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    single vehicle accident

    When most people picture a car crash, they imagine two vehicles colliding in an intersection or a rear-end impact on a busy highway. In reality, single-vehicle crashes happen just as often on South Carolina’s rural roads, coastal parkways, and city streets. A fallen tree in oncoming traffic, a drunk driver who over-corrects and leaves the roadway, or a rollover accident on a sharp curve can leave only one car damaged, but many lives affected. Passengers frequently suffer the worst of the serious injuries in these wrecks and must face mounting medical bills even though they did nothing wrong.

    Since 1968, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has helped South Carolinians with the legal process and take back control of their lives after auto collisions of every kind. Below, our experienced car accident attorneys explain how a claim works when there is only one damaged vehicle, why passengers have strong rights, and which forms of insurance may cover the compensation you need for medical treatment, lost wages, and future expenses.

    How Joye Law Firm Supports You Through the Legal Journey

    Our legal team investigates motor vehicle crashes across South Carolina, from Charleston and Myrtle Beach to Columbia and Greenville. We work with professionals to build a detailed picture of how the single-vehicle accident changed your life and what resources you will need.

    Decades of experience have shown us that insurance companies sometimes undervalue car accident cases involving only one vehicle because they expect passengers to accept quick, low offers. We stand between you and that pressure. Common damages we pursue on your behalf include:

    • Current and future medical bills
    • Lost wages and lost income capacity
    • Home modifications and mobility aids
    • Pain and suffering
    • Emotional distress
    • Wrongful death benefits in fatal single-vehicle accidents

    $2.41 Million Settlement for Sisters Injured as Passengers in Single Vehicle Crash

    At Joye Law Firm, we understand the devastating consequences single-vehicle accidents can have, especially when innocent passengers suffer due to a driver’s recklessness. In one such case, Head of Joye Law Firm’s Litigation Department, Mark Joye, represented two young sisters who were severely injured while riding in a Tesla that crashed at high speed into a tree on Fishburne Street in Charleston. The driver, found at fault for driving too fast for conditions, left the young women with catastrophic injuries, including fractured pelvises, concussions, and spinal trauma. The younger sister required reconstructive spine surgery, and the elder suffered multiple fractures and dental injuries.Mark Joye

    With over $500,000 in immediate medical bills and projected future care exceeding $2 million, Joye fought tirelessly for fair compensation. Despite the insurance company’s attempts to misrepresent available coverage, Attorney Joye uncovered an additional $1 million in benefits, bringing the total recovery to over $2.4 million for the sisters.

    Every case is unique, and past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes. This case highlights the importance of working with an experienced legal team who can identify hidden coverage, navigate complex insurance disputes, and advocate for your best interests. If you’ve been injured in a single-vehicle accident, Joye Law Firm is here to help you explore your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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    About Single-Vehicle Crashes in South Carolina

    Single-vehicle crashes are very common. In fact, a NHTSA National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey indicated that 30.8 percent of 5,471 studied crashes were single-vehicle accidents. The 5,471 crashes studied were chosen as a representative sample of 2,189,166 crashes on the national level.

    In a single-vehicle accident, there is only one driver who is in control of a vehicle. This often makes it easier to determine who was at fault for the crash than crashes involving multiple vehicles. After a single-vehicle wreck, the driver is usually going to have to make a claim with his or her own car insurer to recover compensation for the accident, while injured passengers may be able to recover damages under the driver’s liability insurance. However, there are cases where the driver of the vehicle is not at fault for the crash. That’s where Joye Law Firm comes in. We will investigate every possible cause of a crash to ensure the blame and therefore the demand for compensation is directed at the correct parties.

    Common Causes of South Carolina Single-Vehicle Crashes and the Impact on Passengers

    Not all single-vehicle accidents are the fault of the driver. In some cases, an external factor such as a tire blowout, brake failure, or loss of control due to a vehicle defect may be to blame. When a defective auto part or design flaw causes a crash, injured victims, including the driver, may have grounds to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of the vehicle or part.

    In other situations, the conditions of the road itself may have contributed to the accident. Roads that are poorly designed, improperly maintained, or lacking necessary signage or guardrails can create dangerous driving conditions. In these cases, the government agency or contractor responsible for road design and maintenance may be held liable for the crash.

    The South Carolina Department of Public Safety notes that rain-slick pavement, distracted driving, and fatigue contribute to thousands of single-car wrecks yearly. Rollover accidents are more likely in pickups and SUVs because of their higher center of gravity, and they often eject occupants who are not wearing seat belts.

    Passengers rarely have a chance to prevent these crashes, yet they can car accident injuries, such as:

    If you were riding with a friend, a rideshare driver, or a family member, you may feel uneasy about filing a personal injury or car accident claim. Remember that insurance companies collect premiums specifically to cover car accident victims. Seeking fair compensation is not an accusation of wrongdoing. It is the way to pay for medical expenses, replace lost income, and protect your long-term health.

    Who May Be Liable in a Single-Vehicle Accident in South Carolina?

    Many assume that the at-fault driver is automatically responsible, but liability can be broader:

    • Driver’s Negligence. Speeding, texting, or driving under the influence are classic examples. A drunk driver who crashes into a ditch may be liable for injuries to passengers under the driver’s liability policy.
    • Third-Party Negligence
      • A tire manufacturer that sold a defective product, leading to a blowout
      • A construction contractor who left debris in the road
      • A bar that overserved the driver under South Carolina’s dram-shop law
    • Governmental Entities. Potholes, missing guardrails, or faulty traffic signals can contribute to fatal car accidents or serious single-car wrecks.
      • Governmental immunity doesn’t make it impossible to sue, but it does make it harder, and there are specific requirements you have to meet and things you must prove in order to take legal action.
    • Rideshare or Taxi Companies. If you were injured as a passenger in a single-vehicle crash involving a rideshare or taxi, the company may be held liable for your injuries. Coverage differences between a taxi and an app-based rideshare are addressed below.

    Insurance Payment Hierarchy: Which Coverage Pays First in a Single Vehicle Claim?

    Understanding the order of payment protects you from unexpected medical debt. South Carolina follows an at-fault auto insurance system, so the driver’s liability insurer is usually first in line. Still, several forms of coverage can apply:

    MedPay / Personal Injury Protection (if purchased).
    Covers passengers’ medical bills up to the purchased limit, often $1,000 – $10,000, regardless of fault. No reimbursement is required from settlement funds.
    Driver’s Bodily Injury Liability Coverage.
    South Carolina requires only $25,000 per person. Hospital stays for spinal cord injuries or multiple surgeries often exceed this amount within days.
    Your Own Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
    If the liability coverage limits are exhausted, UIM can add layers of protection. Passengers can “stack” UIM policies from multiple household vehicles if the premiums were paid on each policy. We detail this powerful option later in the article.
    Health Insurance.
    Using health coverage first seems counterintuitive, but it generally lowers the overall cost of care because providers must honor contractual write-downs. We discuss the strategic benefits in a dedicated section.
    Medical Liens and Reimbursement Rights.
    Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and many private plans hold statutory or contractual liens. They are repaid from the final car accident claim, but reductions are often negotiable so that the injured passenger still receives a fair recovery.

    Feeling Awkward About Filing a Car Accident Claim Against Family or Friends? Insurance Exists for Moments Like This

    Passengers often ride with people they trust. Filing an auto accident claim after a single-vehicle crash can feel like betrayal, but remember these points:

    • You seek payment from an insurance company, not your friend’s bank account.
    • Liability carriers appoint defense counsel and handle negotiations, keeping direct conflict minimal.
    • Your relative or friend already paid premiums for exactly this circumstance.
    • If you delay too long, the statute of limitations may run, and you could lose the right to recover future medical costs.

    Open communication helps. Many drivers feel relief knowing their passengers are getting proper care without facing unmanageable bills.

    Taxi vs. Rideshare Coverage: Key Differences Every Accident Passenger Should Know

    Taxi Insurance

    South Carolina taxi operators must carry minimum commercial policies of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Some municipalities require higher limits. Because the taxi company is the vehicle’s owner and employer of the driver, its commercial insurer generally pays first.

    Rideshare Insurance

    App-based companies such as Uber and Lyft provide layered coverage:

    • Off Duty (Period 0): When the app is off, the driver’s personal auto policy applies.
    • Waiting for a Ride (Period 1): Up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident through the rideshare company if the personal policy denies coverage.
    • En Route / Passenger Onboard (Periods 2 and 3): A $1 million liability policy and $1 million UM/UIM cover passengers and other parties.

    Because the liability and UM/UIM coverage is much higher during the ride, passengers often obtain better protection in a rideshare than in a taxi. However, the rideshare insurer may still contest fault or the value of injuries. Working with a South Carolina car accident lawyer who understands both systems is vital.

    Strategic Health Insurance Guidance: Why Using Your Plan First Often Saves You Money

    Hospital billing departments may urge you to sign third-party liability forms so they can pursue full charges from the at-fault driver’s insurer. That route frequently delays payment and leaves you responsible for any balance if the car accident lawyer later negotiates a compromise with the hospital. Using your own health insurance first offers these advantages:

    • Discounted Rates: Insurers pay the hospital’s negotiated rates, often 40 – 60 percent less than full charges.
    • Faster Access to Care: Elective surgeries, physical therapy, and specialist visits are approved without waiting on a liability carrier’s investigation.
    • Controlled Liens: Federal and state law allow liens but limit them to the amount actually paid, not the inflated sticker price.

    Your medical providers still have the right to place a lien on the eventual car accident settlement, but your attorney can negotiate reductions to maximize your net recovery.

    Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Single-Vehicle Wrecks: The Hidden Asset

    Many people believe UM/UIM only applies when a second car flees the scene. South Carolina law allows passengers to claim UIM benefits when the at-fault driver’s liability limits are too low to cover the full value of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and future medical bills.

    How UIM Works for Passengers

    1. Send notice to your own auto insurer and any household policies within a reasonable time.
    2. Provide proof of the driver’s liability limits and that they are inadequate.
    3. Present medical records, police reports, and witness statements to support damages.
    4. Negotiate or arbitrate if the UIM carrier disputes value.

    Because passengers may suffer life-changing injuries in a crash, stacking UIM from two or three policies can mean the difference between limited funds and a settlement that covers lifelong care.

    Steps to Protect Your South Carolina Single-Vehicle Accident Claim

    1. Seek medical attention immediately. Delays allow insurers to argue that your injuries are unrelated.
    2. Call law enforcement. A formal report documents road hazards, weather, and driver behavior.
    3. Collect evidence. Photograph the accident scene and vehicle damage, focusing on any skid marks or defective parts.
    4. Collect witness information from other drivers or pedestrians who saw the crash.
    5. Avoid recorded statements with insurance adjusters until you have spoken with a car accident attorney.
    6. Keep all medical records and receipts to prove costs.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Single-Vehicle Accident Claims in South Carolina

    Single Vehicle Accident

    Can I recover compensation if the driver was my spouse?

    Yes. South Carolina allows an injured passenger to bring a personal injury case against a spouse’s insurer. While some policies contain intra-family liability exclusions, UM/UIM coverage and health insurance may still apply.

    What if a deer caused the crash?

    Hitting an animal is still considered a vehicle accident for insurance purposes. The driver’s collision coverage pays for car repairs, while passengers may use MedPay, UIM, and health insurance for injuries.

    How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

    The statute of limitations for most South Carolina car accident lawsuits is three years from the date of the crash. Suits against government entities require a verified claim within two years. Evidence fades quickly, so contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

    The driver’s insurer already offered me $25,000. Should I accept?

    A quick offer rarely reflects the true cost of medical treatment after head trauma, broken bones, or nerve damage. Speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can calculate your future costs before signing any release.

    Contact Joye Law Firm After a South Carolina Single-Vehicle Crash

    A single-car accident might seem straightforward, but it can quickly become complex. Especially if you are dealing with multiple coverages, competing liens, and life-altering injuries. Determining fault is rarely simple; external factors like defective vehicle parts or hazardous road conditions may shift responsibility to a manufacturer or government agency. Drivers and passengers deserve a clear explanation of their rights, compassionate guidance through the legal process, and an advocate who will not let an insurance company shift blame or minimize harm.

    Joye Law Firm has walked this road with clients since 1968. We understand the financial strain, the physical pain, and the emotional conflict that can arise when filing a single-vehicle accident claim. Let us shoulder the legal burden while you focus on healing.

    Call us at (888) 324-3100 or complete our online form today to arrange your free consultation with a South Carolina single-vehicle accident lawyer near you. We have offices across the state and are ready to help you pursue full and fair compensation so you can move forward.

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