COLUMBIA CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

What to Do After a Car Accident in Columbia

Follow these steps to strengthen your claim and ensure you get the compensation you deserve:

• Check for Injuries and Call 911: Seek medical attention for yourself and others. Report the accident to the police.
• Move to Safety: If possible, move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further accidents.
• Exchange Information: Collect names, contact details, insurance, and vehicle information from all involved parties.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs.
• Speak to Witnesses: Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
• Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not apologize or admit blame, as this may impact your claim.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries may not be immediately visible.
• Contact our Car Accident Lawyer: Our Columbia car accident lawyer will help you with the claims process and pursue maximum compensation.

The Statute of Limitations in Georgia

If you were injured in a Georgia car accident, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim. Under Georgia law, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you don’t file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

For property damage claims, the statute of limitations extends to four years, giving you additional time to recover costs for vehicle repairs or replacement. However, acting quickly is important, as evidence can disappear and witness memories may fade over time.

If your accident involved a wrongful death, the two-year deadline typically starts on the date of the victim’s passing rather than the accident date. Certain factors, such as claims against government entities, may have shorter deadlines or additional legal requirements.

Key Evidence You Will Need to Support Your Claim

Collecting evidence after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries. Our car accident lawyer will help gather and organize the necessary proof for your claim. Key evidence includes:

• Police Report: An official report documenting the crash, including statements from involved parties and officers’ observations.
• Medical Records: Proof of injuries, treatment received, and future medical needs.
• Photos and Videos: Clear images of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from people who saw the accident and can confirm what happened.
• Surveillance or Dashcam Footage: Video evidence from nearby security cameras or dashcams that captured the crash.
• Vehicle Repair Estimates: Document damage and repair costs.
• Proof of Lost Wages: Pay stubs or employer statements showing income lost due to the accident.

How Much Will Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Columbia Cost?

At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we believe that cost should never stand in the way of justice. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Our goal is to fight for maximum compensation while eliminating any financial risk for you. When you choose us, you get aggressive legal representation with no out-of-pocket costs.

We also offer a free consultation to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and outline your legal options—so you can move forward with confidence. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on recovery.

Why Choose Us Over Other Columbia Car Accident Attorneys?

Our law firm stands out compared to many car accident attorneys. As car accident victims, here’s what you expect from our firm: 

• Experience and Expertise: Our firm has years of experience handling car accident cases and securing maximum client compensation. We understand South Carolina law and know how to take on insurance companies.
• Personalized Attention: We prioritize every client, not just another case number. You’ll get dedicated, one-on-one support throughout the entire legal process.
• Strategic Approach: We build strong cases using thorough investigations and expert legal strategies. Our goal is always to maximize your compensation quickly and efficiently.
• Resourceful Representation: We have the resources to take on large insurance companies and corporations. No matter your case’s difficulty, we are prepared to fight for you.
• Client-Centered Philosophy: Your needs come first. We listen to your concerns, keep you informed, and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
• Proven Results: We have a strong track record of securing high-value settlements and verdicts. Our success speaks for itself in the results we achieve for our clients.
• Transparent Communication: We communicate clearly and honestly to keep you updated on your case. You’ll always know what’s happening and what to expect next.

General Information on Car Accidents in Columbia

Car accidents in Columbia are a frequent occurrence, often resulting in injuries, property damage, and financial strain. Knowing the common causes and types of accidents can help you understand your rights and take the necessary legal steps if you were involved in a car accident in the city of Columbia: 

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Knowing the leading causes of car accidents is important for promoting road safety. The primary factors contributing to car crashes include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment and reaction times, leading to accidents. DUI-related crashes often result in severe injuries and legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential imprisonment.
• Dangerous Driving: Engaging in reckless behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and aggressive maneuvers increases the likelihood of accidents. These actions reduce a driver’s ability to react promptly to sudden changes in road conditions, heightening the risk of collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Activities like texting, using a cellphone, eating, or adjusting in-car entertainment systems divert attention from the road. Such distractions impair a driver’s focus, leading to accidents.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Novice drivers may lack the experience to recognize and respond appropriately to hazardous situations, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Disregarding traffic signals, signs, and speed limits disrupts the predictability of other drivers’ actions, leading to accidents.
• Drowsy Driving: Fatigue impairs reaction times and decision-making abilities, making drowsy driving a significant cause of accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and excessive speeding can lead to accidents.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, including rain, fog, and snow, can reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Typical Types of Car Accidents in Columbia

The most frequent types include:

• Rear-End Collisions: Occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, often due to sudden stops or distracted driving.
• Head-On Collisions: Happen when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-to-front, typically resulting in severe injuries.
• Side-Impact (T-Bone) Accidents: Involve one vehicle striking the side of another, commonly at intersections, leading to significant side injuries.
• Sideswipe Collisions: Occur when two vehicles traveling parallel make contact, often due to lane changes without proper signaling.
• Single-Vehicle Accidents: Involve one vehicle losing control and crashing, often due to driver error, weather conditions, or mechanical failure.
• Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: Involve multiple vehicles colliding, often on highways, leading to complex accident scenes and multiple injuries.

Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers

As experienced Columbia car accident lawyers, we frequently handle cases involving various types of injuries, including:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden jerking motions can cause soft tissue damage, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Concussions and more severe brain injuries can result from strong impacts.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can cause paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: High-impact crashes often lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, or hips.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening complications.
• Lacerations and Burns: Severe cuts or burns from airbags, glass, or fire can cause lasting scarring.
• Psychological Trauma: Many car accident victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression following a crash.

Locations We Serve

We proudly represent car accident injury victims across South Carolina and Georgia, including:

Aiken

Augusta

Columbia

North Augusta

Savannah