South Carolina's Port of Charleston is one of the fastest-growing container ports in the nation, generating massive truck traffic in the Lowcountry region. BMW and other automotive manufacturers in the Upstate region create significant auto parts freight activity.
South Carolina follows the Modified Comparative (51% bar) system for truck accident cases. South Carolina follows modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. You can recover if your fault is 50% or less, with awards reduced by your fault percentage. At greater than 50% fault, recovery is barred.
Critical deadline: You have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in South Carolina. Missing this deadline permanently forecloses your right to recover compensation, regardless of how strong your case is. Contact a South Carolina truck accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
Commercial truck accidents in South Carolina frequently occur along major freight corridors including I-26, I-77, I-85, I-95. These high-volume trucking routes see significant semi-truck, 18-wheeler, and commercial vehicle traffic year-round. The federal minimum liability insurance requirement of $750,000 for interstate carriers provides a meaningful compensation floor — but experienced attorneys often identify multiple defendants with additional coverage.
Average truck accident settlements in South Carolina range from $150,000 – $650,000 for moderate-to-severe injuries, with catastrophic injury cases and wrongful death claims often reaching far higher amounts, particularly when FMCSA violations, driver impairment, or corporate negligence can be proven. Use the calculator below to get a personalized estimate based on your specific circumstances.
Answer 4 steps to get your estimated compensation range under South Carolina law.
South Carolina follows modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. You can recover if your fault is 50% or less, with awards reduced by your fault percentage. At greater than 50% fault, recovery is barred.
You have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in South Carolina. Federal regulations also apply in all South Carolina truck accident cases — FMCSA Hours of Service rules, Electronic Logging Device requirements, and vehicle inspection mandates apply regardless of state law and can be powerful evidence of negligence when violated.
| Fault System | Statute of Limitations | Avg Settlement | Min. Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modified Comparative (51% bar) | 3 years | $150,000 – $650,000 | $750,000 |