Author: Richmond Cariaga

When a Bar is Liable in a Drunk Driving Crash in South Carolina

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Drunk driving crashes often leave behind severe injuries and, potentially, fatalities. In South Carolina, if someone else causes a car crash that injures you, you could file a claim or lawsuit against them for your injuries and losses from the accident. But what if that driver was drunk, and what if a bar or other alcohol-serving establishment continued to serve alcohol to them when they were obviously inebriated? You might be entitled to seek money from the establishment that overserved the drunk driver.  

When Alcohol-Serving Establishments Could Face Liability

South Carolina bars, clubs, and restaurants may face legal responsibility if they serve alcohol to someone who later causes harm due to intoxication. Under South Carolina law, no establishment licensed to sell liquor can sell to an underage person or to someone who is intoxicated. When establishments ignore warning signs and knowingly continue serving clearly impaired patrons, they risk contributing to severe accidents and may face liability for the accident. 

Handling Visibly Intoxicated Patrons

If bartenders or servers continue serving drinks to obviously intoxicated patrons, they can face liability for a later accident. Common signs of intoxication include: 

  • Aggressive or Erratic Behavior – Hostile outbursts or unpredictable actions can indicate that someone is too impaired to be served more alcohol.
  • Slurred Speech – Slurring words is a clear sign of intoxication that bartenders must recognize and respond to.
  • Unsteady Walking – A person stumbling or swaying while walking strongly suggests they’ve had too much to drink. 
  • Drifting into Unconsciousness – Falling asleep or fading in and out of consciousness signals dangerous levels of intoxication and a need to stop service immediately.

Serving Minors

If a bar serves a minor who later causes a drunk driving crash, the bar can face liability for the accident, even if the minor used a fake ID. All employees must check IDs carefully and refuse service when there’s any doubt. When a bartender or server turns a blind eye and serves a drink anyway, it can lead to serious legal consequences. 

Why Holding Bars Accountable Matters

Some drunk drivers do not have sufficient insurance or personal resources to fully compensate injured individuals for their injury-related losses. By holding alcohol-serving establishments responsible, injured people may be able to access additional compensation sources. This financial support can alleviate the financial burden caused by the accident. Additionally, holding a bar accountable for wrongful service can have a deterrent effect on that and other establishments. 

What Compensation Could You Recover in an Injury Claim?

If a bar’s negligence contributed to a drunk driving crash, you may be able to recover compensation from the bar to help cover your losses. You can seek money for the following losses in a claim:

  • Medical Expenses – The cost of hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future injury-related treatment should be included in your claim. 
  • Lost Wages –You can pursue compensation for the income lost during recovery if your injuries keep you from returning to work immediately after the accident. 
  • Loss of Future Earning Potential – If your injuries reduce or completely diminish your ability to work long-term, you can claim money for reduced earning potential. 
  • Pain and Suffering – You can pursue compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. 
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies or activities you enjoyed before the accident, this personal, intangible loss has value and should be included in your claim. 

Contact a South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you’re injured in a DUI crash and believe a bar’s negligent overservice of the at-fault driver contributed to the accident, take action immediately. Proving a business’s liability for an accident requires experience and attention to detail. At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, we’ll work tirelessly to hold the bar accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. 

How to Value a Truck Accident Injury Claim

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Truck accidents can devastate the lives of victims and their families – but South Carolina law allows victims to seek compensation for any injuries they suffer in a collision with a commercial truck. But how is the compensation determined in these cases? Here’s a closer look at how the process works.

What Factors Influence the Value of a Truck Accident Injury Claim?

Several factors can significantly impact the value of your truck accident injury claim:

Injury Severity and Medical Bills

The severity of your injuries can significantly increase the compensation you can receive from a successful claim. In short, the more severe your injuries, the higher the payout you can expect to receive.

To translate the severity of a victim’s injury in economic terms, attorneys, insurers, and courts in South Carolina factor in the amount of all medical bills directly related to the accident and estimate the future costs of long-term care. They also calculate the expenses related to mental health treatment, such as counseling for trauma or depression resulting from the accident. The resulting amount will serve as a baseline for your personal injury claim.

Lost Income and Foregone Wages

Your attorney will also help you determine the income you lost while recovering from your accident. This figure includes more than just missed paychecks – it also includes all the work time that you missed because of your injuries, medical appointments, and recovery periods; the bonuses, commissions, and benefits that you may have forfeited; and the difference between what you could have earned over your lifetime and what you’re able to earn after your injury.

Pain and Suffering

The pain, suffering, physical harm, and emotional distress that you experience will factor into your final claim amount as well. But these calculations require more work. 

Most courts use either the multiplier method (multiplying your economic damages by a factor of 1 to 5 based on severity) or the per diem method (assigning a daily dollar amount to your suffering and multiplying by the expected recovery duration) to calculate the full value of your claim.

What Evidence Should I Gather to Support My Claim Value?

To maximize the amount of compensation you can demand, collect all medical records related to your injuries, including doctor’s notes, test results, treatment plans, and billing statements. Make sure to maintain copies of the receipts for any medication, medical equipment, and transportation to medical appointments.

Also, request copies of your work records that document your wages, benefits, and time off from work. All of this documentation will help prove the amount of money that you paid and forfeited because of your accident and, ultimately, because of someone else’s negligent actions. 

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?

Initial settlement offers will rarely reflect the true value of your claim. Insurance companies typically lowball your offer to start, hoping that you will settle for less and save them some money.

Before talking to insurance company representatives, meet with a South Carolina truck accident attorney who can calculate the payout you truly deserve and compare it to the insurance company’s offer.

Be patient – if you accept a premature settlement, you will often leave substantial compensation on the table.

How to Get Help with Your Truck Accident Claim from Experienced Attorneys

At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., our personal injury attorneys understand how to accurately value your truck accident claim for maximum compensation. We have a proven track record of successfully handling truck accident injury claims with professionalism, dedication, and compassion – we take pride in helping our clients rebuild their lives after devastating accidents.

If you suffered an injury in a truck collision, call our office to schedule a free consultation, or fill out our online form. We will help you demand the compensation and justice you deserve.

Traveling on a motorcycle on the roads

What Damages Can I Receive for a Motorcycle Accident?

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There’s no experience quite like riding on the open road, but even the best bikers in South Carolina get into motorcycle accidents and sustain severe injuries as a result. Myrtle Beach and Horry County, in particular, experience a high number of motorcycle accidents – especially during the annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week.

What’s worse, these injuries often turn into significant financial burdens for victims, as the medical bills and lost days at work pile up. But if someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may have legal options. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible for several types of compensation through a motorcycle accident claim.

What Are the Main Types of Damages in Motorcycle Accident Claims?

Motorcycle accident victims can file a claim for three primary categories of compensation.

The first, economic damages, refers to the quantifiable financial losses you incurred as a result of your accident. These include your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and property damage to your motorcycle and gear.

Economic damages also help cover long-term rehabilitation costs and ongoing therapy, transportation to medical appointments, any home modifications you need to make to accommodate your injuries, any necessary medical equipment, and your prescription medications.

The second category, non-economic damages, helps compensate you for intangible losses that lack a specific dollar amount. These losses include your pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.

If the court determines that the at-fault party in your case acted particularly egregiously, they may award you with an additional third category of compensation as a means of punishing the liable party. This category is called punitive damages. 

How Are Motorcycle Accident Damages Calculated?

Generally, the court factors in your current and projected future expenses to calculate the economic damages you can receive. Especially in areas like Florence and Myrtle Beach, with tourism-influenced healthcare costs, these expenses can run quite high.

To determine fair compensation for non-economic damages in motorcycle accident cases, however, your attorney may need to run a more complex calculation. In many cases, the court will take a number from 1.5 through 5, multiply the financial cost of your accident by that number, subtract your total economic damages, and use the remaining figure as the sum total of your non-economic damages. 

That multiplier can vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the certainty of liability that rests with the at-fault party in your case. To maximize this number, you will need to provide proof of the impact of your injuries on your life: Consider keeping a pain journal to document the impact of the accident on your day-to-day routine, and ask family members and friends to testify on your behalf in court. 

In contrast, if you partially caused the accident, failed to follow your doctor’s medical advice to care for your injuries, or tried to pass off any pre-existing conditions as being caused by the collision, you may lose a significant amount of compensation. 

In South Carolina, per the state’s statute of limitations, motorcycle accident victims must file their claim within three years of the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this period, you will likely forfeit your right to recover a payout for your accident-related injuries. 

Pursue Maximum Compensation with Motorcycle Accident Claims at Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA

If you get into a motorcycle accident in South Carolina and need an attorney who can accurately value your claim, handle all communications with insurance companies, preserve all crucial evidence, and represent you effectively in court, trust our experienced legal team at Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA. Our attorneys combine over 175 years of collective legal experience to deliver personalized representation focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Call us or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you and serving you today!

Winter traffic on interstate near Columbia.

What Causes Car Accidents on South Carolina Highways?

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Car accidents are a tragic and painful part of life for drivers in South Carolina. Every day, people are injured or killed on the highways across the state, from rural two-lane highways to big, crowded highways like I-20 or I-95. At Wilcox, Buyck, & Williams, P.A., we know that understanding why these accidents happen can help prevent them. If you know the risks, you can protect yourself on the roads of South Carolina.

South Carolina Highway Crash Statistics

Based on statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), South Carolina regularly ranks in the top ten for traffic fatalities per capita. In 2023, South Carolina experienced more than one thousand traffic fatalities, with a significant percentage of those happening on highways. Traffic congestion and road conditions are part of this, but driver behavior is frequently the leading cause of these fatal accidents. 

Top Causes of Car Accidents in South Carolina

It’s essential to be aware of what happens around you on the road and which drivers to steer clear of. Practice defensive driving, especially if you see signs of any of the following top causes of car accidents:

  • Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, changing the GPS, and even talking to passengers in the car are examples of distracted driving and one of the most common causes of car accidents. A single moment of distraction can prove deadly to other drivers on the road.
  • Speeding: Speed limits are set for a reason, and ignoring them is not only a form of aggressive driving but is also one of the leading causes of car accidents. Accidents with higher speeds tend to lead to more significant injuries and a higher chance of fatalities.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Even though the police have cracked down on driving under the influence, it is still a top cause of accidents. Drunk and high driving affect the driver’s ability to react quickly or make good judgments on the road.
  • Fatigued Driving: Most drivers ignore the danger of drowsy driving, especially on long road trips or late-night drives. Unfortunately, fatigued driving has the same effects as drunk driving and can even cause microsleeps.
  • Weather Conditions: South Carolina can have drastic and unpredictable weather patterns, including surprise rain showers, flash flooding, and fog. Under these conditions, drivers need to slow down and increase the following distance but often choose not to.
  • Aggressive Driving:  Cutting people off on the road, weaving through traffic, and tailgating are all behaviors that amount to aggressive driving. All of these can lead to road rage and an increased chance of fatalities as that rage takes over a driver’s ability to make sound judgments. 

Prevention Tips for Drivers

Staying safe on the roads starts with being proactive. Some tips for preventing a car accident are:

  • Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions
  • Never drive under the influence
  • Maintain your vehicle with regular inspections
  • Adjust your speed when facing inclement weather
  • Steer clear of aggressive drivers
  • Practice defensive driving and be courteous to other drivers on the road, even if they don’t give you the same kindness

These are great safety tips to help prevent an accident, but they work best when all drivers on the road employ them. Unfortunately, no matter how well you drive, someone else’s poor decisions could cause you severe pain.

Contact a South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to Wilcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. We will help you by providing you with:

  • Over a century of experience
  • A client-centered approach
  • A distinguished legal team

Don’t wait any longer to seek the compensation you deserve. Your recovery and peace of mind are too important to delay. Schedule your free consultation today and get the experienced representation you deserve. Let us help you start your claim.

Hands of unrecognizable man driver using mobile phone while driving.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, meaning it’s the perfect time to brush up on the dangers of distracted driving, the laws South Carolina has in place to prevent it, and the steps you can take to make a difference. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accident injuries and fatalities across the country, and it’s entirely preventable.

Distracted Driving Statistics

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,275 fatalities caused by distracted driving in a recent year, including 611 pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-occupants. Additionally, there were an estimated 324,819 people injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers.

Distracted drivers also account for 8 percent of all drivers involved in fatal accidents, with individuals aged between 15 and 24 accounting for nearly two-thirds of all distracted drivers.

Types of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can involve visual, physical, and cognitive distractions, all of which can lead to the same devastating consequences:

  • Visual Distractions – These include anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, including cell phones, food, makeup, GPS, and vehicle entertainment systems. You may have heard when a driver takes their eyes off the road for five seconds at 55 mph, they travel the distance of a football field. A lot can happen in that time.
  • Physical Distractions – These include anything that takes a driver’s hands off the steering wheel. They’re often the same types of distractions as visual distractions. When a driver’s hands aren’t on the wheel, their reaction time is severely reduced, increasing the chances of a crash.
  • Cognitive Distractions – These include anything that takes a driver’s mind off driving. For example, talking to passengers in the backseat can cause a driver’s mind to wander.

South Carolina’s Distracted Driving Law

South Carolina’s distracted driving law bans drivers from using wireless electronic communication devices (like cell phones) to compose, send, or read text-based messages while operating their vehicles on public roads and highways. This includes while drivers are in traffic or at red lights. However, device use is allowed if the driver is lawfully parked, using a hands-free device, or calling for emergency services.

How to Promote Safe Driving Practices

During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we encourage you to reflect upon the impact distracted driving has on thousands of lives each year and commit to engaging in safer driving behaviors. A few ways you can reduce distractions while driving are:

  • Keep your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or out of view or reach while driving. It can be tempting to pick up your phone when you see a notification pop up, and this will help you avoid doing so.
  • Plan ahead by setting your GPS and music playlist before hitting the road to reduce distractions once your trip is underway.
  • Avoid multitasking while driving, such as eating, applying makeup, or reading messages. These tasks can wait until you’re safely parked.
  • Pull over to a safe location if you need to check your phone for any reason.
  • Speak up if you’re a passenger in a vehicle with a distracted driver. Your words could end up saving lives.
  • Lead by example by practicing safe driving when passengers are in your vehicle. This is particularly important if you are the parent of a teen driver, as they will pick up on your actions.

Contact Our South Carolina Car Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, contact Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., for a consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our firm has provided comprehensive legal support to injury victims and their families throughout South Carolina for 130 years. During your initial consultation, we’ll review your case and go over your options for seeking compensation for your injuries, including auto insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.

Real estate concept business, home insurance and real estate protection. Real estate investment concept. Buy and sell houses and real estate online on a virtual screen.

Spring Market Trends: What to Expect in Real Estate This Season

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The real estate market goes through cyclical changes for each season. Although winter, spring,  summer, and fall have general trends year in and year out, specific economic and market circumstances in a particular year can also affect seasonal trends. Buyers and sellers looking to enter the real estate market in Spring 2025 should prepare themselves for what to expect. 

Changes in Buyer Activity

The spring season tends to see an increase in buyer activity from the winter as various factors encourage more buyers into the market, such as warming weather that allows buyers to get out to view more homes. Buyers with school-age children may begin their search in the spring, hoping to secure a new home in time for the following school year. Sellers may also prefer to enter the market in the spring as the improved weather and blooming plants and trees can give their homes better curb appeal.  

However, various economic factors in 2025 may dampen buyer activity compared to historical trends for the spring. Buyers in 2025 still must contend with elevated home prices and interest rates, which can adversely affect affordability. The federal government’s new tariff policies may risk significant consequences for the national economy that could push buyers out of the market due to pressures on household finances or increases in unemployment. Overall price increases due to raised tariffs can also adversely affect the real estate market through factors such as constrained inventory. Fortunately, encouraging signs such as slowing or reversed increases in home prices may enable buyers to enter the market. 

Shifts in Home Prices

Although housing prices remain elevated compared to other economic factors, such as family incomes, recent data suggest that price increases have slowed or, in some metro areas, reversed. For buyers who can afford homes at prices that remain near historical highs, the recent downward trend in home prices may give those buyers some leverage during negotiations. For example, buyers may no longer face bidding wars that increase purchase prices well above asking prices or sellers who demand buyers waive critical protections like housing inspections or closing contingencies. Instead, buyers may find sellers willing to offer incentives like covering closing costs, making repairs, or contributing to temporary discounts on mortgage rates. 

Inventory Levels

Economic factors in 2025 may place downward pressure on inventory levels in the real estate market. For example, continued high interest rates may discourage some current owners from selling their properties, as doing so would require them to move and potentially take on a mortgage or increase their interest costs in a new mortgage. Recent increases in tariffs may also affect new home inventory levels as the cost of home-building materials increases; for example, a significant portion of U.S. lumber supply comes from Canada. Although housing supply has increased for Spring 2025, low inventory under historical standards may keep housing prices elevated, which may continue to price many potential buyers out of the market.

Mortgage Rates and Home Affordability

Home buyers have had to deal with elevated mortgage rates for the past few years as the Federal Reserve has imposed higher interest rates to deal with inflation. Although the Federal  Reserve has signaled a reduction in interest rates for 2025, economic challenges may lead the Fed to change those plans. The combination of increased mortgage rates and high home prices from limited supply may price some buyers out of the market for Spring 2025.

Contact a Real Estate Attorney Today

Are you planning to enter the real estate market this spring as a buyer or seller? If so, you can make the process less stressful and more successful by working with an experienced real estate attorney. Contact Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. today for an initial consultation about taking advantage of real estate market conditions this spring. 

Elder couple completing an estate plan

Why Is Estate Planning Important for Protecting My Assets and Loved Ones?

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Estate planning is essential for everyone, regardless of their family situation or financial means. Having an estate plan ensures that your wishes are carried out. However, it also protects your assets and provides for your loved ones. Our South Carolina estate planning attorneys discuss why estate planning is important in this guide.

Understanding the Basics of Estate Planning

At the heart of estate planning is financial management. It is the process of arranging for the distribution of your assets after your death by allowing you to designate beneficiaries and heirs. However, estate planning encompasses much more.

A comprehensive estate plan includes incapacitation planning, asset protection, and tax planning. An estate plan allows you to provide for loved ones with special needs without jeopardizing their government benefits. You can include charitable giving and provide for minor heirs in your estate plan.

The basic estate planning documents you should discuss with an attorney include:

  • Last Will and Testament
  • Living Will
  • Durable Power of Attorney
  • Trust Agreements
  • Health Care Power of Attorney

Your estate plan outlines your wishes. It also gives you the power to decide what happens to your property after your death or incapacitation. Ideally, your estate plan should coordinate with your retirement plan for maximum asset protection and financial management.

The Role of Estate Planning in Protecting Your Property

In addition to minimizing taxes, an estate plan can protect your property from creditors and lawsuits. When constructed correctly, an estate plan can keep your assets within your immediate family, including protecting your wealth from in-laws and ex-spouses. It can protect your assets from bankruptcy, including the bankruptcy of an heir. Using trusts and other estate planning tools can protect assets and ensure the smooth transition of property after your death.

The Role of Estate Planning in Protecting Your Loved Ones

Estate planning benefits your loved ones in numerous ways. Having an estate plan can:

Proper planning reduces the stress and costs of dealing with an estate. It also takes the decisions off your family’s shoulders so they do not need to make tough decisions about end-of-life care.

Estate Planning Reduces Family Conflicts

Your estate plan clearly explains your wishes for distributing your wealth after your death. Your loved ones do not need to guess what you want. An estate plan reduces arguments between family members. If there are disputes, legally enforceable estate planning documents can resolve them according to your wishes.

The Consequences of Failing to Have an Estate Plan

If you do not have an estate plan, the South Carolina intestate laws govern your estate. The state decides who inherits your property and their shares of your estate. You cannot protect your assets from creditors and other parties without an estate plan. Furthermore, you do not have any plan in place for incapacitation, which means your loved ones may need to petition the court for the appointment of a conservator and guardian.

Why Professional Guidance Is Essential for Estate Planning

The role of professionals in estate planning is to provide guidance and expertise. An estate planning lawyer ensures that your legal documents are drafted according to the law and are executed correctly. Your attorney also ensures that your estate documents comply with the current law and accomplish what you intend to do with an estate plan.

However, attorneys are not the only professionals who have roles in estate planning. Financial advisors and tax lawyers help you maximize and manage your assets throughout your life and retirement. They also help ensure that you distribute assets to heirs in the most financially beneficial way.

Get the Help You Need: Work With a South Carolina Estate Planning Attorney

Estate planning protects your property and loved ones if you become incapacitated after your death. Contact our South Carolina estate planning attorney to schedule a consultation to discuss your estate plan. We will help you develop an estate plan that meets all your needs.

Crosswalk in the city

What to Expect After a Pedestrian Accident

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Pedestrian accidents are increasing nationwide. The number of pedestrian traffic deaths in 2022 was the highest since 1981. The consequences of a pedestrian accident include financial, physical, and emotional damages. Learn what to expect after a pedestrian accident from our South Carolina personal injury lawyers in this blog.

The Immediate Aftermath: Responding to a Pedestrian Accident

Being struck by a car is a traumatic event. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need emergency medical services after a pedestrian accident. Even if you can get up and move around, it is crucial to seek prompt medical treatment. Pedestrian accidents can cause severe internal injuries that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

If your injuries permit, ask for the names and contact numbers of eyewitnesses at the accident scene. Otherwise, focus on obtaining medical attention immediately after a pedestrian accident.

Understanding the Lifecycle of Physical Recovery Post-Accident

You may want to heal within a few days or weeks from injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident. However, pedestrian accidents cause catastrophic injuries. Even low-speed accidents can cause traumatic injuries. It takes time to recover from your injuries. Rushing your recovery could jeopardize your health.

The type of injury you sustain and the severity of the injury determine the timeline for physical recovery after a pedestrian accident. Talk to your physicians and medical providers for a realistic timeline for recovery. Do not rush recovery, or you could make your injuries worse and increase the risk of a permanent impairment.

Psychological Impact: Dealing With Emotional Trauma After a Pedestrian Accident

Your emotional healing may take much longer than the physical recovery. Many pedestrian accident victims have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other psychological injuries. You may experience depression, night terrors, severe anxiety, and other symptoms. Emotional healing may require counseling and therapy.

Financial Ramifications: Handling Medical Bills and Loss of Income

Your injuries from a pedestrian accident may result in significant financial losses. Your medical bills could total thousands of dollars. You may be out of work for weeks or months as you recover from your injuries. The result could be a financial crisis.

Talk with your lawyer about ways to handle medical bills. You may use your health insurance or MedPay if you have coverage. Medical providers may agree to accept a medical lien to postpone payment until you receive funds for a personal injury claim.

You may receive compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, but it could be months or years before a personal injury case is resolved. Waiting for a personal injury settlement may be difficult. However, rushing to settlement could mean accepting a much lower amount than your claim is worth.

Navigating the Legal Landscape: Rights and Responsibilities of a Pedestrian in an Accident

Injured pedestrians can pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver for a pedestrian accident. However, they must prove that the driver caused the accident and sustained damages because of the accident. If the pedestrian was partly to blame for the cause of the accident, they could lose their right to receive damages if they are more than 51% to blame. If their level of fault is below 51 percent, they can recover damages, but the amount is reduced by their level of fault.

How to Build a Strong Personal Injury Claim

You must establish liability by proving causation and fault for the pedestrian accident. Evidence used to prove your case includes, but is not limited to:

  • Statements from individuals involved in the accident
  • Video of the accident as it occurred from traffic cameras, dash cams, and other video surveillance
  • Statements from eyewitnesses
  • Photographs of the accident scene
  • Data recovered from a vehicle’s onboard recording systems
  • Opinions from accident reconstructionists and other experts
  • Medical records
  • Physical evidence from the accident scene

A South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyer conducts an independent investigation to gather evidence. The stronger the evidence in your case, the better your chance of recovering a fair settlement for your claim.

Get the Support You Need: Seeking Help From South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys

Were you injured in a pedestrian accident? Contact our South Carolina personal injury attorneys to schedule a consultation. Learn about your legal options and how we can help you seek the compensation you need and deserve.

Long road on the side of land

Summer Road Trips: How to Avoid Personal Injury Accidents on the Highway

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For many Americans summer means vacation. Time to gas up the car, get the swimsuits and towels ready and hit the road. You look forward to it all during those dreary winter months. What happens when your road trip turns into an accident nightmare, though? If that happens, keep in mind that a South Carolina personal injury attorney can help you get the help you need. 

Understanding the Risks of Highway Travel During Summer

When school is out and the weather is nice, many American families head out. According to AAA, 97% of families take summer vacation trips by car. The average distance we travel is 284 miles, one way, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Not even inflation or high gas prices can keep us home, now that COVID worries have subsided. 

Unfortunately, spending hours in the car increases the chances that you will get into an accident. If you’re tired and driving at night, your vision is limited to 500 feet. Driving at night, while tired, means you’re more likely to have an accident, according to the National Safety Council. 

Tips for a Safer Summer Road Trip

The best way to lower your chances of getting into a car accident this summer is to be prepared, and use common sense. Here are some tips for making sure your vacation is safe and fun:

  • Perform a vehicle checkup before departing
  • Plan your route in advance
  • Avoid traveling at peak traffic times
  • Take regular breaks to get out of the car and stretch
  • Stay hydrated and eat light, healthy snacks
  • Limit night driving
  • Use seat belts and ensure children are in appropriate safety seats
  • Avoid distractions such as using your phone while driving 
  • Observe speed limits and adjust speed according to road conditions
  • Pack an emergency kit and be prepared for emergencies

It’s also a good idea to pack a road atlas or map in the car or print out directions in case your GPS doesn’t work. Consider ditching the GPS and traveling old school! Your children would benefit from map skills.

What to Do if You’re Involved in a Highway Accident

If you get into an accident, pull your vehicle safely to the side of the road if possible, and call 911. The operator should be able to get the appropriate law enforcement officers there. Exchange insurance information with the other driver, no matter who was at fault. Take lots of photos with your phone, not just of the vehicles but of the signage. If your car isn’t driveable, ask the officer where to find the nearest motel. 

Reach Out to Our Personal Injury Attorney in Myrtle Beach & Florence

You may not be aware of the laws in the jurisdiction where your accident occurred, so it’s always a good idea to reach out to an attorney. An experienced attorney can advise you of the best course of action. In some states, even if an accident was partially your fault, you can recover. Contact Wilcox, Buyck & Williams, PA today. We will make sure your rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve.