Charleston Car Accident Lawyer

Three years from the date of the accident under SC Code §15-3-530. If the accident involved a government vehicle or occurred on government property, you must file a notice of claim within 180 days under the SC Tort Claims Act. Missing either deadline permanently bars your claim.

You can still recover under South Carolina’s modified comparative fault rule (SC Code §15-38-15), as long as your share of fault is 50% or less.

It depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the strength of the liability case.

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — our fee is a percentage of the recovery, paid at settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you owe nothing.

Most cases settle before trial. We prepare every case as if it will go to a jury — that posture produces better settlements. If the insurer won’t make a fair offer, we file suit and let a jury decide.

South Carolina requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If the at-fault driver has no insurance, your UM policy covers your damages. If they have insurance but not enough, your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage fills the gap. We review every available policy to maximize your recovery.

Call 911. Get medical attention — adrenaline masks injuries that appear hours or days later. Document the scene with photos if you can safely do so. Get the other driver’s insurance and contact information. Do not apologize, admit fault, or give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

You can still file a claim. Gaps in treatment give insurance adjusters an argument that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Get treated now — it protects both your health and your case.

Straightforward cases with clear liability can resolve in a few months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or litigation typically take one to three years. We push for the fastest resolution consistent with getting you full value — which means not settling before your medical picture is complete.

Passengers have the clearest claims — you bear no fault for the collision itself. You can file against the at-fault driver’s insurance, and if applicable, against the driver of the vehicle you were riding in.

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and handle accident claims daily. Quick settlements rarely account for future medical costs, long-term lost earning capacity, or non-economic damages. Most people who handle their own claims recover significantly less than those with representation.

Yes — you must show the other party was negligent. But liability is rarely as simple as it first appears. We investigate whether additional parties — employers, vehicle owners, municipalities, manufacturers — share responsibility. Each additional liable party can mean access to additional insurance coverage.