Columbia Fender Bender Lawyer

Not every car accident in Columbia involves crushed vehicles or flashing ambulances, but that doesn’t mean the consequences are minor. Fender benders often appear simple at first, yet many drivers later discover hidden injuries, repair costs, and insurance disputes they didn’t anticipate. What looks like a minor crash can still disrupt your health, finances, and daily life.

At Stewart Law Offices, our Columbia car accident attorneys understand that property damage and medical bills don’t care whether your accident looked minor. We’ve represented countless clients whose minor fender benders turned into major problems. If you’ve been in a low-speed collision in Columbia or anywhere in South Carolina, call us at 803-743-4200 for a free consultation.

What Is Considered a Fender Bender?

A fender bender typically refers to a low-speed collision that causes relatively minor vehicle damage. These accidents commonly occur in parking lots, at stop signs, during heavy traffic, or while backing up. While the vehicles involved may only have dents, scratches, or crumpled bumpers, the human body often suffers more serious consequences than the metal and plastic surrounding it.

Modern vehicles contain expensive sensors, cameras, and safety equipment that can be damaged without visible signs. More importantly, whiplash, soft tissue injuries, concussions, and even traumatic brain injuries can occur at speeds below 15 mph, with symptoms appearing days or weeks after the collision.

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, property damage collisions occur approximately every 4.8 minutes in South Carolina. These seemingly minor accidents happen with alarming frequency across the state, including throughout the Columbia area.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Fender Bender

Many Columbia drivers make the critical mistake of walking away from a fender bender without seeking medical attention or legal advice. Here’s why that’s dangerous:

  • Delayed Injury Symptoms: Soft tissue injuries, whiplash, and concussions often don’t show symptoms until hours or days after an accident. By the time pain and stiffness set in, it becomes harder to prove a connection to the accident.
  • Insurance Complications: Insurance companies love fender benders because they can easily minimize claims. If you didn’t see a doctor immediately or file a police report, adjusters will argue your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Understanding how much insurance typically pays for a fender bender can help you recognize when an adjuster is undervaluing your injuries or vehicle damage.
  • Hidden Vehicle Damage: What looks like a minor dent might mask frame damage, alignment issues, or mechanical problems that cost thousands to repair.
  • The Other Driver May Change Their Story: Someone who admitted fault at the scene might later claim you caused the accident. Without proper documentation, proving your case becomes much harder.

Common Causes of Fender Benders in Columbia

  • Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, eating)
  • Tailgating in heavy traffic
  • Sudden stops at intersections
  • Speeding in congested areas
  • Weather-related hazards (rain, fog, slick roads)

Columbia’s busy corridors, including I-26, I-77, and Assembly Street, are frequent sites of minor collisions that escalate into costly claims.

Injuries From Fender Benders

Don’t let the term “fender bender” fool you into thinking injuries are minor. Our car accident attorney team frequently represents clients with serious injuries from low-speed collisions:

  • Whiplash and neck strain 
  • Back injuries and herniated discs 
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries 
  • Shoulder and chest injuries from seatbelts 
  • Knee and leg injuries from dashboard impact 
  • Aggravation of pre-existing conditions

Even accidents that seem minor at the time can result in injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and time off work.

What to Do After a Fender Bender in Columbia

Protect your health and legal rights by taking these steps immediately:

  • Call Police: Under South Carolina law, you’re required to report any accident causing injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even if damage seems minimal, get an official police report.
  • Document Everything: Take photos of both vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.
  • Seek Medical Attention: See a doctor within 24 hours, even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries have delayed symptoms.
  • Don’t Admit Fault: Be polite, but don’t apologize or make statements about who caused the accident. Leave that determination to police and insurance investigators.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly, but don’t give recorded statements without speaking to an attorney first.
  • Contact a Columbia Car Accident Lawyer: Before accepting any settlement offer, have an experienced attorney review your case.

Visit Our Fender Bender Lawyer in Columbia

How South Carolina Law Affects Fender Bender Claims

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, allowing recovery only if you are 50% or less at fault; at 51% or more, compensation is barred. Insurance companies often exploit this by shifting blame, even when the other driver was negligent. The state’s minimum insurance requirements, $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, are frequently inadequate for serious injuries. 

You have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but evidence disappears, and witnesses’ memories fade quickly. Contacting a Columbia car accident attorney promptly helps protect your rights and secure fair compensation.

Contact Our Columbia Fender Bender Lawyer Today

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you after a fender bender. Even seemingly minor accidents can result in thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain. Stewart Law Offices has recovered millions for Columbia accident victims over our 30 years serving South Carolina.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis; you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Call  803-743-4200 now or contact us online to discuss your fender bender claim with an experienced Columbia car accident lawyer.