When Your Back Is Against The Wall

Charleston Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident can change your life in an instant. Whether you are dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll of the crash, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Many accident victims struggle with insurance companies that try to minimize their claims, complex legal procedures, and uncertainty about how to move forward. If you have been injured in a car accident in Charleston, South Carolina, you need a legal team that will fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Lanier Law Group, we are dedicated to helping car accident victims recover physically, financially, and emotionally. Our experienced car accident attorneys understand South Carolina’s laws, the tactics insurance companies use to reduce payouts, and the best strategies to maximize your settlement.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Charleston

Car accidents in Charleston happen for many reasons, but most crashes are caused by negligence, reckless driving, or hazardous road conditions. Understanding the most common causes of car accidents can help victims determine who may be liable and how to pursue compensation for their injuries.

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of car accidents in Charleston is distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, using GPS, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other distractions fail to react quickly to changing road conditions, leading to crashes. Even taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can result in a serious accident.

To get started, call 919-342-1368 today.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding is a major factor in many high-impact collisions. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to sudden stops, turns, or obstacles in the road. Speeding also increases the force of impact, which can lead to severe or fatal injuries. Other reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and running red lights, also contribute to accidents.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Drunk or impaired driving continues to be a serious problem in Charleston. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it difficult to operate a vehicle safely. South Carolina has strict DUI laws, but impaired drivers still cause devastating accidents that result in life-altering injuries or fatalities.

Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way

Intersections, merging lanes, and pedestrian crossings are common places where drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, leading to accidents. Whether it’s a driver running a stop sign, failing to let a pedestrian cross, or turning in front of an oncoming vehicle, failure to follow traffic laws puts others at risk.

Poor Weather and Road Conditions

Charleston experiences heavy rain, hurricanes, and flooding, all of which create dangerous driving conditions. Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and strong winds increase the likelihood of hydroplaning, losing control, or crashing into other vehicles. Poorly maintained roads, potholes, and lack of proper signage can also contribute to accidents, making local or state agencies liable for damages in certain cases.

Drowsy Driving

Fatigued drivers are just as dangerous as impaired drivers. Lack of sleep slows reaction time, impairs decision-making, and reduces awareness. Many drowsy driving accidents occur late at night or early in the morning, especially among commercial truck drivers and shift workers.

Vehicle Defects and Mechanical Failures

Sometimes, a car accident isn’t caused by driver error but by a defect in the vehicle itself. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or faulty airbags can cause serious crashes. In these cases, auto manufacturers, mechanics, or parts suppliers may be held liable for damages.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Charleston Car Accident?

Determining liability in a Charleston car accident is essential to recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for a crash, depending on the circumstances. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify all liable parties to help maximize your compensation.

Negligent Drivers

In most car accident cases, the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. A driver may be considered negligent if they were speeding, texting while driving, running a red light or stop sign, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or engaging in reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating. South Carolina follows a fault-based system, meaning that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering damages through their insurance policy or a personal injury lawsuit.

Employers of Commercial Drivers

When an accident involves a commercial vehicle, such as a truck, delivery van, or rideshare vehicle, the employer may also bear responsibility. If a company fails to properly train or supervise drivers, encourages unsafe driving practices, neglects vehicle maintenance, or hires a driver with a history of reckless behavior, it may be held accountable for damages. In these cases, victims may be able to seek compensation not only from the driver but also from their employer’s insurance policy.

Vehicle Manufacturers and Auto Part Companies

In some cases, car accidents occur due to defective vehicles or faulty car parts rather than driver error. Brake failures, tire blowouts, defective airbags, and steering malfunctions are just a few mechanical issues that can contribute to serious crashes.

When a vehicle defect plays a role in an accident, the automaker, parts manufacturer, or mechanic who serviced the vehicle may be held liable. Product liability claims require extensive investigation, but when successful, they can result in significant compensation for accident victims.

Government Entities Responsible for Road Maintenance

Hazardous road conditions such as potholes, missing traffic signs, malfunctioning traffic lights, or poorly designed intersections can contribute to serious accidents. When dangerous road conditions are caused by negligence in maintenance or design, a city, county, or state government agency may be held responsible. If a government entity failed to repair known hazards, address dangerous intersections, or properly clear debris from roadways, it could be liable for damages.

Multiple Liable Parties

In many car accident cases, more than one party may share responsibility for the crash. For example, a trucking accident may be caused by a speeding truck driver, but an investigation could reveal that the trucking company failed to maintain the vehicle’s brakes properly. In such cases, both the driver and the company may be held liable.

When multiple parties are responsible for an accident, they may each be required to cover a portion of the damages. A skilled attorney can help make sure that every responsible party is held accountable and that you receive full and fair compensation.

Compensation Available in Charleston Car Accidents

Car accident victims in Charleston may be entitled to financial compensation for their losses. The amount and type of compensation depend on factors such as the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. In personal injury claims, compensation typically falls into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover financial losses directly caused by the accident. These damages are calculated based on medical bills, lost income, and other measurable expenses.

One of the most significant costs after a car accident is medical treatment. Victims may require emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term medical support. Economic damages include hospital bills, doctor visits, prescription medications, medical equipment, and ongoing therapy costs.

Lost wages are also a major factor. If a victim misses work due to injuries or has a reduced earning capacity, they may recover compensation for lost income and future wages. In cases of permanent disability, economic damages can also include vocational rehabilitation or compensation for the inability to return to work.

Property damage is another recoverable loss. Victims can receive compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement costs, along with damage to personal belongings inside the car at the time of the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate victims for the emotional and psychological toll of a car accident. While these damages do not have a direct financial cost, they significantly impact a victim’s quality of life.

Pain and suffering damages compensate for physical discomfort, chronic pain, and long-term medical complications resulting from the accident. Emotional distress damages cover anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma-related disorders that often develop after a serious crash.

Loss of enjoyment of life may also be included in non-economic damages. If a victim can no longer participate in hobbies, social activities, or family life due to their injuries, they may receive compensation for this loss.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These damages serve as a punishment for dangerous behavior and as a deterrent to prevent similar actions in the future.

Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving drunk driving, excessive speeding, or reckless disregard for the safety of others. While not available in every case, they can substantially increase the total compensation for victims when extreme negligence is involved.

How Long Do Most Car Accident Settlements Take?

The length of time required to settle a car accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, the complexity of the case, and how cooperative the insurance company is in negotiating a fair settlement. Some cases resolve quickly, while others may take months or even years to reach a conclusion.

Simple Cases

When an accident involves minor injuries and clear liability, settlements can often be reached within a few months. If both parties agree on the extent of the damages and the insurance company does not dispute the claim, the process is usually straightforward and resolved efficiently. These cases typically involve low-impact collisions, such as rear-end accidents or fender benders, where injuries are minor and medical treatment is short-term.

Moderate Cases

In accidents where injuries require extended medical treatment or the insurance company disputes the claim, it may take six months to a year to reach a settlement. Insurance adjusters may argue about who was at fault, the severity of injuries, or the cost of ongoing medical care. If you require physical therapy, surgery, or long-term rehabilitation, your attorney may recommend waiting until you have completed treatment before settling, ensuring that all medical expenses and lost wages are accurately calculated.

Complex Cases

If a car accident involves severe injuries, multiple parties, or the need for litigation, the process can take a year or more. Catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disabilities, often require long-term medical care and expert testimony to establish the full extent of damages. In these cases, insurance companies may attempt to delay or deny claims to avoid large payouts. If negotiations fail, the case may proceed to trial, significantly extending the timeline.

Why Choose Lanier Law Group?

Lanier Law Group is a trusted advocate for car accident victims in Charleston and throughout South Carolina. Our firm has helped numerous clients recover the compensation they deserve by fighting back against insurance companies that try to minimize payouts.

We provide compassionate, client-focused representation, ensuring that every accident victim receives personalized legal support. Our attorneys are always available to answer questions and guide clients through the legal process, treating each case with care and attention.

With decades of experience in South Carolina personal injury law, our firm knows how to build strong cases, maximize settlements, and hold negligent parties accountable. If you have been injured in a Charleston car accident, Lanier Law Group is ready to fight for your rights and financial recovery.

Injured in a Car Accident? Lanier Law Group Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Charleston car accident, don’t take on the insurance companies alone. They have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim, but Lanier Law Group is ready to come out swinging for the compensation you deserve. We know the strategies they use, and we fight back with strong legal advocacy to protect your rights.

Your road to recovery starts today. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing and moving forward with confidence.

We Won't Back Down

Lanier Law Group is Here When Results Matter Most

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*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys

$4.8 Million

Settlement

A case with multiple plaintiffs who were potentially exposed to a deadly disease while in the hospital.

$3.1 Million

Birth Injury/Hypoxic Brain Injury

The OB doctor’s negligence caused a delay in the baby’s birth which resulted in the baby suffering of a severe hypoxic brain injury.

$1.375 Million

Medication Overdose/Hospital Negligence

Our client died following an overdose of medication that occurred as a result of the negligence of the nursery staff while they were in the hospital.

$1.2 Million

Birth Injury/Developmental Delay

Our client suffers from a severe developmental delay following a birth injury when there were signs of fetal distress that were not responded to.

$500,000

Botched Gall Bladder Surgery

Our client suffered an injury to their common bile duct during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

$425,000

Surgical Error

A client had their bowel perforated during a ventral hernia repair.

We Never Back Down From a Fight

Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results

"20 out of 10 stars."

There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it’s interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don’t have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.

- Diane W.

"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"

I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!

- Phillip J.

"So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"

Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.

- Mario H.

"Always ready to answer any questions I may have"

The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.

- Timothy M.

"The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"

The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.

- Malinda P.

Respect. Integrity. Passion.

Our Commitment to Our Clients

We Come Prepared

After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.

We're In Your Corner

Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.

We're Here For You 24/7

Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.

We Never Back Down

Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.