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If you were injured because of someone else’s carelessness in Florence County, a Florence personal injury lawyer can help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Attorney John S. Keffer has represented injured clients in South Carolina since 1999. He handles the insurance companies so you can focus on getting better. Consultations are held at our office at 10 Law Range in Sumter.
Injury Cases We Handle in Florence County
- Car accidents on I-95, I-20, US-52, US-76, and local Florence roads
- Tractor-trailer crashes along the I-95 and I-20 freight corridors
- Motorcycle and pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall injuries in stores, restaurants, and apartment complexes
- Dog bites and other premises injuries
- Wrongful death claims for families who have lost a loved one
Truck and Interstate Crashes
Florence is one of the busiest interstate crossroads in South Carolina, and commercial trucks travel I-95 and I-20 around the clock. Truck crashes often involve more than one responsible party, such as the driver, the trucking company, or a maintenance contractor, and federal safety rules may apply. Evidence like driver logs and electronic data can be lost if it is not requested quickly.
How a Florence Injury Claim Works
Medical care and records
Florence is a regional medical center, and many injured people are treated at McLeod Regional Medical Center or MUSC Health Florence. Your medical records and bills are the foundation of your claim, so follow your treatment plan and keep every record.
Fault and insurance
South Carolina is an at-fault state, so the responsible party’s insurer generally pays. South Carolina uses modified comparative negligence: you can recover as long as your fault is not greater than the other party’s, but your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
Deadlines and court
Most personal injury lawsuits in South Carolina must be filed within three years. Claims against government entities have shorter deadlines and notice rules. If a fair settlement is not offered, a lawsuit for a Florence County injury is typically filed in the Florence County Court of Common Pleas.
What to Do After an Injury in Florence
- Get medical care right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries show up days later.
- Report the crash or fall and get a copy of the report number.
- Take photos of the scene, the vehicles or hazard, and your injuries.
- Collect names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Keep every bill, receipt, and record of missed work.
- Do not sign a release or accept a settlement before having it reviewed.
Florence Personal Injury Lawyer FAQ
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
It is usually best to speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to the other side’s insurer. Adjusters may use your words to reduce or deny the claim.
What is my injury claim worth?
Value depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, lost income, effects on your daily life, and the insurance available. Attorney Keffer reviews the details and gives you an honest assessment.
What if I was hurt by a truck on I-95?
Get medical care, keep the crash report number, and contact an attorney quickly. Trucking companies often begin their own investigation right away, and important evidence should be preserved.
Can a Sumter attorney handle my Florence County injury case?
Yes. South Carolina attorneys can represent clients in any county. Attorney Keffer represents people injured in Florence County.
See our main personal injury and auto accident pages, learn more about our Florence, SC legal services, or schedule a free consultation.
Most Florence personal injury claims must be filed within the deadline in Title 15, Chapter 3 of the South Carolina Code.
Florence Personal Injury FAQs
How long do I have to file a Florence personal injury claim?
Most Florence personal injury claims must be filed within three years. Claims against a government entity can have shorter deadlines.
What is my Florence personal injury claim worth?
The value of a Florence personal injury claim depends on medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and the available insurance coverage.
Do Florence personal injury cases go to trial?
Most Florence personal injury cases settle, but preparing each claim as if it may go to trial often leads to better settlement offers.