South Carolina Car 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.
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In South Carolina, you generally have 3 years to file a car accident claim. What your case is worth depends on your specific damages and South Carolina's laws — use the calculator below for a free estimate of your low-to-high range.
Key South Carolina Laws
| Filing Deadline | 3 years in line with the national average of 2.8 years |
|---|---|
| Negligence System | Modified Comparative Fault (51% Bar) |
| Insurance System | Tort (At-Fault) Can sue the at-fault driver directly |
| Min. Liability Coverage | 25/50/25 BI per person / BI per accident / PD (in thousands) |
How South Carolina Law Affects Your Car 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.
How Does South Carolina Compare?
South Carolina Car Accident FAQs
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Had Your Accident in a Different State?
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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.
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