Car Accidents

Charleston Car Accident Attorneys

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Our team at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC has seen firsthand how devastating a car accident can be for victims and their families. We see the physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the anxiety that comes with being unable to work. As advocates for injured individuals, we know what you are facing and understand the hurdles you need to overcome.

Our team of Charleston car accident attorneys stands ready to work diligently to help you pursue the maximum compensation you need for your injuries. From our initial consultation through the resolution of your personal injury claims, you can rely on us for supportive and trusted guidance.

Schedule your FREE consultation with our car accident lawyers in Charleston by calling (843) 968-0886.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

We provide representation for all types of auto accident injury cases, including:

Charleston's diverse mix of roadways, from fast-paced interstates like I-26 and I-526 to downtown's historic streets, leads to a wide range of accident scenarios. The coastal climate and frequent tourist traffic around landmarks such as the Ravenel Bridge can create unexpected hazards that contribute to collisions. Our firm tailors our approach to suit these local dynamics for each individual case.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

If you have been involved in an accident, you might be wondering how hiring a car accident lawyer can help you. At Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC, our mission is to guide you through the legal process that follows a serious vehicle accident. Our auto accident attorneys in Charleston, SC provide legal services designed to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. We manage every part of the case, from insurance negotiations and evidence collection to courtroom representation if needed. Our knowledge of South Carolina car accident laws and regulations, along with our ability to assess fault and document damages, means you receive steady guidance at every stage.

We strive to make the legal process as stress-free as possible so you can focus on healing while we advocate for your recovery. Count on our team to fight for a fair result based on your particular needs. Connect with a Charleston car accident attorney at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC as soon as possible.

How Can Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC Help You?

We can provide step-by-step guidance through your car accident claim
We can explain your legal rights and options
We can tell you whether an insurer's offer is fair
We can stand up for you during negotiations and litigation
We can provide emotional and legal support throughout your case

Our Charleston-based team understands local court processes and timelines, so we can help you know what to expect as your claim moves forward. We navigate the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court system and have experience with area insurance carriers, giving your claim an advantage during negotiations and preparation. Clients receive clear, regular updates at each phase, from claim filing through resolution or trial. When challenges arise, our support covers Charleston-specific concerns, insurance practices, and how the local traffic environment can influence your claim.

What to Expect from the Car Accident Claim Process in Charleston

The car accident claim process in Charleston begins with a thorough consultation. We listen to your account, gather details about the collision, and review your injuries and recovery so far. Most claims start with a close investigation of the incident, including reviewing police reports, scene photos, and available medical records. Next, the process moves toward discussions with insurance representatives. Local insurers in Charleston follow South Carolina law, which requires honest negotiations and fair evaluation of all claims.

You can expect your attorney to update you regularly throughout the process. This includes outlining milestones, discussing actions that affect your case, and preparing you for upcoming steps. Some claims resolve through settlement discussions, while others may involve a lawsuit in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court. Each step aims to bring your claim to a close while easing the impact on your life. Working with Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC means you benefit from a methodical, client-focused approach grounded in local knowledge and attention to detail.

Common Car Accident Injuries Charleston

Each year in the United States, more than one million car accidents result in injury. While some of these injuries are minor cuts and bruises, many are serious and life-altering.

Some of the most commonly reported types of car accident injuries:

Soft Tissue Injuries: A soft tissue injury is any injury to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your body. In addition to being some of the most common car accident injuries, soft tissue injuries are also some of the hardest to notice because they often do not show symptoms for days or even weeks after a crash. The best-known example of a soft tissue injury is whiplash, which is caused by sudden movement of the neck and head, and can result in severe damage to your neck muscles and ligaments.
Broken Bones: Broken bones tend to be the most noticeable type of car accident injury, but not in all cases. In many cases, the adrenaline and commotion from the car accident can keep you from noticing minor fractures immediately. More serious breaks are usually instantly evident, and most often occur in the legs, arms, and ribs.
Brain Injuries: In part due to the increased focus on NFL player safety, we are now starting to understand the long-term effects of even seemingly mild brain injuries. In reality, these are some of the most severe car accident injuries, and are more common than many people think. During a car accident, it’s very common for drivers and passengers to hit their heads against the dashboard, steering wheel, or even a window. Some injury victims are lucky to walk away with just a mild concussion (which can still have long-term effects), while others unfortunately suffer more serious long-term issues including a coma.
Spinal Injuries: Just as with soft tissue injuries, spinal injuries are often caused by the sudden movement of your body. Injuries which impact the spine or spinal cord are arguably the most serious, as they can have an immediate and severe impact on the rest of your life. A herniated disc can lead to a lifetime of back pain, while damage to the spinal cord can leave you paralyzed.

Car accidents in Charleston bring added risks due to the high volume of daily commuters and weather patterns that can quickly create hazardous conditions. Major roadways like West Ashley and Mount Pleasant frequently experience traffic that increases the chance of severe injuries. We help clients handle medical challenges that arise from these unique circumstances, including referrals to local healthcare providers for ongoing care when appropriate.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in South Carolina

Car accident claims fall under the umbrella of personal injury law and must follow South Carolina's statute of limitations. Under South Carolina Code of Laws section 15-3-530, you must file a lawsuit within three years of the accident date for the court to consider your case. The law applies whether you seek recovery for injuries, vehicle damage, or wrongful death. Missing this deadline will almost always prevent you from pursuing compensation in court.

Timely action matters because evidence—such as Charleston police reports or traffic camera footage—becomes harder to find with time. Preserving medical documentation and records of witness accounts is essential to support your claim. Quickly reaching out to your legal team helps protect your rights, especially since local emergency response teams typically collect key initial details at the scene.

This legal deadline does not apply to insurance claims after a collision. Most insurers require prompt notice, often within days, to consider coverage. Speak to an attorney as early as possible after an accident to ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements.

How Do You Determine Fault for a Car Crash?

South Carolina follows a “fault” system, which means finding out who caused the accident is central to any car accident claim. Proving fault directly affects the outcome of each case, and we take a thorough, detail-driven approach to investigating on your behalf and ensuring the responsible parties are held accountable.

To prove liability, you must show the following:

A legal duty was owed: Drivers must operate their vehicles with reasonable care under the circumstances.
A duty was breached: You must show the other driver failed to meet this standard through a careless or reckless act.
The breach of duty directly caused your injuries: The driver’s action must be the clear cause of the accident and resulting harm.

In Charleston, fault investigations include reviewing police crash reports, scene photographs, and witness statements. Area law enforcement responds quickly to collisions in busy corridors like Meeting Street or Savannah Highway, helping ensure detailed documentation is available. Our detailed process draws on these resources to support your claim.

At Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC, we bring years of experience and deliver caring, thoughtful legal counsel. Our award-winning legal strategies and proven record of success set us apart.

What To Do After a Serious Car Accident in Charleston

After a damaging accident, it can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn for help. Immediately after a crash, take steps to document the scene, the damage, the surroundings, and any potential evidence. Always exchange contact information with all other drivers involved.

What other key steps should you follow in the aftermath?

Avoid admitting guilt or apologizing for the accident
If you have any injuries, seek medical attention as soon as possible
Find an attorney who can represent your rights during this time
Report the accident to your insurance company (preferably under the guidance of your lawyer)
Keep track of all medical bills, property damage costs, and other paperwork
Discuss any concerns with your lawyer to ensure your needs are addressed

Contact us online by calling (843) 968-0886 today!

South Carolina Car Accident Statistics

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety publishes yearly statistics about car accidents across the state. It takes months to gather and verify all data, but the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book offers insight into the very real consequences of driver negligence in our state.

Some South Carolina car accident statistics to consider:

There were 141,874 collision incidents in 2017. Of those, 925 were fatal and 39,466 resulted in injury.
A car accident occurs every 3.7 minutes in South Carolina. Injury-causing collisions happen every 13.3 minutes, and fatal collisions happen every 9.5 hours.
Driver negligence was the main cause of collisions, contributing to 133,191 non-fatal crashes and 768 fatal incidents. The next most common non-fatal contributing factor—seen in 4,297 accidents—was the environment, such as weather, glare, or animals in the road. In fatal collisions, pedestrians not crossing safely were the second leading cause in 143 cases.
About 8% of drivers involved in fatal car accidents were male drivers aged 20-24. Males accounted for 70% of all drivers in fatal collisions.
Fatal crashes most often occurred in May, October, and April, on weekends, and between 3 p.m. and 3 a.m. (the period for 61.7% of all fatal car accidents).

Charleston often stands apart in these statistics due to changing tourist traffic and challenges unique to its coastal roads. High tides, local flooding, and narrow historic avenues can contribute to accident rates that differ from statewide averages. Knowing these regional factors can set realistic expectations as you move forward with a claim after a Charleston car accident.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements

South Carolina law requires all drivers to maintain auto insurance that meets minimum requirements for injury and property damage coverage. Insurance must also include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

The South Carolina car insurance minimum requirements are:

Property damage coverage of $25,000 per accident
Bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist property damage coverage of $25,000 per accident (plus a $200 deductible)
Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

There are also required minimum limits if you choose underinsured motorist coverage, but this type of plan is optional. If selected, coverage must be at least $25,000 for underinsured property damage, and $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for underinsured bodily injury.

The minimum levels above provide a baseline, but many people discover after an accident that these amounts fall short. If you sustained injuries in a vehicle collision and the other driver carried only the minimum required coverage, contact our Charleston car accident lawyers to help you understand your legal options for pursuing full compensation.

In Charleston, many motorists carry just the minimum insurance required by law. Coastal hazards, flooding, and steady traffic congestion often lead to losses that outpace these limits. Understanding the gap between required coverage and actual costs prepares you to make informed insurance and legal decisions following a collision.

Modified Comparative Negligence in South Carolina

South Carolina follows an at-fault system, which means an injury victim must file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company and prove their negligence to be eligible for compensation. However, if the injured person shares some responsibility for the accident, their recovery may be reduced.

State law applies a “modified comparative negligence” rule. Your compensation is reduced in proportion to your level of fault. For example, if you have $100,000 in damages and you were 20% at fault for the crash, your recovery is limited to $80,000. You cannot recover any damages if you are found more than 50% at fault.

If both drivers share equal responsibility, each recovers only half their total losses. When Charleston insurance adjusters and courts evaluate these claims, they scrutinize all the evidence—especially in cases involving complex intersections or multiple cars. Our deeper understanding of Charleston’s streets and practices allows us to anticipate how modified comparative negligence could influence your potential recovery.

If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay

When you trust your case to us, you gain a team willing to go the extra mile for the best possible result. Our primary goal is to help you recover and move forward after a serious auto accident. Whether your injuries are severe or you need time to heal, our firm remains by your side at every step.

We believe you deserve strong legal advocacy regardless of your financial circumstances, so our car wreck lawyers in Charleston handle cases on a contingency-fee basis. Start today—car accident claims must be filed within three years of the incident. When you choose Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC, you’re never just a number on a file.

Frequent Questions About Charleston Car Accidents

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

Immediately after a car accident in Charleston, prioritize safety and medical attention. Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Contact emergency services to report the accident and seek medical evaluation, even if injuries appear minor. Documentation is essential; collect evidence such as photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and contact details of involved parties and witnesses. Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, and consult with a Charleston car accident attorney to understand your rights and next steps.

How Can I Protect My Rights After a Car Accident?

Protecting your rights after a car accident involves several steps. Avoid admitting fault or guessing the cause of the accident when speaking to others, including law enforcement. Document all details relevant to the accident, including damages and injuries. Seek legal counsel from a qualified Charleston auto accident attorney who can guide you through claims and negotiations. This ensures your case is accurately presented and you receive fair compensation for damages and injuries sustained.

What Compensation Can I Seek After a Car Accident?

Compensation after a car accident in Charleston can cover various damages. This includes economic losses like medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. Non-economic damages might also be considered, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney allows for a comprehensive assessment of damages, ensuring you pursue all entitled compensation for your injuries and associated hardships resulting from the accident.

How Do Local Traffic Laws Impact My Claim?

Charleston's local traffic laws are designed to regulate driving behavior and ensure road safety. These laws are pivotal in determining fault and liability in car accidents. Understanding these regulations aids in effectively presenting your claim and can influence its outcome. Working with knowledgeable auto accident attorneys familiar with Charleston's legal landscape ensures your claims are aligned with local traffic statutes, further strengthening your case and supporting optimal results.