At Bringardner Injury Law Firm, our South Carolina car accident lawyers don’t just win – we set records.
We represent people who are hurt in car accidents throughout the state. Our team has secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in South Carolina.
If you have been in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s our goal to provide exceptional legal service and world-class legal representation when people need it most. Contact us for a consultation about your situation and to see if we can assist you.
Attorneys for Car Accident Claims in South Carolina
The insurance companies take us seriously because they know we’re willing to go to trial. A lot of lawyers talk about going to trial, but ultimately always settle at the last minute. The insurance companies know which laws will go to trial, and which do not.
Mark Bringardner has successfully recovered more than $100 million as a car accident lawyer serving South Carolina. He has been recognized as a The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Top 40 under 40 lawyers in South Carolina.
His law firm exclusively represents individuals and families who have been hurt or killed due to wrongdoing. To see if you have a case and how Bringardner Injury Law Firm may be able to help, contact us for a free consultation.
About Bringardner Injury Law Firm
- We are South Carolina car accident lawyers with a statewide presence.
- Some lawyers may just want to settle cases quickly even if the settlement offer is unreasonably low. Our team isn’t afraid to take a case to trial to get justice for our clients. We are well versed in courtroom and trial procedures, and we’re work for our clients from start to finish throughout their case.
- Founder and leader Mark Bringardner has secured over $100 million in compensation for his clients, including seven and eight-figure results. We’ve achieved some of the top reported car accident and injury settlements in South Carolina over multiple years. Mark Bringardner is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
- Our reputation and history of success has earned us word of mouth referrals from attorneys, other members of the legal community, and many others. We do not advertise on TV or billboards. Most of our clients find us through someone they trust.
- Mark Bringardner serves on the Board of Governors for the South Carolina Association for Justice. He has written articles, lectured on the practice of law, and taught trial advocacy. His expertise drives the a podcast (The Sidebar) which he produces for trial other lawyers.
- 24/7 availability – whenever and wherever you need us, we’re here to serve you.
- It’s important that we take the time to talk with our clients. When we represent you, we won’t rush through your questions.
- We’re actively taking new cases. If you have been harmed in a car accident, we invite you to ask us for a consultation.
Car Accident Settlement Process
The accident
Immediately after the car accident, you should seek medical attention. After securing medical attention for yourself and anyone else injured, you should gather information from the vehicle drivers, other vehicle occupants and witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene of the vehicles involved.
Hiring us
Call our law firm as soon as possible. If we represent you, we can gather the evidence and build the case. We conduct our own independent investigations. We then deal with the insurance companies and we can guide you through exactly what we need to do for the best possible outcome.
Building your case
There are several important things that we do to build your case. We investigate – the police report is just the beginning. We gather evidence to prove the victim’s right to compensation and the appropriate settlement. Then, we evaluate the case and determine a legal strategy. Using our judgment and experience, we evaluate the amount of compensation the person deserves and the appropriate strategy to maximize the client’s result.
Settlement negotiations
Some cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations directly with the insurance company. Because the insurance companies know that we’re trial lawyers, they take our negotiations seriously. We give our clients honest advice about whether they should accept a settlement or move forward to litigation.
Filing a lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit takes the case to court. The defense must respond to the lawsuit. We prepare legal documents, taking care of all the technicalities involved.
Discovery process
Through the discovery process, we gather additional information and narrow the issues in dispute. The discovery process allows us to prepare your case to present it at trial, if necessary. It also positions our clients for the best settlement possible. Discovery may include interrogatories, depositions, requests for admission, inspections, subpoenas, and other methods to develop the case and address disputed issues.
Pre-trial resolution
While we prepare each case for trial, we also pursue the possibility of a pre-trial resolution. We use demand letters, settlement negotiations and formal alternative dispute resolution to explore opportunities to resolve the case. We never suggest that a client accept a settlement unless it fairly represents their harms and losses under the circumstances.
Trial
Our team represents clients in all aspects of trial. We engage in jury selection, make opening statements, question witnesses, present evidence and make strategic decisions throughout the case. We’re with our clients and working on their behalf throughout the trial.
Why Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?
It can be difficult to pursue compensation without an attorney. The most common source for compensation following a car accident is through an insurance policy. Usually there are multiple insurance companies involved in car accident claims.
The insurance companies are professionals. They’ve spent years working to minimize and deny car accident payments. Although they might seem friendly if you speak to them right after a car accident, the truth is that they are not usually looking to help you. Without an attorney, you may be taken advantage of – and end up receiving a fraction of the compensation you deserve.
Having a an experienced lawyer gives you an advocate that’s on your side who knows the system. They can help determine what you should receive in compensation and pursue it effectively. Your attorney communicates with the insurance company for you, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong things or interpreting what the insurance company says.
Another important reason to have an attorney is to take care of legal procedures. A case must be filed correctly and in the right court. Much of a case is won or lost in preliminary procedures including motions and hearings, trial briefs and discovery. Your lawyer guides you and advocates for you through these steps. They understand the law and the process to pursue a solid case.
Hiring an attorney after a car accident ensures that each aspect of your case is handled by a professional, with the goal of maximizing your compensation and making the case efficient and manageable.
Should you speak to the insurance company after a car accident?
Generally, no. If you do, be careful speaking to the insurance company after a car accident. Remember, the insurance company cares about their bottom line – not making sure that you are fairly compensated. They may use what you say against you. They may say confusing things and offer a settlement that is far too low, hoping that you’ll be discouraged and accept.
It’s best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. When our South Carolina car accident lawyers represent you, we handle speaking to the insurance company. Our team knows what to say – and what not to say. You don’t have to worry about speaking to the insurance company when our lawyers are handling your case.
Free Case Evaluation
Have you been injured in a car accident? You may have a case for compensation.
If you have been injured in a car accident, we invite you to have a free case consultation with the Bringardner Injury Law Firm. There’s no cost to see if we can assist you with legal representation. Free consultations are available, including to anyone who was injured while visiting South Carolina.
Call or message us for your free case evaluation with the South Carolina car accident lawyers from Bringardner Injury Law Firm.
Types of Car Accidents
We handle all types of car accident claims, including:
- Head-on
- T-bone
- Sideswipe
- Rear-end
- Rollovers
- Sideswipes
- Pile-ups
What To Do After a Car Accident
After a car accident, address your immediate safety. Call 911 whether or not you are the driver of the accident.
Seek medical attention for injuries. If you are able, help others get the medical attention they need.
To the extent that you can, document the accident scene. Take photos – with a phone is okay.
Ask all drivers for their license, vehicle and insurance information. Don’t worry about sorting out who is at fault yet – just collect the information.
Tend to your injuries. Continue to attend medical appointments and follow your health care instructions. Call our South Carolina car accident lawyers as soon as possible.
Causes of Car Accidents in South Carolina
Primary Driver-Related Causes of Traffic Accidents in South Carolina
- Driving too fast for conditions: 39,595
- Failed to yield right of way: 29,274
- Improper lane change or lane usage: 12,907
- Following too closely: 10,020
- Distracted driving, inattention: 8,928
- Disregarding traffic signals: 7,169
- Drunk driving/DUI: 5,377
- Improper turn: 2,638
- Wrong side/wrong way: 2,234
Driver action is the primary contributing factor in 82.73% of fatal accidents in South Carolina and 92.04% of all injury accidents in the state. The second-leading contributing factor in fatal accidents is non-motorist causes. In injury accidents, the second-leading contributing factor is environmental hazards. Vehicle defects are the primary contributing factor in 1.26% of injury accidents, or 1,861 collisions in South Carolina in 2021.
All Causes of Traffic Accidents in South Carolina, by Category
Driver factors: Too fast for conditions, failure to yield, improper lane change, following too closely, etc.
- Fatalities: 1,004
- Total collisions: 135,846
- Persons injured: 51,288
Roadway: Debris, non-highway work, obstruction in roadway, road surface condition, holes, bumps, missing control devices.
- Fatalities: 3
- Total collisions: 1,300
- Persons injured: 249
Non-motorist: Lack of attention, illegal presence in roadway, failure to yield right of way, lack of visibility, improper crossing.
- Fatalities: 7
- Total collisions: 821
- Persons injured: 667
Environmental: Animal in roadway, glare, weather, obstruction.
- Fatalities: 7
- Total collisions: 7,879
- Persons injured: 842
Vehicle defect: Brakes, steering, power failure or fault, tires, lights, cargo, windows/windshield
- Fatalities: 13
- Total collisions: 1,860
- Persons injured: 550
Car Accident FAQs
Can I have a lawyer for a car accident claim?
You can – and you should – have a lawyer for a car accident claim if you have sustained injuries. Their knowledge and skills can ensure you’re handling the claim correctly. A lawyer works to maximize your settlement and resolve your claim quickly.
Should I only have a lawyer if my car accident claim goes to court?
No. It’s usually best to hire a lawyer right away. Having a lawyer to process a claim through the insurance company can protect you from the insurance company’s tactics. They won’t explain complicated legal questions or tell you what your case is really worth. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may benefit from a lawyer whether or not your case goes to court.
What kind of lawyer handles car accident claims?
A lawyer that handles car accident claims is a civil personal injury lawyer, also called “trial lawyer”. They represent an individual client – the person injured in the accident – to seek financial compensation for that person. The purpose of the claim is for the victim to receive compensation.
How long will my car accident case take?
How long a car accident case takes varies. Some cases can be resolved in a matter of weeks, while others need more time to receive justice for the client. Our lawyers balance maximizing results with the need to resolve a case in a timely fashion. You only get one case, and it’s worth doing right.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
At Bringardner Injury Law Firm, like virtually all personal injury law firms, we work on a contingency basis. That means our fee depends on the success of your case. You don’t pay a dime unless we secure a recovery for you, and how much it costs is tied to how much compensation we secure for you.
What are the car insurance requirements in South Carolina?
Minimum car insurance requirements in South Carolina are $25,000 per person bodily injury, $50,000 total bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers must also carry uninsured motorist coverage. Drivers may choose to have higher limits.
South Carolina Car Accident Statistics
- Law enforcement agencies documented 147,724 traffic collisions in South Carolina in 2021.
- 25% of car accidents in South Carolina result in an injury or fatality. That means 37,572 collisions caused an injury or fatality in 2021.
- There is a car accident in South Carolina, on average, every 3.6 minutes.
- Someone is injured in a car accident in South Carolina every 14.4 minutes.
- On average, a fatal accident occurs in South Carolina every 7.9 hours.
- There were 1,112 fatal car accidents in the state in 2021. The number is a 15.4% increase from the year before. In total, 1,198 people were killed.
- 39% of fatal car accidents involve a pickup truck, truck tractor or other type of truck.
- Car accidents in South Carolina resulted in a $5.2 billion economic loss in 2021.
- More traffic collisions happen from 3:00-6:00 p.m. than any other three-hour stretch in the day.
- The most accidents happen on Saturdays and Sundays. The fewest accidents happen on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Traffic Accidents by Route Type, South Carolina, 2021
- Secondary roads: 43,179 collisions, 354 fatalities
- US Primary roads: 38,861 collisions, 326 fatalities
- SC Primary roads: 33,295 collisions, 316 fatalities
- Interstate highways: 16,513 collisions, 143 fatalities
- County roads: 13,874 collisions, 52 fatalities
- Ramps: 2,002 collisions, 7 fatalities
Top Interstates for Car Accidents in South Carolina
Top 10 U.S. Interstates for car accidents in South Carolina by total number of collisions (most to least):
- I-26
- I-85
- I-20
- I-95
- I-77
- I-526
- I-385
- I-185
- I-126
- I-585
Source: SCDPS, Traffic Fact Book, 2021
Talk to a Lawyer Proudly Serving South Carolina
See why Mark Bringardner and his team have earned a reputation as true advocates for those who have been harmed by the actions of others. Excellent customer service is an important part of how we operate. We’re always available to talk about your situation and answer questions.
No two cases are alike. Past results can’t guarantee future results, but our track record of success evidences our commitment to the aggressive advocacy that our clients deserve.
We don’t get paid unless you do. Our payment is a percentage of your success. Ask how our contingency fees work when you talk to our team about your case.
Contact Us Now
Contact us now to talk to a South Carolina car accident lawyer. We may help you pursue compensation when you are injured in a car accident.
To begin, use our contact form or call us now. When you choose Bringardner Injury Law Firm, you choose experience, service and integrity.