South Carolina Car Accident Settlement Guide
Average settlement values, statute of limitations, fault rules, insurance requirements, and everything South Carolina accident victims need to know to maximize their claim.
Average Settlement Values in South Carolina
These ranges reflect actual settlements and verdicts in South Carolina. Your specific case value depends on injury severity, liability clarity, insurance coverage, and quality of legal representation.
Whiplash & Soft Tissue
$7,000–$24,000
Most common injury type. Value depends heavily on treatment duration and documentation.
Herniated Disc
$55,000–$240,000
Significant injury requiring imaging, specialist care, and often physical therapy or surgery.
Broken Bones / Fractures
$35,000–$150,000
Value varies by bone, severity, and whether surgery was required.
Traumatic Brain Injury
$175,000–$1,350,000+
Among the highest-value injury types. Long-term impact on earning capacity is a major factor.
Wrongful Death
$350,000–$3,500,000+
Includes funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Important: These are ranges based on historical data — not guarantees. Cases with strong liability, serious injuries, and experienced legal representation consistently achieve results at the higher end of these ranges. Cases with disputed liability, gaps in treatment, or no attorney representation typically settle at the lower end.
South Carolina Legal Rules & Requirements
Statute of Limitations
S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530. Government entities: 2-year limit applies.
Check Your Deadline
Modified Comparative Fault (51% Bar)
South Carolina follows the 51% modified comparative fault rule. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover. If you are 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
At-Fault State
South Carolina is an at-fault state. You file a claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance. South Carolina does not require PIP coverage.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Bodily Injury Liability
$25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability
$25,000
Notable South Carolina Verdicts & Settlements
Commercial truck accident causing catastrophic injury, Richland County
2023
Wrongful death — drunk driver, Greenville County
2022
Traumatic brain injury — intersection collision, Charleston County
2023
These are representative examples. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Key Facts for South Carolina Victims
South Carolina has a 3-year statute of limitations
South Carolina has a high rate of uninsured drivers — approximately 10%
Charleston and Columbia juries tend to be moderate in damage awards
South Carolina has significant commercial truck traffic on I-26 and I-95
South Carolina does not require PIP or MedPay coverage
Find a Top-Rated South Carolina Attorney
Our network includes pre-screened personal injury attorneys in Columbia, Charleston, North Charleston, and throughout South Carolina. Free consultation, contingency fee — you pay nothing unless you win.
Find My South Carolina Attorney — FreeReady to Find Out What Your South Carolina Case Is Worth?
Get a free, AI-powered settlement estimate in under 5 minutes. Then connect with a top-rated South Carolina personal injury attorney for a free consultation.
Explore Other State Guides