Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer

Columbia, SC Personal Injury Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights

At the Stanley Law Group, our Columbia personal injury lawyers have countless years of experience handling different types of personal injury cases. We can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and take your case to trial if needed. Accidents happen every day in Columbia, South Carolina, often leaving victims with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, a slip and fall, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Personal injury claims can be complex, requiring an in-depth understanding of South Carolina laws and local court procedures. The Stanley Law Group has decades of experience representing injury victims in Columbia, helping them navigate the legal process and recover the compensation they deserve.

Common Injuries in Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common injuries seen in Columbia personal injury cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Concussions and more severe head injuries can occur in car accidents, falls, and other incidents.
• Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, significantly impacting a victim’s life.
• Broken bones – Fractures are common in falls and auto accidents, often requiring surgery and extensive recovery time.
• Soft tissue injuries – Whiplash, sprains, and muscle strains can cause long-term pain and mobility issues.
• Burn injuries – Fires, car accidents, and hazardous conditions can lead to serious burns requiring medical treatment.
• Internal injuries – Blunt-force trauma can cause internal bleeding and organ damage, sometimes requiring emergency surgery.

Common Locations for Injuries in Columbia

Columbia, as a growing and active city, sees personal injury accidents in many locations. Some of the most common places where accidents occur include:

• Intersections and highways – Busy roads such as I-20, I-26, and I-77 see frequent car accidents.
• Retail stores and shopping centers – Places like Columbiana Centre and Village at Sandhill often have slip and fall hazards.
• Workplaces – Industrial sites, construction areas, and office buildings can present dangers to employees.
• Restaurants and bars – Spills and overcrowding can lead to falls and injuries.
• Public parks and recreational areas – Riverfront Park, Finlay Park, and Sesquicentennial State Park see injuries from falls, bike accidents, and dog attacks.

Types of Car Accidents in Columbia

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury in Columbia. Some of the most common types of crashes include:

• Rear-end collisions – Often caused by distracted driving, these crashes can result in whiplash and back injuries.
• T-bone accidents – These occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, often at intersections.
• Head-on collisions – Among the most dangerous types of accidents, these crashes frequently result in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Hit-and-run accidents – Victims of hit-and-run crashes may face challenges in identifying the responsible party.
• Drunk driving accidents – Columbia sees its share of crashes caused by impaired drivers, particularly on weekends and holidays.
• Motorcycle accidents – Due to their vulnerability, motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries in accidents with cars or trucks.

What to Do After an Accident

If you are involved in a personal injury accident in Columbia, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions worsen over time. Get evaluated by a doctor.
2. Call the police – A police report can serve as important evidence in your case, especially in car accidents.
3. Gather evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
4. Collect witness information – Eyewitnesses can provide valuable testimony to support your claim.
5. Report the accident – If injured at work or in a business, report the incident to the appropriate authority.
6. Avoid admitting fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you in an injury claim.
7. Contact a personal injury attorney – The Stanley Law Group can review your case and help you pursue compensation.

Common Locations for Auto Accidents in Columbia

Certain roads and intersections in Columbia are known for frequent accidents, including:

• I-26 and I-20 interchanges – High traffic volumes and fast speeds lead to crashes.
• Garners Ferry Road – A busy commercial area with heavy traffic congestion.
• Two Notch Road – Frequent stop-and-go traffic increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
• Broad River Road – A mix of residential and commercial traffic contributes to accidents.
• Devine Street and Harden Street – Popular areas with pedestrians and high vehicle traffic.

Potential Compensation for Injuries

Personal injury victims in Columbia may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses – Covers hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescription costs.
• Lost wages – Compensation for income lost due to missed work during recovery.
• Pain and suffering – Accounts for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property damage – Covers repairs or replacement of a damaged vehicle or other property.
• Punitive damages – In cases of gross negligence, additional compensation may be awarded to punish the responsible party.

South Carolina Personal Injury Laws

South Carolina has several laws that impact personal injury claims. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Injury victims typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. South Carolina law limits punitive damages to three times the amount of compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater.

Richland County Judicial Center

Personal injury cases in Columbia are generally handled at the Richland County Judicial Center, located at:

Richland County Judicial Center
1701 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201

This courthouse handles civil and personal injury cases, including lawsuits against negligent drivers, property owners, and other parties responsible for causing harm.

How The Stanley Law Group Can Help

Finding the right personal injury lawyer near you in Columbia, SC, involves thorough research and a focus on experience. Start by seeking attorneys with a strong background in handling personal injury claims, especially those involving cases similar to yours, such as car accidents, slip and falls, or workplace injuries. A local attorney who understands South Carolina’s laws and the Richland County court system can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Reviewing client testimonials, assessing past case successes, and scheduling an initial consultation can help you determine if a lawyer is the right fit. When searching for the “best Columbia personal injury attorney near me”, prioritize your case, provide clear guidance, and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve. With decades of experience representing injury victims in Columbia, The Stanley Law Group is committed to delivering strong advocacy and real results.

Navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, but The Stanley Law Group is here to help. Our Columbia personal injury attorneys have extensive experience representing injury victims throughout Columbia and the surrounding areas. We handle every aspect of the legal process, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to taking cases to trial when necessary. With a proven track record of securing fair compensation for our clients, The Stanley Law Group provides the personalized legal representation injury victims deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation.

Columbia Personal Injury FAQS

• What should I do after a car accident?

  After any kind of motor vehicle accident, the first thing you should do is get out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Find out if anyone is injured. Call 911 to report the accident and if anyone is injured ask for an ambulance. Exchange contact information with the other driver (this includes insurance information). Take photos of the damage and any injuries. Contact The Stanley Law Group if anyone in your vehicle has sustained injuries.

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• Should I contact an attorney for a car accident?

  You should contact an attorney after a car accident or any kind of motor vehicle accident if you or a passenger in your vehicle is injured. Furthermore, you should contact an attorney if you or a loved one is injured in any kind of accident due to no fault of your/their own.

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• How much is an attorney for a car accident?

  The Stanley Law Group does not charge any upfront fees to speak with or hire an attorney for a car accident or any personal injury case. Attorney’s fees are paid once the case settles. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing if we do not obtain a recovery for you.

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• What is the average settlement for a car accident?

  Settlements for car accident cases and other personal injury cases vary significantly. The amount of your settlement is primarily dependent on the policy limits and the injuries sustained as a result of the accident.

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• How long will it take to settle my car accident claim?

  Every car accident case is different so the length of time is takes to resolve a claim may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

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• Should I negotiate or speak with an insurance adjuster before hiring an attorney?

  Do not attempt to negotiate your case or speak with an insurance adjuster before hiring a lawyer if you or a loved one has sustained injuries after an accident. Insurance adjusters are professionals who are trained to save the insurance company money and minimize your claim. Before talking to an insurance adjuster, call The Stanley Law Group to make sure you know your rights.

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• How much is my case worth?

  The value of a personal injury case is dependent on the following factors: the extent and duration of the injuries sustained, past medical expenses, potential future medical expenses, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, future lost earning capacity, disfigurement and disability.

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• Can I get a rental car after a car accident?

  If you were the owner of the vehicle involved in the collision, once insurance is confirmed, you would be entitled to a rental car while your vehicle is undergoing repairs. We will coordinate with the insurance company to make sure you get a rental car until your vehicle is repaired or replaced.

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• Do you help with the property damage to my car?

  As a courtesy to you, The Stanley Law Group will assist in making sure your vehicle is repaired at a qualified body shop and the insurance company compensates you for all related repairs. If your vehicle is a total loss, we will follow up with the insurance company regarding an offer for your vehicle.

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• Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?

  By law, an insurance company cannot raise your rates for filing a claim when you are not at fault.

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• What if I can’t come to your office?

  If you can’t come to our office, we can meet with you virtually and digitally execute all necessary documents.

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• How long do I have to file an injury lawsuit?

  The statute of limitations in South Carolina is 3 years which means that you have 3 years to file a lawsuit. However, we highly encourage anyone who is injured at no fault of your own to contact The Stanley Law Group immediately after an accident as waiting may negatively impact your case.

Estate Administration

One of our estate administration attorneys can help you make the best decisions for your family’s financial future. The Stanley Law Group offers legal services in:

• Will drafting
• Creating trusts
• Probating an estate
• Creating power of attorney documents

A power of attorney is a legal document that grants a chosen person, or a representative, the legal right to act on a person’s behalf. A healthcare power of attorney gives an individual the authority to act on someone’s behalf when medical professionals deem them unable to make their own decisions. Our estate attorneys have years of experience drafting these important legal documents for our Columbia clients.

In terms of estate administration, a wills and trusts lawyer from the Stanley Law Group can help you to decide which of the two would work best for your financial situation. Don’t leave your family to make difficult decisions on your behalf in the event of your passing, Take the time needed to meet with one of our probate lawyers to prepare ahead of time.

Memberships and Awards

• South Carolina Association for Justice
• American College of Trial Lawyers
• South Carolina Bar Association
• National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys
• American Board of Trial Advocates
• Florida Bar Association
• South Carolina Black Lawyers Association

Serving Throughout Columbia, SC

• Shandon
• Forest Acres
• Rosewood
• Lake Carolina
• Heathwood
• Earlewood
• Elmwood Park
• The Vista
• Five Points
• Kings Grant
• Wildewood
• Old Shandon
• Woodlands
• Melrose Heights
• Arsenal Hill

Get in Touch With a Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer

The Stanley Law Group can build a strong case for you as you take the time needed to heal, helping you receive compensation for your injuries, damages, medical bills, lost wages or lost earnings potential, and other expenses that resulted from the accident. Don’t wait. Hire an experienced Columbia personal injury attorney immediately after an accident for the best possible outcome.

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