After a car accident in Charleston, South Carolina, you need a Charleston car accident attorney in your corner. At Monge & Associates, we know firsthand the havoc that a car accident can wreak on your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. That is why our crew of car accident lawyers is here to help you fight tooth and nail for the compensation you rightly deserve. With our Charleston personal injury attorneys by your side, you can rest easy knowing we will go to bat for you and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Charleston Car Accident Resources
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Why Choose Monge & Associates?
Types of Car Accidents in Charleston
South Carolina Car Accident Laws and Insurance Requirements
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
Why Choose Monge & Associates?
When you choose Monge & Associates as your car 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.
Get Your Free Case Review
Before we can get to work for you, we need to know the details of your case. That is why we offer a free case review. During this initial consultation, an Charleston car accident lawyer from our law firm will listen to your story, evaluate the circumstances of the accident, and assess your legal options. We believe in being truthful and straightforward with our clients, so they can make an informed decision about how they would like to proceed.
We’ll Handle & Explain All The Legal Language
The legal process can be overwhelming and confusing, especially for laypersons. Our team of Charleston car accident attorneys will take care of all the legal aspects of your case and explain all the legal jargon to you in plain English. This way, you will understand your rights, the potential outcomes, and the steps we will take to fight for your best interests.
We’ll Handle The Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. The liable insurance companies will do whatever they can to undervalue or deny your claim. At Monge & Associates, we have extensive experience dealing with insurance company tactics, and we know what it takes to win the most favorable settlements for our clients. Our Charleston car accident lawyers will handle all communications with the liable insurance companies and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Help You Understand All Of Your Damages
Pursuing compensation after a car accident is about more than the property damage you sustained. There is a range of other damages you could also be facing—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress, to name a few. We are here to ensure you are fully aware of all the damages you are entitled to receive, and we will leave no stone unturned when pursuing full and fair compensation for your losses.
We’ll Fight Passionately To Get You The Maximum Settlement
Our skilled Charleston, SC car accident lawyers are fierce, determined, and ready to battle on your behalf. We will dig deep, gather evidence, consult with experts if needed, and build a strong case to support your claim. Our goal is always to recover the maximum settlement possible for our client. You can trust us to tirelessly advocate for your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
We’ll Represent You In Court
While most car accident cases are resolved through negotiations and settlements, some may require litigation. If your case needs to go to trial, rest assured that our experienced trial lawyers will be ready to represent you in court. We will present a compelling case before the judge and jury, using our top-notch litigation skills and courtroom experience to fight for a favorable outcome. We aim to secure the justice and compensation you deserve, no matter the legal path we must take.
We Don’t Get Paid Until You Win
The financial strain of a car accident can make it difficult to afford legal representation. That is why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we win your case. This is a win-win situation because you don’t have to worry about upfront costs, and we are motivated to get you the compensation you deserve.
Types Of Car 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
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.
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
- Whiplash
- Bone fractures
- Organ damage
- Burn injuries
It is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident, even if you initially feel fine. Some injuries, like internal bleeding, 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 accident 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. 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.
Contact A Charleston Car Accident Attorney From Monge & Associates
If you or a loved one was involved in a car or motorcycle 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.
In addition, Monge & Associates can also help if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, so don’t hesitate to contact our Charleston motorcycle accident attorneys today.
[South Carolina Car Accident Resources] How drunk driving fatalities in South Carolina compare to the rest of the United States
There were an estimated 42,795 fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes in 2022, down by 0.3% from the year prior, according to early estimates released in April 2023 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While a reduction in crash-related deaths, even one as slight as this, is generally positive, the facts remain deeply concerning: Crash-related deaths rose more than 10% in 2021 and more than 7% the year before that, marking a disturbing trend leading into and persisting through the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, the most recent full year of traffic-death data available, drunken driving fatalities rose by 14% from 2020. Monge and Associates cited data from NHTSA to identify states with the highest rate of fatalities from car accidents involving at least one drunken driver. States are ranked by drunken driving fatalities per 100,000 residents. This rate is listed up to its first decimal point, but the exact ranking of states was determined from the total rate calculation, which did not result in ties.
A blood-alcohol content of .08 or higher is considered impaired. Judgment and driving abilities continue to worsen as BAC levels increase. Laws adopted between 1982 and 1997 throughout most of the U.S. successfully decreased the proportion of DUI-related motor vehicle fatalities in subsequent years.
Alternative transportation programs have also shown some promise in helping to deter drunken driving. Even in areas lacking robust transit options, recent studies suggest that alternatives such as rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can reduce drunken driving-related collisions.
Keep reading to see what percentage of car crash deaths in South Carolina involved drunken driving and how it compares to the 49 other states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. See the ranking of all 52 states and territories here.
South Carolina by the numbers
#2 highest
– Drunken driving fatalities per 100k residents: 7.7 (401, 33% of all car crash fatalities)
– Fatalities involving driver with BAC 0.15 and above: 5.4 per 100K (282, 70.3% of all drunken driving fatalities)
– Change in drunken driving fatalities from 2012: 15.2% increase
Continue below to see drunk driving statistics of other states in your region.
Georgia by the numbers
#25 lowest
– Drunken driving fatalities per 100k residents: 3.6 (391, 22% of all car crash fatalities)
– Fatalities involving driver with BAC 0.15 and above: 2.5 per 100K (272, 69.6% of all drunken driving fatalities)
– Change in drunken driving fatalities from 2012: 32.5% increase
North Carolina by the numbers
#19 highest
– Drunken driving fatalities per 100k residents: 4.4 (466, 28% of all car crash fatalities)
– Fatalities involving driver with BAC 0.15 and above: 2.8 per 100K (300, 64.4% of all drunken driving fatalities)
– Change in drunken driving fatalities from 2012: 25.3% increase