Understanding What Your South Carolina Car Accident Case May Be Worth

After a serious car accident, one of the first questions most people ask is: “How much is my case worth?”

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding how South Carolina law handles car accident settlements can help you set realistic expectations.

The truth is, settlement amounts depend on several factors — from the severity of your injuries to who was at fault and the amount of insurance coverage available.

Let’s explore how settlements are calculated, what influences them, and what you can do to protect your right to full compensation.

How Car Accident Settlements Work in South Carolina

In South Carolina, most car accident cases are resolved through insurance settlements rather than jury trials.

When you file a personal injury claim, you’re essentially asking the at-fault driver’s insurance company to compensate you for your losses — including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, insurance companies rarely make fair offers up front. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, which is why working with an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney can make such a difference. A lawyer can evaluate the full value of your damages and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

Average Settlement Amounts in South Carolina

Every case is unique, but most car accident settlements in South Carolina tend to fall within a wide range — anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000 for moderate injury cases.

More severe cases involving long-term disabilities, catastrophic injuries, or wrongful death can reach six- or seven-figure amounts.

Here’s a general breakdown:

• Minor injuries: $10,000 – $25,000
• Moderate injuries (fractures, concussions, etc.): $25,000 – $100,000
• Severe injuries (spinal injuries, TBI, permanent disability): $100,000 – $1,000,000+
• Wrongful death or catastrophic loss: Often exceeds $1 million, depending on insurance coverage and damages

It’s important to remember: these figures are estimates, not guarantees. The value of your specific case depends on a detailed analysis of your damages, liability, and long-term effects.

Key Factors That Influence Settlement Value

Several variables determine how much compensation you may receive. Below are the main factors insurance adjusters, attorneys, and courts consider:

1. Severity of Your Injuries

The more serious your injuries, the higher your potential settlement. For example:

• A soft tissue injury might lead to a smaller settlement.
• A broken bone or herniated disc could significantly increase your case value.
• Permanent impairments, surgeries, or long-term medical care often result in the highest payouts.

2. Medical Expenses

Your total medical costs — including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications — form the foundation of your claim. Future treatment costs are also factored in, especially if your injuries require ongoing care.

3. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries keep you out of work, you can recover lost income. In more serious cases, if you can’t return to your previous job or must switch to lower-paying work, your personal injury attorney may also seek compensation for loss of future earning potential.

4. Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering represent the emotional and physical toll of your accident — things like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or loss of enjoyment of life. These are often calculated using a multiplier method (for example, multiplying your medical costs by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of your suffering).

5. Fault and Negligence

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident.

However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, your recovery would be $80,000.

6. Insurance Policy Limits

Even if your damages are extensive, the insurance coverage available can cap your recovery. South Carolina law requires minimum coverage limits of:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury (if multiple people are injured)
• $25,000 for property damage

If your damages exceed these limits, your attorney may explore other avenues — like suing additional responsible parties or using underinsured motorist coverage (UIM).

Examples of Car Accident Settlements in South Carolina

While privacy laws limit public disclosure, these examples illustrate how various factors influence results:

• Rear-End Collision (Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries): $20,000 – $30,000
• Head-On Crash (Fractures and Surgery): $80,000 – $150,000
• Commercial Truck Accident (Severe Injuries): $500,000+
• Wrongful Death from DUI Collision: $1,000,000+

Your case value may differ depending on medical documentation, fault determination, and the skill of your attorney in presenting evidence.

How Insurance Companies Calculate Settlements

Insurance adjusters don’t just pull numbers out of thin air. They use internal formulas and claim software (like Colossus) that consider:

• Medical treatment codes and severity
• Lost income documentation
• Type and duration of medical care
• Claim history and jurisdiction

Unfortunately, these systems often undervalue non-economic damages such as emotional distress and pain. That’s why having a lawyer who can tell your story beyond the numbers is critical.

How an Attorney Can Increase Your Settlement

Hiring a skilled car accident attorney in South Carolina can make a significant difference in your final settlement. Here’s how they add value:

• Evidence Gathering: Collecting police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
• Proving Fault: Reconstructing the accident and working with experts when needed.
• Negotiation Power: Knowing the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts.
• Trial Readiness: Insurers often offer better settlements when they know the attorney is prepared to go to court.
• Valuing Non-Economic Damages: Properly calculating pain, suffering, and long-term effects.

In short, a lawyer ensures your case is backed by evidence and presented persuasively — not left to the insurance company’s discretion.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim in South Carolina

South Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident (S.C. Code § 15-3-530).

A two-year statute of limitations would apply for some defendants, such as against a Governmental entity.

Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation.

That’s why it’s crucial to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident — before evidence is lost and deadlines pass.

Tips to Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim

• Get immediate medical attention — even if injuries seem minor.
• Keep detailed records of all expenses, treatments, and missed work.
• Avoid speaking to the insurance company before consulting an attorney.
• Don’t post about the accident or your injuries on social media.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer early to preserve your rights.

Get a Free Case Evaluation in South Carolina

If you were injured in a car accident anywhere in South Carolina — from Charleston to Columbia, Myrtle Beach, or Greenville — you deserve to know what your case is truly worth.

At Chandler Law Firm, we’ve helped countless accident victims recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to get you the maximum recovery possible.

Call 843-448-4357 today or fill out our online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.