When Your Back Is Against The Wall
Mount Pleasant Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can flip your life upside down in a matter of seconds. Whether you’re commuting along Johnnie Dodds Boulevard or heading to Sullivan’s Island for a weekend getaway, a crash on Mount Pleasant roads can leave you facing physical pain, financial stress, and a long road to recovery. At Lanier Law Group, we understand how devastating these moments can be—and we’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
With a local presence in South Carolina, our team brings the experience, determination, and compassion it takes to go toe-to-toe with insurers, negligent drivers, and any opponent who stands in your way.
Common Car Accident Locations in Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant may offer beautiful coastal views and Southern charm, but its roadways are no stranger to danger. High-traffic corridors and tourist congestion make certain areas particularly prone to collisions:
- Johnnie Dodds Boulevard (Highway 17): This major thoroughfare sees frequent accidents due to high speeds and heavy traffic.
- Mark Clark Expressway (I-526): Known for fast-moving vehicles and dangerous merging conditions.
- Ben Sawyer Boulevard and Coleman Boulevard: Roads to the islands that often see reckless or distracted driving, especially during tourist season.
- Long Point Road and Rifle Range Road: Busy local routes that are hotspots for rear-end collisions and intersection crashes.
No matter where your accident occurred in Mount Pleasant, our legal team is prepared to launch a thorough investigation to identify all liable parties and build a powerful case on your behalf.
Understanding where crashes happen is only part of the equation, though. Knowing why they happen is just as critical. Below are the leading causes of accidents in the Mount Pleasant area.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Mount Pleasant
Every crash has a cause, and in most cases, it boils down to someone else’s carelessness. Some of the most common causes of accidents we see in Mount Pleasant include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, checking GPS, eating, or interacting with passengers can take a driver’s eyes and mind off the road—often with disastrous consequences.
- Speeding: Driving over the posted limit reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact, leading to more serious injuries.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times. South Carolina law holds intoxicated drivers accountable, and so do we.
- Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Weaving through traffic, tailgating, or running red lights can all lead to catastrophic collisions.
- Fatigued Driving: Drowsy drivers experience impairments similar to those of drunk drivers and may drift off or miss crucial cues.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain and flooding are not uncommon in the Lowcountry and can create slippery, hazardous roads.
- Hazardous Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or poor signage may contribute to crashes. In these cases, a government entity may share liability.
The consequences of a car accident extend far beyond the crash itself. Here are some of the most common injuries we see in these cases.
To get started, call 919-342-1368 today.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Car Accidents
Even a seemingly minor crash can cause serious, life-altering injuries. At Lanier Law Group, we’ve represented clients in Mount Pleasant suffering from:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations and facial injuries
- Amputations
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
We work closely with medical experts to document the full scope of your injuries and pursue compensation that accounts for both current and long-term impacts.
Determining what caused the crash leads us to another key question: who should be held accountable? Let’s explore who may bear legal responsibility in a Mount Pleasant car accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Mount Pleasant Car Accident?
Identifying who is at fault is one of the most important steps in any personal injury claim. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your level of fault.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Negligent Drivers: The most common at-fault party, especially in cases involving speeding, texting, or intoxication. A driver who violates traffic laws or fails to pay proper attention to the road can be held accountable for any injuries or damages they cause. Even momentary lapses in judgment behind the wheel can have devastating consequences.
- Employers of Commercial Drivers: If the other driver was working at the time of the accident—such as a delivery driver, rideshare operator, or trucker—their employer could be held responsible under a legal concept known as vicarious liability. Employers may also be liable for negligent hiring practices, inadequate driver training, or failure to maintain their fleet.
- Bars and Restaurants (Dram Shop Liability): South Carolina law permits injured victims to bring claims against establishments that served alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who later caused a crash. Dram shop cases require a careful investigation to determine whether staff members ignored signs of impairment or served alcohol to underage patrons.
- Auto Manufacturers or Mechanics: Sometimes the accident isn’t the driver’s fault at all. Defective vehicle components—like brakes, airbags, or steering systems—can cause a driver to lose control. Mechanics who failed to perform proper inspections or repairs may also share liability. These product liability and negligence claims often involve technical expert analysis.
- Government Agencies: Poor road design, inadequate signage, missing guardrails, or unmaintained road surfaces can contribute to an accident. In these cases, a city, county, or the South Carolina Department of Transportation may be liable. However, claims against government entities must meet strict procedural rules, including shorter filing deadlines and specific notice requirements.
In many cases, more than one party may be responsible for the crash. Our attorneys will conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify all sources of liability and pursue every avenue of compensation on your behalf.
If you’re ever involved in a crash, your immediate actions can greatly affect the outcome of your legal claim. Here’s what to do if you’ve been in an accident.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Mount Pleasant
A car accident can be overwhelming, but the steps you take immediately afterward can greatly influence your ability to recover compensation. Here are the essential actions to take, each one critical in protecting your rights and building a strong claim:
Call 911 and Report the Crash
Always contact emergency services after a car accident, even if the damage seems minor. A police report provides an official record of the crash and may include valuable details such as witness statements, diagrams, and citations issued to the other driver. This report often becomes a key piece of evidence when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries—like internal bleeding or concussions—can take hours or even days to show symptoms. A prompt medical exam not only protects your health but also creates documentation that links your injuries to the crash.
Document the Scene
Use your phone to take photos and videos of everything related to the accident. This includes vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, injuries, and any debris or skid marks. Visual evidence can help reconstruct the accident and show how it happened.
Collect Contact Information
Gather the names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved. Don’t forget to ask for contact information from any passengers or eyewitnesses, as their testimony may support your version of events.
Avoid Discussing Fault
In the aftermath of a crash, it’s natural to want to apologize—but resist the urge. Even a well-meaning apology can be twisted and used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other party or law enforcement.
Contact an Experienced Mount Pleasant Car Accident Attorney
The sooner you reach out to Lanier Law Group, the better positioned we are to preserve evidence, speak with witnesses, and manage communications with insurance companies. Our team is ready to fight for your rights from day one and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Once we’ve established liability, the next step is understanding what kind of compensation you may be entitled to. Here’s a breakdown of the damages available under South Carolina law.
Damages Available in a Mount Pleasant Car Crash
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of losses, and South Carolina law allows victims to seek compensation for both tangible and intangible harm. At Lanier Law Group, we pursue every category of damages available under state law to help our clients recover and rebuild. Below are the three primary types of damages you may be entitled to in a Mount Pleasant car accident claim.
Economic Damages
These damages cover the actual financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of the crash. This includes all medical expenses—from emergency room visits and surgeries to physical therapy and medications. If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you may also recover compensation for lost income and reduced earning potential. Property damage, including the repair or replacement of your vehicle, also falls under this category.
Non-Economic Damages
These losses are more personal and harder to quantify, but no less real. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disabilities or disfigurement. If the accident has disrupted your ability to participate in daily activities, enjoy time with family, or maintain your previous lifestyle, these damages can help address that impact.
Punitive Damages
While not awarded in every case, punitive damages may be available if the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly reckless or egregious, such as in cases involving drunk driving or excessive speeding. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
At Lanier Law Group, we leave no stone unturned when calculating damages. Our goal is to secure a full and fair recovery that supports your long-term well-being.
But what happens if the at-fault driver has no insurance or can’t be located? Here’s how South Carolina law helps protect you in those situations.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which provides protection when the at-fault driver has no insurance or in the case of a hit-and-run. This type of coverage can be critical when the responsible party disappears or simply lacks the financial resources to pay for your damages out of pocket. At Lanier Law Group, we help our clients understand their policies and make claims under UM coverage when applicable.
Even if the at-fault driver lacks insurance, they may still be held personally liable for your injuries and property damage. In some cases, we can pursue their assets or wages, although these paths are typically more complex and depend on the individual’s financial circumstances.
In certain accidents, other avenues of recovery may also be available. For example, if a bar or restaurant overserved the driver who caused the crash, we may pursue compensation through a dram shop liability claim. If a vehicle malfunction played a role, we’ll investigate whether an automaker or repair facility may share responsibility.
These situations can be difficult to navigate, but you don’t have to go it alone. Our attorneys will carefully evaluate your options, explore all potential sources of compensation, and pursue the route that gives you the strongest chance at recovery.
After navigating the legal complexities of a car accident, you may be wondering who you can trust to handle your case with skill and care. Here’s why so many South Carolinians choose Lanier Law Group.
Why Choose Lanier Law Group?
Since our founding in 1997 by Attorney Lisa Lanier, Lanier Law Group has remained committed to one core mission: providing just and compassionate representation to those harmed by negligence. Over the years, our firm has grown with a dedicated team of attorneys and support staff who are passionate about fighting for our clients in South Carolina.
When you choose Lanier Law Group, you’re choosing a firm that sees every case as a privilege and every client as a person deserving of respect and attention. We understand that recovering from a car accident involves more than just medical bills and property damage—it’s about reclaiming your life. That’s why we approach every case with empathy, diligence, and strategic focus.
We prioritize accessibility and transparency. Our 24/7 call center ensures you can reach us when you need answers or reassurance. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t owe us anything unless we secure compensation on your behalf. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal fight.
At Lanier Law Group, we stand ready to walk this road with you, offering trusted guidance and fierce advocacy every step of the way.
Ready to Fight for Justice? Contact a Mount Pleasant Car Accident Lawyer Today
You don’t have to face this alone. Whether your accident happened in the heart of Mount Pleasant or on a coastal road heading out of town, Lanier Law Group is here to step into the ring with you. We won’t be bullied by big insurers, and we won’t settle for less than you deserve.
Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today. Our team is ready to fight for you every step of the way.
Your road to recovery starts now. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal battle so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
We Won't Back Down
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We Fight for Our Clients
*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys
$4.8 Million
Settlement
A case with multiple plaintiffs who were potentially exposed to a deadly disease while in the hospital.
$3.1 Million
Birth Injury/Hypoxic Brain Injury
The OB doctor’s negligence caused a delay in the baby’s birth which resulted in the baby suffering of a severe hypoxic brain injury.
$1.375 Million
Medication Overdose/Hospital Negligence
Our client died following an overdose of medication that occurred as a result of the negligence of the nursery staff while they were in the hospital.
$1.2 Million
Birth Injury/Developmental Delay
Our client suffers from a severe developmental delay following a birth injury when there were signs of fetal distress that were not responded to.
$500,000
Botched Gall Bladder Surgery
Our client suffered an injury to their common bile duct during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
$425,000
Surgical Error
A client had their bowel perforated during a ventral hernia repair.
We Never Back Down From a Fight
Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results
"20 out of 10 stars."
There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it’s interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don’t have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.
- Diane W.
"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"
I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!
- Phillip J.
"So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"
Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.
- Mario H.
"Always ready to answer any questions I may have"
The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.
- Timothy M.
"The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"
The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.
- Malinda P.
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Our Commitment to Our Clients
We Come Prepared
After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.
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Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.
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We Never Back Down
Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.