The Derrick Law Firm

Typically, if you were in an accident, it is best to hire an attorney that practices law in the state where the accident occurred. That attorney knows the state's laws and court systems. Also, it may be that an attorney in your home state is not eligible to practice law in the state where you were hurt unless they work with a local attorney or get permission from the court. If you are unsure if you need an attorney, or if you have a claim, contact The Derrick Law Firm today for a free case review at 843-488-5360.

Yes, it’s possible for you to collect compensation for damages in a truck accident even though you were partially at fault for the wreck. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system in personal injury cases. This system enables you to collect compensation from a driver whose negligence caused your accident and resultant damages but allows your award to be reduced according to your percentage of fault in the crash. https://www.derricklawfirm.com/faqs/comparative-fault-in-a-florence-south-carolina-truck-accident-south-carolina-truck-accident-lawy.cfm

A wrongful death claim is a legal action that surviving family members can bring against the person or entity responsible for their loved one’s untimely death. The law states that a wrongful death claim is, in essence, the personal injury claim that the deceased could have filed against the party who harmed him had he lived. In South Carolina, this type of claim is typically brought on behalf of a spouse and children. If there are no spouse or children, parents or other heirs could be eligible to file a claim. https://www.derricklawfirm.com/library/compensation-for-a-myrtle-beach-wrongful-death-claim.cfm

Your first priority after a boat wreck is to see to the safety of all passengers. Anyone who does not have a life jacket or flotation device should be given one. If you’re physically able to do so, you should first assist anyone who’s fallen into the water since the majority of boating accident fatalities result from drowning. https://www.derricklawfirm.com/faqs/what-to-do-after-a-south-carolina-boating-accident-south-carolina-boat-accident-lawyer.cfm

Premises liability law refers to the right for someone to file a lawsuit against a property owner if he or she sustained injuries while on the property. The injured party must prove negligence before the other side will consider making a settlement offer. https://www.derricklawfirm.com/library/myrtle-beach-premises-liability-attorneys-slip-and-fall.cfm

You might be able to sue a liable third party for a work-related injury without jeopardizing your workers’ comp claim. Because the two legal actions are completely separate, however, the process could get complicated. You’re most likely to get the compensation you need by working with an attorney. https://www.derricklawfirm.com/faqs/compensation-for-third-party-work-related-injuries.cfm

You don’t need professional photography skills to take helpful pictures. You can simply use your cell phone camera to try and get clear, well-focused shots of; the general scene, exterior and interior damage of the vehicles, and any injuries you or the passengers may have.

If you’re injured by a drunk driver in South Carolina, you might be able to file claims against more than one party, depending on the circumstances and details surrounding your wreck. For more information, please visit: https://www.derricklawfirm.com/faqs/liability-for-a-dui-accident-in-south-carolina.cfm

A workers’ compensation claim can be filed in South Carolina if the injured worker was hired in South Carolina, injured in South Carolina, or if South Carolina is where your employment is located. For more information, please visit: https://www.derricklawfirm.com/faqs/filing-workers-comp-in-another-state.cfm

Yes, if you are an employee who sustains an injury while performing job duties at home, you are covered by SC workers’ compensation which almost every business with four or more employees is required to carry. You must, however, be able to convince your employer’s insurance company that your injury or illness is work-related. For more information, please visit: https://www.derricklawfirm.com/faqs/workers-compensation-benefits-for-telecommuters.cfm

The short answer is no. You can’t be denied benefits for a new claim because you’ve received worker’s compensation benefits in the past. Workers’ compensation is no-fault insurance that almost every South Carolina employer with four or more employees must carry. If you’re injured on the job or develop an illness from performing your duties, workers’ comp pays for: • Medical expenses • Two-thirds of lost wages • Vocational rehabilitation • Disability care • Death benefits It’s not necessary to prove your employer caused your accident or illness. If it occurred in the course of your work, you’re entitled to benefits—and you can’t be fired for filing a claim.

Yes, it’s possible that you can be terminated—but not in retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Worker’s comp is no-fault insurance for any accidental injury or occupational illness you might suffer while performing your job duties. It covers your medical expenses and provides temporary monetary benefits lost due to being taken out of work for recovery. Your employer may not penalize you for filing a legitimate workers’ comp claim. For more information about your workers’ comp claim, speak to an experienced attorney at The Derrick Law Firm today.

Claims are often denied due to application errors, policy ambiguities, lack of coverage, and simple errors. Insurance companies do have systems to appeal a denied claim. They may not make this process straightforward, but it can be possible to revisit your claim and obtain the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney can investigate your claim, provide additional information, negotiate with the insurance company, and act as a tenacious, knowledgeable advocate.

In most cases, workers’ compensation claims are paid by insurance companies. Almost every employer in South Carolina carries workers’ compensation insurance to cover work-related injuries and illnesses. Call an experienced workers' compensation lawyer to review your specific case and to see what benefits you may be entitled to through workers' compensation.

If you’re a victim seriously injured in an accident caused by someone else, the very fact that it wasn’t your fault is the reason you need an attorney. Without one, you might end up stuck with economic damages that should be paid by the at-fault driver: Medical expenses Property damage Lost wages Call today for a free case review at 843-488-3165.

Tractor trailer truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some potential causes for a tractor trailer accident may include the following: Hiring an unqualified or proven bad driver Lack of training on the part of the truck driver Lack of driving experience Overloaded trucks Etc... If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in South Carolina, our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to help right away.

Truck accidents are known to be especially dangerous for the passengers in the other, smaller vehicles. Truck crash victims often experience serious injuries that require medical care, rehabilitation, medication, and home and vehicle modifications. While a settlement can be an effective, helpful option for some victims, it is important to take the time to ensure that the specific settlement is in your best interest. Please feel free to contact our firm and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Workers’ compensation is available to help employees injured on the job, but there are exceptions. You may find it difficult to get coverage from workers’ compensation if you were hurt on the way to or from a job site due to what’s known as the “going and coming” rule. It’s important to understand how this rule works and if it applies to your situation.

If your loved one has been killed by the negligent act of another, your life has changed drastically. In coping with your loss, the last thing you should be worried about is your insurance company lowering the amount of money you are rightly owed. A wrongful death attorney can help you receive the benefits you need following your family member's death. We would be happy to help you during this trying time. You can learn more about how we handle wrongful death claims here: https://www.derricklawfirm.com/practice_areas/south-carolina-wrongful-death-attorney.cfm

Even though you have paid your premiums and have a legitimate claim after a Myrtle Beach accident, your insurance company will try a variety of tactics to deny your claim. Even if they do approve your claim, they may not offer what you deserve. Before you accept an unfair offer from your insurance company, find out what you can do to get a better settlement.

Benefits provided by workers’ compensation are available to any worker who suffers an injury, as long as he is an employee of the company and the injury occurs in the course of his job. This can include injuries sustained in a car crash when driving on work-related business. Driving for a job can encompass many situations, including: -Making deliveries -Picking up job or office supplies -Transporting another employee or client -Running an errand for the employer -Driving for a living -Traveling for work If you have been injured in a work-related car accident, contact The Derrick Law Firm for a free case review at 843-443-4004. Myrtle Beach workers' compensation attorneys at The DLF will answer your questions and help you get the benefits you need.

At times, a worker is injured so severely that emergency medical care is needed. In these cases of severe or life-threatening injuries, workers’ compensation will cover treatment in an emergency room, which could include testing, medication, hospitalization, and even surgery. However, for less serious injuries, injured workers are required to seek care with a doctor selected by their employer or its insurance company. When a worker notifies his employer of an injury, the employer should provide information directing the employee to the appropriate care provider. Treatment by another provider won’t be covered by workers’ compensation benefits, and the injured employee has to pay those costs out of pocket. For more information about treatment under workers' compensation in Myrtle Beach, contact The Derrick Law Firm for a free consultation at 843-443-4004.

Yes, in South Carolina, all employers with four or more employers are required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to employees, including part-time employees. Benefits for part-time workers would be similar to those of full-time workers. Injured employees are typically able to obtain compensation for medical care, lost wages, and permanent impairment. However, each injury situation is unique, and the specific details of your employment and injury would dictate the benefits available. To better assess your potential workers' comp claim, contact Myrtle Beach workers' compensation attorneys at The Derrick Law Firm for a free case review at 843-443-4004.

Tractor trailer truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some potential causes for a tractor trailer accident may include the following: Hiring an unqualified or proven bad driver Lack of training on the part of the truck driver Lack of driving experience Overloaded trucks Trucks loaded improperly allowing material to shift Poorly maintained equipment on the trucks A tired driver who has driven too many hours without rest Speeding Inattention Driving aggressively Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol Unsafe safety equipment Violating Federal standards If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in South Carolina, the experienced Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyers at The Derrick Law Firm are ready to help right away. Call today for a free consultation, 843-443-4004.

If you become seriously injured in a Myrtle Beach tractor trailer truck accident,or any kind of auto accident, the at-fault party's insurance company will contact you about your claim. Before speaking with them, know that the trucking company and their insurance adjusters are experienced and will want to limit damages early on if possible. Do not give them statements or sign any releases for medical records or employment records. If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in South Carolina, our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to help right away. Call today for a free consultation and before giving the insurance company any information. The Derrick Law Firm can help you with your Myrtle Beach claim today at 843-443-4004.

After a truck accident, you’re likely to hear from the at-fault party's insurance company pretty quickly. An insurance adjuster will probably call, and he will be friendly and understanding of your situation. This does not mean, however, that he has your best interests at heart. An adjuster will probably ask you for a recorded statement. During the recorded statement, the adjuster for the at-fault driver will try to gain as much information from the victim as possible and search for information that can later be used to minimize the claim. It is not a good idea to give a recorded statement until you have spoken with an experienced Myrtle Beach truck accident attorney. They can advise you on how to speak with the adjuster regarding your case. If you have been seriously injured in a Myrtle Beach truck accident, contact injury lawyers at The Derrick Law Firm for a free consultation at 843-443-4004.

Most injury lawyers understand that victims and their families face a difficult time after an accident, so they work on what is known as a contingency fee agreement. This agreement requires that the accident victim only pay the attorney if the claim is successful. Then, the legal fees are paid directly from the compensation awarded by the settlement. From the start, the lawyer and the client agree on a specific percentage the attorney will collect after a successful case. While accident victims do not pay lawyer fees, it’s important to note that there may be other, nominal costs associated with a claim that may still have to paid regardless of the outcome of the case (court filing fees, document fees, witness deposition fees, etc.) It is best to discuss this when you meet with the attorney who you are interviewing to handle your accident claim.

In many legal claims, those involved must consider what is known as a statute of limitations. A statute of limitations sets the period in which a person must file a legal action. If this deadline is missed, the courts will not hear the case. In South Carolina, any accident claim for injuries resulting from a traffic accident must be filed within three years. It’s important to note that the clock starts for claims involving injuries on the date of the accident. For more information regarding your truck accident, it is best to discuss your claim with an experienced truck accident attorney. The Derrick Law Firm has over 30 years of experience in injury law and offers a free case review. Call today at 843-443-4004.

Once an injury victim agrees to a settlement, it is not typically possible for a victim to revisit the settlement later to change the terms or seek further compensation. This makes it especially important to negotiate the right settlement from the start. Contact an experienced Myrtle Beach truck accident driver today to review your case and make sure you get all the benefits you need after an accident. The Derrick Law Firm has handled truck accident claims for over 30 years and will work to obtain the full value of your case. Call today at 843-443-4004.

Even though you have paid your premiums and have a legitimate claim after a Myrtle Beach accident, your insurance company will try a variety of tactics to deny your claim. Even if they do approve your claim, they may not offer what you deserve. Before you accept an unfair offer from your insurance company, find out what you can do to get a better settlement by calling experienced accident attorneys at The Derrick Law Firm for a free consultation, 843-443-4004.

A valid personal injury claim involves 2 main things: -a person who has been injured -a person whose negligence caused the injury Minor injuries like cuts and bruises are not cause for a personal injury claim. However, serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and broken bones are all likely to cause substantial medical bills from treatment and recovery. Damages resulting from an accident include the medical bills, lost wages from inability to work, and pain and suffering. If you have been seriously injured due to the recklessness or negligence of another, contact an experienced Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer at The Derrick Law Firm for a free case review at 843-443-4004.

Most of the time, a personal injury claim can be resolved without the need to go to court for a trial. If the insurance company denies your claim, or refuses to offer you a fair settlement, you may need to file suit with an experienced Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer. If you have been seriously injured in an accident and the insurance company denies your claim or gives you an unfair offer, contact The Derrick Law Firm for a free case review at 843-443-4004.

Some of the biggest mistakes made after an accident might include the following: 1. Not seeking medical treatment immediately after the accident if you are injured to any extent. 2. Not being honest with doctors regarding your medical history. 3. Not keeping your doctor appointments. 4. Not doing what the doctor tells you do regarding your injuries. 5. Not consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney about your case if you are injured. Be totally honest with the attorney concerning the accident, your injuries, and any prior medical problems you had prior to the wreck There are other best practices you should follow after an accident and speaking with an experienced accident attorney can help put you on the right track. Contact The Derrick Law Firm to speak with a Myrtle Beach accident lawyer that will strive to outwork their opponents, obtain the full value of your injury case, and treat you like family along the way. 843-443-4004

Even if the other driver’s fault in causing your injuries is clear, his or her insurance company will do whatever it can to reduce or reject your claim for compensation. Your past medical history is none of the insurance company’s business, but once you sign a medical release, they will be able to access all of it to try to reduce the liability of their insured driver. This is why it is so important NOT to sign a medical release until you have talked to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident due to the recklessness of another, contact Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at The Derrick Law Firm for a free case review at 843-443-4004.

The Derrick Law Firm works with motorcyclists on a contingency fee basis—an arrangement where the client only pays for the attorney’s work if the claim is successful. If the case is not successful, the client does not have to pay attorney’s fees. However, the injury victim may be responsible for minimal costs such as filing fees, document fees, and costs for obtaining/deposing witnesses. If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident and would like to discuss your case with an experienced injury attorney in Myrtle Beach, contact The Derrick Law Firm for a free consultation at 843-443-4004.

Insurance companies are out to save money, and they will try to deny accident claims in order to do so. When it comes to motorcycle accidents, insurance companies may attempt to: Place blame for the crash on the motorcyclist Point to pre-existing conditions or old medical issues as the real reason for the injury Claim an injury simply doesn’t exist Claim the policy does not cover the accident situation If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident due to the recklessness of another, contact motorcycle accident attorneys at The Derrick Law Firm for a free case review at 843-443-4004.

To begin your search for an attorney, find names of potential attorneys by asking friends and family, checking the local bar association website, or doing a simple internet search to read reviews. This can give you a few names of attorneys who might be right for you. Then, set up a meeting. Most injury attorneys offer free consultations, so accident victims can meet with the lawyer, ask questions, and better understand their claim. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and are looking for an experienced injury lawyer, contact The Derrick Law Firm for a free case review today at 843-443-4004.

Many Myrtle Beach motorcyclists think that carrying the minimum insurance is enough, but our experience has been that 95% of the time these limits just simply aren't enough. SC minimums include having bodily injury insurance, property damage coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage. To better protect your assets, adding under insured motorist coverage to your policy will help protect you in the event you are injured in a crash with a driver whose insurance is not sufficient to cover the damages suffered. For more information about insurance coverage you may need, visit our website for your free copy of "3 Feet From Disaster" written by Myrtle Beach accident attorney Dirk J. Derrick. https://www.derricklawfirm.com/reports/3-feet-from-disaster.cfm

If you are a passenger in a car, it is your duty to maintain a reasonable lookout for dangers, but you are not expected to anticipate every decision of the driver. You should only ride with a driver that you trust to make sound decisions. If you are injured due to the negligence or recklessness of the driver, you may have a personal injury claim. Contact Myrtle Beach Personal Injury Lawyers at The Derrick Law Firm for a free consultation at 843-443-4004.

You have a lot of options when choosing a personal injury attorney in the Myrtle Beach area, so how do you narrow down your choices? We think you should focus on these key areas: 1. An attorney with years of experience in car accident cases 2. A law firm with resources to investigate your claim 3. A local attorney who knows the laws where the accident took place 4. An attorney and firm that you can communicate freely with and trust If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, take a look at The Derrick Law Firm. With over 30 years of practicing personal injury law in Myrtle Beach, founding attorney Dirk Derrick offers unmatched experience in South Carolina. He and his team are committed to their clients’ success and will do whatever it takes to get the outcome you deserve. Call today for a free case review at 843-443-4004.

Myrtle Beach injury victims should take care when it comes to any discussion with the at-fault driver and their insurance company. If the police were called to the accident scene and insurance companies are involved, there is no need for any interaction between the at-fault driver and those hurt in the crash. It is the job of the insurance adjusters to obtain the information they need from the appropriate parties and resolve the claim If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a car accident, call the police to report the accident immediately. If you have been seriously injured, contact an experience accident attorney like those at The Derrick Law Firm to help you get the benefits you need after your accident. Call today at 843-443-4004.

While the law doesn’t require an attorney to represent accident victims who are considering a settlement offer, it is a good idea to consult a lawyer because: 1. Insurance companies are not on the victim's side. 2. It won't cost victims anything upfront to consult a lawyer. 3. Once injury victims agree to a settlement, it cannot be changed. 4. An attorney can ease the stress of the settlement process. If you've been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Myrtle Beach accident attorneys at The Derrick Law Firm today for a free consultation at 843-443-4004.

In general, accident victims should try to obtain any type of evidence that can help paint a clear picture of what happened when the accident occurred. The more evidence, the stronger the victim’s legal claim will be. Some common, helpful items include: Photos, witness information, police or accident report, property damage records, medical records and bills as well as a personal journey tracking events If you have been injured in an accident in Myrtle Beach, you may need an experienced personal injury lawyer to help make sure you have all the evidence needed to support your claim and to receive the compensation you need. Contact The Derrick Law Firm for a free case review at 843-443-4004.

In any accident situation, those involved are typically bound by the laws where the crash took place. SC is a fault state, which means that the driver who caused the accident and injuries is responsible for providing compensation for any damages related to the crash. It is important to follow a few critical steps if you are involved in any traffic crash: 1. Call the police and file an accident report 2. Seek medical attention 3. Hold onto all evidence 4. Contact an experienced SC accident attorney if you have been seriously injured Myrtle Beach car accident attorneys at The Derrick Law Firm are available to answer your questions regarding your accident and will work to get you the benefits you need. Call for a free case review at 843-443-4004.

An insurance adjuster may make you an offer on your personal injury claim and tell you that you don't need an attorney. But, it is important to remember who the adjuster works for and that they may not have your best interests at heart. Their goal is to settle a case for the least amount of money possible. They may offer you an amount that is far lower than what you may receive by hiring a lawyer. Whether you choose The Derrick Law Firm or not, it is best to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before accepting any offer, or signing any paperwork, from the insurance company. If you wish to speak with an attorney at The Derrick Law Firm, call for a free case review at 843-443-4004.

Many clients ask how much their personal injury case is worth before anything else. This is one of the most commonly asked questions but also one of the most difficult to answer without taking a look at all the evidence of the case. Each case is different and a value cannot be decided without knowing all the details of your medical records and bills, the facts concerning the accident itself, and even any potential punitive damages. There are three types of compensation a client with a personal injury might receive: Economic damages | Non-economic damages | Punitive damages If you are hurt by the actions of another in SC, you may have a personal injury claim and need an experienced Personal Injury Lawyer to protect your rights. The Derrick Law Firm will review your case for free and make sure you get the benefits you need. Call today at 843-443-4004.

The amount of time you have to file an injury claim depends on the type of case you have. For most personal injury claims in South Carolina, you have up to three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. For those injured on the job, they must give notice to their employer within 90 days of the accident. No matter what kind of injury you have, it is best to file a claim as soon as possible. If you were to miss the statute of limitations, you may lose your ability to file a claim. If you are unsure if you have a claim or don't know where to begin, contact Personal Injury Lawyers at The Derrick Law Firm for a free case review, 843-443-4004.

Thank you for your interest in The Derrick Law Firm. The Derrick Law Firm was established in 1991 by Attorney Dirk J. Derrick in Conway, South Carolina. Since its founding, the firm has grown to multiple locations across the state of South Carolina including Myrtle Beach. The Derrick Law Firm focuses on personal injury cases as well as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, traumatic brain injuries, workers' compensation claims, truck accidents and denied or delayed insurance claims. For more information, feel free to give us a call at 843-443-4004 or visit our website at www.derricklawfirm.com.

Hi Janice, Thank you for reaching out and yes, our fees are typically based on the settlement of a case. During a consultation, the client and attorney will discuss the fees and potential costs associated with the case. If you have any other questions, please feel free to give us a call at 843-248-7486!