After a car accident in South Carolina, one of the most common questions people ask is: “How much is my case worth?” While there’s no universal answer, understanding the factors that influence car accident settlement amounts in South Carolina can help you make informed decisions after a crash.
Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, or pain that lingers long after the collision, knowing what to expect from your settlement is crucial. Below, we explain what goes into calculating a fair settlement and why working with car accident claim lawyers can make a big difference.
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Settlement
Every case is different. Some people walk away with minor injuries, others are left with lifelong damage. South Carolina doesn’t have a fixed “average” settlement for every car crash. But looking at the data gives us a clearer picture.
According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book from the SCDPS, there were over 147,000 reported traffic collisions in 2021. Of those, more than 38,000 involved injuries and over 1,000 resulted in fatalities. These numbers include serious wrecks on I-26, US-1, and I-20, major accident zones in Columbia and surrounding areas.
Common Damages You Can Claim
If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you may be eligible for several types of compensation. A car injury lawsuit often includes:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Follow-up treatment or physical therapy
- Lost wages or future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
These damages are handled by experienced auto injury lawyers, who know how to calculate the full value of your claim.
Typical Settlement Ranges in South Carolina
While each case is unique, here’s a rough breakdown of average settlement ranges in South Carolina based on public case outcomes and historical data:
- Minor injuries: $10,000 – $25,000
- Moderate injuries: $25,000 – $75,000
- Serious or long-term injuries: $100,000+
- Catastrophic injuries (e.g. permanent disability): $250,000+
Remember, insurance companies may offer a low initial amount. Speaking to experienced car accident lawyers can help you negotiate for a fair figure. Your case value depends heavily on injury severity, who’s at fault, medical expenses, lost wages, and how the crash happened.
What Increases Settlement Value?
Some claims are worth more because of these factors:
- Serious, long-term injuries (e.g., spinal cord damage, brain trauma)
- Clear fault of the other driver, backed by the police report
- Strong evidence such as dashcam footage, medical records, or witness statements
- Involvement of commercial vehicles (e.g., Amazon trucks or 18-wheelers)
- Accident location, such as high-speed zones like I-95 or deadly intersections near Two Notch Road in Columbia
If your crash happened in a high-traffic area or involved a drunk driver, your settlement value may be higher. A skilled personal injury lawyer will know how to position your case for maximum value.
Local Factors That Can Affect Settlements
In South Carolina, several regional issues may impact your claim:
- Rural roads in counties like Allendale or Jasper may lack traffic cameras, making evidence harder to gather.
- Busy highways in Columbia or Greenville see frequent rear-end and multi-vehicle accidents.
- Local medical providers, court jurisdictions, and even jury attitudes can influence case value.
Working with a traffic accident law firm familiar with local courts and adjusters gives you an advantage in settlement discussions.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement?
Most settlements take a few months if the case is straightforward. But if you have complex injuries or need to go to trial, it could take a year or more.
Factors that affect timing include:
- Whether liability is clear
- The time needed to complete medical treatment
- The insurance company’s willingness to negotiate
- The court’s schedule if litigation is necessary
While it’s understandable to want quick closure, it’s usually better to wait until you’ve recovered enough to accurately assess your long-term costs. Your vehicle attorney will help you decide the right time to settle.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer?
In South Carolina, you’re not legally required to hire a lawyer for a car crash claim, but going without one could cost you thousands.
A personal injury lawyer can:
- Handle all communications with the insurer
- Help gather evidence, medical records, and police reports
- Calculate a realistic settlement range
- Represent you in negotiations or trial
- Make sure you don’t miss deadlines under South Carolina law
Remember, South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you may get nothing. A lawyer makes sure your claim is strong and protects your rights.
Let Spartan Law Help You Get the Settlement You Deserve
At Spartan Law, we represent accident victims across South Carolina, from Columbia to Spartanburg and everywhere in between. Whether your crash involved a car, truck, or motorcycle, we understand how to build strong cases that get results.
We’ve handled everything from rear-end collisions to major highway accidents and understand what it takes to deal with insurance companies who try to minimize your losses.
If you’re searching for experienced car accident claims lawyers, we’re here for you.
Call Spartan Law Today
If you’ve been injured in any car accident anywhere in South Carolina, don’t settle for less than you deserve. At Spartan Law, our accident claims lawyers and auto injury lawyers are committed to helping victims like you get fair compensation.
Call Spartan Law now for a free, no-obligation consultation with a trusted car accident claim lawyer. We’ll walk you through your options and help you take the next step toward recovery.
