Over 1000 Clients Represented
You need an experienced attorney. John has tried more than a dozen cases to jury verdict as lead defense attorney. He knows what a good resolution of your case is, and more importantly what a bad resolution is.
“Mr. Crangle did a great job in handling my legal issue. Quick, polite, easy to work with, and affordable. Definitely would recommend!”
Vincent D“100% recommend John for any ongoing case. He got my case dismissed. Best criminal defense in the upstate.”
Johnathan MUnderstanding Car Accident Claims in Greenville, SC
Car accident claims arise when another’s negligence leads to your injuries. Negligence occurs when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care, directly causing you harm. You have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under South Carolina law (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530). Although three years seems like ample time, evidence can vanish quickly. Witnesses forget details, surveillance footage may get erased, and accident scenes change. Starting early protects your claim.
Greenville County experiences more traffic collisions than any other county in South Carolina, with about 16,640 crashes each year. The county is also tied for first in the state for fatal collisions, with around 71 traffic deaths annually. Each statistic reflects real families whose lives were changed instantly. If your life has changed too, a dedicated car accident attorney can help you seek accountability. Local knowledge of Greenville’s roads, such as the common bottlenecks and accident-prone areas, can be invaluable in handling your claim effectively.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Greenville
Crashes occur for various reasons, but some causes frequently appear on Greenville roads.
Speeding. Drivers who exceed speed limits have less time to react, leading to severe collisions. Speeding is a significant factor on I-85 and I-385, where traffic moves fast and stops suddenly. It’s crucial to adhere to speed limits, especially in areas known for sudden stops and heavy congestion.
Distracted driving. Texting behind the wheel causes wrecks that are entirely preventable. A driver glancing at a phone for five seconds at highway speed covers the length of a football field without watching the road.
Driving under the influence. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination. DUI crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, as impaired drivers tend to miss braking entirely.
Failure to yield. Intersections along Wade Hampton Boulevard and Laurens Road see frequent collisions when drivers run red lights or cut off oncoming traffic.
Rear-end collisions. Heavy stop-and-go traffic on Woodruff Road and near the I-385 interchange creates constant rear-end risks, especially during commutes. Understanding peak traffic times can help mitigate these risks.
Large truck crashes. Wrecks with 18-wheelers on I-85 often lead to severe injuries due to the size and weight difference between commercial vehicles and passenger cars.
Motorcycle collisions. Two-wheel collisions with other vehicles frequently happen because drivers fail to check mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes. Riders typically suffer the consequences, even when they did nothing wrong.
Injuries and Damages After a Car Crash
The severity of car accident injuries varies widely, from minor bruising to life-altering conditions. Some common injuries John Crangle handles include:
Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries: Neck and back strain from sudden impacts can cause pain for months or years.
Broken bones: Fractures to ribs, arms, legs, and the pelvis are common in moderate to severe crashes.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even mild concussions can disrupt sleep, memory, and cognitive function for extended periods.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can cause partial or complete paralysis, often requiring lifelong care.
Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately, making prompt medical evaluation crucial.
South Carolina law permits car accident victims to seek compensation for various losses, including:
Past and future medical bills
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement
Each case is unique. The value of your claim depends on the nature of your injuries, how they affect your daily life, and the strength of the evidence linking the other driver’s negligence to your harm.
South Carolina Laws That Affect Your Claim
Understanding certain South Carolina statutes will help you see why timely action and caution are vital.
Modified comparative negligence (§ 15-38-15). South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. You can recover damages if you are less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your award decreases by your fault percentage. For instance, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you receive $80,000. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto injured victims to reduce payments. Having an attorney even the playing field is vital.
Minimum insurance requirements. South Carolina mandates that drivers carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage. These minimums often fall short of actual losses in severe crashes. John Crangle identifies all available recovery sources, including underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage.
Statute of limitations. As noted earlier, you generally have three years from the crash date to file a lawsuit under § 15-3-530. Missing that deadline nearly always means losing your right to compensation entirely.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Greenville
The steps you take in the hours and days following a crash directly impact your claim. Here’s what to do:
Call 911. Get police and medical responders to the scene. A police report documents what happened and who was involved.
Seek medical care immediately. Even if you feel fine, get evaluated at Prisma Health or another facility. Injuries like TBIs and internal bleeding may not be immediately obvious.
Document the scene. Photograph the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries before anything is moved.
Collect information. Obtain the other driver’s name, insurance information, license plate, and contact details for witnesses.
Avoid recorded statements. Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before consulting an attorney. Adjusters are trained to find statements they can use against your claim.
Keep records. Save every medical bill, prescription receipt, and documentation of missed work. Keeping journals that track pain levels and daily limitations can also be valuable.
Contact an attorney. The sooner you involve a car accident attorney, the better your chances of preserving key evidence.
How John Crangle Can Help You After a Crash
John Crangle is a Greenville personal injury attorney who takes car accident cases seriously. He handles the legal work so you can focus on recovering. His approach includes investigating the crash, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and, if necessary, taking your case to court.
Crangle Law serves clients throughout Greenville County and the surrounding communities, including Simpsonville, Mauldin, Greer, Easley, Travelers Rest, Anderson, and Spartanburg. Whether your accident happened on I-85, on a neighborhood street, or somewhere in between, John Crangle is ready to evaluate your situation.
There are no attorney fees unless he recovers compensation for you. Get a free case review and find out what your claim may be worth.