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Last Modified on Apr 06, 2026
Car collisions can lead to more than bodily injuries. In the aftermath of a collision, injured victims can face steep medical bills, missed time from work, and emotional harm. The purpose of a car settlement is to address those setbacks, so the injured party does not face long-term financial hardships. One key first step in the injury claims process is to understand average car accident settlement amounts in South Carolina.
Is My Case Eligible for a Settlement in South Carolina?
Whether your collision occurred along Interstate 26, Interstate 95, U.S. Route 17, or elsewhere in South Carolina, you may be eligible for compensation. In 2023, South Carolinians drove 60,794 million miles, and anyone who takes to the road in this state could potentially be hit by a negligent driver. In fact, car crashes occur at an average rate of one every 3.7 minutes in this state, and a collision-related injury happens once every 15.4 minutes.
When a car, motorcycle, or truck crash results from one or more drivers’ negligence, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation by working with an injury lawyer. One common cause of negligent driving is distracted driving, which caused 315,167 injuries in 2024. Texting, messaging, talking on the phone, and eating while driving are all common causes of distraction while driving.
Factors That Influence the Size of Car Accident Settlements
No two car accident settlements are the same, but various factors can shape the outcome of an injury claim. One is the severity of the injury someone suffers from a car crash. Following a car collision, injured drivers and passengers may be taken to McLeod Health Clarendon, Prisma Health Baptist Hospital Emergency Room, or elsewhere for urgent medical treatments that can leave patients with steep medical bills.
South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule can also play a significant role in shaping the outcome of an injury claim. Under South Carolina Code § 15-38-15, you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for a collision, you could receive $30,000 from a $40,000 settlement.
Other factors that could influence the size of a settlement include:
- Whether the injury leads to missed work or reduced earning capacity over time
- The availability and limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage
- Whether uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage applies to supplement recovery
- The strength of the evidence, including crash reports, photos, and witness statements
- The extent of pain and suffering tied to the injury and recovery process
- Whether multiple parties share liability for the collision
- How clearly the fault is established based on the facts of the crash
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you secure fair compensation from the at-fault party. Lawyers plan an active role in shaping the outcome of an injury claim by gathering evidence and building a strong claim that accounts for the tangible and intangible losses someone suffers from a car collision.
Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you suffered financial hardships and setbacks due to a car collision, your first step should be to hire a car accident lawyer who understands the state’s complex car accident laws. A South Carolina car accident attorney can take the time to build a strong car accident case that leads to significant compensation by gathering documentation and medical records that detail the types of harm you endured.
When needed, a lawyer can take a case to court or trial seeking a settlement. Deas Law Firm can provide unwavering legal support throughout your case. Our lead attorney brings more than 25 years of experience to the matters and a track record of helping clients receive the full compensation that they are owed.
FAQs
How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements in SC?
Every car accident settlement is determined by the facts and circumstances of individual cases, so there is no easy way to state the value of “most car accident settlements.” The main factors that shape the outcome of an injury claim include the severity of the injury, the financial setbacks a claimant suffers, and the degree of negligence and liability that is established through an investigation.
How Much of a $25K Settlement Will I Get?
The amount that someone receives from a $25K settlement depends on their degree of shared liability and legal fees. Before a claimant receives compensation through a settlement, legal fees are deducted from the final settlement. If the injured party is partly to blame for causing a crash, their percentage of fault would be deducted before any final disbursement of funds to the injured party.
Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer?
The decision to accept a first settlement is completely up to you. It is generally advisable to accept settlements only after consulting with an attorney. Your lawyer can explain the benefits and potential drawbacks of accepting an offer. Rejecting an offer can lead to a larger offer later on, but that can also extend the timeline of an injury claim.
What Should I Not Do During an Injury Claim?
During an injury claim, you should not discuss your case or injuries publicly. You should also not ignore your doctor’s recovery recommendations. Failing to follow the advice of your attorney and doctors can lead to complications that could weaken your case and potentially jeopardize your claim to compensation. Trust your attorney and take your recovery seriously.
Injured in a Car Collision? Contact Deas Law Firm Today
If you were hurt in a car collision in South Carolina. Now is the time to act. Our legal team maintains deep connections throughout the state, so we understand how the local courts operate and how to secure the compensation that you are owed. Our founding attorney brings more than 25 years of litigation experience.
You can trust our team to provide comprehensive legal support while remaining in close communication throughout your injury claim. Start the process today by contacting our office to schedule your consultation.
