Charleston Car Accident Lawyers

Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you generally do not pay an upfront attorney fee or hourly rate. Instead, the attorney receives a percentage of the compensation recovered through a settlement or court judgment.

Under Rule 1.5 of the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, contingency fee agreements must be in writing and explain how the attorney’s fee and case expenses will be handled.

• Attorney’s Fee: The percentage varies by attorney and may depend on whether the case settles before a lawsuit is filed or requires litigation.

• Case Expenses: The agreement should explain which costs may be advanced by the law firm and how those expenses will be handled or deducted from any recovery.

• No Recovery, No Attorney Fee: Under a contingency fee arrangement, the attorney generally does not receive a contingency fee if no compensation is recovered.

Before hiring an attorney, ask for a written fee agreement that clearly explains the percentage, expenses, and how any recovery will be distributed.

More Questions? 

Contact the Hoffman Law Firm team for a 100% free review of your claim.

There is no obligation to hire us. Simply share what happened, and our team will listen, answer your questions, and explain your legal options so you can make an informed decision about what comes next.

That’s a very common question after a car accident. You do not need to know whether you have a valid claim before speaking with a personal injury attorney. A potential negligence claim generally involves showing that another party owed you a duty of care, failed to act reasonably, caused the accident or injury, and that you suffered damages as a result.

Common factors include:

1. Duty of Care: Another driver had a responsibility to operate their vehicle reasonably and follow applicable traffic laws.

2. Breach of Duty: The driver failed to use reasonable care, such as by speeding, following too closely, running a red light, or driving while distracted.

3. Causation: The driver’s conduct caused or contributed to the collision and your injuries.

4. Damages: You experienced losses related to the accident, such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, physical impairment, or loss of enjoyment of life.

Evidence may include the collision report, photographs, witness statements, medical records, vehicle damage, insurance information, and other documentation related to the crash.

South Carolina Comparative Negligence: South Carolina generally allows an injured person to recover damages when their share of negligence is not greater than the other party’s. However, the amount recovered can be reduced according to the injured person’s percentage of fault. If the injured person’s negligence exceeds the other party’s negligence, recovery may be barred.

Contact Hoffman Law Firm for a 100% free review of your claim. There is no obligation to hire us. Simply share what happened, and our team will listen, answer your questions, and explain your legal options so you can make an informed decision about what comes next.

The agency that investigated the crash generally maintains the police report. Depending on where the collision occurred, this may include the Charleston Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, or another law enforcement agency. If you are unsure which agency investigated your crash, contact the agency that responded to the scene or speak with an attorney about how to obtain the report.

If a crash was not investigated by law enforcement and resulted in an injury, death, or apparent property damage of at least $1,000, South Carolina law requires the vehicle owner or operator to submit a written accident report and verification of insurance to the SCDMV within 15 days of the crash.

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. An injured person may recover damages when their share of fault is not greater than the other party’s fault. The amount recovered is reduced according to the injured person’s percentage of fault.

For example, if a person’s damages total $100,000 and they are found to be 20% at fault, their potential recovery would be reduced to $80,000. If their negligence is greater than the other party’s negligence, recovery may be barred. The specific application of comparative negligence depends on the facts of the case.

South Carolina generally provides three years to bring an action for personal injury or certain property-related claims. The specific deadline can depend on the type of claim and when the cause of action accrued.

Claims involving a government entity can have different requirements and deadlines under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act. A person involved in a collision with a government vehicle should speak with a South Carolina attorney as soon as possible to determine the applicable deadlines.

The appropriate court depends on the type of case, the amount involved, the parties, and other jurisdictional factors. Many state-law personal injury cases are handled in the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas. Some matters may be handled in Magistrate Court, while cases meeting federal jurisdiction requirements may proceed in federal court.

Because the appropriate court depends on the circumstances of the case, speak with a South Carolina attorney about where your claim should be filed.

Every case is different. The timeline can depend on:

• The severity of your injuries
• How long medical treatment lasts
• Whether fault is disputed
• Available insurance coverage
• Whether a lawsuit becomes necessary

Some claims may resolve in months, while complex Charleston car accident cases can take a year or longer.

Hoffman Law Firm can review the circumstances of your case, explain what may affect your timeline, and guide you through the claims process.

Need answers about your accident? Contact Hoffman Law Firm to discuss your Charleston, SC car accident and legal options.

Yes. South Carolina automobile insurance policies generally must include uninsured motorist coverage, subject to the requirements and exceptions provided by state law. The statutory minimums include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Underinsured motorist coverage is a separate type of protection. Its availability and requirements can depend on the policy and applicable South Carolina law. Review your policy or speak with your insurance company or a South Carolina attorney to understand your coverage.

Yes. South Carolina automobile insurance policies generally must include uninsured motorist coverage, subject to the requirements and exceptions provided by state law. The statutory minimums include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Underinsured motorist coverage is a separate type of protection. Its availability and requirements can depend on the policy and applicable South Carolina law. Review your policy or speak with your insurance company or a South Carolina attorney to understand your coverage.

South Carolina drivers are generally required to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. If an uninsured driver causes your accident, your own UM coverage may help pay for covered losses, subject to your policy’s terms and limits.

Hoffman Law Firm can review the available insurance coverage and help determine whether UM or other applicable coverage may be available.

If the crash does not involve serious injuries and your vehicle can be safely moved, move it out of active travel lanes when it is safe to do so. Moving a disabled vehicle away from traffic can help reduce the risk of a secondary collision.

If anyone is seriously injured or the vehicle cannot be safely moved, prioritize safety and contact emergency services. Follow instructions from law enforcement and other emergency personnel at the scene.

It is often wise to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a crash. Some injuries may not cause immediate symptoms.

Prompt medical care can help protect your health and document injuries related to your Charleston-area car accident.

If you have questions about what steps to take after a crash, Hoffman Law Firm can review your situation and help you understand how medical treatment and documentation may affect your potential claim.

Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, and future care
• Lost income: Wages and benefits lost because of your injuries
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and other non-economic losses
• Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement and other damaged property

Hoffman Law Firm can review your accident, injuries, and losses to help determine what compensation may be available in your specific case.

Possibly. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule:

• You may recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault.
• Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• If you are more than 50% at fault, you generally cannot recover damages from the other party.

If you are concerned that you may have been partially at fault, Hoffman Law Firm can evaluate the circumstances of your Charleston car accident and explain how South Carolina law may affect your claim.

Be cautious. You may need to report the accident to your own insurance company, but you are generally not required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without first understanding your rights.

Before providing a recorded statement, Hoffman Law Firm can help you understand your options and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Our reviews reflect the commitment we bring to every car accident and catastrophic injury case.

We are proud to maintain a 4.9-star Google rating, with clients frequently praising our responsiveness, clear communication, professionalism, and dedication during some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Our reputation is also backed by respected legal recognitions, including:

• 4.9-Star Google Reviews from past clients
• 55+ Combined Years of Injury Law and Litigation Knowledge
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rating
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum recognition for achieving million-dollar results
• Super Lawyers (2024) and Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2012)

• Lawyers of Distinction Member · 5-Star Rated

While no law firm can guarantee a specific outcome, our reviews and professional recognition reflect our commitment to helping victims of serious car accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle collisions, and catastrophic injuries.

We thoroughly investigate every claim, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and are always prepared to take cases to court when necessary to pursue the maximum compensation available under South Carolina law.