Frequently Asked Questions

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in South Carolina, you likely have questions. What are your rights? How long do you have to file? What does it actually cost to hire an attorney? We have answered the most common questions we receive below, organized by topic, in plain language with no legal jargon.

If your question is not answered here, call us at (864) 990-0904 any time of the day or night. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all consultations are completely free.

Jump to a topic:

• Costs and Fees
• The Legal Process
• Insurance Companies
• Compensation and Value
• Deadlines and Timing
• Fault and Liability
• Types of Cases
• Medical Treatment
• Working With Our Firm

• Is the consultation really free?+

  Yes. Your initial consultation with SC PI Attorneys is completely free. There is no charge to speak with us, no fee for us to evaluate your case, and no obligation to hire us after the consultation. We review your situation, explain your legal rights under South Carolina law, and give you an honest assessment of whether you have a viable claim , all at no cost to you.

  We offer consultations by phone, video call, or in person at our Greenville office. If you cannot travel because of your injuries, we will come to you. Home and hospital visits are available throughout South Carolina.

• How does the contingency fee work exactly?+

  A contingency fee means our attorney's fee is a percentage of the amount we recover for you. If we do not recover anything, you owe us nothing. The fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, not out of your pocket upfront.

  Before we begin working on your case, we will provide you with a written fee agreement that clearly states the exact percentage we will charge. South Carolina personal injury contingency fees are typically between 33% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it settles or goes to trial. We explain every number before you sign anything.

  Example: If your case settles for $100,000 and our agreed fee is 33%, our fee would be $33,000. The remaining $67,000, minus any case expenses (which are also explained upfront), goes to you.

• What expenses or costs will I be responsible for?+

  In addition to attorney fees, personal injury cases involve case expenses such as filing fees, costs to obtain medical records, expert witness fees, accident reconstruction costs, and deposition costs if your case goes to litigation. These are separate from the attorney fee.

  At SC PI Attorneys, we advance all case expenses on your behalf. You do not pay these costs out of pocket as the case progresses. At the conclusion of your case, any advanced expenses are reimbursed from the settlement or verdict before the remaining funds are distributed to you. We itemize every expense and go over the final accounting with you in detail before you receive your funds.

  If your case does not result in a recovery, our policy on expense reimbursement will be clearly explained in your fee agreement before you retain us.

• Do I have to pay anything to get started?+

  No. There is no upfront cost of any kind to hire SC PI Attorneys. You do not pay a retainer. You do not pay for the consultation. You do not pay for any initial investigation we conduct on your behalf. We invest our time and resources into your case from day one, and we only collect if we recover compensation for you.

• What if I cannot afford to miss work while my case is pending?+

  Lost wages and lost earning capacity are recoverable damages in a personal injury case, meaning the compensation we pursue for you includes the income you have lost and will lose because of your injuries. However, we understand that waiting for a case to resolve can create immediate financial pressure.

  Some clients in serious injury situations explore medical liens (where healthcare providers agree to be paid from the settlement) or pre-settlement funding options. We can explain how these work so you can make an informed decision. We do not pressure clients toward any particular financial arrangement but we will give you honest information about all available options.

• What happens after I hire SC PI Attorneys?+

  Once you retain us, we move quickly. Within the first week, we send letters of representation to all insurance companies involved, which means they are required to communicate with us rather than contacting you directly. We issue preservation letters to secure any surveillance footage, electronic data, or physical evidence that could disappear. We begin gathering your medical records and bills, and we open a formal investigation into your case.

  From that point, you focus on your medical recovery and we handle everything else. We keep you informed as developments occur and consult you before making any significant decisions about your case strategy.

• How long does a personal injury case take in South Carolina?+

  It depends on the complexity of your case. Most straightforward cases that settle without litigation resolve within three to nine months. More complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, multiple parties, or litigation can take one to three years or longer.

  One important principle we follow: we do not rush to settle. We typically wait until you have reached maximum medical improvement before finalizing any settlement, because we need to know the full extent of your medical costs and future needs before we can accurately value your claim. A fast settlement is often a bad settlement.

  • Investigation and medical treatment phase: weeks to many months depending on injury severity
  • Demand and negotiation phase: typically one to four months after demand is submitted
  • Litigation phase (if needed): adds six months to two years depending on court scheduling
• Do most personal injury cases go to trial?+

  No. The vast majority of personal injury cases in South Carolina settle before trial. Many settle before a lawsuit is even filed. However, whether a case settles or goes to trial is not always in your control , it depends heavily on whether the insurance company is willing to make a fair offer.

  What matters is having an attorney who is genuinely prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Insurance companies know which firms litigate and which ones always settle. When we send a demand, the insurer knows we will follow through if they do not negotiate fairly. That willingness to litigate consistently produces better settlement results for our clients , even when the case never sees a courtroom.

• What is a demand letter and when does it get sent?+

  A demand letter is a formal document we send to the insurance company laying out the facts of your case, the legal basis for liability, and the full extent of your damages. It includes your medical bills, lost wages, projected future losses, and a demand for a specific dollar amount to resolve your claim.

  We send the demand letter after you have completed or substantially completed your medical treatment, so we have a clear picture of your total losses. Sending a demand too early , before you know the full extent of your injuries , is a common mistake that leads to settlements that do not cover all your actual costs.

  After the insurer receives our demand, they typically have 30 days to respond under South Carolina law. Negotiations then proceed from there.

• What is the difference between a settlement and a verdict?+

  A settlement is a negotiated agreement between you and the insurance company (or the at-fault party directly) to resolve your claim for an agreed amount. It happens outside of court and can occur at any stage , before a lawsuit is filed, during litigation, or even during trial. Settlements are private, faster, and guarantee a specific outcome, but they typically involve some compromise.

  A verdict is the decision made by a judge or jury after a trial. Verdicts can result in higher awards than settlements, but they also carry risk , there is always a chance the jury finds in the defendant's favor or awards less than expected. Trials take significantly longer and involve greater cost and stress.

  We evaluate every case to determine which path is in our client's best interest. You always make the final decision , we advise you, we never decide for you.

• What is a deposition and will I have to give one?+

  A deposition is sworn, out-of-court testimony given in front of a court reporter. If your case goes to litigation, the defense attorney will likely depose you , asking you questions about the accident, your injuries, your medical history, and your damages while a court reporter transcribes everything you say. Your answers become part of the formal record and can be used at trial.

  We prepare you thoroughly for your deposition before it happens. We review likely questions, explain how to answer clearly and accurately, and attend the deposition with you. You are never alone in this process. Depositions are a normal part of litigation and with proper preparation, they do not have to be intimidating.

• Should I give the insurance company a recorded statement?+

  No. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without first speaking with an attorney. An insurance adjuster who asks for a recorded statement is not trying to help you , they are gathering information they can use to reduce or deny your claim.

  Recorded statements happen shortly after an accident, when you may not fully understand the extent of your injuries, when your memory of details is still forming, and when you are not yet aware of all the legal implications of what you say. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that elicit answers which minimize the company's liability.

  What to do instead: Be polite. Tell the adjuster that you are represented by or are consulting with an attorney and that all further communication should go through your attorney. Then call us immediately.

  Note: You generally do have an obligation to report the accident to your own insurance company, but even then, you should keep the description brief, factual, and limit it to what happened , not what you think caused it or how you feel physically.

• Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?+

  Almost certainly not. The first settlement offer from an insurance company is almost always designed to be quick, low, and final. Insurance companies make early offers because they know injured people often do not yet understand the full cost of their injuries , and once you sign a release and accept a settlement, you permanently give up the right to seek more money, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought.

  Before you accept any offer, you should know:

  • The full extent of your injuries and whether they are permanent
  • All past and future medical costs related to your injuries
  • The total lost wages and lost earning capacity the injury has caused
  • What your non-economic damages (pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment) are actually worth

  You cannot know any of this reliably in the days or weeks immediately following a serious accident. Always consult with an attorney before signing anything or accepting any offer.

• What if the insurance company denies my claim?+

  A claim denial from an insurance company is not the end of the road. Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons , some legitimate, many not. Common denial reasons include disputes about fault, claims that your injuries are pre-existing, arguments that you did not seek medical treatment promptly enough, or simply a determination that they can push back without consequence.

  When we receive a denial, we investigate the reason, counter with documented evidence, and where necessary, file a lawsuit to force the matter into court. Insurance companies behave very differently when they know a denial will lead to litigation rather than acceptance. Many denied claims that our firm takes on ultimately resolve for significant amounts.

• What is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and do I have it?+

  South Carolina requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This coverage protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance (UM) or not enough insurance to cover your losses (UIM).

  If you are injured by a driver with no insurance, or a driver whose policy limits are lower than your total damages, you can make a claim against your own policy through these coverages. This does not raise your premiums in South Carolina for making such a claim.

  Check your insurance declarations page to see your UM/UIM coverage limits. If you are unsure whether you have this coverage or how much you have, we can help you review your policy as part of our free consultation.

• Can I be recorded or monitored by the insurance company after an accident?+

  Yes. Insurance companies routinely use multiple methods to gather information after a claim is filed, including:

  • Social media monitoring: They search Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms for photos or posts that suggest your injuries are less serious than claimed. A photo of you at a barbecue or on a hike can be taken out of context and used against you.
  • Surveillance: In serious injury cases, insurers sometimes hire investigators to photograph or video you in public.
  • Recorded statements: As described above, asking you to describe the accident on the record.
  • Medical record reviews: Looking for pre-existing conditions or gaps in treatment that could be used to argue your injuries are not accident-related.

  During the pendency of your case, be thoughtful about what you post on social media. This does not mean you need to disappear online , but do not post anything that could be misinterpreted regarding your physical condition or activity level.

• What types of compensation can I recover in a South Carolina personal injury case?+

  South Carolina law allows injury victims to recover two primary categories of damages: economic and non-economic. In some cases, punitive damages are also available.

  Economic damages are the measurable financial losses caused by your injury:

  • All past and future medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medication, and medical equipment
  • Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
  • Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your prior level of work
  • Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement
  • Out-of-pocket costs directly related to your injury

  Non-economic damages compensate for harms that do not have a precise dollar value:

  • Physical pain and suffering, both past and ongoing
  • Emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and depression caused by the accident and its aftermath
  • Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries have limited activities and experiences you previously valued
  • Loss of consortium if your injuries have impacted your relationship with your spouse
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement

  Punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence, fraud, or willful misconduct. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer rather than simply compensate you.

• How much is my case worth?+

  This is the most common question we receive and the honest answer is: it depends entirely on the specific facts of your situation. There is no reliable formula or average that applies to all personal injury cases.

  The value of your claim is affected by:

  • Severity and permanence of your injuries , permanent injuries affecting your daily life and ability to work are worth significantly more than injuries that fully heal
  • Total medical costs , both what you have already spent and what you will need in the future
  • Your lost income and earning capacity , a higher-earning individual who cannot return to their profession has greater economic loss
  • Strength of liability evidence , if fault is clear and well-documented, cases settle for more; disputed liability reduces value
  • Available insurance coverage , recovery is often limited by the at-fault party's policy limits, though other sources of recovery may exist
  • Quality of documentation , well-documented injuries supported by consistent medical treatment lead to stronger claims

  We evaluate all of these factors during your free consultation and give you an honest, realistic assessment of what your case may be worth.

• Are there caps on what I can recover in South Carolina?+

  South Carolina does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. However, there are exceptions:

  • Medical malpractice cases in South Carolina have a cap on non-economic damages, which can change periodically based on statute. An attorney can advise you on the current cap applicable to your case.
  • Claims against government entities under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act are subject to specific damage caps and strict procedural requirements including short notice deadlines.
  • Punitive damages in South Carolina are capped at three times the compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater, in most cases.

  Understanding which caps apply to your specific situation is one reason why consulting with an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney early is so important.

• What is pain and suffering and how is it calculated?+

  Pain and suffering is the legal term for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by your injuries. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, there is no receipt or pay stub to document it , yet it can be one of the largest components of a personal injury recovery, especially in serious injury cases.

  Courts and insurance companies calculate pain and suffering damages using various approaches, including multiplying your economic damages by a factor (typically 1.5 to 5 times depending on severity), or calculating a per-day dollar amount for each day you experience pain and limitation.

  The best way to support a pain and suffering claim is consistent documentation: medical records describing your pain levels, a personal journal noting how your injuries affect daily life, statements from family members and coworkers who have observed your limitations, and testimony from treating physicians.

• How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina?+

  Under South Carolina Code § 15-3-530, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident or injury. If you do not file a lawsuit before this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case and you will permanently lose the right to pursue compensation, regardless of how strong your claim is.

  Important: The three-year deadline applies to filing a lawsuit, not to contacting an attorney or filing an insurance claim. You should contact us as soon as possible after your accident , not only because of the legal deadline but because evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, and insurance companies gain an advantage the longer you wait.

  Several important exceptions can shorten or extend this deadline, described in the questions below.

• Are there shorter deadlines I should know about?+

  Yes. Several situations trigger much shorter deadlines that can catch injured people off guard:

  • Claims against government entities , If your accident involved a government vehicle, a government employee, or occurred on government-maintained property, the South Carolina Tort Claims Act requires written notice of your claim within two years. Missing this notice requirement can permanently bar your claim even before the general statute of limitations expires. Some municipalities may have even shorter notice requirements.
  • Wrongful death claims , The three-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims runs from the date of death, not the date of the accident that caused the death.
  • Medical malpractice , South Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice, subject to a discovery rule. There is also a six-year statute of repose, which means a claim generally cannot be brought more than six years after the date of the negligent act, regardless of when it was discovered.
  • Minor children , The statute of limitations for a minor's personal injury claim typically does not begin running until the child turns 18, giving them until their 21st birthday to file. However, a parent's own claims arising from the child's injury are subject to normal adult deadlines.
• My accident happened over a year ago. Is it too late to file?+

  Possibly not, but you need to act immediately. If your accident occurred within the last three years and did not involve a government entity, you likely still have time to file a claim. However, every day you wait makes the case harder to build , evidence deteriorates, surveillance footage gets erased, witnesses become harder to locate, and the insurance company's advantage grows.

  Call us right now for a free consultation. The first thing we will do is review your specific timeline and tell you exactly where you stand. If your deadline has already passed, we will tell you honestly. If you still have time, we will begin working on your case immediately.

• Why should I contact an attorney right away if I have three years?+

  Three years sounds like a long time, but waiting significantly weakens your case for several reasons:

  • Evidence disappears: Surveillance camera footage is typically overwritten within days to weeks. Skid marks fade. Defective conditions get repaired. Witnesses move away or forget details.
  • Medical documentation gaps: Gaps between the accident and seeking medical treatment give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries were not caused by the accident or were not serious.
  • Insurance company advantage: The insurer has already been investigating since the day of the accident. Every day you wait without representation is a day they are building their defense.
  • Shorter deadlines may apply: If a government entity is involved, you may have far less than three years to file proper notice.
  • Building a strong case takes time: Gathering medical records, obtaining expert reports, conducting depositions, and preparing for trial all take months. Starting early gives us more time to build the strongest possible case.

• What if I was partially at fault for the accident?+

  You may still be able to recover compensation. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule under S.C. Code § 15-38-15. This means fault is assigned as a percentage to each party involved. As long as your share of the fault is 50% or less, you can still recover damages , though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

  Example: If you were found 25% at fault for an accident and your total damages are $200,000, you would recover $150,000 , which is $200,000 reduced by your 25% share of fault.

  If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything under South Carolina's comparative negligence rule.

  Insurance companies often try to inflate your percentage of fault to reduce what they owe you. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and present the strongest possible case for the true assignment of fault, which is frequently more favorable than what the insurance company initially claims.

• What if the at-fault driver has no insurance or minimal coverage?+

  This is more common than people realize and it does not necessarily mean you have no options. Several sources of potential recovery may exist:

  • Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage , if the at-fault driver has no insurance, you can claim under your own policy's UM coverage
  • Your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage , if the at-fault driver's policy limits are lower than your damages, your UIM coverage may make up the difference
  • Third-party liability , in some cases other parties bear responsibility, such as an employer if the driver was working, a bar that over-served the driver, or a vehicle manufacturer if a defect contributed to the accident
  • Personal assets , in rare cases where the at-fault party has significant personal assets, a judgment against them directly may be enforceable

  We investigate all potential sources of recovery before concluding what is available in your specific situation.

• What if multiple parties were responsible for my injury?+

  South Carolina allows recovery against multiple defendants in a single case. If more than one party contributed to your injury , for example, a truck driver and the trucking company, or a property owner and a maintenance contractor , we can pursue claims against all responsible parties simultaneously.

  South Carolina uses a system of joint and several liability in some circumstances, meaning that in certain situations a single defendant may be responsible for paying the full amount of damages even if multiple parties share fault. The rules on joint and several liability in South Carolina are nuanced and depend on the specifics of your case.

  Multi-party cases are more complex but often produce larger recoveries because more than one source of insurance coverage may be available. We handle all the coordination of claims against multiple defendants on your behalf.

• What makes truck accident cases different from regular car accident cases?+

  Commercial truck accident cases are significantly more complex than standard car accident claims for several reasons:

  • Federal regulations: Trucking companies and their drivers are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations governing hours of service, maintenance requirements, driver qualification, and cargo loading. Violations of these regulations are critical evidence of negligence.
  • Multiple potentially liable parties: In addition to the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loading company, the vehicle manufacturer, and the maintenance contractor may all bear responsibility.
  • Electronic evidence: Commercial trucks generate significant electronic data including electronic logging device (ELD) records, GPS tracking, dashcam footage, and ECM black box data. This evidence must be preserved immediately , trucking companies have been known to destroy it quickly after accidents.
  • Large insurance policies: Commercial carriers carry much larger insurance policies than individual drivers, but their insurers also employ aggressive defense teams from the day of the accident.
  • Severity of injuries: The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks means accidents cause catastrophic injuries , traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatalities are far more common than in passenger vehicle accidents.

  If you were injured by a commercial truck, contact us immediately. Evidence preservation in these cases is time-critical.

• Who can file a wrongful death claim in South Carolina?+

  Under South Carolina's Wrongful Death Act (S.C. Code § 15-51-10), a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. This is typically the executor named in a will or an administrator appointed by the court.

  The compensation recovered in a wrongful death claim is distributed to the deceased's statutory beneficiaries, which include the surviving spouse, children, and in some cases parents. The claim can recover compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses incurred before death
  • Lost income the deceased would have earned
  • Loss of companionship, love, and guidance suffered by surviving family members
  • The grief and sorrow of surviving family members
  • Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct

  South Carolina also has a survival action (S.C. Code § 15-5-90) which allows recovery for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced between the time of injury and death. We help families understand both claims and pursue them together when appropriate.

• What do I need to prove in a slip and fall case?+

  To win a premises liability or slip and fall case in South Carolina, you generally need to prove:

  • A dangerous condition existed on the property , a wet floor, broken step, inadequate lighting, loose carpet, etc.
  • The property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition , either because they created it, it had existed long enough that they should have discovered it, or they had been notified of it
  • The property owner failed to correct the condition or warn you adequately about it
  • The dangerous condition caused your fall and your injuries

  The key legal question in most slip and fall cases is notice , did the owner know about the hazard? Evidence we look for includes prior incident reports, maintenance records, employee schedules, surveillance footage showing how long the condition existed, and prior complaints from other customers or tenants.

  South Carolina also applies comparative negligence to slip and fall cases , if you were texting while walking or ignored obvious warning signs, your recovery may be reduced proportionally.

• What is the difference between a workers compensation claim and a personal injury claim?+

  Workers compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to employees injured on the job regardless of who was at fault. It covers medical treatment and a portion of lost wages, but it does not compensate for pain and suffering, and the benefits are limited by law.

  A personal injury claim against a third party can provide significantly more compensation , including pain and suffering, full lost wages, and future losses , but requires proving that someone's negligence caused your injury.

  The good news is that workers compensation and a personal injury claim are not mutually exclusive. If a third party , meaning someone other than your employer or a coworker , contributed to your workplace injury, you may be able to pursue both simultaneously. Common examples include:

  • A subcontractor's negligence on a construction site
  • A defective piece of equipment manufactured by a third party
  • A delivery driver who caused an accident on a work-related trip
  • A property owner's negligence when you were working at their location

  We analyze every workplace injury case to identify all available claims and maximize the total recovery available to our clients.

• What if I did not go to the emergency room right after the accident?+

  A gap in medical treatment after an accident is something insurance companies will use against you. They will argue that if you were seriously injured, you would have sought care immediately, and that the delay suggests your injuries are either minor or unrelated to the accident.

  That said, a gap in treatment does not automatically destroy your case. Many injuries , soft tissue injuries, concussions, herniated discs , take time to fully manifest. And many people delay care for understandable reasons including not having insurance, trying to push through pain, not wanting to miss work, or simply not realizing how serious their injuries are.

  If you have not yet sought medical care, do so today. Even if time has passed since the accident, contemporaneous medical documentation of your current symptoms and their connection to the accident is far better than no documentation at all. Then call us , we know how to address treatment gaps and present your injuries credibly despite them.

• Do I need to keep going to the doctor even if I feel like I am getting better?+

  Yes, following your doctor's treatment plan consistently is critical for both your health and your legal case. If you stop treatment before your physician formally releases you, the insurance company will argue that you must have recovered , and that anything you claim to still be experiencing is either exaggerated or unrelated to the accident.

  Gaps in treatment , particularly if you skip appointments or stop going without medical clearance , are one of the most common ways insurance companies devalue claims. Consistent, documented treatment that shows the arc of your recovery and the ongoing nature of your symptoms is essential to a strong claim.

  Follow your doctor's recommendations, attend every appointment, and communicate honestly with your healthcare providers about how you are feeling. This is both the right thing to do for your health and the right thing to do for your case.

• What if I had a pre-existing condition before the accident?+

  Having a pre-existing condition does not bar you from recovering compensation if the accident aggravated, accelerated, or worsened that condition. South Carolina follows the "eggshell plaintiff" doctrine, which holds that the defendant must take the plaintiff as they find them , meaning even if you were more vulnerable to injury than the average person because of a pre-existing condition, the at-fault party is still responsible for the harm the accident caused.

  However, insurance companies aggressively use pre-existing conditions to argue that your injuries and treatment costs existed before the accident and are not their responsibility. Separating what existed before from what the accident caused or worsened requires careful medical documentation and often expert testimony from treating physicians and specialists.

  Be honest with both your doctors and your attorneys about any prior conditions. Trying to hide a pre-existing condition is both wrong and counterproductive , the insurance company will obtain your medical history and the concealment will damage your credibility far more than the condition itself would have.

• What if I cannot afford medical treatment while my case is pending?+

  This is one of the most difficult situations injured people face. Several options may be available to you:

  • Medical liens: Some healthcare providers will treat you on a lien basis, agreeing to be paid from your settlement rather than upfront. We can help connect you with providers who work this way.
  • Health insurance: If you have health insurance, use it. Your insurer may have a right to reimbursement from your settlement (called subrogation), but we negotiate those liens as part of resolving your case.
  • Medpay coverage: Your own auto insurance policy may include medical payments (MedPay) coverage that pays for accident-related medical expenses regardless of fault. This can provide immediate access to funds for treatment.
  • Medicare or Medicaid: If you qualify, these programs may cover treatment costs with a lien right against the settlement.

  Whatever your situation, do not skip medical treatment because of cost concerns without speaking with us first. We may be able to help you find a path to the care you need.

• How often will I hear from my attorney?+

  We commit to keeping you informed throughout your case. You will receive updates when significant developments occur , when we receive the insurance company's response to our demand, when we file a lawsuit, when a deposition is scheduled, and at any other meaningful milestone.

  We return phone calls and emails promptly and hold ourselves to a strict standard: you should never need to wonder what is happening with your case or feel like you are being ignored. You work with an attorney who knows your case personally, not a rotating staff of people who have to look up your file to answer basic questions.

  That said, there are also periods in personal injury cases , particularly during the medical treatment phase , when there may not be frequent updates because the case is appropriately waiting for your recovery to stabilize before a demand is prepared. We will tell you clearly when your case is in a holding pattern and why, so you always understand where things stand.

• Do I have to come to your office or can you handle my case remotely?+

  We handle cases for clients throughout South Carolina and offer flexible options for communication and meetings. Most of the work in a personal injury case does not require your physical presence , we gather evidence, communicate with insurers, and manage all paperwork on your behalf.

  For the initial consultation, we offer phone consultations, video calls, in-person meetings at our Greenville office, and home or hospital visits for clients who cannot travel because of their injuries. We also serve Spanish-speaking clients with bilingual intake services available.

  If your case proceeds to deposition or trial, we will prepare you thoroughly in advance and discuss the logistics well ahead of time.

• Can I switch attorneys if I am not happy with my current representation?+

  Yes. You have the right to change attorneys at any time for any reason. This is true even if you have already signed a fee agreement with another firm.

  When you switch attorneys, your prior attorney is entitled to a lien on any recovery for the reasonable value of the work they performed on your case, but this is typically resolved between the attorneys without affecting your recovery. It is not a reason to stay with representation that is not serving your interests.

  If you are unhappy with how your current attorney is handling your case , whether because of poor communication, a lack of progress, or a disagreement about strategy , contact us for a free second opinion. We will be honest with you about whether switching representation makes sense in your specific situation.

• What should I bring or have ready for my first consultation?+

  The more information you can share with us, the better we can evaluate your case. If possible, try to have the following available for your first consultation:

  • The police or incident report from your accident, if one exists
  • Insurance information for all parties involved, including your own policy
  • Any photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicles, or your injuries
  • Contact information for any witnesses
  • Medical records or bills you have received so far
  • Any communication you have had with insurance adjusters
  • Documentation of any lost wages
  • A brief written summary of what happened if you find it easier to organize your thoughts that way

  If you do not have all of this , or any of it , do not let that stop you from calling. We can evaluate your case based on what you remember and what you have, and we will gather the rest ourselves. Do not delay reaching out because you feel unprepared.

• What if I have a question you have not answered here?+

  Call us. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (864) 990-0904, and all consultations are completely free. If you prefer to send a message, use our contact form and we will respond as quickly as possible.

  There is no question too simple or too complicated for us to answer. Personal injury law is complex and the decisions you make in the days and weeks after an accident matter enormously. We would rather you ask us than try to navigate the insurance and legal system on your own.