Do You Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina?

Davis & Snyder
Sep 27
2 min read

After a car accident, one of the most common questions people ask is: “Will I have to go to court?” The thought of testifying before a judge or jury can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost income.

The good news is that most South Carolina car accident claims are resolved without ever stepping into a courtroom. At Davis & Snyder, our Greenville car accident lawyers help clients settle claims efficiently while always being prepared to go to trial if necessary.

Most Car Accident Claims Are Settled Out of Court

The majority of car accident cases are resolved through insurance settlements. This happens when your lawyer negotiates directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to reach an agreement on compensation.

Settling outside of court has benefits, including:

A faster resolution
Lower legal expenses
Less stress for the injured party

However, not all cases can be settled fairly.

When Do Car Accident Cases Go to Court?

Your claim may need to go to court if:

The insurance company disputes liability (fault)
The insurer refuses to offer fair compensation
The damages exceed policy limits
There are multiple parties involved in the accident

In these situations, filing a lawsuit may be the only way to recover the full compensation you deserve.

What Happens If Your Case Goes to Trial?

If your case does go to court, your attorney will present evidence such as:

Police reports
Medical records and bills
Expert testimony (such as accident reconstruction)
Witness statements

The judge or jury then decides whether the defendant is liable and, if so, how much compensation you should receive.

Why You Need an Experienced Greenville Car Accident Lawyer

Even if your case never goes to trial, having a lawyer on your side makes a big difference. Insurance companies are more likely to negotiate fairly when they know you have legal representation. At Davis & Snyder, we prepare every case as if it will go to court — that way, we’re always ready to fight for your rights.

Davis & Snyder: Greenville Car Accident Attorneys Who Fight for You

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in South Carolina, don’t face the insurance companies alone. At Davis & Snyder, we work to resolve your case quickly but won’t hesitate to take it to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice.