USA Bobsled/Skeleton and Rice Law Announce Official Partnership, Blending Legal Leadership with the Drive of Team USA Athletes
Lake Placid, NY (November 10, 2025) — USA Bobsled/Skeleton (USABS) is thrilled to unveil a new collaboration with Rice Law, one of Maryland’s premier personal injury law firms. The partnership brings together two organizations built on persistence, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence, the same traits that define world-class competitors and top-tier legal advocates.
Under this new alliance, Rice Law will serve as an Official Partner of USA Bobsled/Skeleton, supporting USABS’s mission to elevate U.S. athletes as they train, compete, and represent the nation around the globe. Rice Law will participate in athlete-centered initiatives and community outreach efforts that underscore shared values such as preparation, unity, and resilience.
“Our athletes embody grit, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improvement,” said Aron McGuire, Chief Executive Officer of USA Bobsled/Skeleton. “Rice Law operates with that same level of drive, fighting for clients with determination and integrity. This partnership celebrates a mutual devotion to excellence, whether that’s demonstrated on the track or in the courtroom.”
As part of the agreement, Rice Law will be able to integrate approved USABS branding and imagery into its marketing efforts, all while contributing to the support structure that helps American sliders compete at their peak.
Rice Law has spent more than three decades advocating for Maryland clients with the same intensity and focus that USABS athletes bring to world competition. The firm is well known for its guiding phrase, “Best Advice, Call Rice,” which reflects its dedication to honest guidance, trust, and exceptional results.
“Joining forces with USA Bobsled/Skeleton is about more than brand alignment, it’s a shared belief in hard work, teamwork, and perseverance,” said Randolph Rice, Managing Partner of Rice Law. “USABS athletes train relentlessly to achieve their goals. Our firm brings that same spirit to every case we handle. We’re proud to support an organization that represents the strength and competitive spirit of the United States.”
About USA Bobsled/Skeleton
USA Bobsled/Skeleton (USABS) is the national governing body for bobsled and skeleton in the United States and is recognized by both the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Headquartered in Lake Placid, New York, USABS leads athlete identification, development, and competitive programming at all levels, supporting America’s future champions. Visit www.usabs.com to learn more.
About Rice Law
Rice Law, known throughout Maryland as “Best Advice, Call Rice,” represents clients in personal injury, car accident, truck accident, and civil matters across the state. With seven offices and more than 120 years of combined trial experience, Rice Law’s attorneys provide strategic counsel, compassionate service, and aggressive advocacy for individuals and families in need.
Rice Law Bobsled Commercials
The most pressing question for most car accident victims is who will pay their medical bills and other damages. In fault states like South Carolina, the negligent driver’s liability insurance covers damages. Compensation from insurance companies isn’t promised, however, and victims often need our lawyers’ help to get the settlements they deserve.
Even if the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene, your MedPay or uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help with medical bills. We may be able to identify the driver after a hit-and-run incident, allowing you to seek payment from their insurance. You shouldn’t necessarily accept the first settlement offer, as it may not cover all medical bills, let alone lost wages or pain and suffering. Filing a lawsuit may compel a bigger settlement or large jury award, so keep that in mind if you need more compensation after a crash.
For a free and confidential case analysis from our South Carolina car accident lawyers, call Rice Law now at (803) 219-4906.
Who Pays My Medical Bills After a South Carolina Car Accident?
Generally speaking, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays the victim’s medical bills and other damages after a car accident in South Carolina. That doesn’t mean payment is guaranteed or always fair, so lean on our attorneys for help getting all medical bills paid.
Since the at-fault driver’s insurance should pay your medical bills, we need the driver’s coverage information for your case. Some drivers are hesitant to provide this information at the scene, and may even offer the victim cash instead. You don’t yet know the extent of your injuries or property damage, even after a minor fender bender, so don’t agree to this offer.
Police officers can get and record each driver’s insurance information, so always call 911. If you had to leave the scene to go directly to the hospital, our Columbia, SC car accident lawyers can obtain and review the police report to seek payment for medical bills and other damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Who Pays Medical Bills if the Negligent Driver Flees an Accident?
Unfortunately, hit-and-runs are somewhat common, leaving victims unsure how they are going to pay medical bills. Reach out to our attorneys if the negligent driver fled the scene of your recent collision in South Carolina, and we can explain your recovery options.
Some drivers carry additional insurance that helps pay medical bills and other damages after hit-and-runs. If you have MedPay, it will do what the name implies: pay your medical bills. MedPay coverage limits typically aren’t very high, so it may not be enough alone to cover all of your hospital expenses. Furthermore, it doesn’t contribute towards other damages, only medical costs.
Having UM/UIM coverage also helps in situations like this. This applies if the at-fault driver is uninsured, flees the scene, or doesn’t have a big enough liability insurance policy to cover all your medical damages. Just as you shouldn’t panic after a hit-and-run, don’t panic if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, as you may still get the damages you need.
Even if the negligent driver flees the scene, we may identify them and seek compensation. Tell us everything you can remember about the crash, such as where it occurred and the make, model, or color of the other car, and we can begin tracking down the at-fault driver.
How Do You Get All Medical Bills Paid After a Car Accident in South Carolina?
Car accident victims need all of their medical bills paid, and our attorneys can work hard for this result in South Carolina.
Track Medical Expenses
Our lawyers can seek full payment of all medical expenses by carefully tracking them. Failing to account for any major or minor expenses can add up quickly and may cause you to underestimate the value of your claim.
We need proof of your medical expenses for the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover them. Forward any invoices or bills to our lawyers, and we can keep them organized for your case in South Carolina.
Gather Proof of Fault
Since South Carolina is a fault state, we need proof of the other driver’s negligence for their insurance to pay your medical bills. We often utilize surveillance footage, accident reconstruction, photographs, police reports, property damage estimates, and eyewitness statements to support our claims.
Often, insurers attempt to assign some fault to the victim, as South Carolina operates within a “modified comparative fault” system. The victim’s negligence may not exceed that of the other party, or compensation will be barred. Sharing fault can lower damages, too, so our lawyers will work hard to establish the other driver as the sole liable party.
Reject Bad Offers
Initial offers may not cover all medical bills. You also have to consider other damages, such as lost wages and pain and suffering. Car accident settlement offers should compensate for future medical damages as well, which our lawyers can argue for on your behalf.
Don’t assume that the first offer you receive is the best one you will get. This is just the starting point, and the at-fault driver’s insurer may pay even more.
File a Lawsuit
When insurance doesn’t agree to pay what car accident victims need, those victims may file lawsuits. Litigating the case potentially opens the door to more compensation. South Carolina doesn’t limit compensation awarded in personal injury lawsuits. This often compels liable parties to send much better settlement offers, especially if victims are willing to go to trial.
The statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in South Carolina is three years, according to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(5). Sometimes, the statute of limitations pauses, such as if the at-fault driver leaves the state, and our attorneys may use this to your advantage to get medical bills and other damages paid, even if it has been more than three years since the collision.
Call Our South Carolina Accident Attorneys Today
Call the Greenville, SC car accident lawyers at Rice Law for help with your case at (803) 219-4906.
Always prioritize reporting a car accident. Calling the police right away is the easiest way for victims to document a collision, collect the information of a negligent driver, and report the crash to the authorities. If you don’t call 911 to report the accident, you have just over two weeks to self-report to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
You don’t have to worry about notifying the SCDMV about a crash if you already reported it to the police. Immediately reporting a crash to law enforcement leads to a police investigation. Officers can get the other driver’s insurance information, note your apparent injuries, and even obtain eyewitnesses’ names and numbers. Stay at the scene for as long as it takes law enforcement to respond to your 911 call, unless you must go straight to the hospital with paramedics. Police officers should still investigate the accident and write a collision report, which we can help you provide additional information for later on.
Call our Columbia, SC car accident lawyers for a free case review from Rice Law at (803) 219-4906.
When Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to the Police in South Carolina?
According to S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1260, drivers in South Carolina must report any collision resulting in injury or death to the police immediately. If you are unable to call 911 yourself due to injuries, the other driver must notify law enforcement.
Don’t hesitate to involve the police, even if the other driver tries to convince you not to. If you are at all injured, South Carolina law requires you to notify law enforcement immediately. This law often benefits car accident victims, as police officers who respond to collisions write crash reports our lawyers can use.
How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles?
Suppose a driver did not call the police to investigate a collision that resulted in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. In that case, the driver must submit a written accident report themselves to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles within 15 days, according to § 56-5-1270.
Our attorneys can assist you in completing and submitting the required report to the SCDMV within the allotted timeframe. These reports require a significant amount of information, not just about your car and its potential property damage, but also about the other driver’s vehicle and insurance information.
You do not have to submit a written report to the SCDMV if you called the police to investigate the crash in South Carolina. Involving law enforcement eliminates this step for victims and should result in an accurate and informative accident report that we can access soon after the incident.
What if You Take Too Long to Report a Car Accident in South Carolina?
It’s always best to report a car accident to the police as soon as possible. Waiting and then self-reporting to the SCDMV doesn’t have the same benefits as involving law enforcement directly after a crash, as police officers typically write more detailed accident reports.
When victims delay reporting car accidents, either to the police or the SCDMV, they may lack documentation that the accident occurred. This makes getting compensation very challenging, as a defendant might argue the plaintiff was injured in another collision entirely.
Always report a car accident immediately, even if the property damage seems minor or you don’t feel injured. It’s best to err on the side of caution and involve the police if a negligent driver hits you. You may realize that property damage is more expensive than you initially realized or that the shock from the crash kept you from noticing an injury, making the crash report a valuable asset to our Charleston, SC car accident lawyers.
How Long Do You Have to Stay at the Scene to Report a Car Accident?
Stay at the accident scene long enough for police officers to arrive and collect information for the report. Remain there, even if the negligent driver leaves. The only time you should leave the scene before speaking to the police is if you are severely injured and paramedics must take you straight to the hospital.
When the police arrive, tell them what happened as accurately as you can. While you may be shaken up or in shock, stay present and cooperate fully with law enforcement officers.
If you cannot stay at the scene to assist law enforcement with their report, police officers may contact you in the following days. Our attorneys can also assist you in contacting local police and provide any necessary information they may require for the report.
While you remain at the scene waiting for law enforcement to arrive, see if you notice any witnesses. You can ask them to stay so police officers can include eyewitnesses’ information in the report for our reference later on.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident?
The time it takes to complete accident reports in South Carolina varies. Law enforcement may finish your report within a matter of days, and our attorneys can help you retrieve it as soon as possible.
You may be able to get the report online, in person, or by mail, depending on the police department that completed the report. More complicated collisions may require more detailed reports, and officers should take the time to ensure the information is accurate before completing any report. While it may take a week or more for law enforcement to complete the report, our attorneys can reach out if the report is taking an unreasonably long time to be ready.
Call Us About Your Recent South Carolina Car Accident
To get a free case review from our South Carolina car accident lawyers, call Rice Law at (803) 219-4906.
Most people know that wearing a helmet while riding a bike is a good idea, but too many still choose to ride without one. Some say they are too uncomfortable. Others say they are funny looking, and they feel silly wearing one. Still, many others believe they are just unnecessary. The truth is, helmets are legally required in many situations, and you might be in trouble without one.
If you are under 16 in Georgia, you are required to wear a helmet when riding your bike almost anywhere. The helmet must fit your head and be securely fastened to meet legal requirements. A loose-fitting helmet will not cut it. Generally, people under 16 who fail to wear a helmet might not face penalties, but their parents might if they knowingly allowed their child to ride without a helmet. If you are hit by a car, the lack of a helmet should not be used against you. Even so, you should call a lawyer for assistance with your case.
Get a free, private case evaluation by calling our Georgia personal injury attorneys at Rice Law at (470) 287-3070.
When Helmets Are Required for Bicycle Riders in Georgia
While wearing a helmet is always a good idea when you ride a bike, they are not legally required for everyone. Riders age 16 and up do not necessarily have to wear a helmet, but younger riders must follow strict helmet laws.
According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-296(d)(1), no one under 16 may ride a bike or be a passenger on a bike on a bike path, highway, bike lane, or sidewalk in the State of Georgia without wearing a bicycle helmet. This law specifically applies to those younger than 16. Older riders are not mentioned in the statute.
Even if you have a helmet on your person, it might not be considered legal if it does not properly fit. Under subsection (3) of the above statute, a helmet fits and satisfies legal helmet requirements if it is fastened securely on a rider’s head.
Even if you are not required by law to wear a helmet, doing so is usually a good idea. Head injuries from a bike accident can be severe, and your helmet can make a world of difference.
Penalties for Failing to Wear a Helmet While Riding a Bike
We might not often hear about people facing legal consequences for failing to wear a helmet, but legal penalties may be enforced under certain circumstances. In cases of accidents, our Georgia bicycle accident lawyers may help you hold the negligent driver responsible regardless of whether you had a helmet.
According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-296(d)(6), nobody under 16 who fails to comply with the helmet laws regarding bicycles may be imprisoned or fined. However, according to § 40-6-297(a), a violation may be charged as a misdemeanor, and under subsection (b), parents or guardians who knowingly allow their children to violate these laws may be charged.
This does not mean the police will not stop you if you fail to wear a helmet. It is possible that the police will let you off with a warning. However, if you are riding your bike on a busy street or highway, wearing a helmet is more crucial to your safety, and the police might stop you and seek to charge your parents.
Helmet Safety Requirements in Georgia
When wearing a helmet while riding your bike, not just any helmet will do. According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-296(d)(2), a bicycle helmet should meet specific safety standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
If you are unsure whether your current helmet meets these standards, check for a label in the helmet that states that it is compliant with ANSI safety requirements. You should be able to buy a safe helmet from reputable bicycle and gear retailers.
What if A Bike Rider Not Wearing a Helmet is Hit by a Car?
Unfortunately, many bike riders in Georgia choose not to wear helmets, even if they are required by law to wear one. If you are injured while not wearing a helmet, it could affect your ability to sue for damages, depending on the circumstances.
While failing to wear a helmet is technically a legal violation, it should not be used against you in the event of an accident. The fact that you were not wearing a helmet when you were struck by a vehicle may not be used to somehow absolve the negligent driver of their wrongdoing.
According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-296(d)(5), failing to comply with Georgia’s helmet laws and requirements does not constitute negligence per se nor does it constitute contributory negligence or evidence of liability.
This means if you sue a driver for hitting you on your bike while you were not wearing a helmet, they cannot use your lack of a helmet to shift blame or argue contributory negligence.
How An Attorney Can Help You After a Bicycle Accident in Georgia
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you should talk to a lawyer about how to get financial compensation as soon as possible. The driver who hit you should be held accountable regardless of whether you were wearing a helmet.
Your attorney can help you determine the extent of your damages, including hospital bills, property damage (i.e., your damaged bike), and non-economic damages such as pain, distress, and suffering. In many cases, damages are quite high, as bike riders may be badly hurt by speeding vehicles.
Your lawyer can also help you prove how the defendant caused the accident. Perhaps they were speeding and not watching the road. Maybe they were intoxicated and swerved into a bike lane. There are numerous possibilities, and your lawyer can assist you.
Call Our Georgia Bicycle Accident Lawyers for Help with Your Case
Get a free, private case evaluation by calling our Georgia bicycle accident attorneys at Rice Law at (470) 287-3070.
We send our children to school every day with the promise that they will be safe. Unfortunately, accidents and injuries at school are common. There might be numerous reasons for an accident, but the school is often responsible in one way or another. As such, you should ask an attorney for help as soon as possible.
It is possible to sue your child’s school if your child was injured there, but doing so is often not a simple task. Public schools are considered governmental entities, and they may enjoy certain legal protections that make getting compensation harder. Common reasons for lawsuits against schools include sports-related accidents, violence from bullying, and even sexual abuse. Proving that the school and possibly others are liable for your child’s injuries requires proof of the injuries and the fact that the school was responsible for your child when the injuries happened. It is a good idea to get an experienced attorney to help you.
Receive a private, free case analysis from our Georgia personal injury attorneys by calling Rice Law at (470) 287-3070.
Suing Your Child’s School for Injuries
School is a major part of our children’s lives, and a school or school district may seem somewhat untouchable when it comes to responsibility for accidents. However, if your child is hurt at school, it may be possible to sue the school and possibly others for their damages, depending on the circumstances.
How our Georgia personal injury attorneys go about suing your child’s school may depend on whether the school is public or private. While we can sue a private school just like any other private person or entity, suing a public school may be more challenging. Since public schools are governmental entities, we might have to clear additional legal hurdles.
We must also determine exactly whom to hold responsible. To figure this out, we should review the specific details of how your child was injured. Was a teacher directly responsible? Maybe the accident happened because of negligent administrators. It is possible that the school and the entire school district may be included in the case. Your lawyer can help you answer these and other important legal questions.
Suing a Public or Private School in Georgia
Since a public school is a governmental entity and a private school is not, taking legal action against these institutions may look incredibly different.
Suing a Public School
One very important aspect of suing a public school for your child’s injuries is when to file the case. When suing a governmental entity, we must file a notice of your claim within 12 months of when your child was injured, according to O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26(a)(1).
When the notice is filed, the defendant may agree to pay your damages or deny the claim. We may move forward with a lawsuit if the defendant denies the claim or more than 90 days have passed with no answer regarding the notice of the claim.
Having only 12 months to file this notice is a very tight deadline, as many cases take months to prepare before anything is filed. As such, you must contact an attorney almost immediately after your child is injured at school.
Suing a Private School
Private schools are not considered governmental entities, and they are not protected from liability any more than any other private person, business, or organization. There is no requirement that we submit a notice of your claim to the school before we file the lawsuit. As such, the only deadline we must abide by is the ordinary statute of limitations.
According to O.C.G.A § 9-3-33, personal injury cases must be filed within 2 years of the accident at your child’s school. Remember, this applies only to personal injury claims. Different statutes of limitations may govern different kinds of claims, and you should ask an attorney for help.
Suing for Sports-Related Accidents
While injuries in sports are to be expected, school officials and coaches are responsible for making sure that players are reasonably safe. This means that a coach should not allow someone too small to play to be on the football team where they are likely to be injured. Similarly, students on the wrestling team should not be permitted to wrestle against an opponent outside their weight class for the same reason.
If your child was hurt because the school, their coach, and possibly other adults in charge made negligent decisions about safety, you should contact a lawyer for help right away.
Suing for Bullying Incidents
Unfortunately, bullying is a problem in schools all over the country. While many instances of bullying only amount to name-calling and teasing, some bullies take things way too far and become violent.
While people are quick to blame bullies for their behavior, they often overlook the school’s responsibility. Often, victims report bullies to teachers and administrators many times before anything is done. It is possible that your child’s school knew about the escalating bullying and failed to take action. Alternatively, the school might have taken steps to stop the bullying, but those steps were woefully inadequate.
In such cases, you may be able to hold your child’s school legally liable for their injuries from the bullying.
Suing Schools for Sexual Abuse
While it can be difficult to talk about, students are sometimes sexually abused by trusted adults at school. Teachers, coaches, administrators, and even other students might sexually assault or abuse a student, leading to physical injuries and lifelong psychological trauma.
If you have noticed significant behavioral changes in your child, or perhaps they are spending an unusual amount of time with an adult from their school, you might want to talk to them about possible abuse. If they are being abused, call the police and an attorney immediately.
Call Our Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys For Help Suing Your Child’s School for Injuries
Receive a private, free case analysis from our Albany, GA personal injury attorneys by calling Rice Law at (470) 287-3070.
Wrongful death claims can be difficult to navigate, both legally and emotionally. While you and your family are reeling from your tragic loss, your attorney can help you get fair financial compensation. However, only certain people may be able to file a wrongful death case, and not everyone may be entitled to damages.
While family members might want to take legal action, only the deceased person’s personal representative may actually file the case. This is usually someone named in a will to handle the deceased’s estate, and it is often a close family member, friend, or attorney. While the personal representative files the case, immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents, may be entitled to damages. Damages may be distributed as if the deceased person died intestate, barring special circumstances.
For a private, free review of your claim, call our South Carolina wrongful death lawyers at Rice Law at (803) 219-4906.
Who Files a Wrongful Death Case in South Carolina
While many people might feel the tragic loss of a loved one, only specific people may file a wrongful death claim in civil court. If you recently lost a loved one because of another person’s negligent actions, contact an attorney about how to file a wrongful death case.
According to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-51-20, the deceased person’s personal representative must file the case. The personal representative is usually someone named in the deceased person’s will and represents their estate during the probate process. It may be a family member, friend, or even the deceased person’s attorney.
Suppose nobody is named as the personal representative, or your loved one passed away without a will. In that case, our South Carolina wrongful death lawyers can help you have a personal representative appointed. We can ask a judge to appoint someone for the purpose of filing a wrongful death case.
Who May Benefit From a Wrongful Death Case
While only the personal representative may file a wrongful death case in most instances, they are not the only person involved. The deceased person’s family members may also be parties to the case, and they may be entitled to receive damages for their tragic loss.
Benefits may be awarded to people based on a sort of legal hierarchy. First, the deceased person’s surviving spouse and children may receive damages from the wrongful death case. However, if the deceased person had no spouse or children, their parents may recover damages in the case.
If the deceased person has no surviving spouse, children, or parents, others named as heirs in their will may be entitled to damages. This may include anyone the deceased person felt the need to include in their will. While this is a somewhat unusual situation, it is still possible.
How Damages Are Distributed in South Carolina Wrongful Death Cases
It can be difficult to divide damages in a wrongful death case among family members in a way that everyone agrees is fair. Different people may have had different relationships with the deceased and feel entitled to a certain portion of the overall damages award.
According to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-51-40, damages may be distributed the same as if the deceased person had died intestate. Generally, spouses and children tend to take the largest share, while other family members, if any, may take the rest.
However, an interested party (i.e., a beneficiary) may move to limit one or both parents’ entitlement for damages if they can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that one or both parents failed to provide support for the deceased person during their minority.
Who Can Negotiate a Settlement in a Wrongful Death Case?
One of the most common ways that civil cases, including wrongful death cases, are resolved is through settlement agreements. However, since so many different people may be involved in a wrongful death claim, it may be difficult to decide who gets to negotiate a settlement.
According to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-51-42(A), the personal representative is the only person authorized to accept a settlement agreement for a wrongful death. This might be a simple solution if the representative is a family member, like the deceased person’s surviving spouse. Even so, the situation may be fraught if other family members disagree about the settlement.
While the personal representative may finalize the settlement, various beneficiaries may be involved in negotiations. Surviving spouses, adult children, parents, and possibly others may need to make their losses and pain clear so that a fair and just settlement can be reached.
Damages You Can Claim in a Wrongful Death Case
Wrongful death cases tend to result in significant damages awards. Not only might families experience significant financial burdens because of their loss, but their pain and suffering might be immense. Not only that, but your specific damages may vary based on your relationship with the deceased person.
Immediate family members, like a spouse, often deal with funeral and burial costs. Funerals are known to be very expensive, and this may be a big part of your damages. A spouse may also claim non-economic damages for the loss of consortium and companionship of their spouse.
Suppose the deceased person was a caregiver for their older or infirm parent. The surviving parent may claim economic damages for the money they have to spend to replace their child’s caregiving services. They may also claim non-economic damages for the loss of their child.
If a child loses their parent, they can claim the loss of financial support and parental loved and guidance. These damages may be quite significant if the child is young and could have expected many more years with their parent.
Call Our South Carolina Wrongful Death Lawyers for Legal Support Now
For a private, free review of your claim, call our South Carolina wrongful death lawyers at Rice Law at (803) 219-4906.
Personal injury cases may be filed for a vast array of reasons. Many cases stem from accidents that are investigated by the police, and an official police report may explain important details of the accident and your injuries. While the report might contain useful details, they are usually not admissible as evidence in the courtroom, barring very special circumstances.
Police reports are usually inadmissible as evidence in a civil injury case because they violate the rule against hearsay evidence. Police reports are typically based on second-hand information gathered by the authorities during an investigation. While police reports may contain very important details, they cannot be used as evidence in the courtroom. Even so, we should get a copy of the police report to review for information we might not already have, including the names of witnesses interviewed by the police. Under special circumstances, police reports might be admissible in court, but this is not common and should be discussed with your attorney.
Speak to our South Carolina personal injury attorneys to get a free, private case review by calling Rice Law at (803) 219-4906.
Admissibility of Police Reports in Injury Cases
Police reports can be helpful to plaintiffs filing personal injury claims, but they often do not fit the requirements of admissible evidence.
According to S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1290, police reports are not admissible as evidence of negligence in an injury case. However, if a police officer who responded to the accident or injury testifies in the case, they may use the police report as a reference when testifying.
Police reports are inadmissible because they violate the rule against hearsay. Under the South Carolina Rules of Evidence § 802, hearsay evidence may not be admitted into court, barring special conditions.
Hearsay evidence is defined under Rule § 801(c). Hearsay evidence consists of statements made by someone other than the person testifying at a trial, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the issue asserted. Essentially, anything that is not first-hand, personal knowledge may be considered hearsay.
Police reports are often compiled based on second-hand information gathered by the police officer from people who were present during the accident or have other personal knowledge about the case.
Should I Get a Copy of the Police Report for My South Carolina Injury Case?
Even if we are unsure of the role a police report might play in your case, our South Carolina personal injury attorneys should still get a copy as soon as possible.
The report can help us understand more about your accident. If the police investigated, the report should explain what they uncovered, and this information may help us determine the best way to approach your case.
It is possible that the police uncovered valuable evidence. Even if we cannot use the report itself as evidence, we can use the report to find admissible evidence discovered by the authorities. Even if the report does not contain new evidence, it might contain details that will inform our approach to the case and the legal strategies we use.
Possible Exceptions to the Rule Against Police Reports in Injury Cases
While police reports are generally inadmissible as evidence because of the rule against hearsay, there are numerous exceptions to the hearsay rule, and the report might be used in court.
Police officers who responded to the accident scene or were otherwise connected to the case may be called to testify, and they are allowed to reference the police report during their testimony. This exception may only come up if a police officer testifies, not other witnesses.
If a witness made a statement to the police that is contained in the police report, but they say something different while testifying in court about the same subject matter, we can use the report to impeach them. This may be especially important when the witness is testifying on behalf of the defense.
Are Police Reports Always Necessary for Injury Cases?
Police reports can be useful if they are available, but they might not be completely necessary in every case. While we should obtain a copy of the report for your case if there is one, we may or may not end up needing it.
If the circumstances surrounding your accident warrant a police investigation, it is a good idea to get a copy of the report. Even if we do not need the report in court, we can still review it for useful information. The results of the investigation might shed new light on the situation.
However, police reports are not always necessary. Many accidents are very straightforward, and the police do not really need to conduct a thorough investigation. As such, if there is a police report, it likely would not contain any information that we do not already know.
Can I File an Injury Case if There is No Police Report?
Not every accident and injury is reported to the police, nor do they all need to be. For example, if you slipped and fell in a grocery store, you could sue the store for your injuries, but you probably would not call the police about it.
Some accidents are very clearly accidents, and the people involved do not feel the need to involve the police. Many others do not report accidents to the police because they do not realize the severity of their injuries until later.
If you did not report the accident and your injury to the police, tell your attorney why. You might have a reasonable explanation that we can assert if the defense tries to undermine your claims by pointing out the lack of a police report.
Speak to Our South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys About Your Case Now
Speak to our Columbia, SC personal injury attorneys to get a free, private case review by calling Rice Law at (803) 219-4906.
Car accidents happen somewhat frequently, and they do not always happen where it is convenient. You might have been injured in an accident in Georgia while visiting, but you live in another state. This can make getting financial compensation from the negligent driver challenging, but not impossible. Your first step should be to get an experienced lawyer to help you.
Your attorney should help you decide where to file your case. You will likely end up filing the case in Georgia, as that is where the accident occurred. However, you might instead file the case in the defendant’s home state if it is not Georgia. While you might not have to return to Georgia immediately, you will likely have to come back for the trial and possible some pretrial hearings, depending on the circumstances. If you file an insurance claim for the accident, you will likely need a police report from the Georgia authorities, which your attorney can help you obtain.
Receive a free, confidential case analysis from our Georgia personal injury lawyers by calling Rice Law at (470) 287-3070.
How to Sue a Driver in Georgia if You Live in Another State
If you are injured in one state but live in another, you may take legal action against the person who caused your injuries. However, doing so might be more complex than usual, as the case must cross state lines. You should hire an attorney to help you as soon as possible.
Determining Jurisdiction
First, we should determine which state has jurisdiction over your case. Generally, you may file the case based on where the accident happened, where the defendant lives, or where you live.
Our Georgia car accident lawyers will most likely file your case in Georgia, as that is where the car accident occurred. Even though you do not live in Georgia, there is a good chance that the defendant does, giving us even more of a reason to file your case in that state.
However, suing in your home state may be possible, but unlikely. Since you obviously live in your home state, a civil court there may have jurisdiction over you but not the defendant. To file in your home state, the defendant would have to waive jurisdiction. This is not a likely scenario, but it is worth discussing with an attorney.
It is also possible to file the case in federal court under diversity jurisdiction. This may arise when each defendant in a case is from a different state. This tends to come up in particularly complex cases, and your attorney can help you determine if this is something for you.
Hiring a Lawyer
Where you file your case will determine where you hire your attorney. Wherever you file the case, you need a lawyer who is licensed to practice law in that state. Since there is a very strong chance that you will file the car accident case in Georgia, where the accident occurred, you likely need a Georgia lawyer.
A lawyer in Georgia should have the skills and experience to apply Georgia law to the facts of your case. They should also be equipped to navigate complex court procedures in a Georgia courtroom.
Filing the Case
As mentioned before, we must file the case in the right court, likely a Georgia court. There are many civil courts throughout Georgia, and we need to make sure we file with the right one. Since a car accident case is a civil issue, we will have to file the case with the Superior Court.
There are multiple Superior Courts throughout Georgia, and the county where your car accident occurred will determine which court we file your case in. For example, if your accident happened in Fulton County, we would file the case with the Superior Court in District 5, specifically in Atlanta.
Do I Have to Return to Georgia for a Car Accident Case?
A major concern among injured drivers is whether they have to come back to Georgia. While you will likely have to return at some point, you are probably fine to return home after receiving medical care and hiring a Georgia lawyer to assist you.
Your attorney may be able to handle many legal hearings and proceedings without you, but you might have to return to Georgia for the trial.
Even if you do not return to Georgia until the trial, you might still have to communicate with the defendant’s attorneys. Depositions and interrogatories are normal parts of the civil justice process, and you might have to have numerous calls with other attorneys leading up to the trial.
When Can I Return to My Home State After a Car Accident in Georgia?
You are not legally required to remain in Georgia after a car accident, although you might have a few good reasons to do so. You might need to wait until you have a replacement vehicle or a loaner car before you can leave. In the meantime, you should consult with a Georgia attorney about your situation.
Seek medical treatment immediately before returning home. Depending on how far away you live, traveling while injured might not be safe. Before you leave, ask your attorney if there is anything else you need to do. On your attorney’s advice, you are likely able to return home without complicating your case.
You should also talk to your attorney about when you may have to return to Georgia. While the trial likely cannot happen without your presence, there might be other hearings or proceedings that require your presence. Talk to your lawyer so you can coordinate your schedule with theirs and make whatever travel plans are necessary.
Get Help Today From Our Georgia Car Accident Attorneys
Receive a free, confidential case analysis from our Georgia car accident lawyers by calling Rice Law at (470) 287-3070.
The burden of proof refers to the level of evidence needed to convince a jury of your claims. In criminal trials, the burden of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This is an extremely high burden, making convictions difficult. In civil cases, the burden of proof is a “preponderance of the evidence.” In short, this means we must prove it is more likely than not that the defendant is liable.
To meet the burden of proof, our evidence must outweigh the defendant’s evidence and show it is more probable than not that the defendant is liable. This is a higher burden than it sounds like, and you need an attorney to help you. In some cases, we might have additional burdens of proof based on the claims or arguments we make. For example, we might need to prove punitive damages by “clear and convincing evidence.” Still, the defendant may have a burden to meet, depending on their arguments or legal strategies.
Receive a private, free case evaluation by calling our Georgia personal injury lawyers with Rice Law at (470) 287-3070.
How the Burden of Proof Applies to Personal Injury Cases
In most civil cases in Georgia, the burden of proof is a “preponderance of the evidence.” To satisfy this burden, we must present enough evidence to show that it is more likely than not that the defendant is liable for your damages.
This burden of proof is not quite as high as the burden in criminal cases, which is proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Even so, the civil burden of proof is not easy to meet. First, our evidence needs to outweigh the defendant’s. This does not just mean we present more evidence, but that we present stronger evidence. As such, having the strongest evidence possible is necessary to succeed.
Depending on your case and claims, you might have to meet another burden of proof. Certain claims must be proved by “clear and convincing evidence.” This is an even higher burden than a preponderance of the evidence and requires a much higher degree of certainty. This burden may come up when proving claims for punitive damages.
Remember, even if you cannot prove specific claims by clear and convincing evidence, you may still prove your overall claims by a preponderance of the evidence and win the case.
How to Meet the Burden of Proof in a Georgia Personal Injury Case
To meet the burden of proof, we must provide enough evidence to convince the jury that the defendant is more than not liable for your damages. Exactly what this means may vary from case to case, as each claim is unique. We might need a little or a lot of evidence for your case to meet the burden of proof.
How much evidence is required depends on the strength of each piece of evidence. Some evidence directly proves your claims, and little else is needed to meet the burden of proof. Other evidence might help establish important details needed to prove your claims, but additional proof is necessary to satisfy the burden of proof.
We may use evidence, including witness testimony, security camera footage, photographs of the accident scene, your medical records, and other relevant materials. Again, what we need for your specific case will depend on the unique facts of your case.
Who Has the Burden of Proof in Personal Injury Cases?
Generally, a personal injury case begins with the plaintiff having the burden of proof. However, depending on the type of claims and arguments presented, the burden may shift back and forth between the plaintiff and the defendant.
The plaintiff usually has the burden of proving their claims for damages by a preponderance of the evidence. The defendant has no burden and does not actually have to put on any evidence or witnesses. The defendant must be found not liable if the plaintiff fails to meet their burden, even if the defendant does not present any evidence at all.
The burden may shift to the defendant when certain claims must be proven. For example, if the defendant wants to raise an affirmative defense that would negate all civil liability, they have the burden of proving that specific defense.
Who Decides if the Burden of Proof Has Been Met?
The burden of proof is somewhat hard to pin down because the evidence needed to meet it may vary from case to case. Only the trier of fact in each case can decide whether the burden has been satisfied, and this determination can sometimes be a somewhat subjective one.
In a bench trial, the judge may determine whether the defendant is liable for your damages, and they may decide whether we have met our burden of proof. In a typical jury trial, the jury is the trier of fact and ultimately decides whether the burden of proof is satisfied.
Bench and jury trials often require different legal strategies. While judges are more inclined to decide based on hard facts and evidence, juries sometimes are influenced by emotions and everyday common sense.
Jury Instructions About the Burden of Proof for Personal Injuries
The burden of proof is a complex concept for the average person to grasp. As such, when juries must deliberate, the judge must give them clear instructions on how to determine if the burden of proof has been met.
Jury instructions are a normal part of the legal process. However, they are tricky, and if the instructions are unclear or biased, the entire case could be in jeopardy. The judge should instruct jurors on what the burden of proof is and how it may be satisfied. Jurors may then examine the evidence and decide liability.
If we believe the jury was improperly instructed, leading them to reach an unfair verdict, we can appeal the case.
Ask Our Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys for Legal Help Today
Receive a private, free case evaluation by calling our Savannah, GA personal injury lawyers with Rice Law at (470) 287-3070.
Your insurance company should be there for you when you are hurt and need help covering things like medical bills or vehicle repairs after an accident. Unfortunately, insurance companies often care more about their bottom line than their customers, and they might wrongfully deny your claim. If your claims were denied, an attorney can help you push back and sue the insurance company for your damages and possibly more.
Common reasons for a lawsuit include claims that were wrongfully denied, claims denied in bad faith, or procedural errors that led to the denial of the claim. To support your case, we require evidence of your accident, injuries, and the terms of your insurance policy. In some cases, injuries are clearly covered by the policy terms, and the insurance company’s actions become apparent. Your lawsuit begins with a formal complaint filed against the insurance company. We must make sure the information in the complaint is complete and accurate, as it will set the tone for the rest of the case.
Begin with a free case review from our Georgia personal injury attorneys at Rice Law by calling us at (470) 287-3070.
Why You Might Sue Your Insurance Company
Insurance companies can be large and intimidating entities, but they must follow the rules just like everyone else. If you believe your insurance company illegally or wrongfully denied your claim, we can take legal action against them. Remember, your policy is a contract, and a wrongful denial is a breach of contract.
Wrongful Denials
One reason we can sue your insurance company is that your claim was wrongfully denied. A wrongfully denied claim is one that should have been approved but was not. The denial may be due to intentional misconduct, a clerical error, or an error in how the claim was filed or processed.
In some cases, the insurance company corrects the wrongful denial, and there is no need to sue. Unfortunately, this does not always happen, and you can sue to make them fix the problem.
Bad Faith
If the insurance company knowingly denies a claim that should be covered, it may be acting in bad faith. It is not unusual for insurance companies to deny claims like this, hoping that claimants will simply give up. You should not give up, and instead, you should hire a lawyer.
Bad faith is not always an outright denial of your claim. It could also involve intentional delays in processing or purposefully failing to investigate a claim, thereby reducing the payout. A key part of arguing this case in court is demonstrating how the insurance company was aware that its actions violated the policy terms.
Procedural Issues
Perhaps your claim was denied due to procedural errors. A common issue is that when claims are denied, the insurance company neglects to provide the claimant with information on how to appeal the denial.
Eventually, the time in which they can file an appeal closes, and they are barred from getting the compensation they need. If this happened to you, we need to prove you were never given a fair chance to appeal.
Evidence We Need to Sue Your Insurance Company in Georgia
We need some key pieces of evidence to prove your claims against the insurance company. Much of our evidence will revolve around records and documentation pertaining to your denied claim.
First, we should have a copy of the denial letter that the insurance company should have sent you. This is not just a notice of the denial, as it should contain information about the reasons for the denial and the steps you can take to appeal. We need this information as proof of the insurance company’s reasons for the denial.
We should also gather details about your accident, injuries, and damages. We must compare them to your policy to determine if they should be covered. If your policy terms clearly cover your accident, we might have a stronger chance of proving that the denial was wrongful.
We must have a copy of your insurance policy. It is a contract between you and the insurance company that should contain all the terms and conditions regarding how claims are covered. Almost all our evidence should be compared against the policy to determine if the denial was indeed wrongful or in bad faith.
Filing a Lawsuit Against an Insurance Company
Starting a lawsuit against almost anyone requires filing a formal legal complaint with the courts. Preparing the complaint is not easy, and it requires extensive and specific details about the case.
We must gather details about you, the defendant, the accident, your injuries and damages, and evidence supporting your claims. If any information is lacking, the opposing side may move for a dismissal for insufficient pleadings.
Once the complaint is ready, we must file it with the correct court. Not all courts are the same, and we must file it in the court with jurisdiction over your case. Once the complaint is filed, we must immediately serve notice to the insurance company about the case.
Serving notice may be tricky, as insurance companies are often large with many offices, and we must make sure to notify the correct people. If we do not notify the insurance company or fail to serve notice according to strict rules, the case could be thrown out.
What Happens After Suing Your Insurance Company
Once the case is filed and notice is served, the case officially begins.
First, we must wait for the insurance company to file an answer to our complaint. The answer may admit some allegations while denying others. The insurance company will likely deny almost everything.
The insurance company might agree to settle. In that case, no trial is necessary, and we can work out an agreement with the insurance company as to how much compensation you should get. This is up for negotiation, and negotiations may take some time.
We should also be prepared to take the case to a full trial. While trials may take time, the potential compensation may be more than what you are offered in a settlement.
Get Legal Assistance From Our Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers
Begin with a free case review from our Marietta, GA personal injury attorneys at Rice Law by calling us at (470) 287-3070.