Top Lexington, SC Car Accident Lawyers

Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law

Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law is a Lexington-based personal injury firm led by brothers Kevin and Steven Johnson. They have experience working on both sides of accident cases – even on behalf of insurance companies – which gives them valuable insight into how insurers operate. As lifelong Lexington residents, the Johnsons provide compassionate, hometown service and are serious about winning fair compensation for injured clients.

Goings Law Firm, LLC

An acclaimed personal injury firm, Goings Law Firm, LLC, serves Lexington and the greater Columbia area. Founding attorney Robert Goings has a reputation for winning big verdicts in court, including several multi-million dollar awards for crash victims. Clients can expect aggressive representation backed by a proven track record of success and recognition among South Carolina’s top law firms.

Salley Law Firm, P.A.

Salley Law Firm, P.A. is a Lexington firm that has been proudly representing injured people for over 20 years. Attorney William B. Salley handles car accidents, workers’ compensation, and other injury cases with a focus on personal attention and integrity. The office is conveniently located near the Lexington County Courthouse, and they offer free consultations with no fee unless there is a recovery for the client.

Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers

Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, also known as The Jeffcoat Firm, is a well-established South Carolina personal injury practice with an office in Lexington. Their legal team brings over 100 years of combined experience to the table and has recovered “tens of millions” of dollars for clients. The firm’s attorneys handle cases ranging from car and truck accidents to wrongful death, and they pride themselves on client-focused service (treating clients “like family”) and offering free consultations to accident victims.

Smith & Jones Law, LLC

A Lexington personal injury firm with over 35 years of combined experience advocating for injury victims. Smith & Jones Law, LLC handles car crashes, trucking accidents, workers’ comp claims, and more, emphasizing compassionate and results-driven representation. Clients work directly with the attorneys (no middlemen) throughout the process, and the firm is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide help when you need it most.

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights. Here are some important steps to follow after a crash in Lexington:

1. Ensure safety and call 911. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt or there are dangers at the scene, call 911 immediately. This will dispatch emergency responders, including the Lexington Police Department (who will create an official accident report) and, if needed, the Lexington Fire Department. Move to a safe area if possible, away from traffic, and use hazard lights or flares to prevent further accidents.
2. Exchange information but avoid admissions. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Get names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. If there were witnesses, try to get their names and contact info as well. Do not admit fault or apologize for the crash, as these comments can be used against you later – simply stick to the facts when talking to police or others.
3. Document the scene. If you can do so safely, take photos of the vehicles, damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and the overall scene of the accident. Document any visible injuries you have. This evidence can be very useful for your insurance claim or legal case. Also, note the time, location (road names or landmarks), weather conditions, and anything unusual (e.g. the other driver appeared distracted or intoxicated).
4. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay or have only minor pain, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the crash. Some injuries (like concussions or internal injuries) may not show symptoms immediately. You can go to a local hospital such as Lexington Medical Center or see your doctor for a check-up. Prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates documentation connecting your injuries to the accident, which will be important for any claim.
5. Notify your insurance and consider legal advice. Report the accident to your auto insurance company once you are able, as most policies require prompt notification. However, be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters – stick to the basic facts. Before giving a detailed statement or if you feel pressured, you may want to consult a Lexington car accident lawyer. An attorney can explain your rights and even handle communications with insurers on your behalf. Many Lexington car accident attorneys offer free consultations, so it can be helpful to get legal advice early on.

After a serious car accident, you might be unsure whether you need an attorney. In truth, working with a local car accident lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Studies show that injured people who hire a lawyer recover up to 3.5 times more compensation on average than those who handle claims on their own. Here are several key benefits of having a Lexington personal injury attorney on your side:

• Local Expertise: A Lexington-based lawyer knows South Carolina laws and local court procedures inside and out. They understand how state-specific rules (like South Carolina’s insurance requirements and negligence laws) will affect your case. Their familiarity with local roads and accident hotspots can also help in investigating your crash.
• Investigation and Evidence: An experienced attorney will launch a thorough investigation into the accident. They can obtain the police accident report, interview witnesses, retrieve any available traffic camera or dashcam footage, and consult accident reconstruction experts if needed. Building strong evidence is crucial to proving fault and strengthening your injury claim.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Your lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters. This is important because insurers often try to minimize or deny claims. A seasoned attorney knows the tactics insurance companies use and will fight for a fair settlement. They won’t let the insurer pressure you into accepting a low-ball offer.
• Maximizing Your Compensation: Beyond just medical bills or car repairs, a lawyer will ensure all your damages are accounted for – including future medical needs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses. They will calculate the true value of your case and pursue the maximum compensation available, whether through a negotiated settlement or a lawsuit if necessary.
• No Upfront Cost: Hiring a car accident lawyer in Lexington is typically risk-free because most work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and your attorney only gets paid if they win money for you. This arrangement allows you to get legal help regardless of your financial situation, leveling the playing field against big insurance companies.

In short, a local car accident attorney can manage the legal complexities while you focus on healing. They advocate for your best interests and strive to get you the justice and compensation you deserve under South Carolina law

Car crashes in Lexington can happen for many reasons, but certain causes are frequently seen by local attorneys and law enforcement. Understanding how accidents often occur can help you stay safe and recognize when another driver may have been negligent. Common causes of car accidents in Lexington and across South Carolina include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers taking their eyes or mind off the road – often due to texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the GPS or radio, eating, or other distractions – is a leading cause of crashes. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous because it slows reaction times and can cause drivers to miss hazards or drift out of their lane.
• Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions is a major factor in many serious accidents. Higher speeds reduce the time a driver has to react and greatly increase the force of impact in a collision. In Lexington, roads like I-20 and U.S. 378 see frequent speeding-related crashes as drivers commute or travel through the area.
• Drunk Driving: Despite tough laws, driving under the influence of alcohol remains a persistent problem in South Carolina. Drunk drivers have impaired judgment, slower reflexes, and often fail to stay in their lane or obey traffic signals. Alcohol-related accidents can be especially severe. Lexington County law enforcement and state troopers actively patrol for DUIs, but unfortunately intoxicated drivers still cause preventable wrecks.
• Reckless Driving and Aggression: Deliberately dangerous behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights or stop signs, and road rage incidents lead to many crashes. A driver who is reckless or aggressive is not only violating traffic laws but putting others at serious risk. This includes excessive speeding or street racing on public roads, which has been an issue in some parts of South Carolina.
• Poor Weather or Road Conditions: Heavy rainfall (common in South Carolina) can make roads slick and visibility poor, contributing to accidents. Likewise, when roads are under construction or have hazards like potholes or debris, unsuspecting drivers may crash if they’re not warned in time. While you can’t control the weather or road conditions, drivers are expected to adjust (slow down, use headlights, etc.) – failing to do so can be considered negligence if an accident results.

Many collisions result from a combination of factors. A skilled Lexington car accident lawyer will investigate the exact cause of your crash – whether it was another driver’s texting, intoxication, speeding, or other negligence – and gather the evidence needed to prove it. Identifying the cause is essential for holding the at-fault party accountable and recovering compensation for your damages.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident?

If you’re injured in a car accident in Lexington, SC, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages (financial compensation) from the at-fault party. South Carolina law allows accident victims to seek compensation for both their economic losses and non-economic losses. Common damages in a car accident claim include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers all medical bills related to your injury – emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, medical devices, and future medical care you may need. Keep records of all medical treatments and costs. These expenses are typically a major component of any car accident claim.
• Lost Wages and Income: If your injuries force you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost wages for the period you were unable to work. If the injury affects your ability to return to your job or limits your earning capacity going forward, you may also seek damages for loss of future earnings. Documentation from your employer and doctors can help prove these losses.
• Pain and Suffering: Car accident victims can receive money for the physical pain and emotional suffering endured due to the accident and injuries. While these damages don’t have a direct dollar bill, they are real losses. Serious injuries, in particular, often cause significant pain, distress, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life. South Carolina allows victims to recover a fair amount for pain and suffering as part of a claim.
• Property Damage: You are entitled to compensation for damage to your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash. This typically includes the cost to repair your car (or its fair market value if it’s totaled) and reimbursement for a rental car or other transportation expenses while your vehicle is out of commission. Property damage claims are usually handled separately from injury claims, but your attorney can help coordinate both.
• Other Potential Damages: In some cases, you might pursue other damages such as scarring or disfigurement, disability or loss of normal life (if the injury causes long-term impairment), or loss of consortium (if the injuries negatively affect a spouse’s relationship). Additionally, if the at-fault driver’s actions were especially reckless or egregious – for example, a drunk driver who caused a serious injury – punitive damages may be awarded to punish that driver. Punitive damages are not common, but they are possible in South Carolina when warranted by extreme misconduct.

Every accident case is unique. A Lexington car accident attorney can evaluate your specific losses and advise which damages you can claim. They will aim to recover all the compensation you deserve to cover both your financial costs and the intangible impact the accident has had on your life.

Q: How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in South Carolina?

A: In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for car accident injury lawsuits is generally 3 years from the date of the accident. This means you typically have up to three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you miss this deadline, your claim can be barred and you lose the right to seek compensation in court. (Note: Certain exceptions can apply – for example, claims against a government agency may have shorter deadlines, and if the victim is a minor, the time limit might be extended. It’s best to consult a lawyer soon after the accident to avoid missing any deadlines.)

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident – can I still recover damages?

A: Yes, you may still recover damages in South Carolina even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 51% at fault for the crash. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule: any compensation you receive would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you could recover 80% of your total damages. However, if you are 51% or more to blame, you would be barred from recovering any compensation. Determining fault can be complex, so having an attorney to argue your case can help ensure you aren’t unfairly blamed more than necessary.

Q: The other driver was uninsured (or fled the scene). What can I do?

A: Unfortunately, some accidents in Lexington involve uninsured drivers or hit-and-run scenarios. The good news is that South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of their auto insurance. If you are hit by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver, you can file a claim with your own insurance under your UM coverage. Your UM insurance should compensate you for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages (up to the coverage limits) just as if an insured at-fault driver were paying. It’s important to report a hit-and-run to the police immediately and also notify your insurer promptly. If the at-fault driver is later identified, you could still pursue a claim against them personally, but often the UM claim is the practical way to recover in these situations. An attorney can help navigate the process to make sure you get the coverage you paid for.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Lexington?

A: Hiring a car accident lawyer typically requires no upfront payment. Virtually all reputable personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award they recover for you, and you owe nothing upfront or out-of-pocket. If the attorney doesn’t win your case, you don’t pay for their legal fees. This arrangement allows anyone, regardless of finances, to get quality legal representation after an accident. During your initial consultation, the lawyer will explain their fee percentage (often around 33% of the recovery, though it can vary) and any other costs. Always feel free to discuss the fee agreement so you fully understand it. Overall, contingency fees align the attorney’s interests with yours – they are motivated to win and maximize your compensation.