Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases in South Carolina

A personal injury can disrupt your life in an instant, leaving you with medical bills, lost income, and physical and emotional pain. At Hopkins Law Firm, we understand the challenges you're facing and are here to help. With offices in Charleston, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, and Pawleys Island, our experienced personal injury lawyers answer some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury cases in South Carolina.

1. What Is a Personal Injury Case?

A personal injury case arises when someone is injured due to another person's negligence or intentional actions. Common examples include:

In these cases, the injured party can seek compensation for their damages.

2. What Should I Do After an Accident?

After an accident, take these steps to protect your rights:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get treated immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
Gather Information: Collect contact details from witnesses and involved parties.
Report the Incident: File a police report or notify the property owner, depending on the type of accident.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: An attorney can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

3. How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the injury. If you don't file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

There are exceptions to this rule, so it's essential to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

4. What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?

Personal injury victims in South Carolina may be entitled to:

Economic Damages

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disability or disfigurement

Punitive Damages

In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

5. How Is Fault Determined in South Carolina?

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages if you're less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example:

If you are 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can recover $80,000.

6. Do I Need a Lawyer for My Personal Injury Case?

While it's not legally required, having a personal injury lawyer can significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation. An attorney can:

Investigate the accident.
Negotiate with insurance companies.
Gather evidence to support your claim.
Represent you in court if necessary.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and having a skilled lawyer levels the playing field.

7. How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take?

The timeline for a personal injury case varies based on factors such as:

The complexity of the case.
The severity of the injuries.
Whether the case goes to trial or is settled out of court.

Simple cases may settle in a few months, while more complex cases can take over a year.

8. How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

At [Your Law Firm Name], we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay any upfront fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This ensures our services are accessible to all injury victims.

9. What If the At-Fault Party Doesn't Have Insurance?

If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options:

File a claim with your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if the accident involved a vehicle.
Pursue a personal lawsuit against the at-fault party.

An attorney can help identify alternative sources of compensation.

10. Can I Handle My Personal Injury Case on My Own?

While it's possible to handle a personal injury case on your own, it's often not advisable. Insurance companies may offer low settlements or deny your claim altogether. An experienced lawyer understands the tactics insurers use and can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Hopkins Law Firm?

With offices in Charleston, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, and Pawleys Island, Hopkins Law Firm has a proven track record of helping personal injury victims in South Carolina. Here's what sets us apart:

Experience: Decades of experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases.
Results: Millions recovered for our clients.
Personalized Service: We treat every client like family and tailor our approach to your unique needs.
No Upfront Fees: You only pay if we win your case.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you've been injured in an accident, don't face the legal system alone. At Hopkins Law Firm, we're here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Call us at (843) 314-4202, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Let us help you rebuild your life after an injury.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases in South Carolina