Accidents happen fast but the impact on your life can last for months or even years. Whether you were hurt in a car crash on I-85, a slip and fall in downtown Charleston, or a truck collision along I-26, how you handle your personal injury claim will directly affect the compensation you receive.
Here in South Carolina, injury victims have rights, but the process isn’t always simple. This guide walks you through the best steps to take if you want to file a strong personal injury claim and get the financial support you need to move forward.
Real South Carolina Stats That Prove It Matters
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, in 2022 alone, over 58,000 people were injured in traffic collisions statewide. These cases often begin with a trip to the ER or urgent care. If you were hurt, let that be your first step.Here are some sobering numbers from SC Department of Public Safety 2022 data:
- One traffic collision occurred every 3.6 minutes
- One person was injured every 13.3 minutes
- One person died every 7.3 hours
- Nearly 1 in 4 traffic deaths involved alcohol
These are not just numbers, they’re your neighbors, co-workers, and loved ones. If you’ve been hurt in any kind of accident, from a rear-end collision to a fall in a parking lot, taking the right steps early makes all the difference.
Step 1: Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Always see a doctor right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries — like internal bleeding, concussions, or back strain — may not show symptoms until hours or days later.
Getting medical treatment also creates the documentation you need to prove your injuries were caused by the accident. Insurance companies will look for gaps in treatment or delays as a reason to deny your claim.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, in 2022 alone, over 58,000 people were injured in traffic collisions statewide. These cases often begin with a trip to the ER or urgent care. If you were hurt, let that be your first step.
Step 2: Start Collecting Evidence Right Away
Every detail matters. Whether your accident involved a pedestrian crosswalk in Columbia or a rear-end crash in Greenville, start collecting:
- Photos of the scene, damage, and injuries
- Names and contact info for witnesses
- The official police or incident report
- Receipts for medical care and prescriptions
- Lost wage documentation (if you missed work)
If your injury occurred in a motor vehicle crash, you can also read our guide on How Long After an Accident Can You File a Claim in SC to avoid missing your window.
Step 3: Be Careful When Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but they are trained to minimize payouts. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer a low settlement early — hoping you’ll accept before knowing your rights.
Don’t sign anything or make a statement until you talk to a lawyer. A mistake at this stage can cost you thousands in lost compensation.
If your injury came from a DUI crash, you may also want to visit our Drunk Driving Accident Attorney page to learn how DUI claims are handled differently.
Step 4: Know Your Rights Under South Carolina Law
Under South Carolina Code § 15-3-530, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and other injury claims.
Depending on your case, you may be eligible to recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
If your accident involved a commercial truck, see our page on Truck Accident Claims for more details about federal trucking regulations and how they can affect your case.
Step 5: Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer Early
You don’t need to fight the system alone. A personal injury lawyer knows how to deal with insurers, collect proper documentation, and fight for fair compensation.
At Spartan Law, we’ve helped South Carolinians across Charleston, Greenville, Anderson, Columbia, and beyond recover after devastating accidents. Whether your injury was from a motorcycle crash, a slip and fall, or a traffic accident involving a distracted driver, we can help.
A good lawyer will:
- Handle all communication with insurers
- Make sure no filing deadlines are missed
- Negotiate a fair settlement or take the case to trial
Let Spartan Law Handle the Stress So You Can Heal
At Spartan Law, we treat every personal injury case with care and attention. Whether you’re dealing with car wreck injuries, injuries from car accidents, or more complex claims involving multiple parties, we’re here to guide you.
Call Now for a Free Consultation
Filing a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Call Spartan Law at 864-777-1000 today. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you take the next step with confidence.
No fees unless we win. Just answers, support, and a path forward.
