At Thomas Creech Law Offices, we understand how overwhelming and confusing the aftermath of a car accident can be. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, or emotional stress, you are not alone. If you’ve been involved in a Greenville car accident, you likely have many questions about your rights, the legal process, and how to protect yourself.
Below, we provide detailed answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive from clients after car crashes in Greenville and the surrounding areas.
If you need personalized legal advice, call us today at 864-235-4999 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Greenville Car Accident?
Not every car accident requires hiring a lawyer. However, it’s important to consider legal representation if any of the following apply to you:
- The other driver was clearly at fault or admitted fault.
- You or a loved one suffered serious injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injury, or internal damage.
- You required emergency medical treatment or hospitalization.
- You are struggling with mounting medical bills or lost income from missed work.
- The insurance company is disputing your claim or offering a low settlement.
- You suspect the other driver was intoxicated, distracted, or violating traffic laws.
A Greenville car accident attorney can help protect your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Greenville?
We represent clients involved in a wide range of car accidents throughout Greenville County, including:
- Rear-end collisions — Often caused by distracted driving or tailgating.
- Head-on collisions — Usually resulting from wrong-way drivers or loss of control.
- Sideswipe accidents — Common on multi-lane roads and highways.
- Intersection crashes — Due to running red lights or failing to yield.
- Drunk driving crashes — A significant cause of serious injuries and fatalities.
- Single-vehicle accidents — Including rollovers or collisions with objects.
Each type of accident presents unique challenges, and our legal professionals are experienced in handling all forms of collision cases.
3. What Injuries Can Result From a Car Crash?
Car accidents can cause a broad range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately obvious. Common injuries include:
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, and sensitivity to light or sound.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Caused by sudden jerking motions, leading to pain, stiffness, and long-term mobility issues.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and other bones can break on impact.
- Chest Injuries: Bruised ribs or damage to internal organs.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially resulting in paralysis or long-term disability.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after serious crashes.
- Wrongful Death: Families can file claims if a loved one died due to another’s negligence.
Seeking immediate medical evaluation after an accident is essential, even if you feel fine, because some injuries worsen over time.
4. What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Greenville?
Taking the right steps after a crash can protect your health and your legal case:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or call your doctor right away.
- Call the Police: A police report provides an official record of the accident.
- Exchange Information: Get names, contact info, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers from all drivers involved.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not apologize or admit blame at the scene—fault is determined by insurance and legal investigations.
- Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: Early legal advice can protect your rights and evidence.
5. What Happens if the Other Driver Was Drunk or Distracted?
Drunk and distracted driving are among the leading causes of serious car accidents in Greenville and nationwide. These cases often involve additional legal complexities, including:
- Potential criminal charges against the at-fault driver.
- Possibility to seek punitive damages in civil claims to punish reckless behavior.
- More aggressive insurance investigations.
Our team works closely with investigators and experts to build strong cases against intoxicated or distracted drivers, maximizing your compensation.
6. What Are Common Traffic Violations That Cause Accidents in South Carolina?
Many crashes occur because drivers break key traffic rules, such as:
- Failing to yield the right of way.
- Running stop signs or red lights.
- Speeding or tailgating.
- Driving while distracted (e.g., texting, phone use).
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Not checking blind spots when changing lanes.
- Reckless or aggressive driving.
Understanding these violations can help us establish fault and protect your legal interests.
7. How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?
South Carolina law sets specific statutes of limitations for car accident claims:
- Personal Injury Claims: You have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
- Claims Against Government Entities: Only 2 years to file.
- Claims for Minors: The statute is extended to 1 year after turning 18 for those injured as children.
Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovering compensation, so timely action is critical.
8. Who Pays My Medical Bills if the Accident Was Not My Fault?
You should provide your health insurance card to treating medical providers so that your health insurance can pay for your treatments. That’s why you have health insurance. You might think that the other at-fault driver’s auto insurance company will directly pay your medical bills. That is not usually how it works after a wreck. Ultimately, we will seek damages for the medical bills for your treatment. These can be complex and answers may differ on a case-by-case basis. So, call us for answers to your specific situation.
We help clients navigate:
- Medical provider billing issues.
- Health Insurance claims for your wreck-related medical bills.
- Coordination of benefits between multiple insurers.
- Repayment of valid injury wreck-related health insurance liens.
Our goal is to minimize your out-of-pocket costs and recover the full value of the medical bill or costs of treatment in your case.
9. What Types of Compensation Can I Receive After a Greenville Car Accident?
Victims of car accidents in South Carolina may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future treatment).
- Lost wages due to missed work or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering resulting from physical injuries.
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma.
- Loss of consortium for family members.
- Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases.
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings.
Each case is unique, and an experienced attorney can assess all potential damages.
10. What If I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:
- If you are found less than 51% at fault, you can still recover compensation.
- Your percentage of fault will reduce your total damages.
11. How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Greenville Car Accident Attorney?
At Thomas Creech Law Offices we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You pay no upfront fees.
- Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict only if we win your case.
- If you do not recover money, you owe us nothing.
This fee structure ensures you can get expert legal help regardless of your financial situation.
12. What Makes Thomas Creech Law Offices Different?
Choosing the right attorney can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. At Thomas Creech Law Offices, we offer:
- Over 25 years of experience handling Greenville car accident cases.
- Personalized, compassionate service tailored to your unique needs.
- A former prosecutor’s insight to build strong, effective cases.
- Full legal support from your first call through settlement or trial.
- A track record of winning maximum compensation for our clients.
Still Have Questions? Contact Greenville Accident Attorney Thomsa Creech
Don’t rely on insurance companies or uninformed sources for your legal questions. If you’ve been injured in a Greenville car accident, you deserve advice from an experienced local attorney who understands South Carolina law.
Call Thomas Creech Law Offices today at 864-235-4999 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal fight so you can focus on recovery and healing.
