Myrtle Beach Car Accident Lawyers | George Sink (2023)

400 N Kings Hwy Suite A, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 | (854) 800-7327

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Seeking Justice for Car Accident Victims in Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach is a thriving coastal community that attracts both permanent residents and tourists to its scenic Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of South Carolina’s northeast coast. The area offers an array of entertainment, nightlife, golf, shopping, dining, live theater, and picturesque beaches, making it a popular vacation destination.

However, with a growing population and millions of visitors, the roads have not kept pace with the increased traffic. Coupled with negligent driving behaviors like distracted driving, impatience, or driving under the influence, the likelihood of serious car accidents has increased. At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we understand the complexities of Myrtle Beach’s roadways and can provide legal assistance if you have been injured in a car accident. Call us today at (854) 800-7327 for a free case review or schedule a free consultation online.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

Experiencing a car accident can be a disorienting and frightening event, making it difficult to know the right steps to take in the aftermath. To ease the confusion and stress, here are some useful guidelines to follow after a car accident occurs:

• First, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, remain still until help arrives.
• Call 911 to report the accident to the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
• Exchange contact details with other parties involved in the accident.
• Take numerous pictures and videos of the accident scene to document the incident.
• Contact your insurance company to initiate the claims process.
• Get in touch with our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyers immediately for a free case review.

Why Hire a Myrtle Beach Car Accident Attorney?

If you have been injured in an accident, our car accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach are here for you every step of the way. Hiring a car accident lawyer has several benefits, including:

• Helping you estimate the value of your damages
• Negotiating with the insurance company of the at-fault party
• Serving as a mediator between you and insurance companies that may be giving you a hard time
• Collecting and organizing a variety of evidence related to your case
• Keeping you informed of legal deadlines and advising you on when to take action
• Representing you in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary

With the help of our auto accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach, SC, you can understand your legal options and obtain the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

When Should You Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC?

After a collision or accident, it’s advisable to seek the services of an auto accident attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC, if:

• It is difficult to determine fault.
• Other parties were involved.
• Multiple injuries resulted from the accident.
• The accident occurred in a construction or school zone.
• Severe injuries or fatalities occurred.
• Medical expenses or lost wages were substantial.
• Medical expenses exceed a few thousand dollars.
• The police report is unclear or confusing.
• The case involves workers’ compensation.
• You doubt that your health, PIP, auto, or at-fault driver’s insurance will cover all expenses.
• Non-financial damages like pain, suffering, PTSD, or wrongful death were incurred.
• Insurance or liability questions exist.
• Your insurance company is not transparent.
• You fear that an insurance company may pressure you into accepting a lower settlement.
• Your insurance company requests that you speak with their lawyer.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Car Accident in Myrtle Beach?

There’s a time limit for filing a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death resulting from a traffic accident in South Carolina, which is known as the statute of limitations. Sometimes there are exceptions and circumstances that may shorten this time frame. To know how long you have to file your claim, you should contact our car accident attorneys in Myrtle Beach. We can examine the details of your case and give you a better idea of how much time you have.

What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?

Our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyers have helped many clients who have been hurt in car accidents in South Carolina. Some of the most frequent injuries we’ve seen include:

• Neck injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Fractures
• Burn injuries
• Nerve damage
• Cuts and lacerations
• Whiplash
• Internal organ damage
• TBIs (traumatic brain injuries)

Who Is Liable for Your Injuries in a Car Accident in Myrtle Beach?

In South Carolina, the at-fault driver can be held responsible for the damages they caused in a car accident. However, determining fault can be difficult in some cases. While a police report can be a useful starting point, some accidents are more complicated than others.

If your accident report clearly shows the other driver was at fault, your case may be more straightforward. With more complex cases, an experienced auto accident lawyer can help you determine liability and identify any potentially responsible parties. They can investigate the accident to determine what happened, who caused it, and why.

Your lawyer will also consider factors such as whether drunk or distracted driving played a role in the accident. Once liability is established, your lawyer can determine a fair settlement amount and present this information to the insurance companies.

Under South Carolina’s comparative fault law, liability for a car accident is determined based on the degree of fault assigned to each party involved. Multiple parties can be found partially at fault for an accident, and their respective percentages of fault are considered in determining liability and compensation.

If necessary, this evidence may be used in court. Our car accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach can help build a strong case for you. We offer a free case review, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Myrtle Beach, SC?

If you were involved in a serious accident, you may need to seek medical attention at a hospital such as Grand Strand Medical Center or McLeod Health Carolina Forest Hospital to assess your injuries. However, this medical care will likely come with large bills, which can be stressful for you and your family.

Typically, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying for your medical expenses and property damage. To receive compensation, you should file a claim with both the at-fault driver’s insurance company and your own insurance company. Your auto insurance policy may cover medical expenses if you have personal injury protection (PIP) or personal injury coverage. Your health insurance may also cover some costs, but you should keep track of your bills if you plan to file a claim.

It’s important to be cautious when communicating with insurance companies and avoid giving any statements before talking to accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach, SC. Anything you say can be used against you to reduce your settlement or deny your claim.

What Happens if You Don’t Have Auto Insurance in a Car Accident?

Not having car insurance in South Carolina can put you in a tough financial situation if you get into an accident. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you could be held responsible for your own medical bills and car repairs, as well as the other driver’s damages. It’s illegal to drive without car insurance in the state, regardless of fault.

If caught driving without insurance for the first time, you could be fined up to $200 and charged $5 per day without coverage. You may also need to pay additional fees to have your license reinstated. For a second offense, penalties increase, including the possibility of a 30-day jail term. If caught driving without insurance for a third or subsequent time, the potential jail term increases to 45 days to six months.

What if the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Car Insurance?

If the driver who caused the car accident is either uninsured or underinsured, you still need to follow the same protocol as you would for any other accident. You may choose to sue the uninsured driver for damages, but proving fault doesn’t guarantee full compensation, or any compensation at all. Some drivers may not have insurance because they can’t afford it, not because they choose not to have it. In such cases, a judge can’t force them to pay compensation they don’t have. In these cases, UM coverage can help.

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is required by South Carolina law. It offers financial protection to policyholders involved in accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers. These policies must include UM coverage with limits equal to the bodily injury liability coverage limits of the policy.

For example, if the bodily injury liability coverage limit is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, the uninsured motorist coverage limit must be the same. This ensures that policyholders have sufficient coverage to mitigate potential losses caused by uninsured drivers on the road. Myrtle Beach motorists should carefully review their insurance policies and consider additional coverage options to adequately protect themselves in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.

If you are in this situation, our car accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach can help you understand your legal options. Contact us for a free consultation.

What Damages Can You Pursue After a Myrtle Beach Car Accident?

The damages awarded in your case may vary based on your unique circumstances, and you may have incurred losses beyond those listed. We will provide you with more information on this matter. Additionally, if we can establish a clear link between the accident and other damages, we may be able to recover further compensation not included in the list. Some damages that our clients often recover in car accident cases include:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical expenses and treatment-related costs
• Ongoing medical care expenses, as assessed by healthcare professionals
• Lost wages during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job
• Out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs.

South Carolina is a comparative fault state, which means that if you share some responsibility for an accident, you won’t receive the full amount of damages incurred. Instead, the compensation you are entitled to will be diminished by the percentage of fault attributed to you. In order to recover damages, your fault for the accident cannot exceed 50%. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you will be unable to seek compensation for the incident.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Myrtle Beach?

It is impossible to determine an exact average settlement amount for car accidents in Myrtle Beach because each case is unique. The severity of the injuries, the extent of damage, and many other factors suffered can significantly affect the compensation amount. While the results we have achieved for our other clients do not guarantee the same outcome for your case, we are committed to pursuing the maximum recoverable damages. Here are a few examples of our case results:

• A total of $4.1 million recovered for a family involved in a truck accident.
• A total of $3 million recovered for the family of a victim of a moped accident.
• A total of $2.5 million recovered for two clients injured in a highway collision.
• $1.7 million recovered for a client injured in a car accident.
• $1 million recovered for a group of four people injured in an auto collision.
• $957,865 recovered for a family injured by a distracted driver.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Case?

The time it takes to settle your claim can vary, usually taking anywhere from three months to more than a year. One of the main factors impacting how long it takes is how complicated your case is. For example, if liability has been tricky to determine, experts may be needed to reconstruct accident scenes and understand the incident, which could be a lengthy process.

Another consideration is the severity of your injuries. Filing a comprehensive claim means we must document the full extent of your injuries to maximize your compensation. Because of this, cases that involve continuous medical treatment may take longer to settle.

Deciding to file a lawsuit may also impact the timeline, as both parties undergo the discovery process, gathering information and evidence for trial preparation. In some instances, the case may even proceed to trial, necessitating patience as it advances through the queue of cases to be heard. We want you to know that at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers if your case goes to trial, we are prepared to defend your right to compensation.

How Do You Get a Temporary Rental Car After an Accident?

Usually, when your car is being repaired after an accident, the insurance company of the driver at fault covers the cost of a rental car. However, in South Carolina, insurance providers may only cover a rental for a limited period of time, typically 5 to 10 days. This duration may not be enough, especially if the repair process takes longer or if you need to purchase a new car.

If you experience any delays, there are a few options available. Firstly, you can request an extension of the rental from the defendant’s insurance company. Secondly, you can contact your insurance provider to determine if your rental coverage applies in this situation. Keep in mind that some rental fees, such as insurance for the rental car, may apply. Nevertheless, the amount you spend on these fees is usually offset by the money you save on transportation for work or other obligations.

What if I’m in an Accident in a Rental Car?

If you are in an accident while driving a rental car in South Carolina, you should follow the same steps as if it were your own vehicle. It’s essential to check if your personal car insurance covers rental car damages before operating a rental vehicle. Some credit cards may offer rental car insurance, but this coverage usually doesn’t include liability insurance, and not all credit card companies provide such protection.

When picking up the rental car, the rental company may offer additional forms of insurance such as liability coverage, collision damage waivers, personal effects coverage, and personal accident insurance. It’s essential to review your existing policy and compare the coverage before accepting any additional insurance. You are not legally obligated to purchase extra insurance, but if you believe your standard policy is inadequate, you may choose to get extra coverage. Note that rental insurance may only cover the person renting the car or their spouse, and compensation may not be provided if someone else was driving the rental car during the accident.

What Causes Most Myrtle Beach Car Accidents?

Although there are certain factors that may be beyond your control in the event of an accident, it is often the case that driver error is the primary cause. There are seven main causes of car accidents in Myrtle Beach:

• Driving too fast for the current conditions on the road
• Failing to yield the right of way when required
• Running off the road or onto the shoulder
• Making an improper lane change
• Engaging in distracted driving, such as texting or eating while driving
• Following the vehicle in front of you too closely, also known as tailgating
• Ignoring traffic signs or signals, such as stop signs or red lights.

Our Myrtle Beach Car Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Serve Your Case

Sustaining injuries from an accident can have a profound and disruptive impact on your life. You may still be coping with the physical, mental, and emotional aftermath of the incident. At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we understand your plight and believe that you deserve justice. Our skilled team of Myrtle Beach car accident attorneys is ready to assist you in securing the compensation you deserve. We offer a free case review to evaluate your situation and provide you with guidance. Get in touch with us today.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Myrtle Beach

Our Myrtle Beach car accident attorney at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers are experienced in handling various kinds of car accidents in Myrtle Beach, such as: