Experienced Columbia Car Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a motor vehicle accident in Columbia, our car accident attorneys at Koon Cook & Walters, can help. Our experienced team will focus on your interests, help you understand all your options, negotiate with insurance companies or take your case all the way through to the conclusion of a trial if necessary. We aren’t the type to back down and settle; our goal is to see your case all the way through and seek the results you want. To learn more about how we can support you, call our office today at 803-256-4082.
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Why Hire Koon Cook & Walters?

If you suffer a painful and serious injury in a motor vehicle accident, you may be facing a lot of worries and uncertainties, especially if your insurer denies your claim. That’s why hiring an experienced team of injury attorneys is so important. We’ve been helping car accident victims across South Carolina pursue compensation since 1974 and have built a strong reputation for our tenacity and fierce commitment to our clients’ interests. Whether you are looking to settle inside or outside of court, we are here to fight for you. To us, you are a human being, not a number on a spreadsheet, so you can expect us to treat your situation as if it were our own. Whether you are looking to resolve your issues inside or outside of the courtroom, we have your back. 

Let’s help you pursue a claim and develop a compelling case today – call our Columbia office at 803-256-4082.

Benefits Of Hiring A Columbia Car Accident Lawyer

Even if the property damage was minor, or you don’t think that your injuries were that serious, it still helps to hire an attorney after you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident. A Columbia car accident attorney can help make sure you are not missing any important steps in recovering damages. An accident lawyer will be able to help identify all of the possible sources for recovery. In addition, an attorney will help negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you are getting the financial compensation you deserve. At Koon Cook & Walters, our car crash lawyers have nearly 60 years of combined experience. They will be able to assess your situation, negotiate a settlement on your behalf, or take your case all the way through litigation if necessary.

Types Of Car Accidents In Columbia, SC

A motor vehicle accident claim can arise out of any number of different scenarios. Our car accident lawyers help those who have been injured or suffered property damage from the following:

01.

Car accidents:

Whether you get hurt by a rear end collision, head-on collision, rollover accident or sideswipe, we are here to help you pursue the medical and lost wage coverage you need to heal with peace of mind. 

04.

Pedestrian/bicycle accident

Much like motorcycle accidents, getting hit as a pedestrian or cyclist can leave you in a vulnerable position. Our job is to pursue damages and push back against insurance companies for the compensation you need. That way, you can recover with peace of mind.

02.

Motorcycle accidents

Motorcyclists can be particularly vulnerable to serious injuries. If you get hurt in a motorcycle accident, we are here to uphold your rights as motorcyclists and seek the appropriate compensation you need for your recovery. 

05.

Hit-and-run accidents:

If you get hurt in a hit-and-run type accident, we can help you go after your own insurance for the coverage you need for your recovery. 

03.

Commercial vehicle/truck accidents

Getting hit by a commercial vehicle or large truck can be particularly devastating. We can help identify negligent parties and pursue damages against insurers, trucking companies or the drivers themselves.

06.

Rideshare Accidents

We help victims of Uber and Lyft accidents pursue compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and other damages.

If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding the specifics of your case, please do not hesitate to reach out.

The Most Dangerous Roads In South Carolina

These are a few of the most hazardous in and around the Columbia metropolitan area: 

  • I-26: This interstate can be a hotbed for semi truck accidents. 
  • I-20: This interstate can become particularly dangerous around the interchange with I-26. 
  • Farrow Road: This can be a particularly dangerous traffic corridor, especially between midnight and 6 a.m.. 
  • Two Notch Road: This road has garnered a reputation for being one of the most deadly in the Columbia metro, as the area along this road boasts a high number of drivers and pedestrians. 
  • I-77: This road can be dangerous due to the high traffic volume and the convergence of other interstates. 

Alongside these roads, some of the most dangerous intersections in the city include Broad River Road and Bush River Road; Two Notch Road and Trenholm Road Extension; Two Notch Road and Sparkleberry Lane; and Assembly Street and Gervais Street. 

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Steps You Should Take Immediately After A Car Accident

After a crash, you will want to make sure you do the following:

  1. Make sure everyone at the scene is okay
  2. Call police/paramedics
  3. File a police report 
  4. Take photographs of the accident scene
  5. Speak with/get quotes from witnesses
  6. Report the accident to the insurance company
  7. Seek medical attention 

Once you do all of these steps, it’s important to get in contact with an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney, especially if the injuries you sustain are particularly severe. 

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents?

They usually include: 

  • Distracted driving 
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving 
  • Drowsy driving 
  • Harsh weather conditions
  • Vehicle defects
  • Road construction/unsafe road conditions
  • Traffic violations

No matter how you end up getting in a car accident, our attorneys are here to fight for every penny you deserve. 

Types Of Damages You Can Receive For A Car Accident

In South Carolina, car accident victims may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages for their personal injury claims. At Koon Cook & Walters, we will fight hard on your behalf to make sure that you are getting all of the damages you deserve.

Compensatory Damages For A Car Crash In South Carolina

Compensatory damages are damages that are calculated to make you whole again, or in other words, return you to the position you would be in had the accident never happened in the first place. Compensatory damages include economic damages and are calculated by adding up all of the costs you have incurred because of the accident. They can include:

  • Damage to your property, like car repairs
  • Financial losses, including lost wages
  • Medical costs such as hospital or physical therapy bills
  • Emotional costs, like therapy bills

Compensatory damages also include non-economic damages such as emotional pain and suffering. Putting a dollar amount on something abstract like emotional trauma can be difficult, and several factors go into calculating damages. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you understand what sorts of damages can be compensatory in a motor vehicle accident.

Punitive Damages For Car Accident Claims In South Carolina

In South Carolina, if a driver is drunk or distracted and causes injury to another, the injured person can ask for punitive damages in a car accident claim. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer.

Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Claim

In South Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, there can be exceptions to this rule, like if the claim is against a government entity or if one of the injury victims is a minor or is mentally incapacitated. 

Getting Hit By An Uninsured Motorist

If you get in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance, you still have options for pursuing a legal claim against them. To learn more about how we can help you file a lawsuit and seek the compensation you deserve against an uninsured motorist, check out our uninsured motorist accidents page. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

Do you have questions about your car accident? You are not alone. Here are some questions clients have asked our experienced personal injury lawyers:

How long your car accident case takes can depend on the circumstances. For example, some car accident cases can be resolved in a few months if injuries are minor and parties can agree on compensation amounts. However, car accident cases that involve severe injury, vehicle damage or the loss of a life could take longer. In some cases, it can take years to reach a settlement. 

  • Medical expenses: Hospital stay, surgery, medicine, medical equipment or therapy costs
  • Wage loss: Loss of income as a result of injuries or vehicle damages
  • Funeral costs: Expenses for the cremation or burial of a loved one
  • Vehicle damage: Repair costs or rental costs for a car
  • Emotional turmoil: Pain and suffering, depression or loss of enjoyment from life

A lawyer can help you explore your legal options so that you can recover maximum compensation.

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Get In Contact Koon Cook & Walters

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call the firm or complete the intake form below.

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