South Carolina Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement Calculator
South Carolina uses a 51% fault threshold for car accident claims. You can recover compensation as long as you are no more than 50% at fault — even in a perfectly even 50/50 split, you still receive half your damages. This is more permissive than states using a 50% bar, where equal fault results in zero recovery.
Get My Free South Carolina EstimateQuick & easy · Takes 2 minutes · 100% free
How South Carolina Law Affects Your Motor Vehicle Accident Case
South Carolina gives you 3 years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit, which is in line with the national average of 2.8 years. This is a standard timeframe, but acting sooner preserves evidence and strengthens your position. South Carolina applies a discovery rule, meaning the clock may start when you discover (or should have discovered) the injury rather than when the incident occurred.
South Carolina’s mandatory minimum auto insurance is 25/50/25 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage). These are relatively low minimums. Medical costs from even a moderate car accident frequently exceed $25K, which means you may need to pursue additional recovery options if the at-fault driver carries only the minimum. South Carolina requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage but not underinsured motorist coverage. Adding UIM coverage to your own policy is recommended.
Steps After a Car Accident in South Carolina
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in South Carolina, prioritize your safety, call 911, and document everything at the scene. Obtain a copy of the police report, photograph vehicle damage and road conditions, and collect contact information from witnesses. Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible — a gap between the accident and medical treatment can be used by the insurance company to argue your injuries were not caused by the collision.
Key South Carolina Laws
How Does South Carolina Compare?
South Carolina Motor Vehicle Accident FAQs
Related South Carolina Calculators
Had Your Accident in a Different State?
Which state's law applies depends on where the incident occurred, not where you live. Compare neighboring states:
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator uses South Carolina's statutes as of 2026-03-06. Laws change frequently. This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current rules with a South Carolina-licensed attorney before making decisions about your case. Learn about our methodology.
Get Your South Carolina Case Estimate — Free
Answer a few questions about your situation. Our calculator applies South Carolina's specific laws and real case data to estimate your settlement value instantly.
Get My Free South Carolina Case Estimate