After a crash, it’s normal to want to “handle it yourself,” especially if the insurance adjuster sounds helpful.

In South Carolina, you can resolve some accident claims without hiring a car accident attorney.

But there are also many situations where getting legal advice early can protect you from mistakes that reduce (or end) your ability to recover compensation.

Below are practical, South Carolina–specific factors to consider—along with key laws and deadlines—to help you decide.

When you might not need a lawyer

You may be able to handle the claim on your own if all of the following are true:

• No one was hurt (or you’re confident you won’t need medical care later).
• The damage is minor and clearly documented.
• Fault is not disputed (the other driver admits responsibility and the report supports it).
• The insurer is offering to pay a fair amount quickly, in writing, and without pressure.
• You’re not being asked to sign broad releases or give recorded statements that feel one-sided.

Even then, be cautious: injuries can take days to show up, and once you sign a release, you typically can’t reopen the claim.

Signs you should seriously consider talking to a lawyer

Serious injury, ongoing treatment, or future medical needs

If you went to the ER, need imaging, physical therapy, injections, or surgery—or you’re missing work—your claim often involves more than simple reimbursement.

An injury lawyer can help document damages and anticipate common insurer arguments about “gaps in treatment” or pre-existing conditions.

Fault is disputed or you may share some blame

South Carolina uses modified comparative negligence, meaning your recovery can be reduced by your share of fault, and you may be barred from recovery if your fault is greater than the defendant’s.

The South Carolina Supreme Court adopted this framework in Nelson v. Concrete Supply Co. and later opinions routinely apply it. See, e.g., the Court’s discussion of comparative negligence and the Nelson rule in a South Carolina Supreme Court opinion referencing Nelson and comparative negligence. (South Carolina Judicial Branch)

South Carolina’s apportionment statute also affects how fault and damages can be divided among parties. See S.C. Code § 15-38-15 (Contribution Among Tortfeasors/apportionment).

If the other driver (or their insurer) claims you were speeding, distracted, or “came out of nowhere,” legal help may matter because the way fault is framed can directly affect your payout.

The insurance company is pushing for a recorded statement or quick settlement

Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement “just to get your side.” Sometimes that’s routine, but it can also lock you into wording that’s later used to argue you weren’t hurt, you admitted partial fault, or your injuries aren’t related. Early legal advice can help you avoid avoidable missteps.

The other driver may be uninsured or underinsured

South Carolina law requires insurers to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage up to certain limits if you choose it. See S.C. Code § 38-77-140 (minimum liability limits).
And see S.C. Code § 38-77-160 (offer of UM/UIM coverage). (Justia)

UM/UIM claims often have strict notice, documentation, and settlement-approval issues. If coverage questions come up, a lawyer can help you navigate them without accidentally harming your rights.

A commercial vehicle, a rideshare, or multiple vehicles were involved

More parties can mean more insurance policies, more investigators, and more legal complexity. A lawyer can help identify all responsible parties and available coverage.

You’re facing liens or reimbursement claims

Health insurers, Medicare/Medicaid, and some medical providers may claim a right to be reimbursed from your settlement. Handling liens incorrectly can delay settlement or reduce what you keep.

South Carolina deadlines and reporting rules that can affect your case

Reporting the crash

South Carolina law requires immediate notice to law enforcement when an accident involves injury or death. See S.C. Code § 56-5-1260 (immediate report).
There are also written-report requirements in certain circumstances. See S.C. Code § 56-5-1270 (written reports).

Even when a report is not strictly required, a police report can be valuable evidence for fault and insurance negotiations.

Statute of limitations (time to file suit)

Many car accident injury claims are subject to a three-year limitations period in South Carolina (with exceptions depending on the facts). See S.C. Code § 15-3-530 and S.C. Code § 15-3-535.

Waiting too long can result in losing the right to file a lawsuit entirely—even if the insurer was “still reviewing” the claim.

What a lawyer typically does in a South Carolina car accident claim

A car accident lawyer may help by:

• Investigating the crash (photos, video, witness statements, scene documentation).
• Working with medical providers to document injuries and future treatment needs.
• Calculating damages beyond bills (lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering).
• Handling insurance communications and negotiating settlement terms.
• Identifying all applicable coverage (liability, UM/UIM, umbrella policies).
• Filing a lawsuit if needed to preserve your rights before deadlines.
• Coordinating lien resolution so you understand net recovery.

Not every case requires litigation, but preparation often influences settlement leverage.

A practical decision checklist

Consider at least getting a consultation if you answer “yes” to any of these:

• Were you injured, or did symptoms appear after the crash?
• Did the other driver deny fault or blame you?
• Are you missing work or worried about long-term effects?
• Is the insurer delaying, disputing treatment, or pressuring you to settle?
• Is UM/UIM coverage involved, or are policy limits a concern?
• Are there multiple vehicles, a commercial driver, or unclear facts?

Final takeaway

If the crash was truly minor with no injuries and clear liability, you may be able to resolve it without hiring counsel.

But if injuries, disputed fault, insurance complications, or deadlines are in play, speaking with a lawyer early can help you understand options and avoid preventable mistakes—especially under South Carolina’s comparative fault rules and time limits.

If you’ve been in a South Carolina car accident and aren’t sure what to do next, consider scheduling a consultation with a South Carolina attorney to review the crash report, insurance coverage, and your medical situation.

A short conversation can clarify timelines, next steps, and whether it makes sense to handle the claim yourself or get legal help.