How Can You Get Motorcycle-Riding Experience Without a License?

Riding a motorcycle is an adventure and an exciting way to enjoy the roads of South Carolina. However, to be as safe and responsible as possible, a rider must have knowledge of all applicable laws and regulations, plus plenty of experience.

You must pass a road test to obtain a South Carolina motorcycle license. The test involves demonstrating your riding ability on an off-street, closed track. However, it is difficult to develop safe riding skills without hands-on practice. So how do you find a way to practice your riding skills safely and legally without a license? Read on to find out.

Is it Legal to Ride Without a License?

You must own a motorcycle (Class M) license to ride a standard motorcycle on South Carolina’s public roads. If you don’t have a Class M license, you can hone your riding skills by getting a Motorcycle Beginner’s Permit from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

How the South Carolina Motorcycle Beginner’s Permit Works

To apply for a motorcycle beginner’s permit, you must follow these steps:

• Be at least 15 years old. A parent or legal guardian must accompany applicants under the age of 18 to provide consent.
• Visit a local SCDMV office, request a copy of the beginner’s permit application, and fill it out.
• Provide the filled-out application alongside documents proving your identity, citizenship, social security number, birth date, and South Carolina address.
• Pass the SCDMV vision test.
• Pass the written test.
• Pay all applicable fees: $2 for the written test and $2.50 for permit processing fees as of February 2023.

Motorcycle beginner’s permits, also known as learner’s permits, are valid for 180 days and do not function as full licenses. However, they give you the legal right to practice riding under specific conditions:

• Unaccompanied during daylight hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m., or 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time)
• Accompanied at any time of the day (including at night) by a rider aged 21 or older with a valid Class M license and at least one year of riding experience.

How and Where to Practice Riding

Beginner motorcycle riders have two solutions to practice their riding skills before obtaining a valid license. To get practice, you consider taking a riding class and practicing on private property.

Taking a Riding Class

Enrolling in a riding class is one of the most comprehensive ways of ensuring new riders learn everything they need in a safe and controlled environment.

While various organizations offer motorcycle riding classes, the best options for new riders in South Carolina are:

• Lessons offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation in South Carolina, such as the Basic RiderCourse (BRC)
• Classes offered by local universities, such as the South Carolina Rider Education Program’s Basic Motorcycle Course (BC)

Many of these tests qualify for the SCDMV waiver process and have been evaluated by the SCDMV as equivalent to the state’s skill test, allowing you to receive a Class M license.

Practicing on Private Property

If you want to practice independently, you can try riding a motorcycle on private property with your valid learner’s permit. If you have access to land owned by a friend, family, or another trusted person, ask permission to ride your motorcycle on their property.

Practicing on a Track

Riding practice on tracks designed for racing or sporting events isn’t only for advanced riders. Novices can also benefit from using a track for practicing fundamentals. They offer a safe, controlled, and enclosed environment with proximity to other riding enthusiasts.

Practicing in an Empty Parking Lot

The parking lots of many facilities offer novice riders opportunities to practice fundamental motorcycle skills. However, ensure you have approval to practice before riding. Riding on private property without permission may expose you to a trespassing charge.

Ride Safe with Joye Law Firm

At Joye Law Firm, we stand behind motorcycle riders. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, you can count on our team of Myrtle Beach motorcycle accident attorneys to provide compassionate, skilled legal representation for your case.

At Joye Law Firm, we can assist you with every aspect of your claim, from investigating the cause of the accident to filing your lawsuit. We understand the difficulty of negotiating a claim with an uncooperative insurance company, which is why we never add to your financial burden. As your motorcycle representative, we will only recover a fee if we successfully win a settlement or verdict in court.

Contact us today for a free case review to discuss the circumstances of your crash.

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What Happens if My Employer is Supposed to Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance, But Doesn’t?

Most employers in South Carolina must legally carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, if you discover your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation coverage, you can still find ways to receive benefits for your work-related injury or illness.

Read on to learn how to obtain compensation when your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance. If you need legal assistance for receiving workers’ compensation, contact the South Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys at Joye Law Firm.

What Types of Employers and Workers Do Not Require Workers’ Compensation?

South Carolina requires employers with four or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Employees include family members and part-time workers. Some employers and workers are exempt from this requirement under SC § 42-1-360:

• Agricultural workers
• Federal personnel
• Real estate agents working on commission
• State and county fair associations
• Railways and railway express companies
• Owner-operators of tractor-trailers, tractors, or other vehicles
• Businesses with fewer than four employees or annual payrolls under $3,000

Workers’ compensation coverage is also unavailable to casual employees. The term casual employee refers to an employee who works sporadically for an extended period. If you aren’t sure whether you are covered by workers’ compensation, consult with one of the workers’ compensation attorneys at Joye Law Firm for a free case evaluation.

How Do I Find Out if My Employer Carries Workers’ Compensation Coverage?

When you suffer an injury, you can determine if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits by reviewing the terms of your employment contract and handbook. You can also speak with an attorney to understand whether your employer is legally required to provide these benefits.

If your employer has the required coverage, your supervisor should inform you how to file a workers’ compensation claim after you report your injury, which must be done within 90 days. As soon as your employer knows about your injury, they should submit a claim to the commission to start the process so you can pursue benefits.

If your employer refuses to verify that they have workers’ compensation coverage, you can check their coverage online at the Workers’ Compensation Commission. The commission maintains a coverage verification system for all employers with workers’ compensation insurance.

What Are My Options if My Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

If your employer lacks workers’ compensation insurance or fails to submit a claim, you can work with your attorney to file a lawsuit or a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. Your attorney from Joye Law Firm can help you navigate the process and get the compensation you deserve.

Option 1: File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against Your Employer

A lawsuit against your employer may be an option if you are ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits. A personal injury lawsuit can serve as an avenue to seek justice from an employer whose negligence resulted in your injuries and help you obtain compensation to pay for your lost wages and medical bills. A benefit of a lawsuit over a workers’ compensation claim is that a lawsuit allows you to pursue damages for pain and suffering in addition to your missed paychecks and medical expenses.

Work with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney from Joye Law Firm to help you file your lawsuit. We can help gather evidence of the accident, witness statements from your colleagues, and medical records to connect your employer’s negligence to your injuries. Then, we can work with your employer to negotiate a settlement and take your case to trial if needed.

Option 2: Obtain Coverage from the State’s Uninsured Employer’s Fund

You can obtain workers’ compensation coverage through the Uninsured Employers’ Fund if your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance but is supposed to cover you. The fund ensures that injured workers receive their benefits when their employers don’t have workers’ compensation coverage.

When the Workers’ Compensation Commission receives your claim, they will determine if your employer has workers’ compensation coverage. If they find that your employer is required to carry workers’ compensation coverage under the law but doesn’t carry it, the commission informs the fund of your claim.

The fund then places a lien on the employer’s assets to cover your costs and benefits. The fund files the notice of lien with the county clerk or the register of deeds where the employer holds assets. The employer’s sales or transfers of assets during the claim process go toward the lien. The fund also has priority over the employer’s assets in case of the employer’s bankruptcy or placement into receivership.

Seek Assistance from a Workers’ Compensation Attorney with Joye Law Firm

Joye Law Firm’s experienced workers’ compensation attorneys understand the South Carolina workers’ compensation system. With our extensive knowledge of workers’ compensation law, we know who is entitled to receive benefits and which employers must carry insurance.

If you believe you deserve benefits from your employer but are unsure of your rights, we can discuss your situation and explore your options. One of these options may include filing a claim with the Uninsured Employers’ Fund.

Contact our law office today for a free case review by completing our online form or reaching out to us by phone.

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Warning Signs a Dog May Bite

Dogs are beloved family members to nearly half (45.3%) of South Carolinians, providing companionship, love, and loyalty. However, every year, around 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog, highlighting that even the most docile and domesticated dog can attack.

It’s important to understand warning signs that a dog may bite so that you can take appropriate action to protect yourself and your family, especially around unfamiliar or aggressive dogs. Read on to learn how to identify warning signs before a dog bites and who may be liable for your injuries.

Contact Joye Law Firm for a free consultation to explore your legal options after a dog attack.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

A dog may bite a victim for many reasons, including fear and aggression. One of the most common reasons for dog aggression is a history of abuse or neglect. The dog may lash out in fear in response to stimuli such as loud noises or strangers approaching.

Other common reasons why dogs lash out and bite include:

• Territorial aggression: Dogs may consider a specific area their territory and bite to protect it from anything they perceive as a threat.
• Possessiveness: Dogs may also be possessive over food, toys, or anything they wish to claim as their own. If the animal feels that its possessions could be taken away, it may bite as an act of prevention.
• Self-defense: A dog may need to protect itself or its owner if it detects danger due to a person’s body language, facial expressions, or tone of voice.

Signs a Dog May Bite

Dogs often give warning signs that they are about to bite. If a dog is showing any of these behaviors, remove yourself from the vicinity of the animal as calmly and quickly as possible.

• Staring: Prolonged, direct eye contact is often a sign of aggression among dogs.
• Growling: Growling is the dog’s way of communicating that it wants to be left alone and that the person or animal approaching it should back off.
• Showing teeth: When a dog shows its teeth, it is not a sign of playfulness but rather a sign of discomfort. It’s best to give the dog space and avoid interacting with it.
• Fur standing up: A dog’s fur standing on edge is a way for the dog to appear larger and more intimidating, and it can also help to release pheromones to signal to other dogs in the area that the dog is feeling threatened.
• Rigid body: A dog’s body becoming rigid is a sign of tension, alertness, or aggression. It signals that the dog is preparing to defend itself.

How to Avoid a Dog Bite

While it may be impossible to prevent a dog from biting, there are a few things that can lessen your chances. If a dog appears aggressive, you should go out of your way to avoid doing things that might cause it to attack. Some tips to avoid a dog bite include:

• Respect the dog’s personal space: Always ask the owner’s permission before approaching a dog and give it space to retreat if it wants to.
• Avoid direct eye contact: Direct eye contact can be seen as a threat by a dog, so try to avoid looking an unknown dog in the eye.
• Do not run or scream: Running or screaming can trigger a dog’s predatory instincts and lead to an attack.
• Avoid quick movements: Sudden movements can also trigger a dog’s predatory instincts and lead to an attack.
• Stand still: If a dog approaches you, remain still and let the dog sniff you before attempting to pet it.
• Remain calm and assertive: Speak in a calm and assertive tone to the dog, and avoid getting nervous or fearful.
• Educate yourself: Learn about dog breeds, their behavior, and how to interact with them safely.

Tips for Children

Children are one of the most vulnerable to dog bites, with over half of all dog bite attacks occurring to children, the majority of whom are between 5 and 9 years old. You can reduce the risk of your child sustaining a dog bite by teaching him or her the following rules when around dogs:

• Never approach a dog without the owner’s permission
• Do not disturb a dog that is caring for puppies, eating, or sleeping
• Do not pull a dog’s tail or ears or try to ride it
• Do not run or scream around dogs
• Do not hug dogs tightly
• Do not try to take a toy or food away from a dog

Dog Bite Laws in South Carolina

In South Carolina, dog owners are liable for any injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. This law is known as strict liability, and it holds owners accountable for damages their dog causes to another person or piece of property.

However, there are some exceptions to this law. For example, if the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property or was teasing or provoking the dog, the owner may not be held liable for the injuries.

The dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance policy will typically cover the cost of the victim’s injuries and losses after a dog attack, so you should pursue the compensation you will need without the fear of having to take money from a friend or family member’s pocket. A South Carolina dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve under the law.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney at Joye Law Firm Today

At Joye Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can take. We are committed to helping our clients, especially kids, receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys have a deep understanding of South Carolina’s dog bite laws and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s through negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial, we will fight for your rights every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get started on your dog bite claim.

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Beneficios para Empleados Despedidos

Faltar al trabajo debido a una lesión o enfermedad en el lugar de trabajo es lo suficientemente estresante sin preocuparse por la seguridad de su trabajo. Carolina del Sur es un estado de empleo a voluntad, lo que significa que los empleadores pueden despedir a los trabajadores por cualquier motivo o sin motivo alguno. Eso es cierto incluso para los empleados que reciben beneficios de compensación laboral. Sin embargo hay algunas excepciones.

Las leyes de Carolina del Sur protegen a los empleados de despidos injustificados o represalias por presentar un reclamo de compensación laboral. La aseguradora de su empleador también debe continuar pagando su tratamiento médico relacionado con la lesión después de su despido. Si sus beneficios de compensación laboral se detuvieron repentinamente después de un despido, consulte a un abogado con experiencia en compensación laboral en Joye Law Firm para conocer sus opciones legales.

Nuestros abogados son defensores feroces de los trabajadores de Carolina del Sur. Puede contar con nosotros para investigar su caso a fondo y responsabilizar a su empleador si actuó ilegalmente. Llámenos o contáctenos hoy para una consulta gratuita.

Tipos de Compensación para Empleados Despedidos

Si lo despidieron mientras recibía beneficios de compensación laboral, sus beneficios aprobados deben continuar hasta que se recupere por completo o hasta que su médico diga que ha alcanzado la mejoría médica máxima (MMI, por sus siglas en inglés), el punto donde el tratamiento adicional no hará una diferencia en su salud general. La aseguradora no puede dejar de pagar sus beneficios porque su situación laboral ha cambiado. Si eso sucede, un abogado de compensación laboral puede determinar si hubo otra razón válida por la que cancelaron sus beneficios.

En Joye Law Firm, sabemos que las facturas no esperarán a que usted resuelva una disputa de compensación laboral. Estos son algunos recursos que pueden ayudarlo a aliviar sus cargas financieras mientras su caso está pendiente:

• Beneficios de desempleo: si perdió su trabajo y no fue su culpa, puede ser elegible para los beneficios del seguro de desempleo a través del Departamento de Empleo y Fuerza Laboral de Carolina del Sur (DEW, por sus siglas en inglés). Debe cumplir con varios criterios de elegibilidad para recibir beneficios de desempleo, incluyendo la prueba de su capacidad para trabajar. Es posible que los beneficios de desempleo no sean una opción si no puede trabajar debido a una lesión o discapacidad.
• Dinero de su empleador anterior: si lo despidieron, su empleador debe proporcionarle un cheque de pago final para cobrar cualquier tiempo de vacaciones no utilizado, comisiones u otro pago de bonificación que haya ganado antes de su terminación.
• Indemnización por despido: si bien Carolina del Sur no exige que los empleadores proporcionen a los trabajadores despedidos una indemnización por despido, ninguna ley les impide ofrecerla. Si su contrato de trabajo incluye una indemnización por despido o su empresa tiene una política de indemnización, debería poder cobrarla directamente a su empleador. Si su empleador le ha proporcionado una indemnización por despido regularmente en el pasado, es posible que pueda recibir dinero incluso sin una política formal vigente. Hable con un abogado para más detalles.
• Beneficios del Seguro Social: en ciertas situaciones, también puede reclamar los beneficios federales del Seguro Social después de haber sido despedido. El programa de Seguridad de Ingreso Suplementario (SSI, por sus siglas en inglés) otorga beneficios mensuales a quienes cumplen con criterios financieros específicos. También puede ser elegible para los beneficios del Seguro de Discapacidad del Seguro Social (SSDI, por sus siglas en inglés) si ha sufrido una lesión grave y ahora está discapacitado. Sin embargo, debe cumplir con la definición de discapacidad de la Administración del Seguro Social y haber pagado suficientes impuestos del Seguro Social para obtener la cantidad requerida de créditos.

Cómo solicitar los beneficios del seguro de desempleo

Antes de solicitar el seguro de desempleo en Carolina del Sur, DEW recomienda que reúna la siguiente información y documentos para acelerar el proceso:

• Su número de seguro social
• Su historial laboral durante los últimos 18 meses, incluyendo los nombres, direcciones y números de teléfono de todos sus empleadores, junto con su sueldo o salario en cada trabajo
• Su número de registro de extranjero y documentos relacionados, si no es ciudadano de Estados Unidos

Cuando esté listo, puede solicitar beneficios de desempleo al:

• Crear su cuenta del portal MyBenefits en línea
• Presentar un nuevo reclamo de beneficios
• Presentar beneficios semanales una vez que se aprueba su reclamo
• Realizar al menos dos búsquedas de empleo a través de la base de datos de Servicios en línea de trabajos de Carolina del Sur cada semana

Puede recibir hasta 20 semanas de beneficios de desempleo en cualquier periodo de 12 meses. Si agota sus beneficios anuales y aún está desempleado, deberá presentar una solicitud nuevamente una vez que comience un nuevo periodo de 12 meses.

Cómo Detectar un Despido Injustificado en Carolina del Sur

Algunos trabajadores dudan en presentar reclamos de compensación laboral por temor a sufrir acoso o represalias por parte de sus empleadores. La ley de Carolina del Sur prohíbe que los empleadores despidan trabajadores simplemente porque presentan un reclamo. Los empleadores tampoco pueden despedir a los trabajadores sin tomar medidas razonables para adaptarse a una lesión física u ofrecer trabajo liviano, si es posible.

También podría tener motivos para presentar un reclamo por despido injustificado si sospecha que lo despidieron por alguna de estas razones:

• Discriminación: las leyes estatales y federales impiden que los empleadores despidan a los trabajadores en función de ciertas características protegidas. Si su empleador lo despidió debido a su raza, edad, género, embarazo, afiliación religiosa o discapacidad mental o física, podría demandar a su empleador por despido injustificado.
• Incumplimiento de contrato: si tiene un contrato de trabajo, es probable que contenga términos que establezcan cuándo su empleador puede o no puede despedirlo. Si su empleador no cumplió con los términos de su acuerdo con usted, es posible que pueda llevarlo a los tribunales y recuperar su trabajo o recuperar una compensación por despido injustificado.
• Despido por causa: incluso si su empleador lo despidió por causa, es posible que tenga motivos para presentar un reclamo por despido injustificado si no cumplió con los términos de su contrato de trabajo. Si no tiene un contrato de trabajo, su empleador generalmente tiene derecho a despedirlo por casi cualquier motivo.

Si tiene alguna razón para creer que lo despidieron porque presentó un reclamo de compensación laboral, su empleador podría estar sujeto a sanciones severas. Hable con un abogado para determinar si tiene motivos para una demanda civil que exija una compensación por sus pérdidas.

Póngase en Contacto con un Abogado de Compensación Laboral en Carolina del Sur

Los abogados de compensación laboral en Carolina del Sur de Joye Law Firm pueden proteger su derecho a los beneficios después de un despido. Llame a nuestra oficina hoy o visite nuestra página de contacto para una consulta gratuita.

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Joye Law Announces 2023 Joye HBCU Scholarship Program

Joye Law Firm is pleased to sponsor the 2023 Joye HBCU Scholarship program. Joye Law will provide a $2,000 scholarship to a South Carolina student who is attending a historically Black college or university within the United States.

The selection of the scholarship winner will be based on their essay entry, academic achievement, school activities, community involvement, positions of leadership, and professional pursuits. Click on the Joye HBCU scholarship link to download a copy of the application form and review the complete entry rules.

South Carolina high school seniors attending any four-year college or university are also eligible to apply for one of the six additional college scholarships offered by Joye Law. Click the link to learn about that scholarship program.

Joye Law Firm has provided legal representation to injured people in South Carolina for more than 50 years and is dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve through the Joye in the Community giving program. Historically Black colleges and universities offered higher education opportunities to African Americans before the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and remain vital education institutions today and a source of great pride.

How to apply

The HBCU scholarship application process is now open for submission of application packages.

Students who want to apply for an HBCU scholarship should submit an application, a current high school or college transcript, a list of extracurricular activities or community involvement, a current photo, and a 600-word essay addressing one of the following topics:

• Explain why attending an HBCU is important to you
• As a college student, what advice would you give your younger self and others about navigating peer pressure and avoiding risk-taking behavior such as drinking and driving and texting while driving?

The deadline for submission of HBCU scholarship applications is May 1, 2023. We look forward to receiving your application package.

The scholarship winner will be notified at his or her school’s year-end awards ceremony or by June 8 if there is no awards ceremony.

Good luck. We look forward to receiving your application.

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Joye Law Firm Announces 2023 Scholarship Program

Joye Law Firm is pleased to announce its 2023 scholarship program to help some deserving South Carolina students further their educations.

Joye Law Firm is offering six $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college or university in the fall.

Each year, Joye Law Firm awards scholarships to students across South Carolina to help with education expenses.

The law firm recognizes the value of a college education to help students achieve their career goals. Since 2006, the law firm has provided more than $200,000 in scholarships as part of our Joye in the Community giving program.

Joye Law Firm has been serving South Carolinians for more than 50 years. The law firm gives back to the communities we serve in many ways, including college scholarships and participation in civic activities.

How to apply

The scholarship application process is now open for submission of application packages. The deadline for submission of applications is May 1, 2023. Click on the scholarship program link to download a copy of the application form and review the complete rules.

An addition $2,000 scholarship is available to South Carolina students entering or matriculating at an Historically Black College or University within the United States. Information on that program is located here.

South Carolina high school seniors who want to apply for a scholarship should submit an application, a high school transcript, a list of extracurricular activities or community involvement, a current photo, a favorite teacher nomination, and a creative entry addressing one of the following topics:

• As a graduating senior, what advice would you give to your younger self (and other incoming freshmen) about dealing with peer pressure and avoiding risk-taking behavior such as drunk driving and texting while driving?
• Drunk driving accidents claim over 10,000 lives each year. Show or explain how drunk driving affects your state, community, and/or you personally.

The creative entries may be an essay, video, infographic, song, poem, or another original piece of work. Written essays should be limited to 600 words and audio/video entries to two minutes.

Each scholarship winner will be notified at their high school’s end-of-year awards ceremony. If the school does not have an awards ceremony, we will notify you no later than June 8.

Good luck. We look forward to receiving your application.

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How Often Do Car Accident Cases Go to Trial?

If you are considering filing a car accident claim, you may wonder if your case will go to trial. Most car accident cases never make it to trial, even if the parties move from an insurance claim to a personal injury lawsuit.

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), most civil cases undergo negotiations between the two parties for a settlement. The ABA also found that over the past half-century, the number of federal civil jury trials has significantly declined to the point where jury trials are an exception rather than the rule.

Settling a car accident case rather than going to court can save you stress and litigation costs and help you obtain compensation faster. When you work with the Joye Law Firm, our experienced South Carolina auto accident attorneys can make a difference in your case whether going to trial or negotiating a settlement.

Why Do Few Civil Trial Cases Go to Court?

Civil trial cases have become uncommon over the past few decades due to various legal pressures on all parties involved in the case. Some of the most common reasons include the following:

Pressure to Settle Quickly

Mediators, and many times judges,  may attempt to persuade all parties involved in a civil case to settle before it reaches the jury trial stage. This may be due to judges’ perception that litigants prefer to settle pre-trial and that steering them to settle rather than go to court helps them achieve a fair outcome.

Time Issues

South Carolina Code § 15-3-530(5) states a three-year statute of limitations for all personal injury lawsuits, including car accident claims. However, the timeframe for going to trial varies in complexity and length due to having to go through pre-trial procedures such as filing motions and gathering evidence during discovery.

Mediating before a lengthy and costly trial can offer an early resolution of a case and result in a favorable settlement beneficial to all parties to save time.

Uncertainty Over the Case’s Outcome

Court-determined outcomes are uncertain for litigants in a car accident case. Juries must hear evidence and award damages according to the trial rules. Experienced lawyers cannot predict the final decision of a jury or bench trial, and despite preparation, going to trial puts your possible compensation in the hands of the court, giving you no control over the outcome.

Even when a jury offers a substantial award to the plaintiff, the other party may appeal it, which may prolong the process of settling your case.

Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Necessary Even When a Trial May Not Occur

Although going through a trial is unlikely, an experienced personal injury attorney can provide legal guidance and help you negotiate a fair settlement to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses.

Joye Law Firm can assist you whether you want to settle outside of court or go to trial. Your attorney will help you in the following ways:

• Understanding of the Law: Your attorney will evaluate the facts of the accident and who is liable for the accident under SC § 15-38-15. They will present your legal options and provide their recommendation, but won’t pressure you to accept an outcome you’re unsatisfied with for your case.
• Negotiation Skills: Your attorney can estimate a settlement amount that covers all your losses by referring to evidence such as medical bills and photos of your injuries that emphasize the financial and emotional impact of the accident on your quality of life. Leveraging this evidence during negotiation can pressure the insurance company to agree to a fair settlement.
• Trial Preparation if Needed: The insurance company might claim that you share a larger percentage of fault for the accident or imply the accident did not cause your injuries. If negotiations break down, your attorney can prepare to take your case to court. Your attorney can call expert witnesses for their testimonies and represent you in front of the judge and jury.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Joye Law Firm to Learn Your Legal Options

Although going to trial is an option for car accident victims, most cases can be resolved outside the courtroom with a fair settlement more quickly. The South Carolina auto accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm can help you understand your legal options for filing a claim or lawsuit and how each may impact your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries.

Contact our team of experienced lawyers today to review your case and help you determine the right settlement option for you.

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