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What should I do after a car accident in South Carolina?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

South Carolina is an at-fault (tort) state operating under modified comparative negligence adopted in Nelson v. Concrete Supply Co., 303 S.C. 243 (1991).

1. Immediate Steps at the Scene

  • Stop and exchange information (S.C. Code § 56-5-1210). Felony hit-and-run if injury or death.
  • Render reasonable aid.
  • Call 911 for injuries.
  • 2. Mandatory Reporting

  • Police: Required for injury, death, or apparent damage exceeding $1,000 (S.C. Code § 56-5-1260).
  • Form FR-309: Within 15 days to SC DMV if police did not investigate (S.C. Code § 56-5-1270).
  • Notify insurer.
  • 3. Minimum Liability Insurance

    25/50/25 under S.C. Code § 38-77-140. Uninsured Motorist coverage at 25/50/25 is also mandatory under § 38-77-150.

    4. Modified Comparative Negligence — 51% Bar

    Per Nelson v. Concrete Supply Co., 303 S.C. 243 (1991), the plaintiff may recover only if their negligence was not greater than the defendant's (i.e., 50% or less). Damages reduced by plaintiff's percentage. Aggregated against multiple defendants under Cole v. SCE&G, 355 S.C. 183 (2003).

    5. Statute of Limitations

  • Personal injury: 3 years (S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5)).
  • Property damage: 3 years (§ 15-3-530(3)).
  • Wrongful death: 3 years (S.C. Code § 15-3-530).
  • South Carolina Tort Claims Act: 2-year statute of limitations, with verified claim filed within 1 year (S.C. Code § 15-78-110, § 15-78-80).
  • 6. Damages Cap Under Tort Claims Act

    Claims against governmental entities under the SCTCA are capped at $300,000 per person/$600,000 per occurrence (S.C. Code § 15-78-120).

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Government defendant — Tort Claims Act caps and notice deadlines apply
    • Insurer asserts you bear more than 50% of fault
    • Catastrophic injury exceeds policy limits — UM/UIM stacking may apply
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • S.C. Code § 38-77-140
    • S.C. Code § 56-5-1210
    • S.C. Code § 56-5-1270
    • S.C. Code § 15-3-530
    • S.C. Code § 15-78-110
    • S.C. Code § 15-78-120

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.