According to recent data, typical car accident settlements in South Carolina range from $8,872 for minor (ceolawyer.com). That said, many law firms report settlement amounts anywhere from $25,000 to several hundred thousand dollars, and in catastrophic cases even multi-million-dollar recoveries
Why Settlement Amounts Vary
Injury Severity
The extent of injury severity has a major impact:
- Minor injuries (e.g., soft tissue) yield low settlement amounts
- Moderate injuries (whiplash, sprains) settle around $10,000–$50,000
- Severe injuries like spinal cord injury, neck injury, or permanent injury reach $100,000 or more
Types of Damages
Economic damages include:
- Medical bills, medical expenses, medical costs, emergency room, long-term care, medical treatment
- Lost wages, property damage, vehicle repairs
Non-economic damages cover:
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, emotional damages, emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment or bodily injury
Special damages and general damages are also evaluated depending on each case. Claims may include complex injuries such as herniated discs, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and cervical fractures which may require urgent care center visits or even neuropsychological exam testing.
Fault and Comparative Negligence
South Carolina applies a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages, but your settlement amount is reduced based on fault percentage. This rule is part of South Carolina law and is used frequently in car crash cases and rear-end collisions.
Insurance Policy and Liability
The at-fault party’s insurance coverage, policy limits, and liability insurance impact your claim. If your losses exceed their insurance policy, your personal injury attorney may explore underinsured drivers, uninsured drivers, or additional liable parties.
Evidence and Documentation
Solid evidence strengthens your insurance claims:
- Police reports, witness statements, diagnostic testing, medical reports, accident report
- Demand letter that outlines your injury compensation demands
- Analysis by experts in accident reconstruction or references to prior jury verdict or jury award payouts in similar cases
Settlement Timeline
Step 1: File a Claim
Start with notifying the insurance companies and submitting your claim quickly.
Step 2: Medical Evaluation
Seek medical treatment immediately. Documentation of bodily injury and neural damage will support your case. Get evaluated at an urgent care center or emergency room if needed.
Step 3: Investigation and Negotiation
Your car accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer will gather evidence, send a demand letter, and negotiate with insurance adjusters.
Step 4: Accept or Litigate
If the settlement agreement is fair, you settle. If not, you may go to court. Many personal injury settlements are reached before trial, but complex civil lawsuits may arise in cases involving Strict Liability or multiple liability issues.
FAQs
Can I recover if I’m partially at fault? Yes, under comparative negligence. Your payout is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Is there a deadline to file? Yes. The statute of limitations in South Carolina is 3 years.
What if the other driver has no insurance? You may file against your Underinsured Motorist Coverage or Personal Injury Protection.
Real Examples
- $288,743 for Drunk Driver Failure to Yield
- $725,000 for vehicle total loss
- Multi-million settlements in motor vehicle accident cases
These outcomes depend on injury type, fault, evidence, and law firms’ negotiation skills. Sometimes, cases may include lesser-known scenarios like Seatback Collapse Car Accident, Trampoline Injury, or Rideshare incidents.
How Ted Law Firm Can Help
At Ted Law Firm, we:
- Help document your car accident thoroughly
- Accurately calculate economic damages and non-economic damages
- Navigate complex insurance claims and insurance policy issues
- Handle personal injury claims with precision and care
- Litigate if needed to protect your rights
Call to Action
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in South Carolina, don’t navigate the system alone. Contact Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’re committed to helping you understand your rights, assess your case value, and secure a full recovery. Let our team take on the burden while you focus on healing. Your justice is our mission,reach out now. Speak with a trusted legal team that’s prepared to fight for what you’re owed.
About Ted Law Firm
Ted Law Firm, proudly serves accident victims across South Carolina. With a sharp focus on results, we’ve helped numerous clients secure meaningful settlement outcomes after serious injuries. Our goal is to simplify the legal process while standing by your side every step of the way. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. Whether you’re dealing with insurance companies, handling medical expenses, or pursuing fair injury compensation, we’re here to guide you toward a better future. Contact us today for a free consultation
