When an auto accident happens unexpectedly, anyone can become a victim. One moment you're commuting back home after a long day at the office. The next, your car is totaled, and you're injured in the hospital due to another person's negligence. It's not fair, but it happens every day. Unlike the irresponsible party who caused the accident, personal injury victims often suffer the most in auto accidents. They have to worry about lost days at work, the long road to recovery, and the inability to provide for their family. Sadly, many people injured in car accidents don't have the luxury of worrying about bills because they're fighting for life in the emergency room.
And while modern cars come equipped with safety features like blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts, motor vehicle accidents are still a huge problem in South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, in 2020, one person was injured every 11 minutes in a car collision. Even worse, one fatal collision was recorded every 9.1 hours.
Unfortunately, victims of auto accident negligence often don't know what to do when another driver hits them. They have questions like:
These same innocent people provide official statements to insurance agencies without knowing the consequences.
However, if you or your loved ones are victims in a car crash, there's good news. Laws in South Carolina mandate that guilty parties must compensate for pain and suffering. But in order to get the compensation you deserve, it's crucial to work with a personal injury attorney in Columbia, SC. Experienced personal injury lawyers know how to bolster your case by securing witnesses for questioning, obtaining accident scene information, and documenting vehicle damage. If these tasks aren't completed quickly, you are far less likely to receive the compensation you and your family deserve.
Theos Law Firm exists to fight for your rights and to ensure negligent drivers are held responsible for the damage they do to your family. It's really that simple. We aren't afraid to trade blows with selfish insurance agencies. Because, unlike Theos Law Firm, they couldn't care less about your best interests.
Here are just a few reasons why so many hardworking people choose Theos Law Firm:
When you're involved in a car or truck accident, it can be a life-changing event. Having represented hundreds of personal injury victims, we understand that you may be confused and frightened. You know you need to speak with a lawyer, but you need a calm, cool presence to ease your anxiety. You need someone who understands what you're enduring, and we know how you feel. Unlike other auto accident attorneys, we believe that personal injury claims are more about the people involved and less about money and settlements. When you reach out to Theos Law Firm, you can rest easy knowing our team will treat you with dignity, compassion, and empathy.
With many years of combined personal injury experience, there's nothing that our team hasn't seen in terms of auto accidents. With that said, we understand that there is no "common" type of accident or scenario - no two accidents are the same. We have represented clients involved in DUI accidents, truck rollovers, reckless drivers, interstate pileups, rear-end collisions, and even Uber driver crashes. With such extensive experience, our team has the tools and talent to take care of you, regardless of how complicated your case might be.
The recovery process involved with automobile accidents changes with every person we represent. There are dozens of details to account for, from car repairs to insurance questions and everything in between. These small but necessary details aren't easy to accomplish for injured parties. That's why our team goes the extra mile to help cut through the red tape to ensure your medical bills are paid, and your car gets fixed. The less weight you have on your shoulders to worry about, the faster you can focus on recovering.
Unlike other personal injury law firms, our team is 100% committed to protecting your rights, and we're uniquely positioned to do so with decades of combined experience. We offer robust representation for many types of auto accidents, including:
If you have been the victim of an accident listed above, please understand that time is of the essence. There is limited time to seek compensation for your injuries, hospital bills, lost wages, and more. As such, there is only a short time to obtain experienced representation for your personal injury case.
Our team knows that finding the right attorney to represent you is an important choice. Therefore, we believe that an initial consultation is imperative to understand your needs and identify your goals fully. When we sit down with you to learn the nuances of your accident, we'll cover all aspects of South Carolina law pertaining to your case. That way, you're armed with information and have an idea of the next steps our firm will take to represent you.
Remember - the sooner we can dig into the details of your case, the sooner we can pursue your rightful compensation. As seasoned personal injury attorneys, our team specializes in several types of automobile accidents:
Car accidents are a serious problem in South Carolina. If you're an adult, you probably know someone involved in a bad car crash in our state. When you look at the stats, it seems like car accidents are always on the rise. One person was killed every 8.2 hours in a car collision. Even more sobering is that one teen driver is involved in a fatal or injury-causing collision every 1.6 hours. The unfortunate truth is that many people involved in car crashes were hurt due to the other driver's negligence.
Common car crash injuries in South Carolina include:
Car accident victims in South Carolina are often left to pay their medical bills but can't do so because they're too hurt to go to work or take their car in for repair. These life-changing scenarios can snowball into a series of scary events, leaving victims hopeless and unsure where to turn.
Fortunately, a car accident attorney in Columbia, SC can help you avoid these pitfalls and obtain the money you need to survive. At Theos Law Firm, our team has a deep understanding of the rules that dictate fault in South Carolina. We know that thorough representation is needed to receive maximum compensation, and we're well-prepared to achieve that goal for you.
Our car accident lawyers in South Carolina can recover compensation for injuries and damages:
The moments following the crash are often a blur when you're involved in a car accident. However, per South Carolina law, those on the scene must adhere to legal responsibilities and obligations.
First, try to stop your car and ensure it is positioned safely near the scene of the crash. Then, call 911 to report the accident. While most folks go into full-blown panic mode, you need to stay calm so you can process the situation. If you notice that there are injured people, give them "reasonable assistance." Per South Carolina Code of Laws, that could include transporting hurt people to a hospital or calling an ambulance for them.
If you're in a car crash, you need to be prepared to exchange contact information with other drivers at the accident scene. If the person who caused the collision is present, make sure to get their name, phone number, address, and insurance info. If witnesses are present, get their contact info, too, in case our team needs to obtain their account later.
Next, try to piece together how the car crash happened. This is an appropriate time to take photos of the cars, wreckage, and debris. Ask yourself if you think a vehicle failed to follow the rules of the road, like speeding or failing to stop at a stop sign.
Regardless of how minor your injuries may appear and who may be to blame for the accident, get legal advice from Theos Law Firm first before giving any recorded statements or refusing medical care.
Tractor-trailer and semi-truck crashes are often more complicated than two car crashing. Because these cases are more complex and nuanced, it's imperative that you contact a truck accident attorney in Columbia, SC to help you through the recovery process and win the compensation you deserve.
After a semi-truck crash, you must take steps quickly to preserve evidence so that the crash may be recreated. In serious semi-truck accidents where people are injured or killed, trucking companies usually send a team of investigators to the accident site immediately. These investigators will do their best to obtain evidence that can hurt you in court or even attempt to hide or destroy evidence. The last thing a trucking company wants is for you to win a settlement against them.
That's especially true since various entities may be liable for your truck accident injury, not just the driver. The trucking company, the trucking manufacturer, and the team responsible for truck maintenance could also be responsible. Additionally, if dangerous or inadequate road conditions factor into your accident, you could actually sue some government departments. For those reasons, it's critical to retain quality representation ASAP after a truck accident in South Carolina.
At Theos Law Firm, our team has experience winning compensation in many types of truck accidents, such as:
As your truck accident lawyer in South Carolina, we work hard to fight for your rights and win your case. In order to do so, our team will:
We'll arrive on-scene to notate skid mark length and the locations of vehicles involved. We will also capture detailed pictures and measurements pertinent to your crash.
Obtaining the trucking company's records and discovering the info they have on the semi-truck driver involved is an important part of our process. We will also secure access to the trucker's driving log notes, which they must maintain according to law.
Like airplanes and helicopters, big rigs have a "black box" that records real-time truck data, like speeds, changes in direction, and brake application.
We'll arrive on-scene to notate skid mark length and the locations of vehicles involved. We will also capture detailed pictures and measurements pertinent to your crash.
Sometimes an expert is needed to digest all the evidence and provide an expert opinion on the cause of the semi-truck collision. When needed, our team will hire such an expert to ensure your case is robust and air-tight.
We will obtain the police's investigation report and any accident photos, measurements, or other documentation taken by officers while investigating your semi-truck crash.
It's imperative to find all the witnesses of your accident and interview them to get recorded statements in a timely manner. Doing otherwise may result in faded memories and inaccurate facts.
Time and again, auto accident victims agree to early settlements provided by insurance companies because the offer seems like a lot. But what if you return to work after recovering from an accident, only for your pain to return?
With adjusters, lawyers, and investigators at their disposal, insurance agencies will do everything in their power to minimize the compensation you deserve. Don't let them pick on you or silence your voice. If you or a loved are victims of a negligent car or truck accident in South Carolina, contact Theos Law Firm today. We have the team, tools, and experience to fight back on your behalf, no matter how complicated your case may seem.
To schedule an appointment for your free consultation, contact Theos Law Firm in Columbia today.
Raines, a leading hospitality mana...
Raines, a leading hospitality management, development, and investment organization, is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista in Columbia, SC. Developed and managed by Raines, this will be the second Shepherd Hotel in South Carolina. With design and architecture by Garvin Design Group and built by Mashburn Construction, the Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025. The first Shepherd Hotel opened in downtown Clemson, SC, in September of 2022. The brand was co-founded by Rick Hayduk, a seasoned hotel visionary; Rich Davies, a third-generation real estate developer; and Dabo Swinney, Clemson University Head Football Coach. Inspired by his two children with Down Syndrome, Rick had long been interested in opening a hotel that employed individuals with disabilities. The Shepherd Hotel Downtown Clemson opened in collaboration with ClemsonLIFE, a Clemson University program that empowers students with intellectual disabilities to follow their career goals and experience life on a college campus. The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista will partner with the University of South Carolina's CarolinaLIFE program to offer similar opportunities through the University's School of Hospitality and Tourism. "The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista celebrates our passion for the hospitality industry and our commitment to our communities," said David Tart, managing partner, Raines. "We are excited to provide valuable skills and career opportunities for students and young adults with intellectual disabilities, particularly in college towns.""The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista is a special milestone for us, as it builds on our mission to provide exceptional hospitality experiences through creating sustainable employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in the industry," added Hayduk. "We are thrilled to partner with Raines Co to bring the second Shepherd Hotel to life." The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista will transform the historic Columbia Central Fire Station into a 59-key boutique hotel. The address, 1001 Senate St., Columbia, SC, is in the heart of The Vista, a historic development project in proximity to the University of South Carolina, the South Carolina Statehouse, Colonial Life Arena, and the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The location in the Vista is prime location, within walking distance to a variety of restaurants and leisure activities. This adaptive reuse project will honor the history of the Columbia Central Fire Station, one of the city's oldest fire stations, while incorporating modern amenities like a fitness center, board room, lounge, and valet parking. Kevin Johnson, James Beard Nominee and University of South Carolina alumni, will lead the hotel's food and beverage program. The on-site restaurant will serve both locals and hotel guests offering small plates, craft cocktails, and a robust beer and wine selection. "We're proud to be a part of this project, which blends our passion for historic preservation and our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality spaces," said Lee Mashburn, president, Mashburn Construction. "Working with the Raines team is an exciting opportunity. We are honored to contribute to the revitalization of this iconic building. We are also thrilled to be constructing the second Shepherd Hotel in South Carolina, just blocks from Mashburn's corporate headquarters."2024 has been a landmark year for Raines. The company added more than 20 properties to its management portfolio since January, including 16 hotels in a landmark deal with Atlantic Hotels Group. Raines has been dedicated to holistic, sustainable growth, especially in the lifestyle sector, where they continue to expand their lifestyle division, Woven by Raines. In 2023, the company commemorated its 35th year in the hospitality industry and acquired third-party management company HP Hotels, among other accomplishments.
Raines is one of the Southeast’s premier hospitality management, development, and investment groups, offering a comprehensive approach to its impressive property portfolio and client base.
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We had a reader write in sharing a love for our historic marker map — which you should add to if you haven’t already — and asked if we would consider doing something similar for local holiday lights. Reader Stanton shared, “Every year we go driving around looking at Christmas lights. It would be nice to have suggestions for all those neighborhoods that decorate at level 10.”...
We had a reader write in sharing a love for our historic marker map — which you should add to if you haven’t already — and asked if we would consider doing something similar for local holiday lights. Reader Stanton shared, “Every year we go driving around looking at Christmas lights. It would be nice to have suggestions for all those neighborhoods that decorate at level 10.”
So, we’re looking for you to inform us on this one. Readers and we alike are looking to grab hot cocoa, turn on the seat warmers, crank up the holiday music + go for a drive to explore festive displays right in our neighborhoods.
You’re in the driver’s seat. Where are some of Cola’s best (level 10) holiday light displays? Think: neighborhood, public, or residential displays. Submit your favorite place to see holiday lights in Cola to our local map by Thursday, Dec. 5.
We added the first points on the map, featuring three light displays around the Midlands you shouldn’t miss.
Fireflies Holiday Lights | Friday, Nov. 15 to Saturday, Jan. 4 — exclusion dates apply | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $10+ | Read about what you can expect at this year’s holiday light show. Spoiler alert — it will feature more lights + entertainment for the whole family.
Holiday Lights on the River | Wednesday, Nov. 27-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 6-10 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park | $25+ | Journey through more than three miles of lights featuring colorful, animated light displays of all shapes and sizes
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden - Lights Before Christmas | Select nights Friday, Nov. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 12 | 5-9 p.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden | $20+ | Take your photo with Santa, roast marshmallows at the Jingle Bell Bonfire, and be sure to wear your hat. Pro tip: it snows nightly at Riverbanks during the Lights Before Christmas.
Ready to add your own? Submit here.
The South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association released its top boys and girls high school basketball players to watch this season.They are listed by top seniors in each division, plus Elite Boys and Girls, which are top players regardless of classification.The SCBCA will release its preseason team rankings WednesdayJosh Leonard, Wilson; Jordan Watford, Lancaster; Tristan Thompson, Wilson; Brian Sumpter, Keenan; Korie Corbett, Ridge View; Kaleb Evans, Lexington; Abijah Franklin, WrenChi’nya Isaac, Lower R...
The South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association released its top boys and girls high school basketball players to watch this season.
They are listed by top seniors in each division, plus Elite Boys and Girls, which are top players regardless of classification.
The SCBCA will release its preseason team rankings Wednesday
Josh Leonard, Wilson; Jordan Watford, Lancaster; Tristan Thompson, Wilson; Brian Sumpter, Keenan; Korie Corbett, Ridge View; Kaleb Evans, Lexington; Abijah Franklin, Wren
Chi’nya Isaac, Lower Richland; Aubrey Stevenson, Rock Hill; Ja’Nyia Cunningham, South Pointe; Khalia Hartwell, Westside; Molly Daugherty, Summerville; Tamia Watkins, Andrew Jackson; Dream Watson, Military Magnet; Braylin Mungo, Camden
Melvin Teal, Summervillel Yasir Cromer, River Bluff; Evan Enos, Byrnes; Taurus ‘TJ’ Lewis, Blythewood; Keenan Whiteside, Dorman
Shane Potts, Goose Creek; John Simmons, Myrtle Beach; Nas Berry, Fort Mill; CJ Terrell, Greenwood; Roman Cooley, Greenville
Emma Daugherty, Summerville; Te’Ericka Dowling, Byrnes; Skyla Tuthill, Ashley Ridge; Anasia Harvey, Ridge View; Michaela Fairwell, Dutch Fork
Elly Trickett, Riverside; Faith Farmer, North Myrtle Beach; Tamerah Wynn, TL Hanna; Emory Waters-Inman, White Knoll; Destiny Omeire, Westwood
Daron Dunbar, North Agusta’ Teon Tindall, Crestwood’ Shannon Davis, Crestwood; L.J. Britt, Gray Collegiate; Amare Anderson, Greer
Serenity Woods, South Pointe’ Morgan Chapman, Camden; Jasmine Epps, South Aiken; Colleen Dimaio, Daniel; Leanissa Swinton, Wilson
Brelin Dennis, Belton-Honea Path; Jaleel McGee, Powdersville; Braylen Silver, Greer Middle College; Adam Brown, Christ Church; Keith Smith, Orangeburg-Wilkinson
Janiya Richburg, Loris; Sadie Burnette, Woodruff; Raegan Mobley, West Oak; Mariasia Moody, Loris; Krislyn Wilder, Chapman
Tushawn Richardson, Clinton; Emmanuel “Manny” Davis, Eau Clarie; Ja’ Kease Salley - Woodland; Jamie Brooks - Atlantic Collegiate Academy; Bryce Peterson - Andrew Jackson
Kay Kay Dawkins, Blacksburg; Janiyah Squire, Ninety Six; Jordyn Adams, Fairfield Central Jaeda Davis, Marion; Destinee Tiller, Eau Claire
Joshua Goodman, Denmark-Olar; Bryson Robinson, Bethune-Bowman; Stetson Stack, North; Tyrek Wright, McBee; Tylin Jenkins, Hannah-Pamplico
Aveion Walker, Denmark-Olar; Sabri Mitchell, Military Magnet; Lauren Middleton, Cross; Jasmyn Jenkins, Carver’s Bay; Raven Brown, Bamberg-Ehrhardt
This story was originally published November 18, 2024, 11:57 AM.
The State
Lou Bezjak is the High School Sports Prep Coordinator for The (Columbia) State and (Hilton Head) Island Packet. He previously worked at the Florence Morning News and had covered high school sports in South Carolina since 2002. Lou is a two-time South Carolina Sports Writer of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.
South Carolina has among the safest hospitals in the U.S., but they’re not all equal, a new report shows.The Leapfrog Group — a national nonprofit that has collected and published data on patient safety and quality care for more than two decades — recently released its fall ...
South Carolina has among the safest hospitals in the U.S., but they’re not all equal, a new report shows.
The Leapfrog Group — a national nonprofit that has collected and published data on patient safety and quality care for more than two decades — recently released its fall 2024 Hospital Safety Grades. Hospitals were scored with A through F letter grades.
Overall South Carolina ranked 10th among states with safest hospitals, with 40.4% of its facilities earning an A ranking. However, among the 52 South Carolina hospitals reviewed, 15 received a C ranking and two earned a D ranking. No South Carolina hospital received an F grade.
“Despite improvements seen in this fall’s Safety Grade, significant variation in performance remains across U.S. hospitals,” Leah Binder, President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, said in a press release. “That’s why it’s so important for people to consult grades when making decisions about seeking care. All hospitals are not the same.”
Leapfrog grades the safety of hospitals in the U.S. based on how well they prevent medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections that kill or harm patients. About 30 measures are used to generate the safety grades.
The grades are assigned using publicly available data. Measures’ scores are calculated using patient responses to a national and standardized survey following a hospital visit.
Below are the South Carolina hospitals with the worst safety ratings. To view the entire list, click here.
D Grade
222 S. Herlong Avenue
Rock Hill, SC 29732-1952
Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital
606 Black River Rd
Georgetown, SC 29440-3304
C Grade
1530 N Limestone St
Gaffney, SC 29340-4738
1000 Medical Center Drive
Hardeeville, SC 29927
501 Robertson Boulevard
Walterboro, SC 29488-5714
300 Singleton Ridge Road
Conway, SC 29526-9175
2000 Hospital Drive
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464-3294
25 Hospital Center Boulevard
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Medical University of South Carolina University Medical Center
171 Ashley Ave
Charleston, SC 29425
MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown
2435 Forest Drive
Columbia, SC 29204-2098
MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast
120 Gateway Corporate Blvd
Columbia, SC 29203
3000 St. Matthews Road
Orangeburg, SC 29118-1470
250 Westmoreland Rd
Greer, SC 29651
Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital
200 Fleetwood Drive
Easley, SC 29640-2076
101 E Wood St
Spartanburg, SC 29303-3016
Spartanburg Medical Center - Mary Black Campus
1700 Skylyn Dr
Spartanburg, SC 29307-1061
Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital
4070 Highway 17 South
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Since Leapfrog reported Hospital Safety Grades in fall 2022, when healthcare-associated infections (HAI) rates were at their highest peak since 2016, average HAI scores have dropped significantly.
This story was originally published November 19, 2024, 6:00 AM.