Best Car Accident Lawyers Near Me in Charleston, SC
We scored all 43 firms in Charleston and ranked the best first — earned by data, never paid. Updated August 2026.
Twenty-three firms practice accident law in Charleston, and our AI scored 1,942 reviews from their clients. The city's average rating of 4.90 is among the highest in the directory, yet the FMAL scores show the firms still differ on specifics: how well they communicate case status, how they handle situations where the initial offer is below what the case is worth, and how quickly they reach resolution. Taylor Anderson Law Firm scores 95; Law Offices of Gedney M. Howe IV reaches 94 with 89 years of practice behind it; O'Reilly Law Firm also scores 94 with a $18M best result. South Carolina as of 2026 gives claimants 3 years to file. The state's modified comparative fault rule means you can recover only if you were less than 51% at fault. Minimum auto coverage is $25,000 per person / $50,000 per crash bodily injury and $25,000 property damage.
Top 10 Car Accident Lawyers in Charleston, SC at a Glance
| Rank | Firm | FMAL Score | Reviews | Best Documented Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Taylor Anderson Law Firm | 95.0 | 5★ | 178 | — |
| #2 | Law Offices of Gedney M. Howe IV | 94.0 | 5★ | 125 | — |
| #3 | O'Reilly Law Firm | 94.0 | 5★ | 120 | $18.0M |
| #4 | Roden Law | 94.0 | 4.89★ | 266 | $27.0M |
| #5 | Steinberg Law Firm | 93.8 | 4.88★ | 1,390 | $10.0M |
| #6 | Peper Law Firm | 93.0 | 4.81★ | 138 | — |
| #7 | The Angell Law Firm | 93.0 | 4.9★ | 351 | — |
| #8 | Yarborough Applegate Law Firm | 92.0 | 5★ | 146 | $54.0M |
| #9 | Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm, (DSB Law) | 92.0 | 4.91★ | 151 | — |
| #10 | Cavanaugh & Thickens | 92.0 | 4.9★ | 436 | $5.0M |
Our Top Picks in Charleston
Why these firms rank where they do — every stat and quote below comes from our AI analysis of their public Google reviews and published case results. How the FMAL Score works →
top-tier communication scores from client reviews · 132 accident-case reviews analyzed
89 years in practice · top-tier communication scores from client reviews · 114 accident-case reviews analyzed
top-tier communication scores from client reviews · 105 accident-case reviews analyzed
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Taylor Anderson Law Firm
507 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
Law Offices of Gedney M. Howe IV
8 Chalmers St, Charleston, SC 29401
O'Reilly Law Firm
215 E Bay St Ste 400, Charleston, SC 29401
Roden Law
127 King Street, Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29401Office in Charleston
Steinberg Law Firm
118 S Goose Creek Blvd, Goose Creek, SC 29445
Peper Law Firm
548 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
The Angell Law Firm
170 Meeting St #110, Charleston, SC 29401Office in Charleston
Yarborough Applegate Law Firm
291 E Bay St Floor 2, Charleston, SC 29401
Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm, (DSB Law)
174 East Bay St, Suite 301, Charleston, SC 29401Office in Charleston
Cavanaugh & Thickens
1717 Marion St, Columbia, SC 29201
Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers
Charleston, SCOffice in Charleston
Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers - Charleston
635 E Bay St f, Charleston, SC 29403
Bringardner Injury Law Firm
41 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401
Law Office of Kenneth E. Berger
5205 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206
Roden Law - Charleston
127 King St #200, Charleston, SC 29401
Mickelsen Dalton
25 Society St, Charleston, SC 29401
Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes
15 Middle Atlantic Wharf Ste 101, Charleston, SC 29401
Evans Moore
635 East Bay Street, Suite F, Charleston, SC 29403Office in Charleston
Woron & Dhillon
90 Queen Street, Unit 1, Charleston, SC 29401Office in Charleston
Rikard & Protopapas
2110 N Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC 29204
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Type of accident
Your Legal Rights After an Accident in Charleston, SC
Charleston accident claims are governed by South Carolina law. Verified South Carolina law, with sources. General information — not legal advice for your specific case.
You have 3 years to file [source]
South Carolina's statute of limitations gives you 3 years from the date of the crash to file a personal-injury lawsuit. Miss it and you usually lose the right to recover — one of the most important reasons to talk to a lawyer early.
Fault & your right to recover [source]
South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar) — you can recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. At 51% or more, recovery is barred. South Carolina is an at-fault state: the driver who caused the crash — and their insurer — is responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Minimum insurance coverage [source]
South Carolina's minimum liability coverage is just $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage — often far less than a serious injury costs, which is why uninsured/underinsured-motorist coverage matters.
Limits on compensation [source]
South Carolina does not cap the compensation you can recover in a general personal-injury claim — your award is based on your actual losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a car accident lawyer cost in Charleston, SC?▾
Most car accident lawyers in Charleston work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and they only get paid if you win your case. The typical contingency fee is 33% of your settlement before trial, or 40% if the case goes to court. There are no hourly fees or retainers for most personal injury cases.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in South Carolina?▾
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 3 years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to pursue compensation. It's critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your claim.
What is South Carolina's fault system for car accidents?▾
South Carolina is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company or file a lawsuit to recover compensation.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident in Charleston, SC?▾
Even minor accidents can result in significant medical bills, especially if symptoms like whiplash or soft tissue injuries appear days or weeks later. Insurance companies routinely offer lowball settlements to unrepresented claimants. A free consultation with a Charleston, SC car accident lawyer costs nothing and can help you understand if your case is worth pursuing.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Charleston, SC?▾
First, call 911 and get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos. Exchange information with the other driver. File a police report. Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance. Contact a car accident lawyer in Charleston, SC before accepting any settlement offer.
How do I choose the best car accident lawyer in Charleston, SC?▾
Look for a lawyer who specializes in car accident cases (not a general practitioner), offers a free consultation, works on contingency (no upfront fees), has verifiable case results, and has positive reviews from past clients. Our FMAL Score rates Charleston, SC car accident lawyers on these exact factors across multiple data sources.
How do I find an accident lawyer near me in Charleston, SC?▾
To find an accident lawyer near you in Charleston, SC, use the rankings above — every firm is local to Charleston, SC and offers free consultations. Filter by accident type to see lawyers who specialize in your specific case. Call any firm directly — most respond same-day and all work on contingency, so there's no cost to reach out.
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This directory is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. FindMyAccidentLawyer.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.