Almost every state in the United States requires drivers to obtain car insurance, but the laws vary from state to state regarding the minimum amount of insurance that drivers must carry. Under South Carolina law, every car owner is required to purchase liability and uninsured motorist coverage.
There are three major parts of mandatory automobile liability insurance under South Carolina law. These three components include liability insurance for bodily injury; liability insurance for property damage; and uninsured motorists coverage. For bodily injury insurance, South Carolina law requires owners to carry a minimum of $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 for all persons injured in one accident. This type of insurance protects drivers against claims from another person who suffered an injury in accident that they caused.
In the event that a driver causes property damage in an accident, property damage liability insurance protects the driver. It not only protects against property damage to other cars, but also protects damage to buildings, walls, fences, and equipment. Car owners are required to obtain a minimum of $25,000 in 
property damage liability insurance. Finally, mandatory uninsured motorist coverage applies in hit-and-run situations or in the event that another person who does not have insurance injures the policyholder, this insurance will cover injuries or property damages. Furthermore, it also provides protection in hit-and-run situations.
South Carolina drivers also have the option of purchasing additional types of insurance that may apply in the event a driver is injured by another driver. Optional underinsurance coverage applies in the event an at-fault driver does not have sufficient liability insurance to compensate an injured driver for his injuries. In addition, medical payments or personal injury protection policies provide no-fault coverage for medical expenses or other types of damage incurred by an insured as a result of injuries sustained in a collision, regardless of whether the insured was at-fault for the collision.
What to do in the Event of a Car Accident?
If you are in a car accident, it is important that you take certain steps following the accident. These steps will help protect your rights and can help you resolve disputes with your and the other drivers’ insurance companies. Additionally, in the event you are involved in a lawsuit, these steps can help you obtain compensation from the driver who caused the accident. After a car accident, make sure to:
- Contact the police and have them complete a police report. Review the report to ensure accuracy.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with any other drivers.
- Identify any possible witnesses to the accident and obtain their contact information.
- Document any property damage by taking pictures.
- Promptly seek medical treatment if needed.
- Document any injuries and subsequent medical treatment by taking pictures and obtaining medical documents.
- Contact an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney before speaking with anyone, especially your or the other driver’s insurance company.
Contact a Greenville, South Carolina Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, an experienced Greenville car accident attorney can help protect your rights. David R. Price, Jr. is an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney in Greenville, South Carolina.
Don’t wait to recover compensation for your injuries before it is too late. Contact a Greenville motor vehicle accident attorney today for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. You can call us today at 864.271.2636 or visit our office at 318 West Stone Avenue in Greenville.
David Price is a Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Collections, and Criminal Defense Attorney who practices in Greenville, SC. He graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, and has been practicing law for 12 years. David Price believes in helping those who have been injured. Learn more about his experience by clicking here.
