Three Attorneys Given Rising Star Award by Super Lawyers

Stewart Law Offices is proud to announce that three of its personal injury attorneys have been named to the 2019 Rising Star list by Super Lawyers.

Attorneys Sam Bass, Tyler Bathrick, and Stephen Vicari II are among only 2.5 percent of young attorneys nationwide who are chosen for the honor. It recognizes attorneys for excellence in practicing law and is based on peer nominations, third-party research, and a final approval by a panel of attorneys. To qualify, lawyers must be 40 years or younger and in practice for less than 10 years.

Super Lawyers is a rating service that performs an annual review of outstanding attorneys in each state. The purpose is to help people who are searching for an attorney to find one with the high level of competency and skill that they are looking for.

The Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists are published in Super Lawyers Magazines nationwide and in other publications across the country.

About Sam Bass

Sam Bass works in the Spartanburg, S.C. location of Stewart Law Offices. A 2008 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Bass represents clients in personal injury, workers’ compensation, motor vehicle accident, and wrongful death cases.

In addition to being designated a Rising Star, Bass has been named as one of the “Top 40 Lawyers Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers. He has also earned a superb score by the online legal directory Avvo.

Bass is a graduate of the S.C. Bar’s Leadership Academy and a member of its House of Delegates. From 2015-2017, he served as the Seventh Circuit Representative of the Young Lawyers Division. In 2019, Bass also expanded his legal services by becoming a certified mediator.

About Tyler Bathrick

Attorney Tyler Bathrick represents clients in Stewart Law Offices’ Rock Hill office. Bathrick has extensive experience handling workers’ compensation claims in South Carolina. He trained under two former members of the state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission and has assisted hundreds of deserving South Carolinians in resolving workers’ compensation disputes.

A 2006 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Bathrick has an excellent rating by the legal directory Avvo and is a member of the York County Bar Association and the Injured Workers’ Advocates.

About Stephen Vicari II

Stephen Vicari II is based in the Columbia location of Stewart Law Offices, where he represents clients in personal injury, workers’ compensation, auto accidents, and other legal claims.

A South Carolina native, Vicari joined the U.S. Navy following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and went on the earn his law degree at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2015. Vicari was named one of the “Top 40 Lawyers Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers in 2018. He is also a member of the S.C. Association for Justice, American Association for Justice, and the Injured Workers Advocates.

Find High-Quality and Individualized Legal Services at Stewart Law Offices

Stewart Law Offices provides comprehensive legal assistance to injured clients in South Carolina and North Carolina. For more information about how our legal team can help you, contact us today.

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Who’s At Fault In A Self-Driving Car Accident?

Self-driving cars are widely considered to be the next great innovation in automotive safety. The idea is that autonomous cars will prevent crashes and injuries by eliminating the No. 1 cause of car accidents — human error. But who’s to blame when a driverless car is involved in an accident? So far, the answer’s not clear.

Right now, there are no laws regarding liability that specifically address autonomous vehicles. That’s a problem because the U.S. has already recorded fatal self-driving car accidents in several states.

Below, the South Carolina car accident attorneys at Stewart Law Offices have outlined some of the complicated liability questions that have been raised regarding self-driving cars.

Questions of Fault In Driverless Car Crashes

In a conventional South Carolina car accident, liability usually falls upon the at-fault driver. That person’s insurance company would therefore be responsible for paying compensation to the accident victim for any injuries. But with driverless cars, questions of fault get complex.

At this time, no self-driving vehicles are fully automated. Instead, a backup driver sits inside and is able to take over if a crash is about to happen. The eventual goal is for the self-driving car to be fully in control, but that’s still years away, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

When someone is hurt in a crash caused by a self-driving car, determining fault depends on the cause of the collision.

Driver error

Human error is responsible for 94 percent of car accidents. Was the backup driver paying attention when the crash occurred? Investigations into a recent self-driving car accident in Arizona found that the driver did not have his eyes on the road in the moments before the collision. If the operator of the self-driving car was not being careful, he or she could be held liable.

Vehicle Malfunction

Just like today’s cars, autonomous vehicles can still experience malfunctions that could cause accidents. If the backup driver was monitoring the vehicle carefully and the car breaks down for some reason (e.g., brake failure), it’s possible that the manufacturer of the autonomous car may be held responsible for the crash.

Design Defect

Autonomous cars have complex computer software, sensors, cameras and other hardware that can control all aspects of the vehicle’s operation. Software bugs or other technological flaws that cause accidents could allow injured victims to sue the designers of the faulty technology.

Other Potentially Liable Parties

Keep in mind that there are other possible parties to blame in crashes involving self-driving cars. In accidents involving multiple vehicles, liability may need to be split among multiple drivers as well as the autonomous car’s driver and/or manufacturer.

Fault could also rest on a government entity if a failure to maintain the road or traffic signage contributed to the accident. For that reason, it will be critical to consult with a personal injury attorney who knows how to investigate complex car accident cases.

Demanding Compensation for Car Accident Victims

Stewart Law Offices represents car accidents victims in South Carolina and North Carolina. Our personal injury attorneys are paying close attention to the development of self-driving cars and how that will impact our clients in the future.

Need help now? Call or contact our experienced attorneys today.

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Kids’ Chance of South Carolina

The workers’ compensation attorneys at Stewart Law Offices understand how a workplace accident can change the lives of families forever. That’s why we’ve chosen March to highlight and share our support for Kids’ Chance of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to children of workers who were injured or killed on the job.

Stewart Law Offices Supports Changing Families Forever

Since 1992, Kids’ Chance has awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships to eligible students seeking to attend college or vocational schools after graduating from high school. But the need for additional support to South Carolinians is great. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows there were 32,800 workplace injuries or illnesses recorded in South Carolina in a recent year. Of that number, an astounding 57 percent of those cases were considered severe.

“When a parent is suddenly unable to work after a job accident, the stability of the entire family is put in jeopardy,” says Brent Stewart, founder of Stewart Law Offices. “Our law firm and Kids’ Chance of South Carolina share a similar mission in helping these deserving families find the financial means necessary to secure a better future.”

There are many ways to contribute to Kids’ Chance. Financial donations can be made by individuals, companies, foundations, and other organizations. Volunteers are also welcome to serve on fundraising committees or as board members.

Spreading the word about Kids’ Chance is another way to help. Many South Carolina businesses provide corporate sponsorships to community organizations. Ask your employer whether they’ll consider donating to Kids’ Chance. All contributions are tax deductible.

Do you know someone whose parent was severely injured or killed in a job accident? You probably don’t hear them complaining about how hard life can be, not just financially but also emotionally. But the challenges are there. If they are considering post-secondary education but worried about the costs, direct them to https://www.kidschancesc.org/ to learn more.

Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible, an applicant must:

• Be bound for post-secondary (after high school) education
• Have achieved a high school diploma by the first disbursement of the scholarship
• Under age 25 at the time of the full disbursement of the award
• Entering to study or already studying at an accredited two-year or four-year college or vocational school
• Have at least one parent, stepparent, or legal guardian who was seriously injured or killed in a workplace accident that was documented and deemed compensable by the S.C. Workers’ Compensation Commission

Applicants are eligible for four traditional years (eight traditional semesters) of the scholarship award. You can apply online. For questions or additional information, email angie@kidschancesc.org or call (846) 546-5837.

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Daylight Saving Time Increases Risk of Fatal Accidents

On March 8, South Carolinians will shift their clocks forward one hour to mark the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST). With the transition, Americans lose one hour of sleep and are at an increased risk of being involved in deadly car accidents, according to researchers.

A new study in the journal Current Biology found that auto accident deaths rise 6 percent in the week after the spring time change, resulting in about 28 fatal crashes per year.

Scientists say that springing forward contributes to crashes by disrupting sleep patterns, putting drowsy drivers on the roads each morning while it’s still dark. Essentially, motorists are in a state of “mini-jetlag,” where their normal sleep and wake cycles are suddenly thrown off balance.

This is not the first time that researchers have linked the spring shift to Daylight Saving Time with a rise in auto accidents. Several studies have shown a significant increase in crashes, especially on the Monday following the time change. In addition, the spring switch has been attributed to a spike in the number of workplace accidents, heart attacks, strokes and even suicides.

These latest results come just after South Carolina passed a bill that would allow the Palmetto State to remain on DST if the federal government allows it, something that both Gov. Henry McMaster and the Trump Administration have said they support.

Drowsy Driving: A Serious Problem

Daylight Saving Time aside, drowsy driving is already a concern for U.S. motorists. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1 in 25 adult drivers report having fallen asleep behind the wheel.

Closer to home, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s most current statistics show that 536 traffic collisions in a single year involved a driver who was fatigued or asleep. Of those crashes, three people died and 274 others were injured.

Sleepy drivers are dangerous drivers for several reasons:

• They are less able to pay attention to the roads.
• They have slower reflexes, causing delays in their reaction times if an emergency arises.
• They are more likely to make careless driving decisions.

Preparing Yourself To Spring Forward

Sleep experts say that there are ways to prepare yourself for the upcoming switch to DST. Tips include:

• Go to bed 15 minutes earlier in the week leading up to the time change. You will need to shift your wake times as well.
• Turn the lights on as soon as you wake up. Light plays a huge role in regulating your sleep and wake cycle.
• Use blackout curtains. Make your room dark and cool to help your body get into sleep mode, even if it’s light outside.
• Don’t increase your caffeine. Many people rely on caffeine to get through the morning lull, but upping your intake to cope with Daylight Saving Time could make it more difficult to get to bed at night.
• Listen to your body. If you’re too tired to get behind the wheel, don’t drive. It’s better to call in late to work or make your kids tardy for school than risk a crash.

Skilled South Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help

The personal injury attorneys at Stewart Law Offices represent clients who have been injured in accidents in both Carolinas. If you were in a car accident involving a drowsy driver, contact us today for a free consultation.

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What To Do If You’re In An Uber Car Accident

Over the past several years, Uber and other rideshare services have exploded in popularity in South Carolina. While Uber is a convenient way to travel, it can be confusing to figure out what to do if your Uber driver causes an accident and you get hurt.

Like all car accidents, compensation for any injuries usually comes through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. But with Uber accidents, liability issues become more complicated. Whose insurance applies — your driver’s, or Uber’s? Stewart Law Offices can answer your questions and help you pursue compensation after an Uber accident in South Carolina.

Our law firm provides compassionate and comprehensive legal services to accident victims in both Carolinas. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to build solid claims for compensation for Uber accident victims. You won’t feel alone with Stewart Law Offices by your side.

To learn more, call or contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

Uber’s Insurance Policy For Passengers

Uber requires all of its drivers to carry their own auto insurance. The company also has its own insurance policy in case an Uber driver is at fault for a crash. Determining which policy kicks in depends on the driver’s status at the time of the Uber accident.

Not logged in: If the driver is not logged into the Uber app at the time of the crash, his/her own car insurance is responsible for covering any injuries, up to the policy limits. In South Carolina, the minimum required liability coverage is $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 for all persons involved in one accident.

Logged on, waiting for fare: Uber drivers who are logged into the app and waiting for a rider can receive partial coverage from Uber’s insurance policy if a crash occurs. In these cases, Uber provides up to $50,000 for injuries, but only pays what the driver’s personal auto insurance won’t cover.

Transporting a passenger or matched with a rider: In these circumstances, Uber’s $1 million liability insurance policy pays for any injuries if the Uber driver is at fault.

Protecting Yourself After An Uber Accident

The moments after an Uber crash can be disorienting. If you’re able, there are several things you can do to protect your legal rights.

• Check for injuries: If anyone is hurt, call for emergency help right away.
• Seek medical treatment: Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Getting timely medical care will strengthen your Uber accident claim by showing that you did everything possible to minimize the severity of your injuries.
• Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Include a screenshot of the Uber app to show the details of your ride. You should also obtain the insurance information of everyone involved, as well contact information for any witnesses.
• Report the accident to Uber: This can be done in the app or by phone.

Contact Stewart Law Offices For Help With Your Uber Accident Claim

If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident, the last thing you need to worry about is haggling with insurance companies over whose coverage will pay for your injuries. That’s when the South Carolina Uber accident attorneys at Stewart Law Offices can help. Our experienced lawyers can handle all negotiations with the insurance company for you. That leaves you free to focus on the most important priority — getting healthy again.

Having legal representation is especially important if you’re in an Uber accident involving multiple parties, such as other cars, bicyclists, or pedestrians. In those cases, fault may need to be split among all negligent parties. That could mean fighting several different insurance companies to get full and fair compensation. Our Uber accident lawyers can help identify all liable parties and work to obtain maximum compensation from all possible sources.

Contact us today to arrange your free consultation. There’s no obligation.

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Stewart Law Offices Highlights Polar Plunge South Carolina

Stewart Law Offices is diving into a fun and vital initiative in February — Polar Plunge South Carolina, the largest overall fundraising event for the Special Olympics.

Stewart’s legal team joins other Polar Plunge participants to dip their toes, hop in the cold waters of Lake Murray, or plunge into waters at other aquatic locations around the state to raise money for the Special Olympics.

Special Olympics South Carolina provides athletic training and Olympic-style sporting activities for both adults and children with intellectual disabilities, promoting both physical fitness and fostering friendships throughout the state. More than 30,000 athletes participate in the Special Olympics in South Carolina every year.

“The Special Olympics and Stewart Law Offices share the common belief that everyone — regardless of ability, health, or location — deserves the same opportunities for inclusion in the community,” says personal injury attorney Brent Stewart, the law firm’s founder. “We’re proud to support an organization that that celebrates diversity and wellbeing for all.”

Throughout 2020, Stewart Law Offices will be supporting charitable organizations that make a difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout the Carolinas. Each month, the firm will highlight the groups online and urge others to donate time, money, or whatever they can to these important causes.

“There’s always an opportunity to help,” says Stewart. “Every little bit counts. When we work together, we make our communities a better place to live.”

Interested in participating in the Polar Plunge? There’s still time to do it! Here are the locations for upcoming South Carolina events:

• Feb. 29: Lake Wateree State Park, Winnsboro
• Feb. 29: Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville

You can also ask your friends, family members, and employers to participate by donating money or sponsoring the Polar Plunge.

About Stewart Law Offices

For decades, Stewart Law Offices has been providing experienced and compassionate legal services to accident victims and their families in South Carolina and North Carolina. The firm’s core practice areas include personal injury, workers’ compensation, car accidents, truck accidents, boating accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, dog bite and slip and fall cases.  

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Stewart Law Offices Celebrates Its 25th Year Of Business Serving The Community

Community involvement has been a tradition at Stewart Law Offices. To celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2020, the law firm is dedicating each month this year to highlight different charities and organizations in the community. Their goal is to bring more awareness and inspire others to join them in supporting and building better communities across North and South Carolina.

Since being founded in 1995, Stewart Law Offices has dedicated its professional efforts towards helping injured people. But effective representation doesn’t happen without compassion and caring of those in need — and that caring extends far beyond office doors and courtrooms. It flows into the communities they serve. Supporting the community makes everyone involved stronger.

Everyone has an opportunity to be a good citizen. It can start with something as simple as picking up litter on the sidewalk or volunteering time at the local animal shelter. It all adds up.

Expressing gratitude is another way to spotlight the community’s finest. That’s what motivated Stewart Law Offices to launch its annual Teacher Appreciation Awards, which honors teachers throughout North and South Carolina for their hard work and dedication. It’s just one of the firm’s initiatives that will continue in 2020.

Stewart Law Offices knows that 25 years in business would not have been possible without earning the community’s trust. Paying it forward is an honor and responsibility that the entire team at Stewart Law Offices doesn’t take lightly. Stay tuned to learn more about who the firm is highlighting each month.

If you are interested in ways to help or get involved, please contact us for more details.

Check out our Community Giving Back page for more information.

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