Accidents may happen in the blink of an eye, but the impact of an accident can be long-lasting or even permanent. A slip in a parking lot, a fender-bender, or an accident on the job can leave you in pain, out of work, and staring down a pile of bills you cannot pay. If someone else's careless or reckless behavior causes your injuries, you may recover financial compensation—also known as damages.
If another party's negligence hurt you or took a loved one, you may recover damages for medical care, pain and suffering, and more. We recommend working with a lawyer with experience handling cases like yours.
Reach out to Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers to learn how a Murrells Inlet personal injury lawyer can help with your case.
Murrells Inlet Personal Injury Guide
Why Work With the Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers for Your Murrells Inlet Personal Injury Claim
Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers has served injured clients in Murrells Inlet and throughout South Carolina since 2016. During that time, we have recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we promise to do all we can to help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
We are committed to delivering exceptional customer service and representation, and we are devoted to protecting our clients’ rights and fighting for them throughout all legal proceedings to help them get the most favorable outcomes possible.
We are not a large settlement mill type of personal injury law firm—we focus on quality, not quantity. Each of our lawyers is a South Carolina resident, and we have extensive knowledge of local courts and procedures that helps us resolve claims efficiently and to the benefit of our clients.
You can trust we will take an active interest in your case and develop customized, comprehensive strategies designed to help maximize your financial recovery. We also foster open communication with our clients at the Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, so you can reach out to us for prompt answers to your questions and concerns as they arise.
If you’re looking for the right personal injury attorney to help you obtain compensation through a Murrells Inlet personal injury claim, look no further than the Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers. Our compassionate attorneys are here for you, so contact us today to request a free consultation about your case.
The Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers Accident Injury Lawyers Gets Results
We Handle Many Types of Murrells Inlet Personal Injury Cases
The team at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers handles all sorts of personal injury cases. If you were injured because of another party’s negligence, contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
Here are some examples of the types of personal injury cases we work on:
- Murrells Inlet Auto Accident Lawyer
- Murrells Inlet Brain Injury Lawyer
- Murrells Inlet Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Murrells Inlet Medical Malpractice Lawyer
- Murrells Inlet Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Murrells Inlet Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
- Murrells Inlet Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Murrells Inlet Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
- Murrells Inlet Truck Accident Lawyer
- Murrells Inlet Workers Compensation Lawyer
- Murrells Inlet Wrongful Death Lawyer
We can also assist with many other types of personal injury claims. If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligent, careless, or reckless actions, contact the Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your case for free and learn of your options for obtaining compensation.
Our Murrells Inlet Location
Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers has a law office located in Murrells Inlet, which also serves as our law firm's headquarters.
Feel free to drop by our office to speak with an attorney for free, or you can call us at the number above to set up an appointment for a no-cost case evaluation.
Murrells Inlet Accident Statistics
Murrells Inlet is in Georgetown County, South Carolina, and the area sees a massive influx of visitors during the summer months as people descend on the area to enjoy the beaches, fishing, and other natural attractions Murrells Inlet offers. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety published the following accident statistics for Georgetown County in a recent year:
- 1,252 total motor vehicle collisions
- 385 total injury accidents that injured 518 people, 34 seriously
- 11 fatal collisions that killed a total of 12 people
Georgetown County ranks 31 for fatal injuries in South Carolina and 23 for serious injury collisions. Overall, the county has a 23 ranking for collisions compared to other South Carolina counties.
Source: scdps.sc.govTypes of Murrells Inlet Personal Injuries
Accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, depending on the type and severity of the accident. Here is a list of common injuries people may suffer in Murrells Inlet accidents:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue damage, such as sprains and strains
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Burn injuries
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and other back injuries
- Eye, dental, and facial injuries
- Deep cuts and severe bruising
In addition to physical injuries, accidents can also result in psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or acute stress reactions.
This is not an exhaustive list of the injuries you can suffer in a Murrells Inlet accident, and you may have suffered other types of injuries that qualify you to receive compensation. Of course, you should go to the hospital immediately for treatment of any serious or life-threatening injuries. However, even if your injuries appear minor, you should always get a prompt medical evaluation to rule out any underlying issues that could cause problems later. You also need documentation you sustained an injury and received treatment to pursue compensation.
Contact the attorneys at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers for a no-cost case evaluation and advice regarding your options.
What Should I Do After an Accident in Murrells Inlet?
If you are involved in an accident in Murrells Inlet or any other location, it's essential to take certain steps to ensure your safety, the safety of others, and to protect your legal interests. Here's a general guideline on what to do after an accident in Murrells Inlet or similar situations:
- Ensure Everyone’s Safe: First and foremost, check for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt or requires medical attention. If it's safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents and hazards. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. This typically includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers. Get contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
- Report the Accident: In South Carolina, you must report accidents to the police if they result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. It's often a good idea to report accidents even if they appear minor. The police will generate an accident report your lawyer may use to establish liability for the accident.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plates, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Make notes about the accident, including the date, time, weather conditions, and the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't believe you are seriously injured, it's advisable to seek a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time. Follow all medical advice and keep records of your treatment and expenses.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate information about the incident. Follow the claims process as instructed by your insurer.
- Stay Calm and Cooperate: Remain calm and courteous when dealing with the other parties involved, law enforcement, and insurance representatives. Avoid making any admissions of fault, as fault determination is often complex and best left to investigators and insurance companies.
- Consult with an Attorney: If there are significant injuries, disputes about fault, or concerns about insurance coverage, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in accident cases. They can provide legal guidance and advocate for your rights.
Remember that specific circumstances may vary, so it's crucial to adapt these steps to the unique situation. Additionally, laws and regulations can change, so it's advisable to consult with local authorities or legal professionals for the most up-to-date guidance regarding accidents in Murrells Inlet or any other location.
What Is Personal Injury in Murrells Inlet?
Personal injury is an umbrella term used for any type of bodily, emotional, and psychological harm caused by another person or entity. The injuries are often the result of an accident but can be due to intentional harm, defective products, or wrongful death.
The insurance company of the at-fault party usually pays for the damages the injured party suffers. In some cases, the defendant lacks adequate insurance coverage, and your Murrells Inlet personal injury lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve. In cases where the insurer fails to provide compensation, your injury lawyer will take the matter to civil court.
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim in Murrells Inlet?
Determining whether you have a valid personal injury claim in Murrells Inlet generally depends on several key factors. You should consult with a personal injury attorney who is familiar with the specific laws and regulations in your area to get a precise evaluation of your case. Here are some considerations to help you assess the validity of your personal injury claim:
- Duty of Care: Determine if the responsible party owed you a duty of care. In personal injury cases, this typically means that the defendant had a legal obligation to act reasonably or prudently to avoid causing harm to others. For example, a driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: Establish that the responsible party breached their duty of care. You'll need to show that their actions or negligence fell below the expected standard of care. This may involve demonstrating that they acted recklessly, carelessly, or negligently.
- Causation: Prove that the breach of duty was the direct cause of your injuries. In other words, you must establish a clear link between the defendant's actions or negligence and the harm you suffered.
- Damages: To have a valid personal injury claim, you must have suffered actual damages. These damages can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. Document all your losses and injuries as thoroughly as possible.
Also, be aware of the statute of limitations in South Carolina. The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit, and failing to file within this timeframe can result in the dismissal of your case. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is typically three years from the date of the injury or accident.
Consult with an Attorney
Personal injury law can be complex, and the specific circumstances of your case may impact its validity. It's highly recommended to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney in Murrells Inlet who can assess the details of your situation, provide legal advice, and guide you through the claims process.
Keep in mind that the strength of your personal injury claim may depend on various factors unique to your case, and it's essential to gather evidence, document your injuries, and consult with an attorney to determine the best course of action. The Murrells Inlet personal injury attorneys at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers can provide you with tailored advice based on the specifics of your situation.
How Much Is My Case Worth? Damages Available in a Murrells Inlet Personal Injury Case
Each case is different, and our lawyers will work with you closely to determine how much your case is worth. For starters, we can obtain records from every medical provider who treated you, consolidate your receipts, and consult our team of expert witnesses. You may recover:
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for direct monetary losses caused by the incident.
These losses may include:
- Medical bills: You could recover the cost of medical treatments such as emergency care, diagnostic imaging, surgeries, follow-up appointments, prescription medications, rehabilitative therapy, and more.
- Future medical bills: If your condition requires future or ongoing treatment, you could recover those anticipated expenses.
- Home modifications: If your injuries have left you with a disability, you may need to modify your home to make it accessible. You could recover the cost of modifications such as widening your halls and doorways, adding ramps, and installing accessible bathrooms.
- Medical equipment: You could recover the expense of equipment such as braces, crutches, wheelchairs, motorized scooters, and more.
- Property damage: In a car or truck accident, your vehicle may be damaged beyond repair. A slip and fall accident can damage other valuable property, such as jewelry or watches. You could recover the cost of their repair or replacement.
- Loss of income: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you could recover your current and future loss of income, such as salary, wages, tips, bonuses, and more.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses such as pain and suffering. Calculating the value of your pain is complicated, but our lawyers have experience determining how much these losses are worth financially.
You can recover damages if you:
- Require a lengthy recovery period
- Endure chronic pain
- Are permanently disabled or disfigured
- Develop a mental health condition such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression
- Are housebound
- Can no longer participate in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
- Experience a reduced quality of life in other ways
Wrongful Death Damages
Money can never replace your family member, but seeking damages for wrongful death allows you to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligent actions.
If your loved one passed away because of another party’s careless or reckless behavior, you could recover damages for:
- Medical treatment they received before passing away
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of financial support and benefits provided by the decedent
- Loss of experience, knowledge, and judgment provided by the decedent
- Loss of care, companionship, and protection of the decedent
- Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent’s family members
File Your Personal Injury Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out
South Carolina provides a limited amount of time in which you can file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries. The deadline depends on your case and if an individual or a municipality caused your injuries.
Here are more details about the deadlines that apply to specific types of personal injury cases:
- Personal injury cases: You generally have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for personal injury.
- Wrongful death cases: You generally have three years from the date your loved one passed away to file a lawsuit for wrongful death. This date may be different than the date of the incident. For instance, if your loved one lingered in the hospital for some time before passing away, the clock starts on the date your loved one died.
- Nursing home abuse cases: You generally have three years from the date of the abusive incident or when you discovered the abuse—whichever is later—to file a lawsuit for nursing home abuse.
- Dangerous and defective products cases: You generally have three years from the injury from the defective product, or three years from the date you discovered that the defective product caused your injury, to file a lawsuit. South Carolina’s statute of repose requires that you file the lawsuit no more than eight years after you incurred the injury, even if you did not immediately realize that a defective product caused it.
- Medical malpractice cases: You generally have three years from the date of the injury, or three years from the date you discovered it was caused by medical malpractice, to file a lawsuit against the responsible healthcare provider. This date can be two years from the date of accident or death if the hospital is government-funded and or considered a not-for-profit.
- Personal injury cases caused by a municipality in South Carolina: You generally have two years to file a lawsuit for personal injuries caused by a municipality such as a city, town, or county.
You may have more or less time than the deadlines listed above, depending on the circumstances of your case. A Murrells Inlet personal injury lawyer can determine which legal deadlines apply to your situation and ensure they are all met on time.
How Much Does It Cost to Work with a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Sometimes, people assume that a personal injury lawyer in Murrells Inlet will cost too much money, so they try to take care of things independently. At Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, our attorneys work on contingency to make sure that our legal services are affordable for everyone. If you have questions about our payment structure, contact us today so we can answer them.
Working on contingency means taking our fees from the client's settlement or verdict award. In other words, you pay nothing if we lose—we only get paid if we win your case. We carefully select cases that have a strong chance of success. If you choose to work with our team, you will pay nothing upfront or out of pocket, so you risk nothing financially.
The Personal Injury Claims Process: How Our Murrells Inlet Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Recover Compensation
After someone else's negligence has harmed you, you will realize many benefits from working with a Murrells Inlet personal injury lawyer. Seeking damages from the at-fault party while recovering from your injuries can be difficult and stressful, especially if you have never gone through this process. Many people feel better working with a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of insurance claims and the legal process.
Attempting to get the compensation you deserve seems like it should be straightforward, yet it can be anything but. Insurance companies may deny your claim entirely or offer you much less than your case is truly worth. A lawyer with Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers can help you by:
Investigating Your Case
Our lawyer will thoroughly investigate the incident that left you with injuries. We may interview you, visit the scene of the incident, identify and interview eyewitnesses, and more to find evidence of negligence by another party.
Gathering Evidence of Your Damages
The types of evidence we collect depend on your case. For example, we would collect police reports and traffic camera footage for a car accident case and interview doctors and other healthcare providers for a medical malpractice case.
Other types of evidence we may collect include:
- Security camera footage
- Photos of the scene
- Breathalyzer and other toxicology reports
- Cell phone records
Communicating With Insurance Providers
Dealing with insurance companies can cause you headaches, especially when recovering physically and emotionally. Spending hours on the phone and tracking down endless paperwork to confirm your injuries and expenses may feel like too much to take on. We can handle all communication with the insurance company, gather the necessary supporting documents, and file a claim for you.
Negotiating a Settlement
We will use proven tactics to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. Court cases can drag on for a long time, and clients sometimes feel like their lives are on hold while their cases play out in court. Settling out of court allows you to resolve your case more quickly, get the compensation you deserve, and move forward with your life.
Taking Your Case to Court
We want you to get the best possible outcome. Sometimes an out-of-court settlement cannot achieve that. Our team will do whatever it takes to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Sometimes, that means filing a lawsuit and representing you in court.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Murrells Inlet Personal Injury Case?
How long it takes to resolve a personal injury case in Murrells Inlet, or anywhere else, can vary significantly depending on various factors. While some cases may be resolved relatively quickly, others can take several months or even years. Here are some factors that can influence the timeline of your personal injury case:
- Severity of Injuries: Cases involving minor injuries may be resolved more quickly than those with severe or long-term injuries. This is because severe injuries often require more extensive medical treatment and evaluation.
- Complexity of Liability: If there is a straightforward determination of liability (fault), such as a rear-end car accident where one driver clearly caused the collision, the case may progress more swiftly. However, cases with disputed liability or multiple parties involved may take longer to resolve.
- Medical Treatment: The duration of your medical treatment and recovery plays a significant role in the timeline. It's essential to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling a case to ensure that all your medical expenses and future treatment needs are accounted for.
- Insurance Company Cooperation: The willingness of the at-fault party's insurance company to cooperate and negotiate in good faith can impact the timeline. Delays may occur if the insurer disputes liability or the value of your claim.
- Negotiations: The negotiation process with the insurance company, including back-and-forth settlement offers and demands, can take time. Your attorney will work to maximize your compensation during this phase.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney may need to file a lawsuit. This can significantly extend the timeline as the case moves through the court system.
- Court Scheduling: The court's schedule and availability of judges can affect how long it takes for a case to go to trial. Court dockets may be crowded, leading to delays.
- Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Parties may choose to engage in mediation or ADR to resolve the case outside of court. This can expedite the process compared to a full trial.
- Complexity of Legal Issues: Some personal injury cases involve complex legal issues or multiple parties, which can prolong the legal proceedings.
- Uninsured or Underinsured Parties: If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, it can complicate the process of seeking compensation, potentially leading to delays.
It's important to be patient during the resolution of a personal injury case, as rushing to a settlement without considering all the factors and potential long-term consequences can be detrimental. Your attorney will work to ensure that your case is handled properly and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
To get a more accurate estimate of the timeline for your specific case, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Murrells Inlet at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers. We can provide guidance based on the unique circumstances of your claim.
Can I Still Recover Damages If I’m Partially At Fault for the Murrells Inlet Accident?
Yes, you may still be able to recover damages in a personal injury case in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, even if you are partially at fault for the accident. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, specifically known as the "51% Bar Rule." Here's how it works:
- 51% Bar Rule: In South Carolina, you can recover damages for your injuries as long as you are found to be less than 51% at fault for the accident. This means that if you are 50% or less responsible for the accident, you can still pursue a personal injury claim.
- Reduced Compensation: If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are determined to be 20% at fault and your total damages amount to $10,000, you would be eligible to receive $8,000 (80% of the total damages).
It's important to note that the determination of fault can be a complex process. Insurance companies, legal professionals, or the court may assess the evidence and statements from both parties to establish the percentage of fault for each party involved.
To protect your interests and ensure you receive fair compensation, it's advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney if you believe you may be partially at fault for the accident. An attorney can help gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and advocate for your rights to maximize the compensation you may be entitled to based on the circumstances of the accident and the percentage of fault assigned.
File Your Murrells Inlet Personal Injury Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out
South Carolina provides a limited amount of time in which you can file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries. The deadline depends on your case and if an individual or a municipality caused your injuries.
Here are more details about the deadlines that apply to specific types of personal injury cases:
- Personal injury cases: You generally have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for personal injury.
- Wrongful death cases: You generally have three years from the date your loved one passed away to file a lawsuit for wrongful death. This date may be different than the date of the incident. For instance, if your loved one lingered in the hospital for some time before passing away, the clock starts on the date your loved one died.
- Nursing home abuse cases: You generally have three years from the date of the abusive incident or when you discovered the abuse—whichever is later—to file a lawsuit for nursing home abuse.
- Dangerous and defective products cases: You generally have three years from the injury from the defective product, or three years from the date you discovered that the defective product caused your injury, to file a lawsuit. South Carolina’s statute of repose requires that you file the lawsuit no more than eight years after you incurred the injury, even if you did not immediately realize that a defective product caused it.
- Medical malpractice cases: You generally have three years from the date of the injury, or three years from the date you discovered it was caused by medical malpractice, to file a lawsuit against the responsible healthcare provider. This date can be two years from the date of accident or death if the hospital is government funded and or considered a not for profit.
- Personal injury cases caused by a municipality in South Carolina: You generally have two years to file a lawsuit for personal injuries caused by a municipality such as a city, town, or county.
Positive Reviews for Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers
At Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, we are committed to providing aggressive yet compassionate legal care to our clients. Suffering from a personal injury and then trying to get the financial compensation you deserve can physically and emotionally exhaust you. We understand how hard it is. That's why we try our best to remove the legal stress—so you can focus on recovery.
Every case is unique, and we can never guarantee results. However, we can guarantee that we will treat your case with the same care we provide to all our clients. Our client reviews are the best testament to our quality of service. For example, Tarwanda Smalls says that we treated her with compassion and professionalism, and Billy Buckley felt that we made her situation much easier for her to handle.
You may have more or less time than the deadlines listed above, depending on the circumstances of your case. A Murrells Inlet personal injury lawyer can determine which legal deadlines apply to your situation and ensure they are all met on time.
Contact Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers Today for Help With Your Personal Injury Case
Our lawyers in Murrells Inlet can help you recover the compensation you deserve if someone else's negligence injures you or takes the life of a loved one. We are ready to help you recover damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Personal injuries can happen at any time, so we are available at any time, every day of the year. Contact the Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers today at (843) 466-4444 for your free consultation.
Additional Resources
Murrells Inlet Emergency Rooms
Several emergency rooms and urgent care centers serve Murrells Inlet and the surrounding areas. You can receive treatment for your serious personal injuries at any of the following:
- Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital: 4040 Hwy 17, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- Southern Urgent Care: 3583 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- Doctors Care - Murrells Inlet: 12015 SC-707, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
*Disclaimer – Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers does not endorse these medical providers, nor do we profit from having them listed on our website.
