Augment LeadsSouth Carolina crash claims turn on a handful of state rules. Below: what the 2024 fatality data shows, how South Carolina handles fault and insurance, and what to ask callers. Compare deadlines in the statute of limitations by state table.
South Carolina traffic deaths in 2024
In 2024, 1,038 people died in South Carolina traffic crashes, a population rate of 18.9 per 100,000 (4th highest among the states and DC) and 1.67 per 100 million vehicle miles.
- Speeding was involved in 392 South Carolina deaths, 38% of the total, versus 29% nationwide.
- Bicyclists: 34 killed, 3% of deaths in South Carolina, compared with 3% for all states combined.
- Of 657 passenger vehicle occupants killed in South Carolina, 330 (50%) were unrestrained; nationally, 43%.
- Rural roads accounted for 475 deaths, 46% in South Carolina compared with 41% across the country.
Figures come from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's state-by-state fatality table (FARS data); the national comparisons add up all 51 rows.
The legal rules behind a South Carolina car accident case
No-fault or at-fault in South Carolina
South Carolina isn't one of the 12 no-fault states listed by the Insurance Information Institute, so injury claims run through the at-fault driver's liability insurance.
Minimum liability coverage
S.C. Code 38-77-140 requires an auto policy to cover at least $25,000 for bodily injury to one person in any one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people and $25,000 for property damage.
How shared fault is handled
South Carolina uses modified comparative negligence. In Nelson v. Concrete Supply Co. (1991), the Supreme Court of South Carolina held that a plaintiff whose negligence isn't greater than the defendant's can recover, with damages reduced by the plaintiff's share.
Statute of limitations
S.C. Code 15-3-530 sets three years for an action for injury to the person or rights of another not arising on contract.
This isn't legal advice; check the linked statutes before relying on them.
Screening a South Carolina car accident lead
- Ask how the caller thinks fault splits. Under Nelson, a caller who was less at fault than the other driver can still recover, so a partial-fault admission isn't a reason to end the call.
- Write down the exact accident date; with three years under S.C. Code 15-3-530, flag any crash approaching that limit for an attorney.
- Ask whether the other driver's insurer has been in touch, and note whether the caller carries underinsured coverage; South Carolina requires only $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability.
- Ask whether the police report or witnesses mention speed; speeding was a factor in 38% of South Carolina's 2024 crash deaths.
- Ask whether the caller was on a bicycle. Bicyclists were 3% of South Carolina's 2024 deaths, above the 3% all-state share.
Augment Leads in South Carolina
We run car accident campaigns nationwide and send South Carolina leads only to firms that pick South Carolina. The injured person fills in the form, each lead goes to one firm and is never resold, and unqualified leads are replaced under a written policy. Over 50 law firms work with us. See MVA leads.
Spanish-speaking MVA leads are part of our regular product.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an injured person have to sue after a car accident in South Carolina?
Three years under S.C. Code 15-3-530, with exceptions that can shorten or extend it.
Can a partly at-fault driver recover in South Carolina?
Yes, if their negligence isn't greater than the defendant's. Under Nelson v. Concrete Supply Co. (1991), damages are then reduced by the plaintiff's share of fault.
What are South Carolina's minimum auto liability limits?
S.C. Code 38-77-140 requires an auto policy to cover at least $25,000 for bodily injury to one person in any one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people and $25,000 for property damage.
How many people died in South Carolina car crashes in 2024?
IIHS counted 1,038 crash deaths in South Carolina in 2024, or 18.9 per 100,000 people.
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