Charleston Car Accident Lawyer — Injured on Charleston Roads? We Can Help.

Charleston’s roads have become increasingly dangerous as the city grows. From the merge zones on I-526 near the Mark Clark Expressway to the congested intersections along US-17 in Mount Pleasant, car accidents happen every day across the Lowcountry — and the injuries can be life-changing.

If you were hurt in a car accident in Charleston or the surrounding area, Schiller & Hamilton’s experienced car accident attorneys are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We handle everything — from dealing with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary — while you focus on healing.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Charleston, SC

Our attorneys have handled car accident cases involving:

Distracted driving on I-26 and I-526 through North Charleston
Drunk driving crashes near the bars and restaurants on King Street and East Bay Street
High-speed rear-end collisions on the Ravenel Bridge (US-17)
Intersection accidents at busy Charleston crossroads including Sam Rittenberg Blvd and Savannah Hwy
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents in downtown Charleston and near the College of Charleston
Hit-and-run accidents throughout Charleston County

South Carolina Car Accident Laws You Need to Know

South Carolina is a fault-based state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. Key SC laws that affect your claim:

Modified comparative negligence — you can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault
Minimum liability coverage — SC requires drivers carry at least $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage — SC law requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage, which protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance
Statute of limitations — you generally have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Charleston Car Accident?

Depending on the facts of your case, our Charleston car accident lawyers may be able to recover:

Medical expenses — past and future treatment, surgery, physical therapy
Lost wages — income you missed while recovering
Reduced earning capacity — if injuries prevent you from returning to your prior work
Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional distress
Property damage — vehicle repair or replacement
Wrongful death damages — if a family member was killed in the crash

What Are Some Common Reasons for Car Accidents in South Carolina?

If you decide to pursue compensation through a car accident claim, one of the most important steps will be determining who caused the car crash and how it happened. There are numerous reasons that two or more motor vehicles might collide on the streets or highways of South Carolina, and it’s up to the insurance adjusters and car accident attorneys to review the evidence and find the underlying reason for your car crash.

Some of the most common reasons for car accidents in South Carolina and beyond include:

Distracted driving: This might involve eating, changing the radio station, reaching for items on the floor, talking to a passenger, or using a phone while driving. Though texting and driving is illegal in South Carolina, many drivers still do it, often causing tragic car accidents as a result
Reckless driving: Some drivers display aggressive behaviors on the road, such as tailgating, changing lanes unsafely, and ignoring traffic signs and signals
Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for conditions can result in the driver not having enough time to react to other cars slowing down or stopping, causing them to lose control of the vehicle and crash
Drowsy driving: Fatigue affects the judgment and reaction time of a driver. They also have a high risk of falling asleep while driving, which can lead to fatal car accidents
Running stop signs and red lights: Drivers who ignore or don’t notice red lights and stop signs run the risk of striking other cars that have the right of way at intersections
Drunk driving: Drunk drivers are responsible for nearly half of the fatal car accidents in South Carolina. Alcohol can affect the judgment and reaction time of drivers, making them likely to ignore traffic laws and less likely to be able to brake in time to avoid an accident
Extreme weather: Some car accidents occur because snow, ice, rain, or fog makes the roads slippery and visibility poor
Automobile defects: Tires, brakes, and other car parts that are defective or of low quality can cause drivers to lose control and cause tragic accidents

Whether one of these common issues caused your car accident or a different underlying issue was to blame, you should talk to a Charleston car accident lawyer to find out your rights as an injured victim. Skilled car accident attorneys can initiate an investigation to determine how your car crash occurred and who may be liable for your losses. If you didn’t cause the car accident, you should not be responsible for the medical bills, car repair expenses, lost wages, and other costs you’re facing now. Call our Charleston law firm today for an initial consultation with our compassionate personal injury attorneys.

What Are Some Common Types of Car Accidents in Charleston?

Different types of car accidents tend to result in varying amounts of property damage and injuries to drivers and passengers. That’s why you should hire car accident lawyers who have experience handling personal injury claims involving all types of car crashes.

At our Charleston law firm, we often handle car accident cases involving:

Rear-end crashes: These happen when the front of a car strikes the back of the car ahead of them, usually due to distracted driving or tailgating. Rear-end crashes are among the most common types of wrecks since they often occur in heavy traffic, such as at rush hour, when drivers must accelerate and then quickly brake
Head-on collisions: These occur when the front of one car collides with the front of another car, usually after one crosses the center line and ends up in the wrong lane due to drunk driving, distracted driving, or loss of vehicle control. Two cars going opposite directions create a devastating impact when they collide, making this type of crash the deadliest kind
Sideswipe collisions: These happen when a driver swerves or switches lanes and strikes the car next to them
Single-vehicle accidents: Some crashes involve a tree, light pole, guardrail, or debris on or next to the road rather than another car. In some cases, this type of crash isn’t the fault of the driver, but the agency in charge of keeping the road safe or the car manufacturer responsible for a defective part, leading to a valid car accident case
T-bone crashes: Also called side-impact crashes, t-bone wrecks occur when one car hits the side of another. They usually take place at intersections due to one car running a red light or failing to yield during a turn
Hit-and-run accidents: Some drivers cause a wreck and then leave the accident scene before exchanging insurance information with the other driver.
Multi-car pileups: These involve three or more motor vehicles that collide with each other, often due to sudden braking or poor visibility from extreme weather

If you were injured in one of these or similar types of car accidents, it’s imperative that you contact a Charleston car accident lawyer for legal advice. Even if you think you’re at fault or were struck by an uninsured driver, we encourage you to reach out to us and let us handle the investigation into your motor vehicle accident. You might be surprised at what we discover and the financial compensation we can secure for you. Call us today to get started on your Charleston car accident claim.

What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries Suffered by Charleston Car Crash Victims?

Car accidents can be life-altering due to the wide range of severe injuries they often cause. The most serious car accident injuries can cause permanent disabilities or death, leading to costly hospital stays or funeral and burial arrangements. Even moderate injuries can have a significant impact on your life since they can lead to a great deal of pain, doctor’s bills, and lost wages.

This is why you should talk to a car accident attorney to find out how to seek compensation for any injuries sustained in a car crash that someone else caused. Whether your injuries are expected to heal within a few months or will likely be permanent, you should not have to deal with the physical and financial pain that you’re in right now because of someone else’s negligence on the road.

Our South Carolina personal injury law firm has handled countless car accident cases for victims suffering from mild to severe wounds, including:

Broken bones
Burns
Whiplash
Bruises and lacerations
Internal bleeding
Organ damage
Soft tissue damage
Spinal cord injury
Traumatic brain injury
Paralysis
PTSD

If you suffered these or other car accident injuries, please call our Charleston law firm for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney. Our lawyers understand the devastation car accidents can cause to your physical, mental, and emotional state. While we can’t take away the pain caused by your injuries, we can help you get a fair settlement that ensures you can afford the treatment you need. So, if you’re looking for a way to take away the financial pain of a serious car accident, call our law office to speak with a car accident attorney who will help you recover compensation.

What Should You Do If You’re Involved in a Charleston Car Accident?

It’s common to feel shocked and confused in the first moments after a car wreck, making it hard to know what to do next. The simple answer is to prioritize your health and safety by getting emergency medical help for any injuries. Once you’ve taken this step, collecting evidence that could support your car accident claim is recommended, as is speaking to certain individuals who can assist with your case.

The following are the specific steps you should take after a Charleston car accident:

Determine if you or your passengers sustained any serious injuries
Call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance for yourself or other victims if necessary
Avoid admitting fault or apologizing to the other driver as you wait for the police to arrive
Describe what happened to the police so they can accurately fill out a police report
Exchange important details with the other driver, such as their name, address, phone number, and insurance company information
Identify potential witnesses and ask for their contact information
Take photos of the accident scene, making sure to record the damage to the car involved, the injuries you suffered, the weather conditions, and any traffic signals or signs nearby
Seek medical care shortly after you leave the scene so your doctor can determine if you suffered any injuries that may be more serious than you assumed
Call a trusted Charleston car accident attorney to discuss your legal options

Taking these steps immediately after a South Carolina motor vehicle accident is ideal if you plan to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. However, if you could not perform all these tasks after the crash, it’s not too late to seek assistance by calling a lawyer. As long as it’s been less than three years since the accident date, you still have the chance to take legal action against the at-fault party.

Of course, the sooner you get legal help, the better, since evidence is easier to collect when the incident happened recently. Such evidence might include witness testimony, pictures, video footage, medical records, and police reports. However, an experienced South Carolina accident lawyer has numerous resources to help with collecting the necessary evidence, so don’t lose hope if you didn’t take action immediately after the crash. Call our Charleston personal injury law firm today for help starting the insurance claim process or initiating a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?

After a car accident, it’s common for the insurance company to reach out quickly with a settlement offer. While it may be tempting to accept right away—especially if you are facing mounting medical bills and unable to work—doing so can jeopardize your ability to secure fair compensation for all of your losses. In most personal injury cases, the first offer rarely reflects the true value of your car accident claim.

A quick payout often fails to account for the long-term effects of serious injuries, such as ongoing medical treatment, lost income, or the cost of medical equipment. If your car crash resulted in catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, or other life-altering injuries, you need an experienced car accident attorney who can fully evaluate your damages. This includes not only economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, but also non-economic damages for emotional distress, pain, and loss of enjoyment of life.

A Charleston car accident lawyer from our law firm can review the police report, medical records, and other evidence to prove negligence against the at-fault driver—whether caused by distracted driving, reckless driving, or a drunk driver. With our legal team on your side, you improve your chances of recovering the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact a Charleston personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you seek compensation on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover damages for you.

Frequently Asked Questions — Charleston Car Accidents

What should I do right after a car accident in Charleston, SC?

Call 911, seek medical attention even if you feel okay, document the scene with photos, exchange insurance information with all drivers, and get contact information from witnesses. Do not admit fault at the scene. Then consult a Charleston car accident attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster.

How long does a car accident settlement take in Charleston?

Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries may settle in a few months. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or significant damages often take one to two years. Our attorneys work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the value of your claim.

What if the other driver has no insurance in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If you carry UM coverage on your own policy, you may be able to file a claim through your own insurer. Our attorneys can review your policy and advise on all available options.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the Charleston car accident?

Yes. Under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?

In most cases, no. Insurance companies often make a quick, low initial offer before you know the full extent of your injuries or losses. Speaking with a Charleston car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement ensures you understand the true value of your claim.

About Joel T. Hamilton

Joel T. Hamilton is a Founding Partner of Schiller & Hamilton Injury Lawyers and has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families throughout South Carolina recover compensation after serious accidents and injuries.

Joel earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Winthrop University and his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Since being admitted to practice law in South Carolina, he has represented clients in cases involving motor vehicle accidents, trucking collisions, premises liability, medical malpractice, civil rights violations, and other complex personal injury matters.

In addition to his legal practice, Joel has served in numerous leadership and community roles throughout South Carolina. His combination of courtroom experience, community involvement, and commitment to client advocacy helps injured individuals navigate difficult legal situations with confidence.

Credentials

Juris Doctor, Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, Winthrop University
Licensed to Practice Law in South Carolina
Founding Partner, Schiller & Hamilton Injury Lawyers
Member, South Carolina Bar
Trial Attorney and Personal Injury Advocate

Injured in Charleston? Call Schiller & Hamilton: 803-770-0769 — Free Consultation