The average payout for a head-on collision in South Carolina is $100,000 to $1,000,000.
The payout amount will depend on certain factors, such as:
- Severity of injuries sustained
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages and impact on earning capacity
- Percentage of fault assigned under South Carolina’s comparative negligence laws
- Insurance policy limits involved
- Property damage extent
- Pain and suffering endured
Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys' Head-On Collision Settlements
At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for head-on collision victims:
- $1,124,615 Jury Verdict: Head-on DUI collision resulting in serious injuries to our client
- $1,000,000 Settlement: Drunk driving collision with moderate injuries
Our legal team understands the devastating impact head-on collisions have on victims and their families. These high-impact crashes often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and can permanently alter your quality of life.
Involved in a head-on crash and need expert legal help?
If you’ve been injured in a head-on collision in South Carolina, you must meet certain criteria to pursue a claim:
- You must have suffered injuries resulting from the crash
- You must be within South Carolina’s statute of limitations, which gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit
Don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys offers personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. Our team will evaluate the details of your case and help determine the best course of action to maximize your potential settlement.
Let our Columbia personal injury lawyer assess your case and help you pursue the settlement you rightfully deserve—schedule your free consultation today.
Maximizing your head-on collision settlement amount
To ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible after a head-on collision, there are several important steps you should take.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Document all injuries, even those that seem minor initially
- Report the accident: File a police report to create an official record of the incident
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
- Avoid discussing fault: Do not admit fault or make statements to insurance adjusters without legal representation
- Keep detailed records: Maintain copies of all medical bills, treatment records, and repair estimates
- Document missed work: Keep track of all missed workdays and income losses
- Consult with our legal experts: Contact Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys for professional guidance specific to your case
⚖️ The legal team at Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies. We understand their tactics and know how to counter lowball settlement offers to ensure our clients receive fair compensation.
Factors that affect your average payout for a head-on collision in SC
Several key factors will influence the amount of compensation you may receive following a head-on collision in South Carolina.
Injury severity and medical expenses
The more severe your injuries, the higher your potential settlement. Catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple fractures require extensive treatment and may result in permanent disability, significantly increasing claim value.
These cases often involve surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing care, which must be documented to support a higher compensation demand.
Lost income and earning capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can seek compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity. This includes consideration of your occupation, age, education, and future career trajectory.
Pay stubs, tax returns, and expert evaluations are often used to estimate both current and projected losses due to impaired work ability.
Liability determination
South Carolina follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. Under this law, you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, making proper liability determination essential to maximizing your settlement.
🔍 The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that head-on collisions account for a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities despite representing a relatively small percentage of total crashes.
Insurance coverage limits
Settlement amounts can be constrained by the available insurance coverage. South Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
If damages exceed these limits, your attorney may pursue compensation through underinsured motorist coverage or other liable parties’ policies.
Pain and suffering
Non-economic damages for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life can substantially increase settlement amounts in serious head-on collision cases.
Gain clarity on your legal options and what your case may be worth. Speak with our Columbia car accident attorney to review the key factors that could impact your settlement and build a strategy tailored to your unique situation.
Typical damages you may be entitled to after a head-on crash
Economic damages
These are tangible, calculable losses including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Adaptive equipment or home modifications
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
Non-economic damages
These damages compensate for intangible losses such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of consortium (impact on marital relationship)
Punitive damages
In cases involving extreme negligence or willful misconduct, such as drunk driving, South Carolina courts may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior in the future.
According to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), head-on collisions frequently result in traumatic injuries requiring specialized medical care and extended rehabilitation periods.
📱 According to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), head-on collisions frequently result in traumatic injuries requiring specialized medical care and extended rehabilitation periods.
The process for settling head-on collision claims in SC
Getting to know the settlement process can help you manage your claim effectively and avoid costly mistakes.
- Initial investigation: Our legal team thoroughly examines accident reports, witness statements, and physical evidence to establish liability.
- Medical assessment: We work with healthcare providers to document the full extent of your injuries and project future medical needs.
- Demand preparation: We compile a comprehensive demand package detailing all damages and presenting evidence supporting your claim.
- Negotiation phase: Our attorneys engage with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement, countering lowball offers with compelling evidence.
- Potential litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we prepare to take your case to court while continuing settlement discussions.
| Settlement Timeline Stage | Average Duration | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investigation | 1-2 months | Gathering evidence, accident reconstruction |
| Medical Treatment | Varies (until MMI*) | Following doctor’s orders, documenting recovery |
| Demand Preparation | 2-4 weeks | Compiling medical records, calculating damages |
| Negotiation | 1-3 months | Counter-offers, evidence presentation |
| Litigation (if necessary) | 6-18+ months | Court filings, discovery, trial preparation |
*MMI = Maximum Medical Improvement
Hypothetical scenario covering head-on collision settlement claims
🔄 Hypothetical Scenario: Sarah was driving on a two-lane highway in Columbia when an oncoming driver crossed the center line while texting, causing a head-on collision. Sarah suffered multiple fractures, a concussion, and required surgery. Her medical bills totaled $85,000, and she missed four months of work as a nurse, losing $20,000 in income.
The at-fault driver had a $100,000 liability policy. Sarah’s attorney documented her injuries, gathered evidence proving the other driver was texting, and presented a compelling demand package to the insurance company. After negotiations, Sarah received the full $100,000 policy limit plus an additional $75,000 from her own underinsured motorist coverage.
Additionally, since the at-fault driver was texting—a clear violation of South Carolina’s distracted driving laws—Sarah’s attorney pursued punitive damages. The case ultimately settled for a total of $215,000, covering all of Sarah’s economic damages plus compensation for her pain and suffering.
We'll get you the maximum payout you deserve
At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we understand that a head-on collision can transform your life in an instant. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to fighting for the full compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.
We have successfully secured substantial settlements for victims of head-on collisions, including a $1,124,615 jury verdict in a head-on DUI collision case. Our knowledge of South Carolina’s personal injury laws and our aggressive negotiation tactics ensure that insurance companies can’t take advantage of you during this vulnerable time.
Get the answers you need to move forward with confidence. Call us at 912-499-2765 or contact us online to discuss your case, understand your options, and learn how we can help maximize your car accident settlement.
Key takeaways on what is the average settlement for a head-on collision
- Head-on collision settlements in South Carolina typically range from $100,000 to $1,000,000 depending on injury severity and other factors
- Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys has secured significant verdicts for head-on collision victims, including $1,124,615 for a DUI head-on collision
- South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence law means you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault
- The statute of limitations for filing a head-on collision claim in South Carolina is three years
- Documentation of injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages is essential to maximizing your settlement amount
- Working with our experienced car accident attorney significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation
FAQs
How long do I have to file a head-on collision lawsuit in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s essential to consult with our attorney as soon as possible.
What if I was partially at fault for the head-on collision?
South Carolina follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Will my settlement be taxable?
Generally, compensation for physical injuries and related medical expenses is not taxable under federal law. However, portions of your settlement allocated to punitive damages or interest may be taxable. Consult with a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
How long will it take to receive my settlement after a head-on collision?
The timeline varies depending on case complexity, injury severity, and whether litigation is necessary. Simple cases might settle in 3-6 months, while complex cases involving serious injuries could take 1-2 years or longer to resolve.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
No. Initial settlement offers are typically much lower than what your claim is worth. At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we recommend having any offer reviewed by one of our experienced attorneys before accepting it.