Charleston Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firms

 

Charleston motor vehicle accident law firms are here for you when everything feels upside down. Your Charleston personal injury lawyer from Joe Cunningham Law knows how hard it is to deal with pain, paperwork, and pressure from insurance companies after a serious crash.

Our firm was founded in 2018 by Joe Cunningham, the only former congressperson in Charleston, South Carolina who currently practices law, and we are here to listen, step in, and help you figure out what comes next. Give us a call today so we can talk about what happened and what we can do to help.

Common Accident Trends Observed by Charleston Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firms

Traffic patterns, roadway conditions, and driver behavior all influence how and why crashes happen. When you work with a motor vehicle accident lawyer, one of the first steps we take is to look at where and how the crash occurred. These trends help us build your case and give us a better sense of how certain roads, intersections, or driving habits contribute to risk.

High-Injury Roads and Traffic Corridors Across South Carolina

South Carolina has a mix of dense urban traffic and long rural stretches, and both come with risk. Around Charleston, routes like I-26, SC-61, and Savannah Highway see frequent accidents due to heavy volume, high speeds, and merging traffic, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety Highway Safety Statistical Services. 

Ashley Phosphate Road is another high-incident area with a reputation for stop-and-go congestion and sudden lane shifts. Rural roads carry their own danger. Two-lane highways with limited visibility and few lighting or shoulder options often lead to serious injury crashes. These corridors can feel quiet or low-risk, but many deadly collisions happen when drivers misjudge distance or encounter speeding vehicles in the opposite lane.

Frequent Crash Factors: Speed, Distraction, and Reckless Driving

Most crashes are not just bad luck. They often stem from a pattern of driver behavior that puts everyone at risk. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include speeding through intersections, texting while driving, or getting behind the wheel without enough rest.

Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-2920, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in a way that shows disregard for the safety of people or property. We see this come up often when drivers weave through traffic, run red lights, or ignore construction zone warnings. A crash that stems from this kind of behavior usually involves more severe injuries and stronger pushback from insurance companies.

Crash Data That Every Charleston Driver Should Know

Every driver in Charleston shares the same roads, and every crash statistic represents someone whose life was changed. According to the most recent South Carolina Department of Public Safety Traffic Collision Fact Book:

• One traffic collision was reported every 3.6 minutes
• One person was injured every 13.3 minutes
• One person was killed every 8.3 hours

When we use this data to support your claim, it helps show that these are not isolated incidents. They are part of a bigger problem that affects people across the state.

Common Injuries Reported in Motor Vehicle Accidents

After a crash, some injuries are easy to spot. Others take time to show up. That is why it is so important to keep track of how you feel in the hours and days after the accident, even if you walked away thinking you were fine. Some of the most common injuries we see in motor vehicle accident cases include:

• Neck and spine injuries
• Concussions or head trauma
• Fractured ribs
• Internal bleeding
• Severe whiplash
• Facial fractures or dental trauma
• Burns or lacerations
• Broken wrists, arms, or legs
• Herniated discs
• Joint dislocations

Different types of car accidents often result in different injuries. Rear-end crashes tend to cause whiplash and neck strain, while head-on collisions are more likely to involve chest trauma or broken bones. You generally have three years to bring a personal injury claim under South Carolina Code § 15-3-530, but the earlier you start documenting symptoms and treatment, the better your chances of a full recovery.

How Charleston Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firms Build Strong Cases

When you are hurt in a crash, you need answers quickly. Our firm starts building your case from the moment you contact us, using every available tool to document what happened and who is responsible. With Joe’s experience in Congress and a background that brings both sides of the aisle together, we know how to build smart, well-supported claims that speak clearly to insurers, adjusters, and juries.

Crash Reports, Scene Evidence, and Early Case Prep

Strong cases start with strong evidence. That includes everything from photographs at the scene to black box data pulled from the vehicles involved. We also collect statements from witnesses, surveillance footage, if available, and measurements from the crash site. These details help us understand exactly how the crash happened and who should be held accountable.

We also pay close attention to how law enforcement handled the incident. Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-1270, drivers are required to report certain accidents to authorities, and the resulting crash reports can support your claim. Your Charleston motor vehicle accident attorney with Joe Cunningham Law will review those reports line by line to make sure they match the facts. 

Using Insurance Experience to Push Back on Bad Offers

Insurance companies have their own way of calculating what your case is worth, and it rarely lines up with what you are actually going through. Because our firm has experience working on the other side of those claims, we know the tactics they use and how to respond. That background allows us to push back on low offers and show why your claim deserves more.

Working with Medical Professionals to Value Claims

A solid injury claim does not stop with your diagnosis. We work with your doctors and specialists to understand the full picture, including treatment plans, recovery timelines, and what you may need later on. That includes looking at scans, test results, and referrals that support the severity of your condition.

Medical professionals also help us understand how your injury affects your life. If your ability to work, move, or care for yourself has changed, we include those impacts in the valuation of your claim. Your Charleston motor vehicle accident attorney with Joe Cunningham Law will use that input to help you maximize your payout.

What a Charleston Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm Sees Most Often

Different types of crashes come with different challenges. The speed, angle, and location of a collision all affect how your injuries happen and how we build your case. By paying close attention to how each crash happened, we can better understand what caused it and what kind of pushback to expect from insurers.

Rear-End, Side-Impact, and Head-On Collisions

Rear-end crashes are some of the most common cases we handle. They often happen in traffic or at intersections, and the sudden impact can leave you dealing with neck pain, back strain, or worse. In most of these cases, the driver behind you was following too closely or not paying attention. That makes fault more straightforward, but insurers still try to minimize what your injuries are worth.

Side-impact and head-on crashes are usually more severe. These crashes often cause serious injuries because the force travels directly into the cabin. They also tend to raise more questions about fault. When we investigate these cases, we look closely at lane markings, turn signals, damage patterns, and vehicle positions to help build a clearer picture of what really happened.

Bus Accidents

Bus accidents can involve public transit, school buses, or private charter companies. When a large vehicle is involved, the damage tends to be more severe, and more people may be hurt. These cases also raise questions about maintenance records, driver training, and safety inspections. We know what to look for when reviewing those files and identifying who may be liable.

Drunk Driving, Rideshare, and Commercial Vehicle Cases

Crashes involving intoxicated drivers or rideshare vehicles often come with extra layers of complexity. A drunk driving accident can be emotionally difficult to deal with, especially when the person who hit you made a reckless choice. These cases also involve criminal charges in many situations, which can affect how quickly we get evidence or how negotiations are handled.

With Uber and Lyft accidents or delivery vehicle crashes, there are often multiple insurance policies involved. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety outlines the penalties for driving under the influence, and we can use that law to help show the seriousness of the choices that led to your crash.

Motorcycle Accidents

Collisions involving motorcycles are often much more devastating than crashes between cars or trucks. Without the protection of a vehicle’s body shell, riders of motorcycles have nothing to protect them. These accidents can result in catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, severe bone breaks, and internal organ damage. 

Whether you were the rider or were struck by a reckless motorcyclist, having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is crucial. The team at Joe Cunningham Law is well-versed in South Carolina’s motorcycle laws and will fight tirelessly to get you the support you need. 

Why Crash Type Matters When Building Your Claim

Crash type tells us what kind of injuries are likely, how your car may have been damaged, and what kind of evidence we will need to collect. Insurers may downplay a rear-end collision or push back harder on a complex commercial vehicle claim. Your Charleston motor vehicle accident attorney with Joe Cunningham Law will walk you through how your crash affects the claim and what we can do to protect your rights.

What Charleston Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firms Look For in a Claim

When you are dealing with the aftermath of a crash, it can be hard to tell what matters most. Some cases seem simple at first, but end up involving more questions than answers. That is why we take the time to look closely at the details, because they often make the biggest difference in how your claim moves forward. Some of the factors we look at when reviewing a claim include:

• Who was listed as at fault in the crash report
• Whether emergency medical care was received
• The type and location of the injury
• Whether liability is being disputed by the other driver
• What the insurance policy limits are
• Whether the injury required surgery or rehab
• If you missed work or had to change jobs
• Whether the crash involved a commercial or rideshare vehicle
• The level of cooperation from both insurance carriers

Because South Carolina Code § 15-32-220 places limits on non-economic damages in certain cases, knowing what to focus on early can make all the difference. If you are wondering whether it is worth getting a lawyer for a car accident, these are exactly the kinds of issues that may benefit from early legal support.

Questions Charleston Drivers Often Have After a Serious Wreck

Right after a crash, it is normal to feel unsure about what to do next. You might be in pain, dealing with property damage, or just trying to figure out who to call. We hear a lot of the same questions from drivers in Charleston, and we are always happy to walk through the answers with you.

What Happens If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene?

If the driver who hit you leaves without stopping, it is considered a hit-and-run. These cases can feel frustrating, especially when you do not know who will pay for your property damages or medical expenses. In many hit-and-run situations, you may still be covered under your own uninsured motorist policy, as allowed by South Carolina Code § 38-77-140.

Should I Talk to the Insurance Company Yet?

You might get a call from an insurance company just hours after the crash. While it may seem harmless, giving a recorded statement too early can hurt your case if the details are not clear or if you are still shaken up. That is why many people call Joe Cunningham Law first, so we can step in and help you feel confident before saying anything on the record.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes, South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation as long as you are found to be less than 50% responsible for the crash. This rule is established under South Carolina Code § 15-38-15, and we use it to help make sure your role in the accident is evaluated fairly from the start.

Get Guidance from Our Charleston Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firms Loction

When you reach out to our firm, you are connecting with people who care about your story and want to help. We know how insurance companies think because we have seen things from the inside, and that helps us stand up for you with confidence. If you have questions or just need to talk things through, contact us to speak with your motor vehicle accident lawyer in Charleston, SC with Joe Cunningham Law.