Vehicle Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a car accident in South Carolina?

Your safety should come first. Call 911 if anyone is injured, move to a safe location if possible, exchange information with the other driver, take photos of the scene, and seek medical attention. It’s also a good idea to contact an experienced car accident attorney before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company.
In most cases, South Carolina law allows you up to three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain circumstances may shorten this deadline, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Yes. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, future medical care, diminished earning capacity, and other accident-related losses.
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Your attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for your case.

Why are truck accident cases more complicated than car accidents?

Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and insurance carriers. Federal trucking regulations also play an important role in these cases.
Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, maintenance contractor, cargo loading company, or another negligent party.
Important evidence may include driver logbooks, electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box information, maintenance records, dash camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports.
Victims may recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs, property damage, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and future medical expenses.
It’s generally best to consult an attorney before giving a recorded statement. Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts, and an attorney can protect your rights throughout the claims process.

What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?

Many motorcycle crashes occur because drivers fail to yield, make unsafe lane changes, follow too closely, drive distracted, or fail to see motorcycles at intersections.
Possibly. South Carolina law does not require every adult rider to wear a helmet. Even if you were not wearing one, you may still be entitled to compensation depending on the facts of your case.
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, motorcycle repairs or replacement, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and future medical care.
Insurance companies sometimes unfairly stereotype motorcyclists as reckless riders. An attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Every case is different. Some claims settle within a few months, while more complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take longer, especially if a lawsuit becomes necessary.

What should I do after being hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian?

Your health and safety should be your top priority. Call 911, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor, and report the accident to law enforcement. If possible, take photos of the scene, gather witness contact information, and avoid discussing fault with the driver or their insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
The at-fault driver is often responsible, but liability may also extend to other parties depending on the circumstances. This could include a vehicle owner, employer, government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions, or another negligent party whose actions contributed to the accident.
Yes. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident, you may still recover compensation. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability, and other damages resulting from your injuries.
Pedestrian accident cases often involve severe injuries and complex insurance disputes. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to recover the maximum compensation available for your losses.

Who pays for injuries after an Uber or Lyft accident?

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may come from the rideshare driver’s personal insurance, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy, another driver’s insurer, or multiple insurance carriers.
Yes. Passengers injured in Uber or Lyft accidents are typically eligible to pursue compensation regardless of which driver caused the collision.
Insurance coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, on the way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger. Different coverage limits apply during each phase.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation expenses, future medical treatment, and other damages related to your injuries.
Rideshare accident claims often involve multiple insurance policies and complicated liability issues. An experienced attorney can determine which policies apply, handle negotiations with insurers, and pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries.

What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents?

Bicycle accidents are often caused by distracted driving, failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, speeding, opening car doors into a cyclist’s path (dooring), and drivers failing to share the road safely with bicyclists.
Call 911, seek medical attention, report the accident to law enforcement, take photographs of the scene and your bicycle, collect witness information, and contact a bicycle accident lawyer before accepting any insurance settlement.
Yes. While wearing a helmet is strongly encouraged, not wearing one does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. Your ability to recover damages will depend on the facts of your case and South Carolina law.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, bicycle repair or replacement, rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and future medical treatment.
Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto cyclists or minimize the value of your claim. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight to recover the maximum compensation available for your injuries.

Who can be held liable for a bus accident in South Carolina?

Liability depends on the circumstances of the crash. Responsible parties may include the bus driver, the bus company, a government agency operating public transit, a maintenance provider, another negligent driver, or even a vehicle manufacturer if a defective part contributed to the accident.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the accident, document the scene if possible, gather witness information, and avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting a bus accident attorney.
Yes. If you were injured as a passenger due to the negligence of the bus driver, another motorist, or another responsible party, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses.
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, diminished earning capacity, and other damages related to your injuries.
Yes. Bus accident claims can be more complex, especially when a government-operated transit system is involved. Special legal procedures, shorter filing deadlines, and multiple liable parties may apply, making it important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.