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 Beaufort, 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 Beaufort, 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 Beaufort, 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 Beaufort today.
With construction started last fall, we're getting much closer to the new ALDI opening at the new Beaufort Station Shopping Center.The 21,000 square foot store is expected to open before September. This ALDI will join other retailers that opened in 2024 at the shopping center which include, including Hobby Lobby, Old Navy, Ulta Beauty, and Ross Dress for Less.In February 2025, ALDI also announced its plan to open more than 225 new store locations in 2025 as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy. This ...
With construction started last fall, we're getting much closer to the new ALDI opening at the new Beaufort Station Shopping Center.
The 21,000 square foot store is expected to open before September. This ALDI will join other retailers that opened in 2024 at the shopping center which include, including Hobby Lobby, Old Navy, Ulta Beauty, and Ross Dress for Less.
In February 2025, ALDI also announced its plan to open more than 225 new store locations in 2025 as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy. This is the most stores ALDI will open in one year in its nearly 50-year U.S. history.
The new stores will open through a combination of organic growth and converting select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the ALDI format. In total, ALDI will convert approximately 220 Southeastern Grocers locations to the ALDI format through 2027.
ALDI has become a go-to destination for budget-conscious shoppers, known for its low prices and private-label offerings. ALDI was recently ranked as the most affordable grocery chain in the U.S., with shoppers saving an estimated $8.3 billion annually. It's said that households that switch from name brands to ALDI-branded items can save up to $4,000 annually.
With nearly 3,200 locations across the country, ALDI has surged in popularity recently, particularly as grocery costs rise.
The German-founded retailer is now the third-largest grocery chain in the U.S. by store count. In 2024 alone, ALDI attracted 19 million new customers, underscoring its growing appeal.
The new store will provide affordable groceries and create job opportunities for the local community. ALDI’s expansion continues to support our local economy while providing convenient access to budget-friendly essentials for residents.
ALDI joins several other grocers in the Beaufort area including four Food Lion locations, two Publix locations, Harris Teeter, and Piggly Wiggly.
Visit ALDI's website here.Learn more about ALDI here.Sign up for the ALDI Newsletter for its weekly ads and more.
By Mike McCombsThe Island NewsCol. Mark D. Bortnem was relieved of his command of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort on Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025, due to a “loss of trust and confidence” in his ability to command.Bortnem had been the Commanding Officer of MCAS Beaufort for nearly two years since he took command from Col. Karl Arbogast on July 14, 2023.1st Lt. Lyndsay Cribb, Director of Communications and Strategy (COMMSTRAT) at MCAS Beaufort, initially ...
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
Col. Mark D. Bortnem was relieved of his command of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort on Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025, due to a “loss of trust and confidence” in his ability to command.
Bortnem had been the Commanding Officer of MCAS Beaufort for nearly two years since he took command from Col. Karl Arbogast on July 14, 2023.
1st Lt. Lyndsay Cribb, Director of Communications and Strategy (COMMSTRAT) at MCAS Beaufort, initially confirmed Bortnem had been relieved of his command Tuesday morning, but couldn’t comment further.
Nat Fahy, Director of COMMSTRAT for Marine Corps Installations East (MCIE) at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune provided The Island News with a statement Tuesday afternoon.
“Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, has relieved Col. Mark D. Bortnem of his duties as commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, effective immediately. This decision was made due to a loss of trust and confidence in Bortnem’s ability to command.
“Bortnem is being reassigned to duties as directed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
“In the interim, the air station’s Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) Executive Officer, Lt. Col. Michael R. Eubanks will serve as acting commander until one is formally appointed. There are no further details to provide at this time.”
While the statement attributes Bortnem’s removal to a “loss of trust and confidence” in his ability to command, this is used as a catchall phrase by the U.S. military. In the past 10 years, dozens of officers across all branches have been removed from their commands due to a “loss of trust and confidence.”
Issues with their leadership could range from the work or training environment they establish to misconduct. Without more details, it’s impossible to know exactly why Bortnem was removed.
Bortnem, who grew up in Michigan, has been a U.S. Marine since 1991. He graduated from Ohio State University (B.A. in Political Science) in 1998 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, ending his time as an enlisted Marine and beginning his career as an officer.
Graduating flight school with distinction, he was designated as a Naval Flight Officer in 2002. He then joined Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 332, with which he deployed to Iraq several times.
After graduating pilot conversion training at Naval Air Stations Corpus Christi and Kingsville with distinction, he was designated as a Naval Aviator and served as a Flight Instructor.
Bortnem was assigned to MCAS Miramar where he completed F/A-18 pilot training and was assigned as the Executive Officer with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Operations Officer with Marine Aircraft Group 11. During this time, he deployed twice to Japan and achieved all advanced qualifications as an F/A-18 pilot.
From 2014-2016, Col. Bortnem was assigned to Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada where he served as an Exchange Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force, with which he deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Upon his return to Canada, he was assigned as Commanding Officer of 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron, becoming the first U.S. officer to command a Canadian squadron.
In 2016, Col. Bortnem was assigned to Camp Smith, Hawaii, where he was assigned as the Marine Forces Pacific Air Officer and Director of Aviation Operations.
From 2018 to 2020, Colonel Bortnem was the Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 in Miramar, Calif. During this time, he deployed to Japan and the squadron was recognized as the recipient of the Robert M. Hanson award as Strike Fighter Squadron of the Year.
In 2020, Col. Bortnem was assigned as a student to Air War College in Montgomery, Ala. In 2022, h was assigned as Director of the Commandant of the Marine Corps Safety Division.
Col. Bortnem has nearly 3,000 flight hours, including more than 500 hours of combat time, and he is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force’s Air War College (2021, M.A. in Strategic Studies).
Bortnem’s photo and biography have been removed from the leadership page on the MCAS Beaufort website, https://www.beaufort.marines.mil/.
Lt. Col. Robert L. Steinhauser III remains the Executive Officer on board MCAS Beaufort.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
It’s BACK! The MCAS Beaufort Airshow is back this weekend to entertain everyone and light up the Beaufort sky. Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is scheduled to host nearly 100,000 friends and neighbors at the MCAS Beaufort Air Show this Saturday and Sunday, April 12th & 13th.There is no cost to the general public to attend the show, however special seating and VIP tickets are available.The weekend will showcase Naval aviation at its best with a demonstration by the United States Naval Flight Demonstration Team, the B...
It’s BACK! The MCAS Beaufort Airshow is back this weekend to entertain everyone and light up the Beaufort sky. Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is scheduled to host nearly 100,000 friends and neighbors at the MCAS Beaufort Air Show this Saturday and Sunday, April 12th & 13th.
There is no cost to the general public to attend the show, however special seating and VIP tickets are available.
The weekend will showcase Naval aviation at its best with a demonstration by the United States Naval Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels. It’ll be loud around the Lowcountry in the next few days, as the Blue Angels will be able to be seen in the sky around the area later this week as they practice for the show and drum up lots of excitement in the community.
But, as amazing as they are, there’s actually a lot more to the show than the Blue Angels.
According to the MSAC Beaufort Airshow, performers at the event will include Red Thunder Airshows, the nation’s only 2-ship Yak-50 demo team! Barry Hancock and Karl Gashler are veteran pilots who know how to put all their skills and precision to the test in a way that captivates audiences across the country! Between the sound of the heart pounding radial engine and their thrilling maneuvers, the Red Thunder Airshows’ performance is unforgettable!
Also included is Goulian Air Shows. Millions of air show spectators around the globe have witnessed the ferocity of a Mike Goulian air show performance. Every roll, pull, and tumble of his flight is a deliberate execution of precision. With his aggressive approach to the air show arena, Mike Goulian has mastered the ability to convey his message of passion through flight. Mike’s crisp, athletic style of flying is the evolution of his landmark career as an aerobatic competitor. Mike reached the pinnacle of the sport when he won the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Championship at only 27 years of age. He was honored to represent the United States at the World Aerobatic Championship on three separate occasions.
Also on the schedule for the weekend is Vanpire Airshows. The Vampire Airshow profile grips audiences with speed, noise and jet warbird aerobatics. While the pilots banter with the announcer, crowds are drawn into learning about this sensational aircraft.
The deHavilland Vampire is a fully aerobatic aircraft that wows audiences by performing rolls, Cuban eights, shark tooths, inverted flight, high-speed passes and all with a killer smoke system. The Vampire is awe-inspiring as the aircraft that led the way for ALL modern jet aviation.
Included in the show is the United States Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team based out of Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. This single-ship performance travels across the country to demonstrate the professionalism instilled in Air Force pilots and to show the capabilities of the F-16C Fighting Falcon.
Spectators will also be treated to several techniques possessed by the F-35B, the MCAS Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, helicopter rides, monster trucks, and the Top Gun Experience; the opportunity to dress as a real Fighter pilot complete with flight gear and helmet for a hands-on tour and experience.
For the full schedule of events at this weekend’s MCAS Beaufort Airshow, visit here.
For a list of Do’s and Dont’s while attending the show, visit here.
As always at the MCAS Beaufort Airshow, there will be lots of exhibitors to visit and food and beer vendors will also be on hand. There is also a Kids Zone featuring a variety of bounce houses, including the iconic U.S. Navy Blue Angels® Bounce House, kids can jump and play to their hearts’ content.
The mission of the MCAS Beaufort Air Show is three-fold: to promote the Marine Corps and Navy recruiting efforts, to demonstrate the full force and capabilities of our military and to say a big “THANK YOU” to all of the members of the surrounding communities who support the men and women who serve this nation and are stationed at the Beaufort Air Station and in the Tri-Command area.
For the 14th straight year, Beaufort County has ranked the healthiest county of all 46 counties in S.C., according to the County Health Rankings by Niche.com, one of the most popular rankings sites in the U.S.Beaufort is a very active community and the findings show that Beaufort surpasses all of the other counties in South Carolina in its quality of life.“Beaufort County is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. In Beaufort County, most residents own their homes, and many young professionals and retirees live ...
For the 14th straight year, Beaufort County has ranked the healthiest county of all 46 counties in S.C., according to the County Health Rankings by Niche.com, one of the most popular rankings sites in the U.S.
Beaufort is a very active community and the findings show that Beaufort surpasses all of the other counties in South Carolina in its quality of life.
“Beaufort County is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. In Beaufort County, most residents own their homes, and many young professionals and retirees live there,” Niche.com said in the report.
Beaufort County’s grades were pretty good, and it received an overall A+.
Beaufort County received an A for Health & Fitness, Outdoor Activities, being Good For Families, and for its Public Schools.
A- were bestowed on Beaufort for Weather, and Nightlife.
Beaufort County also received a B+ for Jobs, a B+ for [daily] Commute, a B+ for Diversity.
Beaufort County did, however, receive a B- for Housing, and a C+ for Cost of Living.
According to Niche.com, the 2025 Healthiest Counties ranking is intended to provide a comprehensive assessment of the general levels of health among residents at the county level.
“This grade takes into account key indicators of personal health, such as smoking, excessive alcoholic consumption, rates of obesity, as well as the availability and proximity of fitness facilities, doctors, and mental health practitioners, in an attempt to measure an area’s performance in health and fitness.”
Other popular studies have shown that Beaufort County residents enjoy the longest life expectancy in the state as well as the best quality of life in South Carolina. They’ve also found that Beaufort County leads the Palmetto State when it comes to health behaviors. This includes a lower amount of cigarette smokers, a lower rate of adult obesity and the ease of access to many exercise opportunities.
How other counties ranked
No South Carolina counties ranked in the top 100 of the list. Beaufort came in at #155 in the U.S, and is the only county in South Carolina to be in the top 200.
According to the study, the top 5 healthiest counties in SC are (in order) Beaufort, Charleston, Greenville, York, and Spartanburg.
According to the study, the counties with the poorest health in SC are Barnwell, Allendale, Hampton, Marlboro, and Lee.
See the full list of U.S. Counties and see how they ranked here.
See the full list of South Carolina counties and see how they ranked here.
Beaufort is surrounded by sea islands and that provides an easy way for folks to enjoy the water, do some fishing or take the kayak out for a few hours. Lots of beaches, trails and parks in the area make for some fabulous long walks as well.
If you’re looking for a good quality of life….Beaufort County is your obvious choice. Beaufort is the healthiest county in S.C., after all.
BEAUFORT, SC. (WTOC) - The highest court in South Carolina has now ruled in a years-long legal battle over development in Beaufort.The state supreme court sided with the developer, who tells us they’re looking to add an expansion to the Beaufort Inn.WTOC reported on this story in detail back in January, before the court’s ruling. You can find that context here.On April 2nd, the c...
BEAUFORT, SC. (WTOC) - The highest court in South Carolina has now ruled in a years-long legal battle over development in Beaufort.
The state supreme court sided with the developer, who tells us they’re looking to add an expansion to the Beaufort Inn.
WTOC reported on this story in detail back in January, before the court’s ruling. You can find that context here.
On April 2nd, the court denied petitions for a writ of certiorari filed in two cases having to do with this potential project: Historic Beaufort Foundation v. City of Beaufort, et al. and West Street Farms, LLC and Mix Farms, LLC v. City of Beaufort, et al.
You’ll notice the Historic Beaufort Foundation is the plaintiff named in one of those cases. The organization’s leaders tell WTOC they believe the project doesn’t follow city code and isn’t the right project for the area.
HBF’s efforts to stop the hotel expansion have now been denied by the highest court in the State.
WTOC has heard from several of the parties involved.
City of Beaufort
“By denying the petitions, the Supreme Court leaves in place the decisions of both the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the Circuit Court. These rulings are consistent with and uphold the conclusions of the lower courts, and the City hopes that this will conclude the litigation.”
303 Associates - Dick Stewart
“We are pleased that the South Carolina Supreme Court has determined that there’s no merit to these appeals and that that confirms both our companies, and the city of Beaufort conducted themselves legally with appropriate procedures, as have been done here for decades and that these frivolous lawsuits and appeals that have wasted so many dollars for the South Carolina court system, the city, and our companies has been brought to a close. These sorts of frivolous abuses of the system when brought to their logical conclusion, confirm that the system here works and that justice and legal processes are confirmed by the courts, although in a lengthy and expensive process.”
Historic Beaufort Foundation - Cynthia Jenkins
“We’re all very disappointed. We don’t believe the parking garage, or the hotel should ever have been approved, and they do not meet the tenants of the zoning ordinance. It’s disappointing that the courts went the way they went.
The city’s zoning ordinance is not working and it’s time that it gets addressed. It’s not working inside the historic district or out for a lot of different reasons and I think it’s past time for city council to address it."
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