South Carolina Car Accident Settlement and Verdict Amounts for 2024

One of the largest payouts in a South Carolina car accident case came in 2014 when a Charleston County jury returned a verdict of $50 million for a woman whose husband had died in a car-versus-motorcycle crash. In the years that followed, auto accident settlements and verdicts in the state ranged from around $8,500 to $3.5 million, paling in comparison to the abovementioned wrongful death case.

Several factors determine the amount of compensation plaintiffs receive. In most scenarios, injury-related losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, make up many of the damages victims recover. However, in the 2014 case, punitive damages of $30 million accounted for more than 50% of the total award.

South Carolina car accident laws, including auto insurance requirements and the state’s comparative negligence rule, also affect a plaintiff’s recovery of damages. The following examples of car accident settlements and verdicts show how these factors influence case results.

Examples of Settlement and Verdict Amounts for 2024 Car Accident Cases in South Carolina

2024: A rear-end accident caused “unspecified” neck and back injuries to the plaintiff. According to details about the crash, the defendant struck the plaintiff’s vehicle while it was stopped in traffic. The plaintiff claimed that the other driver was negligent. A $65,000 settlement brought the case to a close.

2024: A jury awarded $8,650 to a woman rear-ended by another driver. The plaintiff claimed the defendant was driving at an unsafe speed and talking on his mobile phone when the accident happened. She said that, as a result of the crash, she suffered multiple injuries, including a bruised right knee, hip, and neck, misaligned jaw, and cracked teeth. She also reported damage to her mouth, gums, and denture plate. However, the jury doubted her testimony, awarding her $10,000 less than the claimed damages.

2019: In York County, a woman injured in a collision on I-77 secured a $250,000 verdict. The woman blamed the driver who rear-ended her vehicle for her injuries in the back, chest, and neck. According to her testimony, the other driver disregarded traffic conditions and failed to stop their vehicle on time, leading to the accident.

2019: A couple in Oconee County received $1,100,000 in compensation for the injuries they sustained when they were sideswiped on SEC-30 in Seneca. The plaintiffs blamed the other driver for their injuries, which they described as severe. They told the jury that the at-fault driver belatedly stepped on the brakes, failed to maintain a proper lookout, and violated their right of way.

2019: A judge held a man liable for $809,395 in damages for his role in a sideswipe accident. The defendant allegedly drove too fast, ran a stop sign, and failed to control his vehicle. As a result, the plaintiff injured his left hand and middle finger. He also asked the court to hold the at-fault driver's employer accountable for its employee's negligence.

2019: A jury granted damages amounting to $795,000 to the victims of a T-bone collision in Orangeburg County. The husband and wife plaintiffs claimed the accident caused them permanent injuries. According to the accident report, the couple’s vehicle crashed upside down into a water ditch. The wife sustained several injuries, which resulted in severe bleeding. The husband claimed he experienced emotional distress after seeing his wife submerged while injured. The at-fault driver was allegedly under the influence and ran a stop sign.

2019: A Dram Shop lawsuit against a bar in Columbia ended in a $3 million settlement. The case stemmed from an accident on January 10, 2016, when a drunk driver crossed the centerline and crushed a teenager. The victim survived but had broken bones, which required multiple surgeries. After nearly three years of legal wrangling, the bar’s insurance provider agreed to pay the settlement amount. The drunk driver's insurance carrier was required to pay additional compensation up to the policy's limit.

Recover the Compensation that You Deserve

Automobile accident cases range from straightforward to complex. If you’re in the middle of a difficult case, hire a competent South Carolina car accident attorney to help you sort through the details and legal requirements. They will assist you in gathering and examining evidence that could strengthen your claim against the defendant, allowing you to obtain the compensation you deserve. 

Some lawyers have worked as insurance defense attorneys and can use this experience to handle negotiations with insurance companies. Those with litigation experience also offer an advantage over taking a case to court on your own. For assistance finding an attorney with the needed experience, contact Expertise.com’s Concierge team at 848-BookPro (848-266-5776).