South Carolina Car Accident Law

Is it worth getting a lawyer for minor car accident in South Carolina? With almost 229 million drivers in the United States in 2019, it is no surprise that there are over 6 million car accidents per year in the United States. Though you may be a safe and defensive driver, sometimes accidents are unavoidable.  Luckily, not every accident will be serious. If you are involved in a minor car accident, you may be left with some bumps and bruises and some minor property damage. You may be wondering if it’s even worth it to hire a lawyer when the…

Being involved in a car accident is stressful, but when it happens in a rental car, determining who pays for your injuries can be complicated. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in this situation while driving a rental car in South Carolina. Prioritize Safety and Report the Accident Check for injuries and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. It's crucial to report the accident to the police and obtain an official accident report, which will be vital for any insurance claims or legal actions you may need to pursue later.  The…

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Rock Hill, understanding how insurance laws work in South Carolina is crucial for navigating your claim. One of the most common questions we hear is, "Is South Carolina a no-fault state?"  The short answer is: No, South Carolina is not a no-fault state. Instead, South Carolina operates under a fault-based system, also known as a tort liability system. Let’s break down what this means for you if you're involved in a car accident in Rock Hill or anywhere in the state. How Is Fault Determined After a Car Accident? After an…

What does South Carolina consider catastrophic injury? Catastrophic injuries are severe and have long-term or permanent effects on a person’s life. Frequently they lead to permanent disability or disfigurement, such as losing a limb or developing extensive scarring. These injuries can happen in a wide variety of accidents and have a profound effect on your everyday routine. While trying to recover, you may be faced with large medical bills for your treatment, even if you’re out of work due to your injuries. If this has happened to you or a loved one, the best thing you can do is contact…

What is defensive driving and how will it help me? People often want to know what they can do to reduce the risk of car accidents, and with good reason. In recent years, the rate of fatal car collisions in South Carolina has climbed steadily - even during 2020, when fewer people were commuting to work and social events due to the pandemic. By the end of 2021, there were more than 1,080 traffic accident deaths in the state (up from 981 in 2017), and countless more injuries.  Medical bills from car crashes can be financially devastating for many working…

What you should know about whiplash and other head injuries caused by a car accident. Whiplash affects about one million people every year in the US. It’s most commonly associated with car accidents but can occur any time the neck muscles are pulled forward with significant force. During car crashes, it usually happens when the car stops very suddenly or is rear-ended. This leads to the accident victim’s head snapping forward and back, putting strain on the neck muscles. Unfortunately, this chain of events can cause damage to the bones, discs, muscles, and nerves in the neck and head region,…

What do I do if I'm in a car accident with a drunk driver? South Carolina ranks well above the national average for deaths from drunk drivers, among all age groups. For the year 2018, the state saw 291 alcohol-related fatalities and a total of 15,188 arrests for driving under the influence. Although state and national efforts to reduce impaired driving have brought down the numbers over a ten-year period, being hit by a drunk driver is still a problem for many accident victims. So what should you do if you’re in a car accident with a drunk driver? The…

What can car drivers do to avoid accidents with smaller vehicles? South Carolina is home to many scenic routes, tourist attractions, and recreational areas. As a result, it’s common to encounter smaller vehicles on the roads - golf carts or other low-speed vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. Due to their smaller size, these vehicles may be more difficult to see. In some instances, they may also maneuver in ways that a car can’t. They also lack safety features like seat belts and airbags, so a collision is more likely to cause serious injury to a small vehicle rider than to someone…

Seatbelt Safety laws in South Carolina Wearing a seat belt is one of the most important steps you can take to remain safe while riding in a vehicle. According to the CDC, there is a 45 percent lower risk of death and a 50 percent lower risk of serious injury for drivers and front-seat car passengers who are wearing seat belts when they get in an accident. For the year 2017, seat belts were credited with saving almost 15,000 lives in the US. In particular, seat belts greatly reduce the risk of being ejected from a vehicle when an accident…

I was a pedestrian hit by a car. What do I do next? Walking can be a fun and relaxing activity, especially in a beautiful state like South Carolina. But a driver’s careless actions can turn your pleasant walk into a nightmare if you’re hit by a vehicle. In many cases, we meet pedestrians who were walking safely on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk when a negligent driver crashed into them, causing serious injuries. What Should You Do After Being Hit By A Car (Or Other Vehicle)? The two most important things to do are to figure out if…

I was a passenger in a car accident, what do I do? First, check and see if you or anyone else in the car is injured. Usually, the driver will call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance if needed, but if for some reason they are unable to do so, you should call. If the driver of your car isn’t hurt, they will probably get out and talk to the other driver. While they’re doing this, it’s a good idea for you to look around the scene. Make note of where your car ended up, where the…

Is it worth it to sue after a car accident in South Carolina? Car accidents can result in significant financial losses, physical injuries, and emotional trauma. Accident victims deserve the best chances possible at recovering all of these losses. Fortunately, there are legal actions available for those wrongfully harmed by another driver’s negligence behind the wheel.  Depending on your situation, you may choose to file an insurance claim to collect a settlement to manage your accident-related expenses. Sometimes, though, filing an insurance claim isn't the most direct way to seek damages from the at-fault party. When filing a claim meets…

When Should I Get a Lawyer for an Accident? If you have been involved in a car accident and are uncertain if you or the other driver is to blame, it is essential to speak to an experienced SC personal injury lawyer about your specific accident case. While you may assume your actions could have contributed to the crash, an investigation and review from a lawyer could help prove otherwise. And in SC, even if you are partly at fault, you may still be able to recover!   Car accident claims are inherently complex. As such, anyone who has sustained injuries…

What is the average settlement for a car accident in South Carolina? It only takes a moment for a negligent driver’s poor decision to upend your life completely. If you have been involved in a crash and are wondering about the possibility of financial recovery, you are not alone. Accident victims throughout South Carolina are often left feeling like they do not know where to turn.  Every car accident is unique. As such, there is no standard value for a claim. This can be frustrating for accident victims who want to recover and put the accident behind them as quickly…

What are the most common injuries caused by car accidents in South Carolina? With over 225 million licensed drivers on the roads, it is not surprising that car accidents and crashes are the leading cause of injury in the US. Millions of individuals endure injuries each day because of car accidents. When two cars collide, the forces can easily inflict major injuries upon everyone involved. This is especially true when cars are moving at highway speeds. While there are many types of injuries — such as broken bones — associated with car accidents in South Carolina, some are more frequent…

How is negligence determined in a South Carolina car accident case? After a serious car accident in South Carolina, anyone who was hurt will likely be dealing with large medical bills, missed work income, and other losses. The good news is that, if they can prove that another driver or party was negligent, then they may be able to recover compensation from the negligent party through an injury claim. Establishing negligence isn't always straightforward after a car accident case, however. The plaintiff, or the person who has sustained injuries, has the burden of proof to establish that the defending party…

Should I have a dashcam in my car in South Carolina? These days, many drivers in South Carolina are opting to place a dashcam in their vehicles. Dashcams — a shortened term for dashboard cameras — have become all-but essential equipment that many drivers reply upon to protect them in the event of an auto accident claim. A dashcam's capability to take photo and video evidence of another driver’s negligence can prove invaluable in the event of a collision.  A recent post by the State showed that most South Carolina drivers consider dash cameras to be effective. However, the state…

I was in a car accident that resulted in a head injury. What should I do? South Carolina drivers and others on the road face a daily risk of serious accidents. 2019 crash data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety shows that there is an injury-causing wreck every 3.7 minutes and a fatal accident every 9.4 hours in the state.  Many of these accidents involve serious head injuries, which can have life-altering consequences. In fact, the number of head injuries resulting from car accidents is growing, affecting thousands of people each year. With this in mind, knowing what…

What can I do to avoid being in a car accident in inclement weather in South Carolina? No matter how safely we try to drive, the weather is a factor that's outside our control. Any time serious weather hits the highways and city streets of South Carolina, there's a heightened risk that a major accident could result. While many vehicle accidents in severe weather seem like they were unavoidable at first glance, the truth is that weather-related factors rarely play a role in directly causing a crash. Data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that only 2%…

How do I deal with an aggressive South Carolina driver? When you’re driving, it is easy to become frustrated with other drivers sharing the road with you. On any given trip, it wouldn’t be unlikely to be stuck behind a car traveling too slow or to encounter vehicles where the driver is clearly driving while distracted. There’s also traffic, road work, and no shortage of other reasons why your trip isn’t going as smoothly as you would prefer. Feeling frustrated is normal, but can become an issue when it escalates into something much more serious: road rage.  If you have…

What actions could be considered distracted driving in South Carolina? Distracted driving has become a major cause of accidents and car-related injuries. The state of South Carolina reports more than 140,000 car collisions every year as per South Carolina Traffic Collision Factbook, many of which are the result of distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed the lives of 3142 people in 2019. By nature, driving is extremely demanding and requires considerable attention and focus on the part of the driver. Once you feel like you’re an experienced driver, you get comfortable when…

I was in an accident caused by an uninsured driver in South Carolina. What can I do? Even though it is against the law to drive an uninsured vehicle, unfortunately, people in South Carolina choose to do so every day. According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), more 13% of the drivers on the road are uninsured. This is bad news for everyone, as uninsured drivers can drive up insurance costs for the rest of us — and create a real headache if you were a victim in a car accident with an uninsured driver.   Fortunately, if you were…

What happens if I am in a car accident in a work zone in South Carolina? No matter where you live, you are likely to have to drive through work zones on a regular basis. Work zones can be one of the more dangerous places to drive, especially on busy highways and interstates. Not only is there increased road congestion, but also likely an increased number of pedestrians and distracting activity. Workers may not be as careful as they should be about monitoring traffic, as they are busy concentrating on their jobs. Drivers may not be as cautious as they…

What should I do after being in a hit and run accident in South Carolina? A hit and run occurs when a driver causes property damage, injury, or death and leaves the scene of the crash without first stopping to render aid, wait for the police to arrive, or exchange info with the other parties following the wreck. It can be stressful for the victim of a hit and run to figure out how to proceed and who to seek compensation from. If you have been involved in an accident, a South Carolina car accident lawyer from Auger & Auger…

What Are the Car Insurance Requirements in South Carolina? Car insurance requirements and rates vary by state, meaning each state has its own unique laws and rules that stipulate how much insurance coverage you need to legally drive. Most states in the US require drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance on any vehicle registered in the state — and South Carolina is no exception.  Many forms of insurance will help protect you, your home, your family, and others. However, the most common type of insurance seen in personal injury claims is auto insurance. This fact is why…

How can I protect my children during a car accident in South Carolina? Being in a car accident is always scary and stressful, but getting into a car accident when your children are in the car can greatly amplify those emotions. Even though you do everything you can to protect your children from harm, there are some things that are out of your control. No matter how safe and cautious you are when you’re driving, accidents happen. However, the good news is that there are steps that you can take to ensure that your children are the safest they can…

What do I do if I was in an accident while driving a rental car in South Carolina? Renting a car is sometimes necessary, and it can, in many ways, make driving around in South Carolina much more convenient. However, getting into an accident with a rental car can be extremely inconvenient when your legal situation becomes quite complicated. In some regards, a rental car accident involving two parties is the exact same as any other collision on the road. But rental companies rarely make it easy to determine what coverage you have available, how much coverage is available, and…

Why should I go see a doctor after being involved in a South Carolina car accident? The most important thing to recognize here is that it is imperative that you see a doctor as soon as you can following your car accident!  If you’ve been in an auto accident, you may hesitate to seek appropriate and immediate medical attention for various reasons. For example, you might think that your injuries are too minor to bother visiting the doctor. Even if you don’t feel any pain or stiffness at the time, note that you may have soft tissue, head, or spinal…