Best Car Accident Lawyers in Charleston

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Charleston, South Carolina?

  The non-emergency contact number of the Charleston Police Department is 843-577-7434.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Charleston, South Carolina?

  For accidents that occurred in Charleston, you may request a copy of the collision report online or by completing the Request for Copy of Collision Report (SCDMV Form FR-50) and taking it to any South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles branch office or sending it to the address on the form.

• Do I still have a claim if I was injured in a car accident in Charleston despite not wearing a seat belt?

  Yes, you may have a valid claim. In Charleston, all occupants of a moving motor vehicle, including the driver, must wear safety belts. Moreover, the driver is responsible for ensuring that every passenger under the age of 17 who does not have a driver's license or permission is wearing a safety belt or, in the case of small children, strapped into a car seat. However, there are exceptions to these rules. The seat belt law does not apply to drivers or passengers who are:

  • In a vehicle with no seat belts available
  • In a public transit vehicle other than a taxi
  • In a parade
  • In a church or school bus
  • In a United States Postal Service (USPS) truck
  • Injured patients or medical professionals in an emergency vehicle
  • Unable to use a seat belt for medical/physical reasons

• What constitutes a fair settlement in a Charleston automobile accident case?

  In a Charleston vehicle accident, there is no such thing as a standard or average damage award. Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars, based on a variety of variables, including: the extent of your injuries or the amount of your medical bills; whether surgery is required for your injuries or whether you've incurred a disability and the consequent requirements for long-term care; suffering and pain, including psychological trauma; income loss and property damage costs; and your percentage of blame in the accident, if any.

  The settlement figures may also vary depending on whether or not you have hired an attorney, whether or not your case is heard in court, and whether the actions of the at-fault driver were purposeful or reckless enough to warrant punitive damages.

• Can I still receive compensation for my injuries if I contributed to an accident in Charleston?

  Yes, you can only obtain compensation for 100% of the aforementioned losses if the other motorist is 100% at fault for a collision in Charleston. If you are less than 51% to blame for a car accident in South Carolina, you are eligible for compensation. However, your compensation will be diminished.

  There are numerous situations in which both drivers may be partially to blame. For instance: If one motorist is speeding and the other is under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI); if a vehicle runs a stop sign and gets struck by a car making an illegal turn at the intersection; or if a driver with burned-out brake lights stops abruptly and gets rear-ended by a car with defective brakes who was tailgating.

• How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Charleston?

  There is a strict three-year deadline for filing a claim following a car accident in Charleston. Typically, the countdown commences upon the occurrence of an accident. You should file the lawsuit as soon as possible to secure the evidence and to ensure your rights are upheld. However, in South Carolina, there are exceptions to the statute of limitations, one of which is known as the "discovery doctrine" or "discovery rule." This idea states that the statute of limitations may be extended in certain circumstances based on the period of time within which a person should have become aware of an injury.

• What are Charleston's most dangerous intersections?

  Recent collision data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety determined the following most accident-prone intersections in Columbus:

  • Ashley Phosphate Road and Interstate 26 are the most dangerous intersections in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.
  • The second-worst intersection for collisions is I-26 Exit 203 at College Park Road. This intersection, located just north of Charleston and beyond the Berkeley County line.
  • The Carnes Crossroads intersection of U.S. 17-A (S. Live Oak Drive) and U.S. 176 are the third-most dangerous crossroads in the region (St. James Avenue).