• Distracted Driving
• Driving Too Fast For Conditions
• Failure to Yield the Right of Way
• Driving While Drowsy
• Driving While Under the Influence
• Aggressive Driving (speeding, tailgating, etc.)
• Driver Negligence

1. Call 911.
2. If it is a minor fender bender, it’s best to move off the roadway. If there are serious injuries or if your vehicle is disabled, it’s probably best to wait for police to arrive and instruct you.
   Do not leave the scene of the accident until the police instruct you to.
3. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible for any injuries. Even if you do not need emergency medical aid, you should still get yourself checked by a doctor after a car accident.
4. You should only seek reasonable and necessary medical treatment after an accident.
5. Gather as much information as you can:
   • The other driver’s name and contact information.
   • The other driver’s insurance information (company name and policy number).
   • The other vehicle’s license plate number.
   • Any witnesses’ contact information (name, phone number and email address).
   • Photographs of the accident scene.
   • Photographs of the vehicles involved.
   • Take note of the driving conditions (the time of day, the weather, etc.).
   • The name and contact information for the responding police officer.
   • The police report (or at least the police report number).
   • Report the accident to your insurance company.
   • Do not admit fault to the other driver or the other driver’s insurance company.
   • Seek help from a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can ensure that your legal rights and financial interests are protected throughout the entire process.
   • Keep all of your records organized (medical records, receipts, paperwork for any insurance company, etc.).

• DO NOT give a recorded statement to an insurance company.
• DO NOT sign an insurance company’s medical records release.
• ALWAYS file medical bills with your health insurance company, Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare.
• DO NOT post on social media about the accident or injuries.
• DO NOT sign a release before speaking with an attorney.

In order to hold another driver liable for a car accident, we have to show that they caused the accident. In South Carolina, we use the negligence standard. Negligence seems simple, but there are four prongs that must be proven: (1) duty, (2) breach, (3) causation and (4) damages.

1. Duty: an obligation or responsibility.
2. Breach: the failure to follow a duty.
3. Causation: there has to be a causal connection between the breach and your injuries.
4. Damages: you must have suffered actual damages.

Under South Carolina law, there are strict time limits to bring a claim. In most instances, you will have three (3) years from the date of your injury to take action.  HOWEVER, there are instances where the time limit is significantly less. For example, if the defendant is a government entity, municipality, or political subdivision, the time limit may be even shorter.  Failure to act within the time limit will result in you losing your right to seek compensation.

• How did the accident happen?
• What caused the accident?
• Where did the accident happen?
• Was anyone ticketed?
• Do you have the form (FR-10) with the drivers’ and insurance information?
• Who did the officer say caused the collision?
• Where were you seated in the vehicle?
• Were there any passengers? If so, do you have their contact information?
• Were there any witnesses? If so, do you have their contact information?
• Were you injured?
• Was anyone else involved in the accident injured?
• Were you taken to the hospital? If so, which hospital and were you taken by EMS?
• What medical treatment did you receive?
• If you did not go to the hospital, when and where did you first receive medical treatment?
• Are you still suffering from your injuries?

Liability Insurance: provides insured party protection against claims resulting from injuries and damage to other people or property.  If you are in a collision caused by an insured driver, their liability insurance will provide coverage for your injuries and property damage.

Underinsured Insurance: provides coverage when the at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage isn’t enough to cover your medical expenses.

Uninsured Insurance: protects you if you are in an accident with an at-fault driver that DOES NOT have liability insurance coverage.

Underinsured coverage provides coverage when the at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage isn’t enough to cover your damages.

Example: Your vehicle is rear-ended. The at-fault driver has minimum limits, meaning his insurance coverage is limited to $25,000.00. You seek medical treatment for the injuries you sustained in the accident, and incur $35,000.00 in medical expenses. The at-fault driver’s liability limit of $25,000.00 is NOT enough to cover your $35,000.00 in medical expenses. If you have underinsured coverage, we are able to seek compensation from your insurance company to ensure you’re made whole.

Underinsured coverage is optional coverage that MUST be offered by your insurance company.

Uninsured coverage protects you if you are in an accident with an at-fault driver that DOES NOT have liability insurance coverage.

Example: Your vehicle is rear-ended. The at-fault driver does NOT have car insurance. You seek medical treatment for the injuries you sustained in the accident, and incur $35,000.00 in medical expenses. If you have uninsured coverage, we are able to seek compensation from your insurance company to ensure you are made whole.

Uninsured coverage is mandatory coverage that MUST be included on your insurance policy. 

If you are injured in a car accident due to the fault of another, you will likely be left with substantial damages. You are entitled to recover any damages you’ve sustained, including non-economic damages. Below is a non-exhaustive list of damages that you may be entitled to:

• Physical injuries
• Medical expenses
• Scars and permanent disabilities
• Damage to your vehicle
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress