Maximizing Financial Recovery for Clients in Sumter, South Carolina

At Hart Law, your well-being is our priority. In Sumter, accidents can disrupt lives, but we simplify the legal process for you. Our mission: secure rightful compensation for Sumter, South Carolina residents affected by unforeseen injuries. We scrutinize the details, uncovering evidence to strengthen your case. Whether negotiating or in court, we stand with you, holding those accountable. Let us navigate the legal matters ahead; your priority is reclaiming your well-being.

Get Help With Your Personal Injury Case in Sumter, SC

As a county seat, Sumter sees countless visitors who arrive each day to go to work, attend school, or visit Prisma Health medical center and other facilities. Although most people will enjoy an uneventful stay, several hundred will be seriously injured each year in car collisions and premises liability incidents. They should immediately search for an established law firm to help with a legal claim.

In Sumter, Hart Law handles personal injury cases, covering a range of scenarios. Car accident, pedestrian injury, or slip and fall – we bear the legal burden, freeing you to heal. We don’t settle for the basics; we delve into the specifics of each case, from motor vehicle collisions to wrongful death. Our expertise spans the breadth of personal injury law. Count on us to navigate complexities and secure the rightful compensation you deserve for the unique challenges you face. Call now for your free case consultation.

Our Sumter personal injury attorney team understands how a serious accident changes everything. Injury victims face medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress that pile up fast. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs when you hire us. You only pay if we recover compensation for you.

Our Experience in Sumter, South Carolina

Our firm can help document the seriousness of your injuries and negotiate for favorable compensation. Call us if you were hurt in any type of accident. We can seek compensation for anyone injured by:

  • Spinal cord injuries—Any injury to the spinal cord can result in impaired movement, even paralysis. These are costly injuries, and Hart Law can seek compensation.
  • Brain injuries—Serious brain injuries impact all areas of life. A brain injury lawyer with our firm will review the facts and seek to hold the defendant responsible.
  • Car accidents—Were you hurt in a T-bone, fender bender, or rollover? South Carolina requires that motorists carry liability insurance for these wrecks. Let us analyze the facts to see if you can make a claim.
  • Truck collisions—Large trucks cause massive damage in any wreck. Injuries tend to be serious. Our truck accident lawyer can fight to seek the maximum compensation.
  • Motorcycle wrecks—Motorcyclists are vulnerable to any collision or overturned bike. We want to help you with a legal claim.
  • Other accidents—Our experience is broad. If you were hurt, give us a call.

Practice Areas We Handle

Our law firm handles a wide array of personal injury cases across Sumter County. We represent injury victims hurt in auto accidents, fall accidents, and incidents caused by distracted driving or drunk driving. Each personal injury attorney on our legal team brings combined experience that helps us tackle even the most complex legal issues.

Our practice areas include premises liability claims involving wet floors, poor lighting, hazardous conditions, and unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. We also handle workers compensation claims and cases where responsible parties refuse to accept blame. Every new client receives personal attention from an experienced attorney who puts your best interests first.

Personal Injury Damages Available to You or Loved Ones

In Sumter, Hart Law Firm is committed to your well-being after a personal injury. We guide you on potential compensation, covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and the impact on personal relationships. In cases of severe negligence, punitive damages may apply. Attorney Chris Hart dedicates himself to exhaustively exploring all avenues for your complete and fair compensation, with a primary emphasis on your recovery.

When seeking financial compensation, it’s important to understand the types of damages available. Economic damages include medical bills, medical expenses, lost wages, costs for physical therapy, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Our personal injury lawyer team calculates both types to ensure you receive full compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

What is Fault?

Another term for fault is “liability,” which means legal responsibility. In South Carolina, accident victims can only demand compensation from a defendant who is liable for the accident.

Most cases are based on a failure to use reasonable care, called negligence. Common examples include a driver who is distracted, speeding, or failing to maintain their lane. A property owner who fails to fix a defect they see or refuses to warn a visitor is also negligent. This lack of care often results in serious accidents and significant injuries to our clients.

Call Hart Law. Other cases might be based on other legal theories, but the same general principle applies: we need to prove someone has most of the blame for the accident which hurt you. And that requires moving quickly to find the necessary evidence before it disappears.

South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence rules. This means if you were partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. The at-fault party must pay damages based on their percentage of blame. A Sumter personal injury attorney helps prove that the other party’s negligence caused your injuries so you can seek justice and get what you deserve.

What Steps are Involved in the Personal Injury Claims Process for My Case?

Bringing a personal injury claim requires careful planning and substantial evidence. There are many steps for our clients to take:

  • Document the accident. Most of the relevant evidence is at the scene: photographs of the vehicles involved or any defect which caused you to fall, witnesses, and the defendant. Unfortunately, many of our clients are badly hurt, so they cannot document the scene as much as they would like.
  • Receive medical treatment. Personal injury claims seek monetary damages for bodily injuries. A victim must prove the extent of their injury, and prompt treatment can help.
  • Report the accident to relevant insurance companies. Avoid any delay. However, there is no need to go into exhaustive detail about what happened. It’s enough to cover the day, time, and location of the accident, as well as the name of the defendant.
  • Consult an attorney. A personal injury lawyer in Sumter has good ideas for how to build a case. Call to schedule a consultation with Hart Law.
  • Document the full cost of the accident. We recommend holding onto medical bills and receipts, as well as proof of lost income (e.g., a paystub).
  • Make a demand for compensation. Once you have healed sufficiently, you can request the defendant pay compensation. Usually, they reject the initial demand and make a lower counteroffer, so negotiation can extend for months.
  • Protect your rights by filing a lawsuit. It is critical to get a lawsuit filed under the deadline; otherwise, you could lose a strong position in negotiations.

This is only an overview of the typical case. Your process might be different, so reach out to a Sumter personal injury lawyer. We can handle most of the critical tasks for you.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit may become necessary if settlement talks fail. Our legal team prepares each personal injury case for trial from the start, which gives us leverage during negotiations. We provide experienced legal assistance and top-tier legal representation throughout the entire legal process. Our goal is to achieve the best outcome possible for every client.

Mistakes to Avoid in a Sumter Personal Injury Case

We have seen accident victims make serious mistakes which undercut their ability to seek compensation. We recommend you:

  • Avoid admitting fault or accepting responsibility for an accident. That is a good way of reducing your compensation or possibly losing your right to seek anything from the defendant.
  • Never give a recorded statement to an insurance company without a lawyer present. They might be looking to find evidence to show you are to blame for the accident.
  • Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate. Medical care is expensive, but failure to receive care from a doctor or hospital can compromise your claim.
  • Decline to hire the first lawyer you find. Instead, search for someone with the right amount of experience to handle a personal injury case and the skills to successfully obtain compensation.

By avoiding these mistakes, you improve the chances of receiving a fair settlement.

Understanding your legal options helps you make informed decisions about your personal injury claim. Many people don’t realize that legal representation can make a huge difference in how much compensation they receive. Insurance companies often offer less to people without legal help, knowing they may accept a low settlement out of desperation.

FAQs by Sumter Clients

Q. Can I still file a personal injury claim if the accident happened in a public place in Sumter?

Yes, you can. Public places have a duty to maintain safe conditions. If your injury results from their negligence, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Q. Can I pursue compensation for future medical expenses in a personal injury claim in Sumter?

Yes, you can seek compensation for future medical expenses if they are a direct result of the injuries caused by the negligent party. A detailed assessment with an attorney is essential.

Q. Can I file a personal injury claim if the accident occurred while using a rideshare service in Sumter?

Yes, you can pursue a personal injury claim if you were involved in an accident while using a rideshare service. The rideshare company’s insurance and other parties involved may be liable.

Q. How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?

The statute of limitations provides the deadline. (South Carolina Code § 15-3-530.) Typically, you get three years to file from the day of the accident. If you miss the deadline, a judge will probably dismiss your case, and you won’t receive a settlement. Call Hart Law for help.

Q. Will my case go to trial?

Most Sumter personal injury cases don’t. However, we are prepared to present a strong case in court when the defendant refuses to accept liability for the accident or disputes your damages. In a lawsuit, we can present evidence to prove the defendant is responsible for your injuries.

Q. Who can serve as a witness in my case?

Anyone who observed the accident will make a good witness. They can help us see what unfolded. You might also have witnesses who can testify about how the accident has altered your daily life. Contact Hart Law so we can begin brainstorming who would make a good witness.

Speak With A Sumter Personal Injury Lawyer For Professional Legal Help

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in Sumter, and it’s not your fault, contact us. We’re here to help. Do you have questions about your situation, or not sure if you need a car accident attorney to assist with your case? No problem. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so you have nothing to lose. Send our law firm a message online or give us a call.

Our legal services cover all types of personal injury claims in Sumter County and throughout South Carolina. Whether you need help with a car accident claim, wrongful death case, or any other legal issue, our injury lawyer team stands ready to fight on your behalf. We believe injured clients deserve justice and fair compensation for their pain, suffering, and losses. Contact Hart Law today for a free consultation about your case.