Recoverable Damages After a Car Accident in Columbia

After you are hurt in a car accident, the path to recovery can be overwhelming and uncertain. You may face a complex web of challenges, from mounting medical bills to the emotional toll of the experience. With unexpected medical expenses, lost wages, or harm like pain and suffering, it can feel daunting to figure out how you can get back to normal.

You need a hard-working car accident attorney who is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the legal process and will ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. The Law Office of Chris Miller is here to fight for your rights and help you reclaim your life. Our personalized legal strategies are designed to address your specific needs and concerns and provide the support and advocacy you need to navigate this challenging time. Let us be your trusted advocate in pursuing recoverable damages after a car accident in Columbia.

Liability is Important

Liability affects a case’s value and the damages a person can recover. The state follows a pure comparative negligence model, which allows a plaintiff to recover compensation even if they are mostly at fault for the accident. Even when a plaintiff is 99% responsible, they will recover damages equal to 1%. In other words, when the plaintiff is 100% at fault for the accident, they cannot recover damages. An experienced attorney will know how liability impacts the total recoverable damages their client could win after a car crash in Columbia.

A plaintiff must show a defendant is liable by proving four factors:

  1. The other driver owed a genuine duty of care to the plaintiff.
  2. The driver violated that duty.
  3. The driver’s conduct caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
  4. The plaintiff sustained legally recognized injuries as a result.

In car accident cases, a lawyer must show that the driver owed a duty of care to obey traffic laws and not endanger others on the road and the driver’s actions directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries. Some factors causing a driver’s negligence include speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving. When an attorney successfully proves that the other side is liable, the injured party is more likely to receive a larger amount of damages in a Columbia car accident case.

Types of Recoverable Damages

Two main types of damages are available in personal injury suits. One type is economic damages. Economic damages are “tangible” in that there are typically receipts or monetary amounts documenting the costs of their losses. Some examples include:

  • Burial costs
  • Medical bills
  • Loss of benefits
  • Loss of income
  • Investment losses
  • Transportation costs
  • Property repair costs
  • Lost business opportunities
  • Home modifications like wheelchair ramps

The second type is non-economic damages, which are subjective. They include concepts like:

  • Disfigurement
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of relationships
  • Psychological impact
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Grief and bereavement
  • Damage to one’s reputation

An attorney in Columbia could gauge what kinds of compensation someone can successfully seek after a car accident.

The state has a five-year statute of limitations. People injured in vehicle crashes have five years from the date of the incident to file a claim. A lawyer could ensure an accident case is filed before the statute of limitations expires so a plaintiff could receive full damages.

Call an Attorney in Columbia to Learn More About Recoverable Damages After a Car Wreck

Many factors affect how much you can win in recoverable damages after a car accident in Columbia. Who you hire to represent you in court and negotiations with insurance companies should not detrimentally affect the damages you win. Do not let your medical bills and expenses build up without getting legal assistance. Insurance companies will do their best to place blame on you to avoid paying you what you truly deserve. Contact the Law Office of Chris Miller today.

 

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