Charleston Car Accident Lawyer

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What to Do After a Car Accident in Charleston

If you or a loved one have been hurt in a car accident, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. Contact us to begin the process. The Hartman Law Firm, LLC is standing by and ready to help you at all times.

If you are not sure if you have a case, call us for a 20-minute free consultation, and we can guide you on your next steps. The sooner you speak with a
Charleston car accident lawyer after your accident, the better, as there is a time limit on filing an injury claim.

South Carolina is the second most dangerous state in the country for drivers, based on the number of serious accidents reported by Forbes. Charleston County is one of the most dangerous jurisdictions in the entire state.

Between the expanding population and the growing number of tourists, the roads in Charleston are often clogged with traffic. In 2021, Charleston even made a list of the most dangerous cities in the country for drivers, based on the number of motorists who have at-fault traffic accidents on their record.

Why It Helps to Talk to a Local Charleston Car Accident Lawyer

After a crash, many people feel overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance calls, and uncertainty about what to do next. You do not have to navigate this alone.

Frank takes time to listen to your story, explain how South Carolina car accident law applies to your situation, and help you understand the best steps to protect yourself. His goal is to give you clarity, confidence, and support during a difficult time.

Types of Charleston Car Accident Cases We Handle

Every crash is different. Understanding the type of accident you were involved in can help identify who may be responsible and what compensation may be available. Hartman Law Firm handles a wide range of accident types, including:

If your situation does not fit neatly into one of these categories, that’s okay — Frank can evaluate what happened and help you understand exactly where your case stands under South Carolina law.

Charleston Car Accident Statistics

According to the most recent edition of the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, there were just over 16,000 car accidents in Charleston County in 2021. More than one-quarter of these accidents caused injuries. Approximately 5,600 people suffered injuries that year, and 77 people tragically lost their lives.

If someone else’s wrongful actions caused your injury, you can hold them accountable and obtain financial compensation for your losses. When you hire Frank as your car accident attorney, he will work to get you what you deserve.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Charleston

If you think Charleston streets are more dangerous today than they used to be, it is not your imagination. Drivers are more distracted, rushed, and inattentive than ever.

Contributing factors to car accidents in Charleston include:

  • Distracted driving, including cellphone use
  • Aggressive driving
  • Excessive tailgating
  • Fatigued driving
  • Inexperienced drivers
  • Inclement weather
  • Failure to check blind spots
  • Illegal turns
  • Running stop signs or red lights
  • Drunk driving
  • Speeding

Common Types of Car Accidents:

  • Rideshare accidents
  • Head-on collisions
  • Hit-and-run accidents
  • Rear-end accidents

The Role of Fault in a South Carolina Car Accident

In South Carolina, the driver who was at fault is responsible for paying for the injuries others suffer. The primary way to prove fault is by showing that the driver was negligent.

  • The driver owed you a duty of care
  • They violated that duty
  • You suffered an injury
  • The injury would not have occurred without their actions

To prove fault, you need evidence showing what happened before the crash. Insurance companies may try to blame you to reduce or deny your compensation — another reason to work with an experienced
car accident attorney in Charleston.

Who Is Liable for a Car Accident in South Carolina?

Most often, victims file claims against the other driver involved in the crash. When more than one car is involved, determining fault can become challenging.

Other potentially responsible parties include:

  • The vehicle manufacturer (product defects)
  • Government agencies (unsafe road conditions)
  • Third parties who caused you to lose control
  • Vehicle owners who negligently loaned their cars
  • Employers of on-duty drivers

Once you hire Frank, he will investigate the circumstances of your accident, identify all responsible parties, and gather all available evidence to support your case.

Why Hire Car Accident Attorney Frank Hartman?

To have the best chance at recovering full compensation, you need the help of an experienced attorney. Frank brings years of experience representing Charleston families and understands how these cases work from start to finish.

Whether you were injured on a major highway or a neighborhood street, your case is personal to us. We are committed to securing justice for you.

The Role of the Insurance Company in a Car Accident Claim

Insurance companies are not judges or juries — they are businesses focused on minimizing payouts. Their decisions do not end your legal rights.

As your lawyer, Frank knows how to push back when insurers refuse to do the right thing. He is not afraid to use every legal tool available to secure a fair settlement.

Compensation for Your Car Accident Injuries

If the other driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation through their insurance policy — or through your own, if they are uninsured.

Damages may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Emotional distress

The settlement process is a negotiation. Insurance companies rarely offer what victims truly deserve at first. Frank is a skilled negotiator who will fight for a fair outcome.

Call Hartman Law: The Trusted & Experienced Highly Rated Car Accident Attorney in Charleston, SC

Call Frank when you need compassionate and committed legal representation. Take the first step by
submitting our online form or calling us at 843.300.7600.

During your free consultation, Frank will learn more about your case and help you understand your options. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

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Charleston Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

What should I do immediately after a car accident in South Carolina?

The first thing to do after a car accident or any injury is to assess your injuries. Your next steps will depend in part on whether and how seriously you are injured. If you believe you may be seriously injured or are unsure whether you can move safely, don’t try.

To the extent that you’re able, you should:

  • Call 911
  • Exchange insurance information with any other drivers involved in the crash
  • Take photos or video
  • Collect names and contact information from any witnesses

Allow EMTs at the scene to check you out if you have any concerns that you may be injured, and seek follow-up care as needed. If you’re not sure whether you need medical attention, see a doctor. Then, when you’ve attended to any urgent health matters, you should contact a Charleston personal injury lawyer before you take any other action.

When should I contact a car accident attorney?

You should contact a car wreck attorney in Charleston as soon as possible after your accident. Connecting with a lawyer early will help you avoid the pitfalls of dealing with the insurance company, and will give your attorney the best opportunity to gather evidence and collect witness statements before footage is erased, evidence is lost, and memories start to fade.

How can a lawyer help with my car accident claim?

Your car accident attorney can help with everything from managing deadlines and technical requirements you may not be aware of to collecting evidence and protecting you from shady insurance company tactics.

The process may include drafting and filing a complaint, assembling a well-supported demand for compensation, negotiating on your behalf, preparing required discovery materials, requesting evidence from others through the discovery process and/or subpoenas, taking deposition, and preparing your case for trial.

Is it worth it to hire an attorney for a car accident case?

While you may be able to settle a small claim on your own, it is virtually always worth your while to consult an experienced local car accident lawyer. When you consult with attorney Frank Hartman, you can rest assured that you’ll get straight information. If your claim is one that can be easily managed without representation, we’ll tell you so.

How do I choose the best Charleston car accident lawyer for my case?

When you’re looking for an auto accident attorney in Charleston, you’ll want to consider the attorney’s experience with cases like yours, willingness and ability to take your case to trial if that’s the right answer for you, and reviews from past clients. No one knows more about how an attorney will treat you and handle your case better than someone who has been through the process with that lawyer.

When you go to your free consultation, you’ll also want to pay close attention to how the attorney and others at the firm treat you. Make sure your questions are answered and they listen to your concerns and make you comfortable sharing sometimes-sensitive information with them.

What evidence is important in proving fault after a car accident?

The best evidence for establishing fault after a car accident will depend on the case. Some examples of key fault evidence include traffic citations showing that the responsible driver was acting negligently, video from nearby security cameras or traffic cameras, and eyewitness statements. Your attorney can talk with you about the types of evidence that will likely be most effective in your case and gather that evidence on your behalf.

How long do car accident settlements usually take?

The amount of time it takes to settle a car accident case depends on a variety of factors. Some common variables include how complex the case is, the duration of treatment and recovery for your injuries, the amount of money involved, and even the insurance company involved. A small case may be resolved in as little as a few months, while some may take a year or even more to resolve. If your case goes to trial, the timeline will typically be extended.

Your car accident lawyer can give you an estimate of the timeline for your case during your initial consultation.

What damages can I recover after a car accident?

The answer to this question depends on the specifics of your case. Damages in a personal injury case are based on your losses. Some common damages in car accident cases include medical expenses, lost wages, anticipated future medical costs, projected lost future earnings, costs of physical therapy or counseling associated with the accident, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

The best source of information about the damages that may be available in your case is an experienced auto accident attorney in Charleston.

What if the insurance company offers me a quick settlement?

Unless your claim is very small, a quick settlement offer is typically a red flag. The insurance company representative may use comforting language like, “I want to get this check out to you as soon as possible. I know you could probably use it right now.” But they’re not on your side. If an insurance company wants a quick settlement, it’s usually to get you to sign away your rights before you know the full extent of your injuries and financial losses.

You should always consult a car accident attorney in Charleston before accepting a quick settlement.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident in Charleston?

In South Carolina, you may still be able to recover damages when you were partly at fault for the accident that caused your injuries. However, there are some limitations. First, you can’t recover damages if you were more than half responsible. If you were 50% responsible or less, you may still be entitled to compensation. But your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you had $10,000 in damages and were 25% responsible for the accident, you would also be responsible for 25% of your damages ($2,500). You could only collect the remaining $7,500

Establishing the percentage of fault attributable to each party can be complicated, and is best tackled with the help of an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer.

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