Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers | August 28, 2025 | Car Accidents
After a minor car accident in North Myrtle Beach, SC, you may be wondering if it’s worth hiring a lawyer. Maybe your car only has a few dents, or your injuries don’t seem too serious at first. Insurance adjusters might even assure you that you can “handle it on your own.” But even minor accidents can bring major headaches.
This article will look at when it makes sense to hire a car accident lawyer after a minor crash, what risks you face if you go it alone, and how an attorney can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Why “Minor” Accidents Can Still Be Serious
What feels like a fender bender today may turn into something much more significant later. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and whiplash often don’t show full symptoms until days or weeks after the crash. Medical bills can add up quickly, and time missed from work—even a few days—can affect your income.
Even when economic damages seem small, insurance companies may undervalue your claim or pressure you to accept a fast, low settlement.
South Carolina Is a Fault State
South Carolina follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means the driver who caused the accident (and their insurance company) is responsible for paying damages. Every driver in the state is required to carry liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage.
In practice, this means that if the other driver caused your North Myrtle Beach accident, you can file a claim directly with their insurer, use your own insurance, or bring a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.
Comparative Negligence in South Carolina
One of the most important things to know is how comparative negligence works in South Carolina. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15, you can still recover compensation if you were partly at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
This matters even in minor car accidents. For example, if you were hit at an intersection but the insurance company argues you were looking at your phone, they may try to assign partial fault to you. A lawyer can push back against these claims and help protect your settlement.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Minor Accident
You may not need a lawyer for every small fender bender, but there are situations where legal help can make a big difference, such as:
- When injuries appear later or worsen over time.
- When the insurance company disputes liability or blames you for the crash.
- When medical bills or lost wages are higher than expected.
- When the insurer offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your expenses.
- When multiple drivers or out-of-state tourists are involved, which is common in North Myrtle Beach.
A personal injury lawyer can gather medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, then use that evidence to negotiate a fair settlement or, if necessary, file a lawsuit.
Steps You Should Take After a Minor Accident
If you are in a minor car accident in North Myrtle Beach, be sure to:
- Call the police and file an accident report. This creates official documentation, which is important even for small crashes.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. This not only protects your health but also documents injuries for a potential claim.
- Take photos of the vehicles, scene, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
- Notify your insurance company, but be cautious about giving recorded statements until you understand your rights.
Even if you don’t think you’ll need to pursue a major claim, these steps help protect you if injuries or expenses increase later.
Contact Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
So, should you hire a lawyer after a minor car accident in North Myrtle Beach? The answer depends on your situation. If there are no injuries and only minimal property damage, you may be able to handle the insurance claim yourself.
If injuries develop later, if the insurer disputes liability, or if your costs start to rise, speaking with a lawyer is often the smartest choice. Contact Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers – North Myrtle Beach Office
By Appointment Only
1016 2nd Ave N Suite F, 2nd Floor, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(843) 390-9111
Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers – Little River Office
3303 Hwy 9 E Little River, SC 29566
(843) 390-9111
Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers – Aynor Office
604 8th Ave, Aynor, SC 29511
(843) 390-9111