Charleston, SC Car Accident Attorney

Are you looking for an auto accident lawyer in Columbia, SC? Our highly experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers  can help! A serious car accident can turn your life upside down.  You may be faced with significant pain, financial hardship, and lasting injuries.  At Monge & Associates, we know firsthand how profoundly a car accident can impact victims —physically, emotionally, and financially.

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a car accident, you don’t have to go through this alone. With our Charleston personal injury attorneys by your side, you can focus on your health and recovery while we handle the insurance and legal process.

• Call today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
• We don’t charge any fees unless we win and recover money for you

Why Choose Monge & Associates?

When you choose Monge & Associates as your accident attorneys, you can expect top-notch representation and personalized attention. We are committed to going above and beyond for our clients and helping them get their lives back on track after a devastating car accident.

• Our attorneys have significant experience handling car accidents throughout South Carolina.
• We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
• We understand the difficulties our clients face and what they need to move forward with their lives.
• Our attorneys possess a deep understanding of the claims process, how insurance companies deal with accident victims, and how to protect our clients’ best interests.
• Monge & Associates has the resources and expertise necessary to take on powerful defendants and win.
• We never charge a fee for our services unless we successfully resolve our clients’ cases.
• Our firm is built on a foundation of providing the best possible service to our clients, keeping the informed every step of the way.

Meet Your Winning Legal Team

At Monge & Associates, our experienced attorneys operate with one goal in mind: securing a favorable verdict or settlement on your behalf. Our firm first began in 1993, when founding attorney Scott Monge started out in a humble, rented one-person office in Atlanta. Since then, our operations have expanded across the United States, with dozens of offices and hundreds of additional members added to our legal team. Our Charleston, SC car accident lawyers operate according to our Platinum Rule: we strive to treat you or your loved one as we would want our own family members to be cared for if they found themselves in a challenging situation.

We’d love to discuss your case with you during a free initial consultation at our Charleston, SC office. You can find us at:

40 Calhoun Street
Suite 210
Charleston, SC 29401
Local Number: (843) 920-6359
Toll Free Number: (888) 890-4058

Charleston Car Accident Lawsuit Resources

To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, click the corresponding links below.

• Notable Wins for Our Clients
• Types of Car Accidents in Charleston
• South Carolina Car Accident Laws and Insurance Requirements
• What Happens If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?
• Common Injuries in Car Accidents
• Recovering Compensation
• The Importance Of Legal Representation
• How Long You Have to File a Claim
• Contact A Charleston Car Accident Attorney

Notable Wins for Our Clients

Our attorneys successfully recovered the following for car accident victims:

• $6,000,000: Secured justice for a family harmed by a dangerous felon that was negligently hired without a proper background check.
• $675,000: Recovered damages for a client rear-ended in a preventable accident.
• $500,000: Held a hit-and-run drunk driver accountable for causing serious injuries.
• $318,000: Maximized compensation for a client that suffered significant property damage in a crash.
• $310,000: Achieved fair compensation for two clients severely injured by a reckless driver’s T-bone collision.
• $275,000: Secured compensation for a car accident victim injured by a negligent professional athlete.

Legal Responsibility in South Carolina Car Accidents

While they are commonly referred to throughout the United States as accidents, the truth is that motor vehicle collisions are almost always the result of negligence or carelessness.  This can be in the form of driver distraction, unsafe driving behaviors, alcohol impairment, or even defective vehicle parts.   In South Carolina, most car accident cases hinge on the concept of negligence – that an individual or entity owed a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle in a safe manner, but did not and caused injury to another person.

A defendant may be legally responsible for damages if the plaintiff can show that they:

1. Owed a duty of care to the plaintiff
2. Breached that duty
3. That the breach led to an injury
4. That the plaintiff suffered actual damages as a result

In real-world situations, however, there may be instances where both drivers contributed to the accident.  For this reason, South Carolina has adopted a comparative negligence system, allowing that car accident victims to recover damages in a lawsuit if they are less than 51 percent at fault.

Types Of Motor Vehicle Accidents In Charleston

A car accident can occur in various forms, and each type comes with its unique challenges. Our Charleston car accident lawyers have experience handling a wide range of car accident cases, including:

• Rear-End Collisions
• Sideswipe Accidents
• Head-On Collisions
• Side-Impact Crashes
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents
• Rollover Accidents
• Single-Vehicle Accidents
• Speeding Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Accidents where the driver ran a red light
• Accidents where the driver ran through a stop sign

Some of the most common areas for accidents in Charleston include:

South Carolina Car Accident Laws and Insurance Requirements

In South Carolina, the financial responsibility for injuries and losses resulting from a car accident generally falls on the at-fault driver, usually through their liability car insurance. South Carolina mandates that vehicle owners carry specific types and amounts of car insurance. At a minimum, drivers must have:

• $25,000 coverage for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the insured vehicle’s owner/driver.
• $50,000 for total bodily injury or death liability in an accident due to the insured vehicle’s owner/driver.
• $25,000 for property damage per accident caused by the insured vehicle’s owner/driver.

If you are injured by a negligent driver in Charleston, you have the right to pursue compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Alternatively, you could file a lawsuit against the driver in civil court.

What Happens If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?

Unlike most states, South Carolina allows drivers to legally operate vehicles without liability insurance. Drivers must register as uninsured motorists and contribute to the state’s uninsured motorist fund. If you are an insured driver who was involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may wonder what to do next.

When you, as an insured driver, find yourself in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist, your path to compensation primarily lies through an uninsured motorist (UM) claim. South Carolina law also requires all liability insurance policies to include UM coverage, in an amount equal to the state’s minimum liability coverage. If you are hit by an uninsured driver or if you are the victim of a hit and run, you can file a claim with your own insurance provider.

However, the process of filing and successfully claiming UM coverage is not as straightforward as it may seem. Just like in claims against insured drivers, you are required to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, not you. Your Charleston car accident lawyer from Monge & Associates can help prove your claim and argue for your right to compensation during these negotiations, protecting your best interests every step of the way.

Common Injuries in Charleston Car Accidents

While many modern vehicles are designed with safety measures, serious injuries can occur in a collision. When high speeds and multiple cars are involved, the damage is exacerbated, and victims can suffer permanent disabilities and long-term hardships as a result.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in Charleston car accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue injuries and nerve damage
• Bone fractures
• Organ damage and internal injuries
• Burn injuries
• Death

It is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident, even if you initially feel fine. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or soft tissue injuries, may not show any symptoms immediately, putting your health at risk. Failing to seek medical care swiftly may also undermine the legitimacy of any subsequent claims for injury. To protect your best interests, always go to the hospital after a collision.

Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident in Charleston, SC

In a Charleston car accident claim, you have the right to hold the at-fault driver accountable for all of the damages that you suffered in the accident. Generally, there are two categories of compensation that you can claim: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages, which encapsulate the financial losses related to the collision, may seem straightforward but can be complicated. These damages not only include immediate medical bills and property damage but also future costs such as ongoing treatment.

Non-economic damages are even more complex to quantify. These intangible costs account for emotional and mental trauma sustained due to the accident, as well as physical pain and suffering.

To determine the full value of your car accident claim, it is important to work with a Charleston car accident lawyer. At Monge & Associates, our attorneys can carefully evaluate your claim and identify all potential damages that you may qualify for. Using this information, will we advocate for your maximum possible compensation.

The Importance Of Legal Representation In Charleston Car Accident Cases

After a car accident, recovering the compensation you deserve can be an uphill battle. The liable insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or shift the blame onto you. Having a skilled car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Here’s why good legal representation is essential:

• Experience: We have extensive experience handling car accidents and personal injury cases in South Carolina. Our attorneys possess an in-depth understanding of the laws governing car accidents in South Carolina and will build a strong case on your behalf.
• Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies are notorious for the tactics they use to limit or deny accident claims. But, we won’t let the liable insurance companies take advantage of you. Our skilled negotiators will level the playing field, advocate for your best interests, and fight tirelessly for a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
• Trial Preparation: While most car accident cases settle out of court, some must be litigated to achieve the desired outcome. Our trial lawyers are prepared to take your case to court if needed. We will thoroughly prepare your case, gather evidence, and present a compelling argument to maximize your chances of success.
• Peace Of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. By hiring an experienced Charleston, SC car accident attorney, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case. We will keep you informed every step of the way, answering your questions and providing the support you need throughout the process.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Charleston?

The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina is generally three years from the date of the accident.

According to SC Code § 15-3-530:

Within three years:

(1) an action upon a contract, obligation, or liability, express or implied, excepting those provided for in Section 15-3-520;

(2) an action upon a liability created by statute other than a penalty or forfeiture;

(3) an action for trespass upon or damage to real property;

(4) an action for taking, detaining, or injuring any goods or chattels including an action for the specific recovery of personal property;

(5) an action for assault, battery, or any injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not enumerated by law, and those provided for in Section 15-3-545;

(6) an action under Sections 15-51-10 to 15-51-60 for death by wrongful act, the period to begin to run upon the death of the person on account of whose death the action is brought;

However, this timeline may vary based on specific factors related to your case. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to compensation, however. To protect your right to recovery, it is important to speak with a Charleston car accident lawyer as soon as you possibly can.

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What Our Clients Are Saying: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Colin Snow is an amazing lawyer!! He made this experience for me quick and easy!! Thank you so much Mr.Snow!! You are beyond greatly appreciated.”

– Natalie D.

“Firstly I want to say Monge & Associates handled my case with dignity, competence, and a unparalleled thoroughness that I’ve never experienced from another professional service provider. That aside, I truly wanted to take a minute to thank Attorney Colin Snow in particular for instilling a sense of peace and confidence in me after he took over my case from another team member. Upon being assigned to his desk I received prompt correspondence, my phone calls were answered or returned in very reasonable timeframes, and no corners were cut in answering the plethora of questions I threw his way during this cases processing…
You were awesome man!”

– Erik R.

“Excellent service. My attorney kept me informed on everything. I highly recommend Monge & Associates.”

– Dedria L.

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Contact A Charleston Car Accident Attorney From Monge & Associates

If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident in Charleston, don’t delay! Reach out to Monge & Associates today. We offer a free case review and charge no fee until and unless we win compensation for you. Let us put our experience and dedication to work on your behalf. Contact us today at 888-477-0597, and let’s discuss the potential value of your winning case.