?
Yes. Your health is the top priority. You should see a licensed physician right away to ensure that you get the proper medical care. It is not uncommon for people to be far more seriously injured than they initially recognize. Beyond that, you need medical records to be eligible to bring a personal injury claim in South Carolina. If you do not see a doctor, you will be denied compensation.
When Should I Speak to a Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer?
Right away. You should consult with a Columbia personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Every moment that passes is a moment that the negligent defendant and/or their insurance company is building a defense. An experienced South Carolina personal attorney can provide valuable guidance on how to proceed with your claim. Your lawyer will protect your rights.
Does it Make Sense to Settle My Claim?
It might. Personal injury trials are relatively uncommon in South Carolina. Many claims are resolved through a settlement agreement. Settling your claim can be advantageous— it often provides a quicker resolution and avoids the uncertainty of a trial. However, you must ensure the settlement is fair. It must cover all your expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A settlement should be negotiated by a personal injury lawyer.
How Does Comparative Negligence Work in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a modified comparative negligence rule for personal injury claims. It could have big implications for your case. The law allows injured victims to still recover damages if they are partially at fault for their accident. Recovery is still possible as long as your responsibility is not greater than 50 percent. In cases of partial fault, your financial compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30 percent at fault for a car accident in Columbia and the total damages are $100,000, you would receive $70,000.
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim in Columbia, SC?
In Columbia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically three years from the date of the injury. It’s crucial to initiate the legal process promptly to ensure compliance with the time limit. Contacting a local attorney early on can help ensure that your case is filed within the required timeframe.
What Compensation Can I Seek For My Injury in Columbia, SC?
You may be eligible for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and the impact on personal relationships. The exact amount depends on the circumstances of your case. An experienced personal injury attorney can help assess the potential value of your claim.
Can I Still File a Personal Injury Claim in Columbia, SC If I’m Partially Responsible For The Accident?
Yes, you can. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system. As long as you are less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can pursue a personal injury claim. However, the compensation you receive will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Consulting with a local attorney can provide clarity on how this might apply to your specific case.
Contact Our Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At Hart Law, our Columbia personal injury lawyer is prepared to invest time, resources, and attention to detail into every case that we take on. If you or your loved one was hurt in a serious accident, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-commitment consultation. We handle personal injury claims in Columbia, Richland County, Lexington County, and beyond. Call our law firm today at (803) 771-7701.