Columbia, SC Personal Injury Lawyers Near You
The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers is a Columbia, South Carolina–based personal injury law firm with more than 80 years of combined experience representing people injured by negligence. The firm focuses exclusively on injury and accident cases and has secured multi-million-dollar and six-figure recoveries for victims of car accidents, truck crashes, wrongful death, and other serious injuries. In addition to a long record of results, The Louthian Firm is recognized by established legal directories, maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and has earned consistent positive client reviews praising the firm’s responsiveness, professionalism, and commitment to injured clients. With deep local roots and a contingency-fee model, the firm is built to put clients first from start to finish.
Directions to Our Columbia, SC Office
Injury Lawyers for Columbia
The Louthian Firm Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Columbia
1116 Blanding St UNIT 3A
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 454-1200
Office Hours: Open 24 Hours
Ready to Get Started?
Getting injured can leave you with a lot of questions. Our firm offers free, immediate case evaluations to help you understand your legal options.
If you’re not ready to speak with a Columbia injury lawyer just yet, the information below walks through what to do after an accident and how we assist clients during the claims process.
How a Columbia, SC Personal Injury Attorney Can Help With Your Case
Thinking about talking with a Columbia personal injury lawyer? Our firm makes the process simple by offering free injury case evaluations by phone, along with the option to connect by text, email, or in person. If you were hurt because of someone else’s negligence, working with an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and put you on a path toward fair compensation. Whether your case involves a car accident, motorcycle crash, or another type of injury, our team is ready to help.
Why Choose The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers in South Carolina?
Decades of Local Experience
The Louthian Firm has deep roots in South Carolina and brings more than 80 years of combined legal experience to personal injury and accident cases. Based in Columbia and serving clients across the state, the firm has spent decades helping injured individuals and families navigate serious injury claims, insurance disputes, and complex litigation. Their long-standing presence reflects a consistent focus on injury law and a strong understanding of South Carolina courts and communities.
No Upfront Fees
The Louthian Firm represents injury victims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Attorney fees are only collected if compensation is recovered through a settlement or verdict. This approach allows injured clients to pursue justice without added financial pressure and keeps the firm fully aligned with achieving the best possible outcome for each case.
Trusted Reputation and Professional Recognition
The firm’s work is supported by both client feedback and independent third-party recognition, including:
- An A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Listings and recognition from established legal directories such as Martindale-Hubbell
- Consistent positive client reviews in Google highlighting communication, professionalism, and dedication to injury cases
Proven Results in Serious Injury Cases
The Louthian Firm has secured multi-million-dollar and six-figure recoveries for clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including car accidents, truck crashes, and catastrophic injury claims. These results reflect the firm’s ability to take on insurance companies and pursue meaningful compensation for medical costs, lost income, and long-term harm caused by negligence.
Personal Injury Cases We’ve Handled
The Louthian Firm Attorneys and Injury Law Team
At The Louthian Firm, injury cases are handled with a client-first approach focused on results, communication, and accountability. The firm represents injured clients on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients do not pay upfront legal fees and attorneys are compensated only when a recovery is secured. This structure keeps the focus on moving cases forward efficiently while pursuing fair compensation for those harmed by negligence.
Bert Louthian
Injury Attorney
As a longtime Columbia personal injury attorney, Bert Louthian brings decades of experience representing individuals and families in serious injury and wrongful death cases across South Carolina. His practice centers on helping clients understand their options, protecting their rights against insurance companies, and guiding them through each stage of the legal process with clarity and care.
What Our Clients Say:
Former clients have left more than 200 positive online reviews based on their experiences working with our team. Because no two cases are the same, results will vary, but our focus remains on strong communication and attentive representation. We would be glad to take the time to review your case and explain your options.
How Our Experience Can Make a Big Difference in Our Clients’ Compensation
Insurance companies often move quickly to close injury claims for less than they are worth. Having the right legal team involved early can change that dynamic. The Louthian Firm approaches injury cases with careful preparation and a clear strategy designed to strengthen a claim before negotiations begin.
By fully documenting injuries, losses, and long-term impact, the firm places clients in a stronger position when dealing with insurers. This approach has led to significant recoveries in serious injury and wrongful death cases, including results that reached the seven-figure range when liability and damages were fully established.
If you want your case evaluated with results in mind, contact The Louthian Firm for a free consultation and find out what your injury claim may truly be worth.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Columbia, SC
At The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers, our practice is centered on helping people who have been injured because someone else failed to act responsibly. We handle a wide range of personal injury and car accident cases across South Carolina, and we approach each one with careful attention to the details that can make a real difference in the outcome.
Car Accidents
Car accident cases make up a significant portion of the injury claims we handle. Many of these cases involve drivers or passengers who are suddenly dealing with serious injuries, medical treatment, lost income, and insurance companies that move quickly to limit what they pay. We regularly represent people injured in car accidents caused by distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, failure to yield, and other forms of negligence.
A common issue in car accident cases is undervaluation. Early settlement offers often fail to account for future medical care, long-term limitations, or the full impact an injury has on daily life. We approach car accident cases by building leverage early, documenting damages thoroughly, and positioning claims for stronger outcomes. This strategy has led to meaningful recoveries in serious injury and wrongful death cases, including results that reached the seven-figure range when insurers initially resisted paying fair value. Throughout the process, we keep our clients informed while we handle negotiations and prepare cases for litigation when necessary. If you were hurt in a car accident, contact our Columbia car accident lawyer near you to discuss what your claim should actually cover and what steps to take next.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious, life-altering injuries because riders have little protection on the road. We represent motorcyclists who were injured due to careless driving, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, and other negligent behavior. These crashes frequently lead to extensive medical treatment, time away from work, and long recovery periods that insurance companies tend to downplay.
Motorcycle claims are often treated differently by insurers, with unfair assumptions or attempts to shift blame onto the rider. We push back by clearly establishing fault and documenting the full impact of the injuries, both now and in the future. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, contact our Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your options and get guidance before dealing with the insurance company.
Commercial Truck Accidents
Crashes involving commercial trucks tend to be more complex and more severe than typical car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. When a truck driver, trucking company, or third party behaves negligently, the results can be catastrophic. We handle truck accident claims where injuries are serious and the road to recovery is long, helping clients understand how liability works and what compensation may be available under South Carolina law.
Truck accident claims often involve multiple insurance policies, regulatory issues, and aggressive defense tactics from trucking companies and their adjusters. We investigate truck collisions thoroughly, gather evidence from the scene, and work to build a strong case that reflects all of the damages you’ve suffered. If you were injured in a truck crash, contact our Columbia truck accident lawyer to review your case and learn how we can help you pursue full and fair compensation.
Slips and Falls
Slip and fall accidents often happen because property owners fail to address dangerous conditions or provide proper warnings. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, broken steps, poor lighting, and other hazards can lead to serious injuries that disrupt daily life. We represent people who were hurt on commercial property, private property, or public spaces where unsafe conditions should have been prevented.
These cases are often challenged by insurance companies that try to downplay injuries or deny responsibility altogether. We focus on identifying how the hazard developed, whether it should have been corrected, and how the injury has affected your ability to work and live normally. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, contact our Columbia premises liability lawyer to talk through what happened and determine whether you have a valid claim.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are especially vulnerable when sharing the road with cars and trucks. Even a low-speed collision can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and soft-tissue damage. We represent cyclists who were injured due to careless driving, failure to yield, unsafe passing, or distracted motorists who failed to watch for riders.
Insurance companies often underestimate bicycle accident injuries or attempt to place blame on the cyclist. We work to establish how the crash occurred, document the full scope of injuries, and address the long-term effects on your health and daily activities. If you were hurt while riding a bicycle, contact our Columbia bicycle accident lawyer to review your case and learn what steps to take next.
Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma, especially for children. Infections, scarring, nerve damage, and psychological effects are common after an attack. We represent individuals who were bitten or attacked by dogs when the owner failed to properly control or restrain the animal, whether the incident occurred in a neighborhood, public space, or on private property.
Dog bite claims are often complicated by disputes over responsibility and insurance coverage. We help clients understand how liability applies, gather the evidence needed to support the claim, and pursue compensation for medical treatment, scarring, and other related losses. Our Columbia dog bite lawyers are here to discuss your situation and find out what options may be available.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians have little protection when struck by a vehicle, which often leads to serious or life-changing injuries. These accidents commonly happen in crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, and residential areas when drivers fail to yield, speed, or become distracted. We represent pedestrians who were injured while walking, jogging, or standing lawfully on or near the roadway.
Pedestrian accident claims can involve significant medical treatment, long recovery periods, and lasting limitations that insurance companies may try to minimize. We work to establish how the collision occurred, document the full extent of the injuries, and pursue compensation that reflects the long-term impact on your life. If you were hit by a vehicle while walking, contact our Columbia pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss what happened and learn what steps to take next.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is devastating for a family, both emotionally and financially. In South Carolina, a wrongful death claim allows certain family members to pursue compensation for the full impact of that loss, including final medical expenses, burial costs, lost income, and the intangible toll of grief and loss of companionship. These claims are brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate and surviving relatives by the personal representative of the estate, and they require careful handling to ensure the law is followed and your family’s rights are protected.
Wrongful death claims are often complex because the injured party isn’t alive to speak for themselves, and insurers may rush to settle for far less than your family deserves. We help grieving families navigate these legal challenges by explaining how South Carolina’s wrongful death laws work, documenting your losses, and pursuing fair compensation through negotiation or litigation when necessary. If your family has lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact our Columbia wrongful death lawyer to discuss your situation and find out how we can help you pursue justice and financial support during this difficult time.
Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home residents deserve safe, respectful care, but abuse and neglect still occur far too often. These cases may involve untreated medical conditions, poor hygiene, malnutrition, medication errors, falls, or emotional and physical abuse. We represent residents and families who have noticed warning signs that a loved one’s basic needs are being ignored or that their safety has been put at risk.
Nursing home cases can be difficult because facilities and insurers may deny responsibility or blame a resident’s health condition. We work to uncover what happened, identify failures in care, and pursue accountability when a facility’s actions or inaction caused harm. Our goal is to protect vulnerable residents and help families seek compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and other losses. If you believe a loved one has been harmed in a nursing home, contact our Columbia nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your concerns and learn what steps you can take next.
Workers’ Compensation
If you were injured on the job in Columbia or elsewhere in South Carolina, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to help cover medical treatment and a portion of lost wages after a work-related injury or occupational illness, regardless of who was at fault. Unfortunately, many injured workers run into delays, denials, or confusion when trying to access the benefits they are supposed to receive.
Workers’ compensation claims can become complicated, especially when an employer disputes how the injury happened, argues that it wasn’t work-related, or pushes an injured worker to return before they’re ready. We help injured workers understand their rights, navigate the claims process, and address issues such as denied benefits, inadequate medical care, or disputes over disability ratings. If you were hurt at work, contact our Columbia workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your situation and make sure your claim is handled properly.
Car Accident Lawyer in Columbia, South Carolina
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Columbia or the surrounding area, you may be unsure what to do next.
Columbia auto accident injury attorneys
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can quickly become overwhelming. Injuries, medical appointments, time away from work, and insurance company calls can add stress at a time when you should be focused on recovery.
Working with an experienced Columbia car accident lawyer near you can make this process feel more manageable. The right law firm can step in, handle communication with insurers, and help protect your claim from being undervalued. The challenge is knowing who to trust when so many firms compete for your case.
Here Are Some Reasons why we believe we are the right choice:
- More than 80 years of combined experience focused on personal injury and wrongful death cases across South Carolina
- Proven results, including multi-million-dollar and six-figure recoveries in serious injury and wrongful death cases
- More positive online reviews, reflecting strong client satisfaction and communication
- No upfront fees. You pay nothing unless compensation is recovered on your behalf
- Trial-ready representation when insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement
The Columbia car accident lawyers at The Louthian Firm are committed to helping injured clients pursue the compensation they need to move forward.
And if you’re not quite ready to take that step yet, we understand. Below, we explain how a Columbia car accident attorney can help guide you through the claims process and protect your rights after a crash.
What to Do (and What Not to Do) After a Car Accident in Columbia, SC
The moments after a car accident can be confusing and stressful, especially if you’re dealing with injuries or shaken nerves. What you do, and what you avoid doing, can have a real impact on your ability to recover compensation under South Carolina law.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
Don’t say anything that could be taken as admitting fault.
South Carolina is a fault-based state, which means statements made at the scene can later be used to reduce or deny your claim. Even casual remarks like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be misunderstood or taken out of context.
Don’t give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster right away.
Insurance companies often ask for recorded statements early, but their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your claim. It’s best to avoid giving any recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an experienced Columbia car accident attorney near you who understands how these claims are handled.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident
Get medical help as soon as possible.
Your health comes first. If you’re injured, call 911 and request medical assistance. Even if you feel okay, seek medical care as soon as you can. Injuries like whiplash, head trauma, or internal injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Call law enforcement and get an accident report.
For serious crashes, injuries, or significant vehicle damage, contacting the police is important. A South Carolina accident report can become a key piece of evidence when dealing with insurance companies later.
Exchange information with the other driver.
Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details. Try to stay calm and keep the interaction brief.
Collect witness information.
If anyone saw the accident, ask for their names and contact details. Independent witnesses can be extremely helpful if there’s a dispute about how the crash happened.
Take photos and document the scene.
If you’re able, take pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and your injuries. This documentation can help support your claim and preserve details that may fade over time.
Notify your insurance company.
Report the accident promptly, but keep your statement factual and brief. Avoid speculating about fault or the severity of your injuries.
Talk to a car accident lawyer before accepting any offer.
Car accident claims in South Carolina can involve more than just vehicle repairs. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand what your claim may include, protect you from unfair settlement offers, and guide you through the process from start to finish.
How a Car Accident Lawyer in Columbia, SC Can Help You
Even thinking about hiring a car accident lawyer in Columbia after a crash can feel overwhelming. You may already be dealing with injuries, car repairs, missed work, and uncertainty about what comes next. Still, speaking with an attorney can be an important step toward protecting yourself and moving forward.
Having an auto accident lawyer on your side means you don’t have to face the insurance company alone. An experienced Columbia car accident attorney can help look out for your rights, handle the legal details, and work to make the process less stressful. Below are just a few of the ways a Columbia, SC car accident lawyer can help you after a crash.
Collecting Relevant Evidence
In many car accident cases, the outcome depends heavily on the evidence that’s available. The more clearly the facts can be shown, the stronger your claim may be. A Columbia car accident lawyer can help identify what evidence matters most and work to gather and preserve it on your behalf.
This may include items such as:
- Official South Carolina accident reports
- Medical records and treatment documentation
- Photographs or video footage, including nearby security or traffic cameras when available
That said, there are limits to what an attorney can obtain after the fact. Some of the most valuable evidence is only available in the moments right after a crash, before vehicles are moved or scenes change.
If you are able to do so safely, try to collect the following at the scene of the accident:
- Names and contact information for everyone involved
- Insurance details for the other driver or drivers
- Contact information for any witnesses who saw what happened
- The name of the responding officer and the accident report number
- Photos of vehicle damage, the roadway, traffic signals, and visible injuries
The more information that’s preserved early on, the better equipped your Columbia car accident attorney will be to evaluate your case, address insurance questions, and build a strong claim moving forward.
Assessing Damages
Understanding the value of a car accident claim is a key part of the recovery process. In legal terms, “damages” refer to the financial compensation that may be available to help cover the losses caused by someone else’s negligence. Knowing what those losses include is not always straightforward, especially when injuries affect your life in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
A Columbia auto wreck lawyer can help evaluate how a crash has impacted you and determine what compensation may be available under South Carolina law. Depending on the circumstances of your case, damages may include:
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment costs
- Hospital stays and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Reduced earning ability if injuries affect your job long-term
- Pain and emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of daily life
Many people settle too early simply because they don’t realize what compensation may be available. Taking the time to understand your rights can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. If you want help evaluating the full value of your claim, contact a Columbia car accident attorney near you to discuss your case and assess your potential compensation.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
It’s rare for an insurance company to offer full and fair compensation right away after a car accident. In most cases, reaching a settlement involves negotiation, and insurers often push back in an effort to limit what they pay.
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to collect premiums and resolve claims for as little as possible. Without experience dealing with these tactics, it can be difficult to know when an offer falls short or how to respond.
We regularly handle negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of injured clients in Columbia and throughout South Carolina. By presenting clear evidence, documenting damages thoroughly, and pushing back against low offers, we work to pursue compensation that reflects the true impact of a crash. If you’re facing an insurance company after a car accident, our car accident lawyers in Columbia are prepared to step in and handle the negotiations so you don’t have to.
Preparing for Trial, if Necessary
While most car accident cases are resolved through settlement, there are situations where an insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. Preparing for trial may be necessary to pursue your rights under South Carolina law.
Preparing a case for trial involves many detailed steps, including:
- Filing pretrial motions and legal briefs
- Conducting discovery, including reviewing documents and taking depositions
- Preparing witnesses and expert testimony
- Jury selection and trial preparation
These steps require experience and careful planning. We prepare every car accident case with the possibility of trial in mind so that, if negotiations fail, your case is positioned to move forward. Having a trial-ready car accident lawyer in Columbia, SC ensures you are prepared for every stage of the process.
Car Crash Statistics in Columbia / Richland County, SC
If you’re reading this, you already know how common car accidents are. Across South Carolina, traffic collisions occur every day at a steady pace. According to data published by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the state recorded more than 140,000 traffic crashes in a single year, which works out to hundreds of crashes each day statewide. Many of those collisions happen in and around urban areas like Columbia, where traffic volume is higher and major roadways intersect.
Over time, statewide crash data shows that vehicle collisions remain a persistent issue, particularly in counties with dense populations and heavy commuter traffic. Richland County, which includes Columbia, consistently ranks among the counties with higher crash activity due to busy corridors, intersections, and daily traffic flow. Commercial vehicle crashes follow similar patterns, especially along major routes used for regional and interstate travel.
State crash reports also show that a significant share of collisions result in injuries. While most crashes involve property damage only, tens of thousands of people are injured on South Carolina roads each year. Fatal crashes make up a smaller percentage of total collisions, but they continue to occur annually, underscoring how serious even a routine drive can become when something goes wrong.
Whether a car accident happens in downtown Columbia, on a major roadway, or in a surrounding Richland County community, the impact can be disruptive and long-lasting. Understanding how common these crashes are helps explain why it’s important to take injuries seriously and protect your rights after an accident.
What Do the Statistics Tell Us About Some Common Assumptions?
South Carolina crash data challenges many common assumptions about who is most likely to be involved in a car accident and when those crashes occur. Statewide reports show that older drivers account for a large share of reported crashes, in part because they represent a significant portion of licensed drivers and tend to drive more frequently during the day. Younger drivers, including teens, make up a smaller overall percentage of crashes than many people expect, even though inexperience still plays a role in certain accidents.
Crash patterns also vary by day of the week and time of day. Across South Carolina, collisions are more common during weekday afternoon and early evening hours, when traffic congestion is at its highest. While many crashes occur in daylight, fatal accidents are more likely to happen at night or in low-light conditions, particularly on weekends when impaired driving and reduced visibility are more common.
What This Means for Drivers in Columbia
Car accidents aren’t limited to one age group, time of day, or type of driver. Heavy traffic, routine commutes, and everyday driving conditions all contribute to collision risk in Columbia and throughout Richland County. Understanding these patterns reinforces why injuries should always be taken seriously and why knowing your legal options after a crash can be an important step toward protecting yourself and your recovery.
Columbia Driving Safety Tips
Avoiding a car accident in the first place is always the best outcome. In Columbia, many crashes happen when drivers are rushed, distracted, or trying to make up time during busy commutes. Planning and awareness can go a long way toward staying safe on the road.
- Pay attention to speed limits and traffic flow. Speeding, even slightly, increases the risk of a crash, especially on busy Columbia roads and during peak commute hours. It’s easy to creep over the limit when you’re running late, but slowing down can help prevent serious accidents.
- Limit distractions behind the wheel. Distracted driving remains a leading cause of crashes. Put your phone away, avoid multitasking, and keep your focus on the road, especially in high-traffic areas and intersections.
- Plan ahead for traffic and road conditions. Congestion, construction, and road closures are common in and around Columbia. Checking traffic conditions before you leave can help you choose a better route and avoid the frustration that often leads to rushed or aggressive driving.
Most accidents happen during routine trips when drivers feel pressured or distracted. Staying alert, allowing extra travel time, and driving defensively can reduce your risk and help keep you and others safer on the road.
Most Popular Car Insurance Companies in Columbia, SC
Drivers in Columbia are insured by a wide mix of national and regional insurance companies. Based on market presence in South Carolina and consumer reporting sources, some of the most commonly used auto insurance providers in the Columbia area include:
- State Farm – One of the largest auto insurers in South Carolina, known for local agents and a broad range of coverage options.
- GEICO – A popular choice for drivers looking for competitive pricing and online policy management.
- Progressive – Frequently chosen for flexible policy options and usage-based insurance programs.
- Allstate – A well-established insurer offering bundled policies and local agent support.
- USAA – Available to military members and their families, and often highly rated for customer satisfaction.
While these companies may differ in pricing, coverage options, and customer experience, they all have one thing in common: after an accident, their goal is to limit what they pay on a claim. Initial settlement offers are often lower than what an injury claim may truly be worth, regardless of how well-known or well-reviewed the insurer may be.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Columbia or elsewhere in Richland County, it’s important to understand your rights before agreeing to any settlement or signing paperwork. Speaking with an experienced Columbia car accident attorney near you can help you evaluate an offer and avoid accepting less than you deserve.
Average Wait Times At The Richland County Courthouse
Handling a car accident claim often involves filing documents, responding to motions, and meeting court deadlines. If you try to manage this on your own, it can mean spending hours at the courthouse, taking time off work, and navigating procedures that aren’t always clear. Court wait times and scheduling issues can slow a case down, especially for people who are unfamiliar with the process.
When you work with our firm, we handle the court-related aspects of your case for you. That includes preparing and filing paperwork, tracking deadlines, and communicating with the court so you don’t have to spend your time waiting in line or worrying about procedural requirements. For general reference, information about court operations and processing times is available through the Richland County Clerk of Court, but having an attorney manage these steps can help keep your case moving forward while you focus on recovery.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Columbia, SC Today
If you still have questions about how a Columbia car accident lawyer can help, we’re here to talk. Getting clear answers early can make a difference in how your case moves forward.
Our team brings more than 80 years of combined experience representing injured people across South Carolina, and we’re committed to protecting your rights every step of the way. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
Contact us by phone, text, or email to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and explain how we can help you take the next step.
Personal Injury FAQs
Can I Seek Compensation if I Was Injured by a Driver Who Was Texting?
Yes. Texting while driving is considered distracted driving under South Carolina law and can be used to establish negligence in a car accident claim. If another driver was texting or using their phone at the time of the crash, that behavior may support your right to seek compensation for injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. Evidence such as phone records, witness statements, or police reports can help show how distraction contributed to the collision.
What Other Types of Driving Mistakes Can Support Claims for Compensation?
Many car accidents are caused by careless or reckless driving. In South Carolina, common forms of driver negligence that may support a compensation claim include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Following too closely
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Unsafe lane changes or merges
- Illegal turns or improper passing
- Other inattentive or reckless behavior
If a driver violated traffic laws or failed to operate their vehicle safely, that conduct may be used to establish fault.
Can Non-driver-related Issues Support Claims for Compensation?
Yes. While driver error is the most common cause of crashes, some accidents involve additional factors. In South Carolina, injury claims may also arise from issues such as defective vehicle parts, poor vehicle maintenance, improperly loaded cargo, unsafe road conditions, or negligent repairs. In these situations, liability may extend beyond the driver to manufacturers, maintenance providers, employers, or other responsible parties.
What Are My Options if the Driver Who Hit Me Was Uninsured?
South Carolina does not require personal injury protection coverage, but drivers are required to carry liability insurance. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or does not have enough coverage to fully compensate you, you may still have options, including:
- Filing a claim under your uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if your policy includes it
- Pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver personally
- Exploring whether another party may be responsible, such as an employer, if the driver was working at the time of the crash
- Filing a claim against the vehicle owner if the driver was not the owner
- Identifying other contributing factors, such as a vehicle defect or unsafe road conditions
Understanding which options apply depends on the details of your case and the insurance coverage involved.
Richland County Client Outcomes
To help you understand how car accident claims can play out, here are a few real settlement examples from cases handled by our firm. Every case is different, but these results show how proper preparation and negotiation can significantly impact the outcome.
Car Accident – Rear-End Collision in Heavy Traffic
Our client was stopped in heavy traffic when another driver failed to pay attention and rear-ended their vehicle. The insurance company initially offered just $6,914, attempting to minimize the claim. After building the case and pushing back, we secured a $300,000 settlement for our client.
Car Accident – Rear-Ended at a Red Light
In this case, our client was fully stopped at a red light when another driver crashed into the back of their vehicle while driving too fast for conditions. The insurer’s initial offer was $100,000, but after negotiation using both liability and underinsured motorist coverage, the case resolved for $375,000.
Car Accident – High-Speed Rear-End Crash
Our client was driving on the highway when they were rear-ended by another driver traveling at a high rate of speed. The insurance company attempted to limit compensation early on, offering $100,000. Through continued advocacy, the case ultimately settled for $410,700.
Injury Accident Settlement Results
We’ve helped injured clients recover compensation across a range of accident cases. Below are a few examples of results obtained through careful preparation and persistent advocacy:
- $410.7k – Car Accident
Client was rear-ended on the highway by a driver traveling at high speed. Settlement obtained through liability and underinsured motorist coverage. - $375k – Car Accident
Client was stopped at a red light and rear-ended by a driver going too fast for conditions. - $300k – Car Accident
Client was stopped in heavy traffic when another driver failed to pay attention and caused a rear-end collision. - $490k – Prescription Misfill Injury
Pharmacy error resulted in hospitalization due to incorrect medication being dispensed. - $200k – Slip and Fall
Client suffered a serious ankle fracture due to unsafe construction of steps on a university campus. - $100k – Pedestrian Accident
Client was struck while walking in a parking garage.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. View our recent results.
