South Carolina law prohibits any involved party from leaving the scene of a car accident other than temporarily going to report the accident to the authorities. Unfortunately, not all people obey the law, and hit-and-run accidents occur. This can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience. Our South Carolina car accident attorney is here to help if you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident.

What to Do After a Hit And Run Accident

After a hit-and-run accident, the most important thing is to call 911 and file a police report. You should also seek medical attention promptly. If you can, take note of any information about the other vehicle and accident scene, such as license plate and details about the other car and driver. If anyone witnessed the incident, try to get their contact details.

Although leaving the scene of an accident is a crime with serious implications, many drivers never face the consequences of their actions. If the police are unable to locate the driver, you may need to seek the advice of an attorney to file an uninsured motorist claim.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Most people who leave the scene of the accident do so because they lack car insurance, were driving under the influence or had other legal problems they feared would come up if police were called. Even if a hit and run driver is not found, you still have options for recovering compensation for your injuries or property damage.

South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage for all drivers. Specifically, every driver must have minimum injury coverage of $25,00 per person or $50,000 for all involved. This covers medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Every driver must also carry minimum property damage coverage of $25,000.

To recover from this portion of your insurance, you file a suit against the “John or Jane Doe” who abandoned the accident scene.

To access this coverage, you must meet some requirements:

• You must report the accident promptly after it happens.
• Your crash and injuries must have resulted from contact with the other car or something the car did to cause you to crash. 
• You are not careless in identifying the hit-and-run driver.

Seeking coverage under your uninsured motorist policy can be difficult to go alone. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can be invaluable after a hit-and-run accident and lead to a better outcome.

Speak With An Attorney

It is not uncommon for individuals to find the uninsured motorist insurance process challenging to navigate. Most people understandably do not like dealing with legal matters or insurance companies alone.

If you have questions about uninsured motorist coverage in South Carolina or need an attorney for your pending case, we can help. Do not delay seeking help as you have three years to sue on a claim, with some exceptions. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Every year, thousands of people opt to use self-service trucks like u-hauls to move into new homes, complete projects, and much more. While services such as u-haul may make the process less expensive, most drivers are not experienced in driving commercial vehicles. As a result, accidents can occur. So, what happens if a u-haul driver hits you with insufficient or no insurance? Our South Carolina car accident attorney can help evaluate your case and determine if you may have a claim and how to pursue it.

Accidents With Moving Trucks Can Be More Severe 

Unfortunately, because of the scale and weight of many commercial vehicles, they have the potential to do a lot of damage. Moving trucks also have more blind spots than your average vehicle, and many U-Haul drivers are inexperienced at driving commercial vehicles. As a result, an accident involving a u-haul can cause a lot of damage, and injuries can be significant. 

So, what recourse do you have if a u-haul hits you? U-Haul and similar companies typically require proof of insurance before they allow a person to rent their vehicles. However, this does not guarantee that the driver’s insurance will have sufficient coverage if an accident does occur. A person may also be insured, but their insurance coverage may exclude operating a commercial vehicle. If you are faced with this situation, you may have other options.

File an Uninsured Motorist Coverage Claim

South Carolina law requires that every driver carry uninsured motorist coverage for personal injuries and related damages of $25,000 per person, or $50,000 for all people, per accident. This is the minimum required coverage, and you can also purchase more coverage. An uninsured motorist coverage claim can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering (up to the coverage limit). 

If you are injured or you suffer property damage from a U-Haul driver with inadequate coverage, you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim to cover your losses. You may even be able to stack insurance coverage across multiple policies. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate if this is possible.

File an Underinsured Motorist Coverage Claim

A second option that may be available is filing an underinsured motorist coverage claim. This insurance is similar to uninsured motorist coverage. The difference is that it could pay what remains uncovered of your injuries and property damage if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover these items. Although insurance companies are required to offer drivers this type of insurance coverage, they are not required to buy it in South Carolina.

You should be aware, however, that you can only recover damages through either underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. This can be confusing, and having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can be invaluable. 

Speak With an Attorney Right Away  

You should contact a lawyer for advice if a u-haul driver has hit you with insufficient or no insurance. The sooner the better. You have a limited amount of time in which you may be able to file a claim in South Carolina. The statute of limitations for these types of claims is three years, with some exceptions. 

Our firm knows how to protect your rights and deal with insurance companies. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Rear-end collisions are very common. Roughly one-third of the traffic accidents in 2019 involved a rear-end collision. Insurance companies try to minimize the injuries and damages caused by rear-end crashes. They refer to rear-end accidents as “fender benders.” However, rear-end collisions can cause traumatic injuries. Our South Carolina personal injury attorney works with insurance companies to recover full compensation for our victims of rear-end car accidents. 

Neck Injuries and Whiplash Caused by Rear-End Collisions

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries caused by rear-end car accidents. Whiplash is a strain or sprain of the neck that occurs when the head is forcefully “whipped” back and forth. When a vehicle is rear-ended, it causes the occupant’s head to whip back and forth forcefully.

Generally, people recover from whiplash in a few weeks with rest and minimal medical treatment. However, some cases of whiplash can cause chronic pain, limited range of motion, and long-term complications. 

A doctor might prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications, and antidepressants. In some cases, the neck injury may be more severe and require muscle relaxants and a cervical collar. Physical therapy and cervical traction may also be prescribed in some cases. 

Other Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Collisions

In addition to neck injuries, occupants in a rear-end accident can sustain injuries including:

• Back and spinal injuries
• Bone fractures and broken bones
• Wrist, arm, and hand injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures
• Facial injuries
• Seatbelt syndrome
• Internal organ injuries 

The sudden force from a vehicle hitting the rear of your vehicle causes your body to jerk forward. Depending on the severity of the crash, you could hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. The airbag and seatbelt may cushion some of the impact from the crash, but the impact can still injure your face, head, and torso. 

It is normal to feel aches and pains after a rear-end accident. Do not ignore those pains and aches. It is always best to seek medical attention after a car accident. Some injuries may be masked by the shock and release of adrenaline after a car crash. 

Some injuries could worsen over time, especially if you do not receive prompt medical treatment. Delays in medical care could also cause problems with a personal injury claim.

Damages Available for a Rear-End Accident Claim 

South Carolina is an at-fault insurance state. All drivers are required to have minimum amounts of bodily injury liability insurance. If the other driver caused your accident, you could file a claim seeking compensation for you:

• Medical bills and expenses
• Therapy costs
• Loss of income and benefits
• Physical pain and suffering
• Diminished earning capacity
• Emotional suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Decreased quality of life

The amount of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and other facts of the case. The insurance company may downplay your injuries or claim that a case of whiplash is not severe enough to require medical care or loss of income. An accident lawyer can review your case and advise you of your legal options to recover money for your injuries and damages. 

Contact Our South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation 

Rear-end collisions can cause severe injuries. You deserve fair compensation for all damages. Call our law office today to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney.

If you got hurt in a hit-and-run accident in South Carolina, you probably have many questions. Frequently, the driver who fled the scene illegally will turn himself in or get caught within a few days or weeks of the collision. At the time of the crash, however, you have no way of knowing if they will ever catch the driver.

A South Carolina personal injury attorney can advocate on your behalf and help you navigate this tricky situation. Not knowing what to do can make the situation more stressful for you, so here is a guide to hit-and-run accidents in South Carolina – what you need to know. 

You Can Increase the Odds of the Hit-and-Run Driver Getting Caught

Try to notice as many details as possible about the other vehicle, and share this information with law enforcement and your personal injury attorney. Sometimes, the tiniest detail, like a bumper sticker, is the item that leads to the capture of the hit-and-run driver.

If you can do so safely at the scene of the accident, make a note of the color of the car as well as the make and model. If you can remember even part of the license plate number, that could help the police. Also, notice the direction the car drove from the scene. If you call 911 immediately and share that information with them, they might catch the hit-and-run driver before the driver hides the vehicle.

You or another person in your car could try to use your cell phone to capture a photograph or brief video of the car as it speeds away. The police might be able to enlarge and enhance the images to retrieve more information that could be useful to them.

Additional Sources of Evidence

Look around at the scene of the hit-and-run accident for anyone who might have witnessed the collision itself or seen the car shortly before or after the crash. You will want to get the names and contact information of these people and provide that to law enforcement. Talking to those people while you are still at the scene could give you information that could help catch the driver. People often forget details with the passage of time, so you want to talk with them right away.

It is essential to note the precise time that the crash happened, to make it easier to track down security camera footage in the neighborhood. Also, you will want to make a note of the exact location of the collision. Often, video doorbell cameras and security cameras at residences and businesses within a few blocks of the crash capture valuable footage that helps to identify the hit-and-run driver. Red light cameras at intersections can also be useful.

Your Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Insurance Coverage on Your Automobile Policy

If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your automobile policy, that insurance can help to pay for your losses from a hit-and-run collision if they do not find the driver who left the scene of the accident. Sometimes, people flee from a crash site because they do not have car insurance. Even if found, the at-fault driver might not have coverage that can cover your losses. In that situation, your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can still help you.

People often have questions about what happens if it takes a while for the police to capture the hit-and-run driver. For example, if you already had to pay your deductible and your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage paid for some of your damages, what happens when they later find the hit-and-run driver? In that situation, you should get reimbursed for your deductible and the hit-and-run driver’s automobile insurance company should reimburse your insurance company for the money they paid.

Hit and run accidents are challenging, complicated events. A South Carolina personal injury attorney could talk to you and represent you in your personal injury claim. Contact our office today for legal help, we offer a free consultation.

Electric and hybrid electric vehicles are growing in number. Therefore, you have a better chance of being involved in a traffic accident with an electric vehicle. Additionally, these vehicles pose significant risks to pedestrians and bicyclists because of the low noise levels emitted from these vehicles.  

An electric vehicle accident can cause traumatic injuries. If another party caused the crash, you could recover compensation for your damages. First, however, you must prove fault and liability. Our South Carolina car accident lawyer assists victims in fighting for the money they deserve.

Steps to Take After an Electric Vehicle Accident 

The steps you take after an accident involving an electric vehicle significantly impact the outcome of your personal injury case. Important steps to take include:

Report the Car Accident to the Police

Drivers involved in a car crash are required to stop at the accident scene. Call 911 to report the accident and request assistance. The emergency operator dispatches a police officer and emergency medical services.

Do not admit fault for the cause of the car accident. Saying you are sorry could be misinterpreted as admitting fault. Instead, tell the police officer what happened without embellishing or accepting responsibility for the cause of the collision.

Document the Accident Scene 

If it is safe to do so, take pictures and make a video of the accident scene. Try to capture the location of the vehicles, vehicle damage, skid marks, road signs, and the surrounding area. Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact information. 

Seek Medical Treatment for Injuries

Saying you are “fine” or “okay” could hurt your personal injury claim. It is better to say that you will see your doctor regarding any injuries caused by the accident. 

Seeing a doctor as soon as possible is best. The insurance company could use delays in medical care to deny the claim. The insurance adjuster may argue that you would have sought medical care immediately following the accident if the crash had caused injuries. 

Notify Your Insurance Company 

Report the accident to your insurance company. However, be cautious when answering questions about the cause of the crash. It is not wise to agree to provide a written or recorded statement for your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company without discussing your case with an accident attorney. 

The statements you make could be used to blame you for the cause of the accident. The result could cost you thousands of dollars in lost compensation. 

Document Your Damages

Take pictures of your injuries as you recover from the electric vehicle accident. Keep copies of all bills, invoices, and receipts for expenses related to the car crash or your injuries. It can also help your case to keep a journal detailing your pain and suffering, activities you cannot perform, and other details about your recovery. 

Seek Legal Advice 

An electric car accident lawyer reviews your case to determine fault and liability. An attorney can protect you from aggressive claims adjusters and unfair insurance tactics. Your attorney understands how to value damages to maximize the amount of your recovery.

The insurance company has a team of highly trained, experienced professionals protecting its best interest. They work to reduce the money the company must pay you for your claim. You need a legal team that works to protect your best interests. 

Contact Our South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation 

Your time to file a claim after an electric vehicle accident is limited by the South Carolina statute of limitations. Seeking legal advice as soon as possible after a car crash can improve your chances of recovery and avoid missing filing deadlines. 

Call now for a free consultation with one of our South Carolina car accident lawyers.

Few moments compare to the panic of a crash with your child in the back seat. The vehicle stops, but your mind keeps racing: Was the harness tight enough? Did the booster shift? Will the seat keep them safe? South Carolina’s child passenger restraint laws answer those questions before a collision ever happens by spelling out exactly which seat your child needs at every age. If your child was hurt in a wreck caused by another driver, a South Carolina personal injury attorney at Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. can help your family pursue the compensation needed for medical care, recovery, and the future.

What Are the South Carolina Car Seat Laws?

South Carolina’s child passenger restraint law (S.C. Code §56-5-6410) applies to every driver transporting a child under 8 years old on public streets and highways. The required seat type depends on the child’s age and size, with each stage building on the last. The law was significantly updated in 2017 to align with current safety research, so older guidance you may remember no longer reflects the current rules.

Rear-Facing Car Seat: Under 2 Years Old

Infants and toddlers under 2 years old must ride in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system in a rear passenger seat. The child must remain rear-facing until they exceed the height or weight limit set by the seat manufacturer.

Many newer convertible seats accommodate higher rear-facing limits than older models, so your child can stay in this position well past their second birthday. Federal traffic safety experts recommend keeping children rear-facing as long as possible. This orientation provides the strongest protection for the developing head, neck, and spine in a frontal crash.

South Carolina law requires rear-facing only until the child exceeds the seat manufacturer’s height or weight limits. Keeping children rear-facing longer than the law requires is a best-practice safety recommendation, not a legal mandate.

Forward-Facing Car Seat: Age 2 and Up

Once your child is at least 2 years old, or has outgrown the rear-facing seat under that age, they must use a forward-facing child passenger restraint system with a harness in a rear passenger seat. They stay in this seat until they exceed the highest height or weight limits the manufacturer allows.

South Carolina Booster Seat Law: Age 4 and Up, After Outgrowing the Forward-Facing Seat

When a child is at least 4 years old and has outgrown the forward-facing seat, they must use a belt-positioning booster seat in a rear seat of the vehicle. Age alone does not trigger the booster requirement, a 4-year-old who has not yet outgrown their forward-facing harness seat must remain in that seat.

The booster must be used with both the lap belt and the shoulder belt. Booster seats may not be used with a lap belt alone.

A booster lifts your child so the adult seat belt fits across the strongest parts of the body. Without a booster, the lap belt can ride up onto the abdomen and the shoulder belt can cross the neck, both of which cause serious injury in a crash.

Adult Seat Belt: Age 8 or 57 Inches Tall

A child at least 8 years old or at least 57 inches tall may be restrained by an adult safety seat belt only if the child can be properly secured as defined by the statute. The law requires all three of the following to be true:

• The lap belt fits across the child’s thighs and hips, not across the abdomen.
• The shoulder belt crosses the center of the chest, not the neck.
• The child can sit with their back straight against the seat back and their knees bent over the seat edge without slouching.

If your child meets the age or height threshold but the belt does not fit correctly, keep them in a booster until it does. The law requires proper fit, not just a calendar age.

When Can a Child Ride in the Front Seat?

Under S.C. Code §56-5-6420, a child under 8 may ride in the front seat only if the vehicle has no rear passenger seat, or if all rear seating positions are already occupied by other children under 8. The child must still be in the correct restraint for their age and size, rear-facing, forward-facing with harness, or booster, as required by §56-5-6410. The front seat location does not change what type of restraint the law requires.

Even when a child legally qualifies for a seat belt, public safety agencies recommend keeping children in the back seat until at least age 13. The back seat is significantly safer in head-on crashes and removes the risk of injury from the front passenger air bag.

What Are the Penalties for SC Car Seat Regulation Violations?

Violating South Carolina’s child-restraint law is a primary offense, meaning an officer may stop you based solely on seeing a child who is not properly restrained. A conviction carries a fine of up to $150 and does not add points to your driver’s license. The court can waive the fine if, before or on your court date, you supply evidence that you have bought, acquired, or rented a child restraint system that meets the law’s requirements. 

Does an Improper Car Seat Hurt My Child’s Injury Claim?

No. This is one of the most important provisions in South Carolina’s child passenger restraint law. Under S.C. Code §56-5-6460, a violation of the car seat statute does not constitute negligence per se or contributory negligence, and the violation itself is not admissible as evidence in any civil action.

In plain English, if another driver caused a crash that injured your child, the at-fault driver and their insurer cannot use a car seat issue to reduce or deny your child’s injury claim. The focus stays on the at-fault driver’s conduct, where it belongs.

South Carolina personal injury claims are generally subject to a three-year filing deadline under the state’s statute of limitations for injuries to a person. For minors, the clock is typically paused until the child turns 18, at which point the three-year filing period begins, meaning a child injured in a crash generally has until age 21 to file their own claim. 

Some claims, including those against government entities or involving medical providers, may have shorter or different deadlines. Consulting an attorney promptly protects against missing any applicable deadline. Parents may also pursue a claim on the child’s behalf immediately, which is advisable while evidence is still fresh.

What Should I Do After a Crash With My Child in the Car?

In the chaotic minutes after a collision, it is easy to overlook steps that matter for both safety and a future injury claim. If your child was in the vehicle:

• Get medical attention right away, even if your child seems unhurt. Children often do not show symptoms of internal or soft tissue injuries immediately.
• Preserve the car seat. Do not throw it away after a moderate or severe crash. The seat is evidence, and most manufacturers recommend replacement after any non-minor collision.
• Photograph the seat in place before removing it, and document any visible damage.
• Get the police report number and the other driver’s insurance information.
• Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before you have spoken with an attorney.

Keep a simple timeline of your child’s symptoms, medical visits, and any changes in behavior or sleep in the days following the crash. Also save receipts, medical records, and any communications related to the incident, as these details can become important if injuries develop or a claim is pursued later.

Talk to a South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney About Your Child’s Crash

If your child was injured in a crash caused by another driver, the team at Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. can help you understand your options and pursue the compensation your family deserves. With offices in Florence and Myrtle Beach and more than a century of trial experience, we represent injured South Carolinians across the Pee Dee, the Grand Strand, and surrounding counties. Contact Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. to schedule your initial consultation.

Recent South Carolina Department of Public Safety statistics estimate one traffic collision occurs approximately every 3.7 minutes on South Carolina roadways. While many of these collisions are minor and can be settled between parties, many are injury accidents that demand restitution. 

South Carolina car accident attorneys advise all drivers and passengers involved in traffic collisions to see legal counsel immediately following a car crash.  

Why Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident? Top 5 Reasons

You may be wondering, “Why should I hire an attorney after a car accident?” There are many reasons to hire an attorney following a car wreck; here are the top 5:

Damages and injuries 

Following a car accident, impact injuries may not be immediately felt or diagnosed, and damages to property may be overlooked. 

Attorneys experienced in car crash cases are familiar with common injuries resulting from car accidents and the potentially lasting impact of those injuries. Your attorney will fight for maximum compensation to help you heal and move forward with recovery. 

Insurance companies

Insurance adjusters work to minimize high-dollar payouts for car accident claims. Adjusters may encourage you to accept a fast, low-ball settlement because it is in their best interest to settle your claim as quickly as possible and for as little as possible. They may also take a counter-approach of prolonging the claims process to ultimately deny your claim and time-bar you from legal recourse. 

Experienced car accident attorneys know the bad-faith tactics used by insurance adjusters to settle, close, and deny claims. Car accident lawyers stand up against these tactics and ensure complete investigation prior to accepting any settlement offer.

Determining liability

Trying to figure out who is at fault for an accident can be difficult. Liability could rest solely with one negligent driver, or it could include several entities whose actions or negligence contributed to the accident. 

Car accident lawyers gather facts surrounding the accident, investigate the accident and parties involved, and assemble a comprehensive body of evidence to prove liability and support claims for compensation,

Negotiating Settlement

When insurance companies know skilled legal counsel represents you, they are more apt to present a fair and reasonable settlement offer.  Once you accept the settlement offer, you relinquish your rights to sue for more compensation.

Counsel from a skilled car accident attorney is critical. A knowledgeable attorney will be able to weigh any settlement offer against the merits of your case and advise you about your best options. 

Seeing You Through Trial

Filing a lawsuit is a process complicated by deadlines and regulations you likely aren’t prepared to navigate. The risks of missing filing dates or misunderstanding applicable rules can significantly impact, if not terminate, your right to compensation. 

Car accident attorneys will mindfully protect your right to file a lawsuit for damages by observing required filing deadlines, statutes of limitations, and governing rules and laws. Further, a skilled litigator will staunchly argue your case and fight to win against big insurance.  

Reach Out to a South Carolina Car Accident Attorney Today

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a car accident, you need legal help.  South Carolina car accident attorneys work to hold negligent, at-fault parties responsible for their actions while winning maximum compensation for car accident victims. 

Don’t lose valuable time questioning whether you need to hire an attorney after a car accident. Contact our office today for a comprehensive case review and a complete assessment of your right to compensation.