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Last Modified on Sep 12, 2026
I-26 is one of the busiest highways in South Carolina, and if you are hurt in an accident on this highway because of another driver’s actions, you have the right to pursue compensation for the damages you suffered. However, what happens when a crash on I-26 leaves you with a “minor” injury that gets worse later? It’s vital to hire a car accident lawyer you can trust to address the specific details of your case and help you secure fair compensation for all of your injuries.
What Happens When a Crash on I-26 Leaves You With a “Minor” Injury That Gets Worse Later?
The aftermath of any car accident in South Carolina can be confusing and traumatic, and if you know another driver caused your accident, you likely have several important legal questions that you will need a car accident attorney to answer. If another driver injured you, you have the right to claim compensation for your injuries, but you must be ready to accurately prove the full extent of the injuries you suffered.
There were 143,801 total vehicle crashes recorded statewide in 2024, and 2,139 of these accidents resulted in serious injuries. While the effects of some accidents are immediately apparent, other crashes cause injuries that may not be immediately noticeable. While you have the right to pursue compensation from the driver who injured you, it is vital to go about this correctly and avoid rushing to accept the first settlement offered to you.
Every South Carolina driver is required to have auto insurance, and filing a claim is usually your first recovery option after another driver has injured you in a crash. However, you should consult a car accident attorney before attempting to negotiate an insurance claim settlement. Once you accept the insurance company’s offer, there is no going back, even if you discover later that one of your injuries is much worse than you initially thought.
What to Do After a Car Accident on I-26
The first steps you take after a car accident on I-26 are crucial. Make sure you avoid saying anything that might be interpreted as an admission of fault when first responders arrive to investigate the accident. These statements will be recorded, and anything you say could be used against you by the other driver’s insurance carrier.
After the police allow you to leave, you should seek medical care right away. If you were seriously injured in the accident, you may have been taken to the nearest hospital by first responders. Once you stabilize and are able to do so, you should hire a car accident lawyer to help you start building your case. Meticulously record every symptom you experience after the accident, no matter how slight, in case it evolves into something worse in the near future.
It may take several days or even a few weeks for the full scope of your injuries to be discernible. Remember that if you accept an auto insurance company’s settlement, this will release them from liability for any future claims related to your accident. It is important that you have a full accounting of all of the damages you suffered before speaking with insurance company representatives so you can recover as much compensation as possible.
Ultimately, one of the most important things you need to do after any crash on I-26 is hire a car accident lawyer. The sooner you secure legal counsel, the sooner they can begin working on your case, and you are significantly more likely to reach a favorable outcome with an attorney representing you. The Deas Law Firm is ready to assist with your recovery, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how an experienced car accident attorney can help.
FAQs
Can I Claim Damages if I Was Partially at Fault for a Crash on I-26?
You may be able to claim damages if you were partially at fault for a crash on I-26, but only if you are found less than 51% at fault. If so, the fault percentage assigned to you will be taken from your total compensation, and you will receive the remainder. If you are found 51% or more at fault, this would disqualify you from claiming damages from any other liable party under South Carolina’s modified comparative fault rule.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Crash on I-26?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a crash on I-26 largely depends on the severity of the injuries you suffered in the accident. If you can prove that another party caused the crash, they may help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, lost future earning capacity, and vehicle repair costs. You can also seek compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced from the accident.
What Evidence Do I Need in a Car Accident Claim?
The evidence you need in a car accident claim includes proof of liability and proof of harm. You may need photos of the crash scene, vehicle computer data, and witness testimony as proof of liability so you can establish fault for the accident. When it comes to proof of harm, you may need repair bills, medical records, and other documentation to help you prove the full scope of the damages you suffered in the accident.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer After an Accident on I-26?
You should hire a car accident lawyer after an accident on I-26 to have a better chance of not only successfully establishing fault for the accident, but also a better chance of securing appropriate compensation for all of the damages you suffered. Your attorney can gather proof of liability and accurately determine the full extent of your losses, and you are more likely to obtain suitable compensation within a reasonable timeframe with their help.
Contact Deas Law Firm Today
If you are worried about what happens when a crash on I-26 leaves you with a “minor” injury that gets worse later, it’s vital to remember how important it is to be confident in the settlement offer you accept. Deas Law Firm can help you understand all of your legal options after an accident on I-26, so contact us today and schedule a consultation with an experienced car accident attorney.
