An injury can upend your life in an instant—medical bills stack up, work becomes difficult, and recovery feels uncertain. If you or a loved one was hurt in Lexington, South Carolina because someone else was careless, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
At Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer and Staggs (JJWLS), our Lexington personal injury lawyers step in fast to protect your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and pursue the full value of your claim while you focus on healing. Have questions now? Contact us for a free consultation. For quick reference later, bookmark our Lexington page at Lexington.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
Most viable claims rest on three pillars: deadline, fault, and damages.
1) Statute of Limitations
South Carolina’s general deadline for personal injury actions is three years from the date of injury. See S.C. Code § 15-3-530. Claims involving government entities often have earlier notice rules under the Tort Claims Act—ask us to confirm your exact timeline now.
2) Negligence (Fault)
To hold someone responsible, we must show:
- Duty: They owed you a duty of reasonable care (safe driving, safe property, safe products).
- Breach: They violated that duty (speeding, failing to fix hazards, defective design, etc.).
- Causation: That breach actually and proximately caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered losses the law can compensate.
3) Damages (Losses)
Medical treatment, time off work, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and long-term limitations all matter. Prompt care and consistent follow-up create the records that tie the incident to your injuries.
What Should I Do After an Injury in Lexington?
These steps protect your health—and your claim:
Call Law Enforcement or File an Incident Report
For crashes, dial 911 and obtain the report number (statewide roadway info: S.C. Department of Public Safety at scdps.sc.gov). For premises incidents, ask management to complete an incident report and request a copy. The Town of Lexington provides local resources at lexsc.com.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Stick to facts; even a polite “sorry” can be misused later.
Document Everything
Photograph vehicles or hazards, lighting, weather, and injuries; save damaged footwear/clothing; gather witness names and numbers.
Seek Medical Care
Concussions, internal injuries, and soft-tissue trauma may surface hours or days later. Follow treatment plans and keep every bill and record.
Don’t Deal with Insurers Alone
Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Direct communications to your lawyer. For general license topics, see the SCDMV at scdmvonline.com.
Contact a Lexington Personal Injury Lawyer
Early counsel preserves surveillance, 911 audio, and electronic data and keeps you ahead of strict deadlines. Start with a free case review—contact us.
Why Hire an Attorney?
- Identify every liable party: Driver, employer, contractor, manufacturer, property owner—multiple defendants can expand coverage.
- Build the proof: Medical records, expert opinions, scene measurements, EDR/black-box data, maintenance logs, and surveillance captured before it disappears.
- Handle the paperwork: Claims, preservation letters, FOIA requests, court filings, and lien issues—done correctly and on time.
- Negotiate from strength: We quantify full damages (including future care and earnings) and push back on low offers with data and expert support.
- Trial-ready when needed: If an insurer won’t be fair, we’re prepared to try your case in Lexington County.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Recoverable damages may include:
- Economic: Medical bills (past/future), wage loss, diminished earning capacity, rehab, home/vehicle modifications, out-of-pocket costs.
- Non-Economic: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring/disfigurement.
- Punitive: In egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be available under South Carolina law.
South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule can reduce your recovery by your share of fault and bars recovery if you are more than 50% at fault. See general tort provisions at scstatehouse.gov.
How Long Do I Have to File?
The general limitation is three years from injury (S.C. Code § 15-3-530). Claims involving government bodies may require earlier notice under the Tort Claims Act—ask us to map your deadlines immediately.
How Do You Prove Negligence?
We establish duty, breach, causation, and damages with:
- Medical documentation and provider testimony
- Accident reconstruction and human-factors experts
- Product testing/engineering analysis (for defects)
- Maintenance logs, inspection reports, safety policies (for premises)
- EDR/black-box, telematics, and driver logs (for vehicle/trucking)
- Life-care planners and vocational economists (for future care/earnings)
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Lexington
- Car Accidents (rear-end, T-bone, head-on, hit-and-run, UM/UIM)
- Truck Accidents (hours-of-service, negligent hiring, unsecured loads, maintenance failures)
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Crashes
- Slip & Fall / Premises Liability (wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, negligent security)
- Product Liability (defective design/manufacture, inadequate warnings)
- Workers’ Compensation
- Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect
- Wrongful Death
- Dog Bites and Catastrophic Injuries
Personal Injury Claim Process (What to Expect)
1) Claim Setup & Preservation
We notify carriers, send spoliation letters, and move to preserve surveillance and 911 audio. Statewide court resources: S.C. Judicial Branch at sccourts.org. Lexington County information: lex-co.sc.gov.
2) Investigation & Valuation
We gather medical proof, wage documentation, expert analyses, and build a full damages model (including future needs).
3) Demand & Negotiation
We present a detailed demand with exhibits supporting liability and damages and negotiate firmly with carriers and defense counsel.
4) Litigation (If Needed)
If the insurer won’t be fair, we file suit in the appropriate court and prepare your case for trial while continuing settlement dialogue.
5) Resolution & Lien Handling
We finalize settlement or verdict, address medical/insurance liens, and disburse funds promptly.
FAQ: Lexington Personal Injury
Will I have to go to trial?
Many cases resolve pre-suit; some require filing to obtain fair value. We prepare every case as if trial will occur—that leverage helps.
How long will my case take?
Timing depends on medical recovery, investigation needs, insurer responsiveness, and court calendars (sccourts.org).
What if I’m partly at fault?
You can recover if you’re 50% or less at fault; your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What should I bring to a free consultation?
Photos, medical records/bills, insurance letters, pay stubs, and any incident or police report numbers.
Why Choose JJWLS for Lexington Personal Injury?
- Local insight: Familiarity with Lexington County practices streamlines your case.
- Full-service support: We coordinate records, liens, property-damage guidance, and rental vehicle issues.
- Trial-ready approach: Prepared to try your case if that’s what justice requires.
- Clear communication: You’ll know where your case stands and what comes next.
Speak with a Lexington Personal Injury Lawyer Today
You don’t have to take on insurers alone. The Lexington team at JJWLS is ready to investigate, manage the process, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation with our personal injury lawyers at Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer and Staggs. Free consultation—let’s start your recovery today.
