The personal injury law firm of Rikard & Protopapas represents victims injured in car accidents within the city of Columbia, SC and throughout the state of South Carolina. With 120 years combined legal experience as compassionate auto accident attorneys, we aggressively pursue justice for our clients by striving to achieve maximum compensation.
Our commitment to your success is found in favorable settlements and a dedication to client service.
With more than $100 million awarded, we make sure our clients are compensated, striving for the best possible outcome for their motor vehicle collision claim.
The car accident attorneys, paralegals, and case workers in our firm are dedicated to the needs of your case. Our lawyers have been featured in multiple highly regarded legal organizations, publications, and many on our team are recognized as South Carolina Super Lawyers year after year.
Getting fair compensation for a car accident isn’t always easy. Legal representation gives you a professional on your side to pursue your case. To see how we can assist you, contact the Rikard & Protopapas Columbia car accident attorneys via our secure online form or call 803-219-4784 for your consultation.
Why Hire Rikard & Protopapas For Representation?
- Over 120 years of combined experience on the Rikard & Protopapas team
- Our attorneys are Top-Rated in their class by numerous respected legal organizations
- More than $100 million in verdicts and settlements collected for our clients
- We understand the mission – maximum compensation for you and your family
- Understanding of the special issues that matter to clients who are catastrophically injured
- Knowledge of the insurance industry and their practices aimed at preventing or limiting your recovery
- Convenient location in Columbia, SC, open 24/7, and representation throughout the region
- A team of attorneys with experience in litigation and representing injury victims with compassion
- Strong experience in trial litigation and settlement negotiations
- Dedication to providing a personalized experience for each person we represent.
We understand how important it is that you get your compensation, and we handle the legal process on your behalf.
To see how an auto accident lawyer can assist you, contact Rikard & Protopapas online or call 803-219-4784 today for a free consultation.
Our Columbia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Injury
There are many common injuries suffered during a crash. These can cause an immense amount of pain and suffering, lost wages, high medical bills, and other losses. While victims can sustain any type of injury in a crash, some are more common than others. These include:
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal bleeding and organ lacerations
- Back injuries
- Chest injuries
- Foot injuries
- Neck injuries
- Burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Knee injuries
- Facial trauma
- Shoulder injuries
- Psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Compassionate Auto Lawyers Who Hold Insurance Companies Accountable
Our car accident attorneys represent people who are injured because of the actions of others. We take care of all steps of the case, including:
- Determining who is liable to pay compensation
- Evaluation of the insurance policies that might cover the loss
- Opening an injury claim with the appropriate insurance companies
- Evaluating what your case is worth
- Making a demand for compensation from insurance companies
- Consulting the client on whether to accept settlement offers
- Strategizing on how to present your case in court
Each car accident is unique. Every victim deserves personalized representation that is unique to their circumstances. The Rikard & Protopapas team has over 120 years of combined experience. Through our training, experience, and accomplished law firm history, we have a well-rounded practice, well suited to meet the needs of car accident victims in the Columbia, SC area and throughout the state of South Carolina.
We’re taking new cases now. For a consultation and to start your case, contact our law offices.
Our Columbia Car Accident Lawyer Can Determine Liability After Your Crash
According to South Carolina law, a negligent or careless party who causes an accident can be held liable for paying damages. The damages are meant to cover an accident victim’s medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. It is natural to assume that fault lies with a single driver at the scene, but this is not always the case. There are many potentially liable parties after a crash, and they include:
- Other motorists: It is true that often a single driver at the scene of the accident is liable for the accident. Any time a driver acts negligently, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signs, driving while impaired, or otherwise acting negligently or recklessly, they can be held liable for paying damages. However, in some instances there are multiple drivers who contribute to a client’s injuries. Our attorneys seek to determine the liability of all parties involved and pursue all available means of compensation.
- Manufacturers of defective auto parts: Manufacturers have a duty to ensure that the products they create are safe and free of defects. This includes manufacturers of auto parts. If a manufacturer released a defective product, such as car brakes, and their failure caused a crash, the manufacturer can be held liable.
- Mechanics: Many drivers hire third-party mechanics to inspect and maintain their vehicle. When these individuals and companies fail to properly perform inspections and maintenance tasks, they can also be liable if their negligence caused an accident.
- Government entities: Local, state, and federal governments are often responsible for designing and maintaining roadways. They must also ensure that roadways are not constructed and maintained in a manner that will cause a crash. If a defective road condition caused the crash, the government entity may be liable. These claims often have shorter deadlines and additional requirements, so it is critical to speak to a Columbia personal injury attorney who has the necessary experience with these types of claims right away.
Auto Accident Cases We Handle
Head-on, side-impact, rear-end, T-bone, rollover
The location of impact can provide valuable evidence about the cause and circumstances of a crash. We document the events of the accident, inspect vehicles, and review reports to prove fault and causation of injuries.
Speeding, lane change, stop signs, and other traffic violations
Traffic violations are the underlying cause of many collisions. We analyze the failures of the at-fault driver in observing traffic rules, like speeding, following too closely, right-of-way violations, and other violations of the rules of the road that may cause a crash.
Distracted driving
Whether it is text messaging, looking at a phone, or interacting with someone else in a vehicle, distracted driving can cause an accident that is entirely preventable. Our attorneys often conduct investigations into the actions of the at-fault driver prior to and during a crash that may have distracted them and contributed to a client’s injuries.
Inadequate maintenance
A vehicle that doesn’t have working tail lights, for example, may not properly signal that it is stopping. Brakes that are not kept in repair may fail. We investigate how inadequate maintenance may have played a role in a collision.
Drunk driving, driving under the influence
Drunk driving is against the law, and it is a civil wrong. Drunk driving gives rise to punitive damages–damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter this illegal behavior in the future. As your representatives, we seek the damages that are due under the law when you are harmed by a drunk driver.
Commercial vehicles
When a collision involves a commercial driver, we address important issues like commercial insurance policies, investigating underlying causes of the crash, and determining what party or parties to name in a claim. Collisions involving commercial motor vehicles often require in-depth investigation and inspection of vehicles. It is critical to hire an attorney right away if your accident involves a commercial truck driver so that important evidence does not get lost or destroyed.
Catastrophic injury
A car accident claim involving a catastrophic injury should carefully identify long-term damages, including future medical and personal care. We often employ third party medical experts to evaluate the need for and cost of future treatment to ensure you are fully compensated not only for the injuries, treatment, and pain and suffering you have already experienced, but also what you will suffer in the future.
Fatal car accident claims
A claim for wrongful death can help a grieving family with their future. Our professionals know the compensation available in a wrongful death claim. We know how procedures are different for making a claim. We carefully pursue the case, taking care of everything legally while you take care of your family.
Do I Have a Car Accident Claim?
Compensation for a car accident claim may be based on several legal theories: negligence, negligence per se, recklessness, intentional harm, or strict liability/defective product.
Negligence
All drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care and caution. The standard varies in different situations, but it’s always what a reasonable person would have done in that situation.
For example, when a person is driving in bad weather or in heavy traffic, they adjust their speed. They pay attention and drive with care. Negligence is doing something that a reasonable person would not do or failing to do something a reasonable person would have done.
Negligence per se
Many motor vehicle crashes occur because someone violates a traffic law. Speeding, following too closely, improper lane changes, and traffic control device violations are common traffic violations that can lead to an accident.
When someone violates a law and it causes harm, it creates a presumption that the person acted negligently. We can investigate the traffic violations that may have occurred and prove the causation of harm to the victim.
Recklessness
Recklessness is conduct that shows a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others. Drunk driving and drag racing are two examples of reckless conduct.
In addition to compensatory damages, a victim may be able to claim punitive damages because of the extremely offensive conduct of the defendant.
Intentional harm
Purposeful assault and battery using a motor vehicle is a serious crime. It may also be the basis of a claim for compensation. Bringing a legal claim focuses on the victim and the monetary payment you deserve for your injuries and harms.
Strict liability
A vehicle manufacturing or design defect may cause a malfunction and a crash. There may be a problem with a manufacturing defect or a poor vehicle design that makes a crash more likely to occur. A bad vehicle design may make injuries more serious.
Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for the function and safety of the vehicles they produce. A claim because of a vehicle manufacturing or design defect is based on strict liability. Our team can investigate whether a vehicle defect may have caused the accident.
Our Columbia Car Accident Lawyer Can Defend Against Comparative Negligence Claims
In many car accident claims, the negligent party claims the injured individual contributed to the crash, either partly or wholly. They do this because under SC Code § 15-38-10, the South Carolina Contribution Among Tortfeasors Act, injured individuals are barred from receiving any compensation if they were 51 percent at fault for a crash. If you are found to be 50 percent or less at fault for an accident, you can still claim compensation. However, any damages you receive will be reduced by your same percentage of fault.
Liable parties often claim that accident victims contributed to an accident to reduce the total amount of damages they must pay. Our Columbia personal injury lawyer can fight back against these claims so you obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Our Columbia Car Accident Attorney Can Help File Your Insurance Claim
There are many steps involved when filing a personal injury claim after a crash. The most important of these are as follows:
- Report the accident: Under SC Code § 56-5-10, it is required that you report any car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even if you think these factors do not apply, you should report the accident to the police. A law enforcement officer will write and file a report, which can strengthen your claim, particularly if the officer indicates that one party caused the crash.
- Exchange information: It is important to exchange certain information with all other motorists involved in the accident. This includes your name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance details.
- Locate witnesses: If anyone saw your accident, it is important to ask them for their names and contact information. Your attorney will contact them for a statement that can corroborate your claim.
- Collect evidence: Some of the best evidence after a crash is photos of the scene. Take pictures of your injuries, any damage to the vehicles involved, and other relevant information, such as skid marks on the road.
- Contact a Columbia car accident lawyer: You may be able to obtain compensation after a crash, but obtaining the full damages you are entitled to is never easy. A lawyer can conduct an investigation, collect evidence to prove fault, accurately value your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Notify your own insurance company: You must tell your own insurer about the collision. Most insurance companies require this, and they may cancel your policy if you do not. Additionally, you may be entitled to MedPay or PIP benefits through your own insurer.
- File a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company: To obtain full compensation, you must submit a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company, and an attorney can help with this. A lawyer will send the insurer a demand letter, outlining how the crash happened, how the policyholder is to blame, and the full damages you are pursuing.
Compensation for a Car Accident
To us, a car accident claim should focus on all the compensation you should be owed. Our objective is for you to be fairly compensated for your damages. Losses in a car accident are financial, physical, and emotional. Pursuing a case means identifying what losses you have suffered and obtaining the compensation that is fair for you.
Some types of compensation are:
- Emergency medical bills
- Costs of medical treatment
- Future healthcare expenses relating to injuries
- Hospital, nursing, and home care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost income and benefits
- Long-term career disruption
- Physical pain
- Disfigurement
- Lifestyle and life expectancy diminishment
- Mental injury, emotional anguish
- Punitive damages, when appropriate
Non-economic damages – the way that you are personally harmed from a car accident – can be a significant part of compensation. Many car accident victims don’t understand non-economic damages, and they value their case for far too little. Don’t make that mistake. We work to fully value your losses and make a complete claim for compensation.
Named “Top Rated” Attorneys by Super Lawyers
Highlights of the Rikard & Protopapas Columbia car accident attorneys include:
- Attorneys holding the Martindale-Hubbell AV® PreeminentTM rating for the highest in professional excellence.
- Attorneys who have achieved “Top Rated” honors and “Rising Star” designations from Super Lawyers
- Legal Elite honors from Columbia Business Monthly.
- Consultations are available in our Columbia and Mount Pleasant offices, virtually, in the hospital, at home, or in another place that works for you.
- Attorneys with a variety of backgrounds and experiences to address the unique issues in your case.
- Free consultations for anyone seeking legal advice following a car accident.
- Contingency agreements to meet the needs of our clients.
- Success in achieving results for our clients both in court and through settlements.
You can work with our Columbia personal injury lawyers who strive to provide meaningful representation for each person and family we represent. By hiring us, you’re hiring a law firm dedicated to the results we can achieve for you.
How Our Car Accident Attorneys Represent You
Our legal team in Columbia evaluates your situation and creates a custom plan for your car accident case. Here are some ways that we work for you:
Gathering evidence
We start your case right away. We investigate and gather evidence, ensuring your injuries and other losses are documented.
Accident reconstruction
Accident reconstruction can be a helpful tool to prove and explain the events leading up to the crash. It can show speeds, the position of vehicles, and points of impact. We work with experts to explain key details.
Discovery
Building a strong case happens far in advance of your trial date. Through discovery and other case-building techniques, we narrow the issues in dispute and gather evidence of each element needed to prove your claim.
Legal analysis
Representation from a car accident attorney means having a professional evaluate the issues in your case. We look at the strengths and weaknesses of your case and legal issues that may be especially important. Then, we customize representation for your situation.
Legal procedures
Our attorneys understand the steps to start a claim. We prepare legal paperwork and file it. Throughout the case, we handle legal procedures and hearings like preliminary motions, status conferences, and case filings. We speak to the insurance companies on your behalf.
Negotiating your settlement
Many claims are resolved through insurance policies. However, it’s not enough to simply accept the first offer from the insurance company. We carefully examine what your case is worth, making sure that economic and non-economic damages are fairly represented. We negotiate for you and give you our honest opinion about whether you should accept any settlement offers.
Litigating your case
We are experienced trial lawyers. When it’s necessary to go to trial to resolve your case, we’re prepared. Using our knowledge of rules of evidence, we present the case, question witnesses, and make arguments to the jury. By preparing in advance, we walk into court confident and ready to represent you.
Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Usually, it’s worth hiring a car accident attorney if you have physical injuries that require medical attention. A professional can evaluate economic and non-economic damages and your right to compensation. If you’re not sure if legal representation is right for you, we invite you to contact us to talk about your situation. We’ll give you honest advice and answer your questions. There’s no obligation.
Our Columbia Car Accident Lawyer Serves Many Locations
Our experienced attorney operates in the following ZIP codes and provides legal representation for all personal injury cases:
- 29044
- 29045
- 29061
- 29063
- 29078
- 29147
- 29169
- 29201
- 29202
- 29203
- 29204
- 29205
- 29206
- 29207
- 29208
- 29209
- 29210
- 29211
- 29212
- 29214
If you have been hurt in a crash in any of the above zip codes, it is critical that you seek legal advice to ensure your rights are protected.
Contact a Columbia Car Accident Lawyer For a Free Consultation
We offer free consultations to car accident victims and their families. At your consultation, you can:
- See if you have a claim
- Learn the possible outcomes for your case
- Identify strengths and weaknesses, and how to build evidence
- Get guidance on things you can be doing right now
- Meet our legal team and find out how we can assist you
- Ask questions about anything related to the accident and your compensation
- Discuss fee agreements, including how we use contingency fees
- Start your case today
There’s no obligation to talk to the Rikard & Protopapas legal team. Contact us to discuss your situation.
The Columbia car accident attorneys at Rikard & Protopapas are taking new cases right now. Begin pursuing your compensation today. Contact us online or call 803-219-4784 to talk about your situation and begin.