AI Insights Key Takeaways
- In South Carolina, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (S.C. Code § 15-3-530).
- South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar): you can recover if you're 50% or less at fault, but your award is reduced by your share — and barred entirely at 51%.
- Schehr Law PLLC represents injured people in Columbia and the surrounding area.
- Free consultations; contingency fees — no fee unless we recover for you.
General information, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to an attorney about yours.
If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, a Columbia personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. At Schehr Law PLLC, we represent injury victims throughout Columbia and the surrounding Midlands region of South Carolina.
A serious injury can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. Our firm is committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve under South Carolina law.
Why Choose Schehr Law PLLC?
After an accident, choosing the right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
At Schehr Law PLLC, we provide:
- Direct communication with your attorney
- Personalized legal representation
- Aggressive advocacy against insurance companies
- Consistent case updates
- No upfront attorney fees
We understand that every injury claim is unique and work closely with each client to develop a strategy tailored to their circumstances.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Columbia
Our firm represents injury victims in a wide range of personal injury matters.
Car Accidents
Car crashes remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries throughout Columbia and Richland County.
Truck Accidents
Columbia’s location at the intersection of major highways creates substantial commercial truck traffic throughout the region.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries due to negligent drivers and unsafe roadway conditions.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists face significant risks when sharing roads with distracted or reckless motorists.
Premises Liability
Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors.
Wrongful Death
When negligence results in the loss of a loved one, surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation.
Common Causes of Personal Injury Accidents in Columbia
Many personal injury claims arise from preventable accidents caused by negligence.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Commercial truck accidents
- Unsafe property conditions
- Defective products
- Construction accidents
- Negligent security
Regardless of how an injury occurred, our firm is prepared to investigate the facts and pursue accountability.
Compensation Available in a Columbia Personal Injury Claim
Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may be available for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Property damage
Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the specific damages involved.
Understanding South Carolina Personal Injury Law
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means injury victims may still recover compensation if they are partially responsible for an accident, provided they are not more than 50% at fault.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame to injured individuals. Therefore, it is important to speak with a Columbia personal injury lawyer before accepting a settlement offer.
Columbia’s Role as South Carolina’s Capital City
Columbia serves as the capital of South Carolina and is home to many of the state’s most important government institutions, including the South Carolina State House, the state’s executive agencies, and the University of South Carolina.
As one of South Carolina’s largest metropolitan areas, Columbia experiences significant daily traffic from residents, students, government employees, and visitors traveling throughout the Midlands region. Major roadways such as Interstate 20, Interstate 26, and Interstate 77 contribute to heavy traffic volume and increase the potential for serious accidents.
Landmarks such as the South Carolina State House, the University of South Carolina campus, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, and the Congaree River waterfront help make Columbia one of the state’s most important economic and cultural centers. However, continued growth and increased traffic also contribute to a higher number of injury-causing accidents throughout the area.
Schehr Law PLLC proudly represents injury victims throughout Columbia and the surrounding Midlands communities.
How Lance Pickell Can Help Columbia Injury Victims
South Carolina cases are supported by attorney Lance Pickell, who is licensed to practice law in both South Carolina and North Carolina.
Lance works closely with injury victims to help them navigate the legal process, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation following serious accidents.
Serving Columbia and Surrounding Communities
Schehr Law PLLC proudly represents injury victims throughout Richland County, Lexington County, and surrounding communities, including:
- Columbia
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- Cayce
- Irmo
- Forest Acres
- Blythewood
- Chapin
No matter where your accident occurred, our team is prepared to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in South Carolina?
In most cases, South Carolina gives accident victims three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. However, certain exceptions may apply. Speaking with a South Carolina car accident lawyer early can help protect your rights.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
Depending on your insurance coverage and the facts of your case, you may still have options for recovering compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under South Carolina's modified comparative negligence law, you may still recover compensation if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident.
How much does it cost to hire a South Carolina car accident lawyer?
Schehr Law PLLC handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront attorney fees, and we only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Do I need a South Carolina personal injury lawyer after an accident?
While you are not required to hire an attorney, insurance companies often attempt to minimize settlements and shift blame to injury victims. A South Carolina personal injury lawyer can investigate your claim, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Contact a Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek legal guidance.
A Columbia personal injury lawyer at Schehr Law PLLC can evaluate your claim, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact our office today for a free consultation, or call (704) 900-0336.