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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston today.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County leaders discussed several updates in departments, officials and projects at their retreat meeting on Wednesday afternoon.One of the presentations involved new ideas for the transportation sales tax.After the presentation from the Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments and the county’s new consultants, the council made a motion to move forward with exploring the idea of a new referendum, but with a different approach.In the past, the council has been ...
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County leaders discussed several updates in departments, officials and projects at their retreat meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
One of the presentations involved new ideas for the transportation sales tax.
After the presentation from the Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments and the county’s new consultants, the council made a motion to move forward with exploring the idea of a new referendum, but with a different approach.
In the past, the council has been focused on roadways, transit, bike and pedestrian ways, and a Greenbelt project, where the council has put the referendum on the ballot first before going to the public.
Charleston County Council Member for District 9 Jenny Costa Honeycutt said they learned from their mistakes when introducing a referendum on the ballot without getting the public’s feedback prior to decision making.
“I think everyone across all districts wants to know that they were heard,” Honeycutt said.
In 2024, community members voted against a referendum when it was on the November ballot.
However, with this possible new referendum, the council will gather the data and public feedback before any decisions are made or any voting is to be done.
“What the council is doing is they’re leading a campaign to gather data to help them make informed decisions about possibly putting another transportation sales tax on the 2026 ballot,” Deputy County Administrator for Public Services Steve Thigpen said.
With the Tri-County council asking the Charleston County council to lay down a framework, it helped provide new goals and a clear understanding of where this referendum could be headed. Their overall message was to begin with the end in mind.
“I think you can learn a lot from failure and so I think one of the priorities has been how we structure this in a way that really captures the public engagement, and making sure if we do proceed with another referendum that we do so in a way that the public really understands,” Honeycutt said. “Not only understand the question being asked, but they understand the program as it currently exists today.”
For Honeycutt, she said in her district, they really pushed for connectivity along with other initiatives.
“Capacity is always an issue. Traffic’s always an issue, and without additional roads to help with that increased capacity coming across the islands, we have to use our existing infrastructure. So, we need to figure out the best way to improve that,” she said.
She said they’re prioritizing transparency and making sure the public is informed of any possible new decisions, along with making sure they’re educated on what has already been done in previous projects.
While they move forward to explore this idea, the council’s transportation consultants must come back within 60 days, providing an analysis and data before the decision process for any future transportation can begin.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
WEST ASHLEY — A New York-inspired deli is preparing to open in a small space that previously housed a catering business.The Wedge, set to debut at 2487 Ashley River Road in the next month, will specialize in sandwiches, burgers and prepared foods. The new establishment is an extension of a ...
WEST ASHLEY — A New York-inspired deli is preparing to open in a small space that previously housed a catering business.
The Wedge, set to debut at 2487 Ashley River Road in the next month, will specialize in sandwiches, burgers and prepared foods. The new establishment is an extension of a food truck chef Gerry Meehan and his wife Erin Sorbanelli launched after relocating to the Lowcountry from Westchester County near New York City.
With the new establishment, the pair joins the growing list of Charleston-area restaurateurs who are leaning into food that celebrates the culinary traditions of the Northeast.
The Wedge food truck has been popping up at various establishments since its inception, recently at Hobcaw Brewing Co. in Mount Pleasant and House of Brews in West Ashley. Its offering has resonated, with people from New York and New Jersey gravitating to sandwiches like the chicken cutlet, a top seller on the truck.
When it opens in the space previously occupied by The Good Cooker Charleston, The Wedge will serve morning and lunch sandwiches, including the chicken cutlet and a smash-burger with American cheese, pickles, griddled onions and a signature sauce.
The Wedge will mainly serve as a grab-and-go destination. Meehan and Sorbanelli plan to operate the food truck in the evenings after the new deli closes in the afternoon.
The Wedge is targeting a late July or early August opening. For more updates, follow The Wedge on Instagram @thewedgechs.
CHARLESTON — The Holy City's 12-year streak as Travel + Leisure's "Best U.S. City" has officially been snapped as it dropped down to the No.3 spot.Santa Fe took the crown for the 2025 list, released July 8, with New Orleans in a close second.Charleston may no longer be No....
CHARLESTON — The Holy City's 12-year streak as Travel + Leisure's "Best U.S. City" has officially been snapped as it dropped down to the No.3 spot.
Santa Fe took the crown for the 2025 list, released July 8, with New Orleans in a close second.
Charleston may no longer be No. 1, but it still beat cities like Savannah and Honolulu. It also wasn't the only South Carolina city to make the list, as Greenville earned the No. 7 spot.
When asked about this year's rankings, Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford said Charleston’s 12-year run at the top is "a testament to its timeless charm."
"(Charleston's) rich history, vibrant culinary scene, and signature hospitality have long resonated with our readers," she said.
The city is still going strong on the best of list at No. 3, while Kiawah Island and multiple resorts and hotels were recognized in various categories, including several “Best in the U.S.” lists.
South Carolina newcomer Greenville also earned a spot on the "Best U.S. City" list for the first time. Travel + Leisure wrote that the Upstate destination "made a strong debut" at No. 7 and cements the Southeast as a "powerhouse region."
"This mid-size city was described as one of the South’s best kept secrets. Visitors appreciated the high number of locally owned restaurants and the proximity to the outdoors — the Reedy River, which flows right through downtown, also provides a peaceful setting," the publication wrote.
Santa Fe's rise, Gifford said, comes in turn as a result of it's "unique blend of art, history and Southwestern culture."
Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston, said regardless of the ranking, the region has forged a reputation for "delivering meaningful experiences and genuine hospitality." She added that readers clearly continue to "recognize the Charleston area’s uniqueness and character."
“In addition to Charleston being voted a top three U.S. city, the market’s outstanding reputation and desirability are further illustrated by the number of industry partners regionwide — from our beaches to the historic district — that were voted among the best in the country,” Hill said.
Charleston's $14 billion tourism machine saw more than nearly 8 million visitors last year. Almost 25 cents of every dollar spent in the region is attributable to the industry, College of Charleston’s Office of Tourism Analysis estimated in a study last year.
Randy Randall, director of Tourism Santa Fe — the visitor's bureau for the New Mexico city — said Charleston and Santa Fe have been running neck-in-neck in the Travel + Leisure rankings for the last few years. He gives The Holy City credit for retaining the title for so long.
Randall said he's asked often what city Santa Fe competes with, and his response is always, "No one." But when it comes to what city Santa Fe is most like, he always answers, "Charleston." He said it's the cities' authentic storytelling and preserved history that create a resemblance, but each has something the other does not. Charleston has a waterfront, while Santa Fe has mountains.
"One thing we're very proud of the fact that we don't change much," Randall said. "We've been very protective of our history. Santa Fe is the second-oldest city in the United States, and it's the oldest state capital. Very early on, we created the urban historic protection rules that we have in our historic district."
Santa Fe's welcomes 3 million visitors per year, with 2.2 million overnight stays and 800,000 day trips, according to Tourism Santa Fe data. Much of Santa Fe's tourism is regional, similar to Charleston's "drive-in" visitation trend of several years ago, before the growth in local air service options began to pull travelers from a wider geographic area.
Santa Fe is a community of roughly 92,000 people, while its greater county has a population of 142,000. Meanwhile, the city of Charleston has more than 155,000 residents, with the county totaling closer to 424,000, according to Census Bureau data.
Randall said many are surprised to hear Santa Fe is home to more than 250 art galleries, a world-class opera house and a robust culinary scene of more than 400 restaurants. It's also known for its rich cultural and art festivals.
"We live above our size and I think that's one of the things that makes us different than most places," Randall said. "It's the visitation that is our lifeblood. Because our communities are smaller we deal with less issues that other cities face, like rush-hour traffic."
Randall said he has a deep respect for Charleston and the city's tourism leaders. He's no stranger to South Carolina, having worked on Hilton Head Island for a few years. If anyone had to take the crown from Charleston, he said he's "honored it was Santa Fe."
The magazine's annual survey fetched more than 180,000 responses that rated the best places to visit and stay around the world. The Travel + Leisure survey rates top cities based on sights, landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping and overall value.
Charleston first climbed to the top of the Travel + Leisure best U.S. city ranking in 2013.
For the first time in 12 years, a new U.S. city has been crowned the best domestic destination by Travel + Leisure readers.On Tuesday, July 8, T+L released its annual ...
For the first time in 12 years, a new U.S. city has been crowned the best domestic destination by Travel + Leisure readers.
On Tuesday, July 8, T+L released its annual World’s Best Awards. In a remarkable upheaval, Santa Fe, N.M. tops the list of best U.S. cities, ousting Charleston, S.C., which had held the title since 2013. The coastal city not only lost the top spot, it dropped to fourth place.
Known for its vibrant art scene, outdoor recreation and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Santa Fe, was described by one reader is “a true gem of a place in America.”
“Every trip exceeds the last, with so many new things to discover,” another repeat visitor told the outlet, adding, “Santa Fe offers a multi-layer experience.”
T+L readers “raved” about the inventive New Mexican cuisine and the city’s natural beauty. Urban markets and galleries combine with the rolling foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges to make for a perfect getaway.
Celebrities are also fans of this Southwest culture capital.
The late Val Kilmer spent decades living in Santa Fe, as did Gene Hackman. Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin also has deep roots in the community. In 2013, he pledged his own money to rejuvenate the local and historic Jean Cocteau Cinema.
Each year, T+L sends a survey out to readers through the magazine, tablet editions, newsletters, social media and travelandleisure.com that asks respondents to rate nominees in each category based on certain characteristics. For cities, readers were asked to rate sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value. Final scores are averages of these responses.
While Santa Fe has had a spot in T+L's top 10 list for the past 20 years, this is its first time it has claimed No. 1.
Overall, readers were big fans of cities in the Southeast and Southwest, with only one city in the Northeast and one in the Midwest rounding out the top 10.
Santa Fe was also the only U.S. city to make T+L’s list of top 25 cities in the world, coming in at No. 19. At the top spot, a 10-time honoree, is San Miguel de Allende, Mexico followed by Chiang Mai, Thailand and Tokyo, Japan.
For vacationers looking for an island getaway, Páros, Greece takes the top spot for best island. According to Forbes, big names like Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey and Jeff Bezos are frequent visitors. In the U.S., the top island goes to Mount Desert Island, Maine — a protected part of Acadia National Park.
“This year’s results reflect a travel landscape in motion,” Travel + Leisure’s editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford said in a press release. “From a high-desert city in the American Southwest to a quiet Greek island, our readers are seeking depth, character, and a strong sense of place. We’re thrilled to honor the hotels, destinations, and travel companies that are delivering those transformative experiences.”
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See more from Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards in the July issue, on newsstands now, or visit travelandleisure.com.
Travel + Leisure readers have long loved the Palmetto State.And while there are plenty of vacation-worthy places across South Carolina, from the marshy ...
Travel + Leisure readers have long loved the Palmetto State.
And while there are plenty of vacation-worthy places across South Carolina, from the marshy Lowcountry to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, one region is a clear winner this year. Eight of our readers’ 10 favorite South Carolina resorts can be found along the coast; three winners are located on Hilton Head Island (with another just off the island in Bluffton), and four are located in the communities surrounding the reader-favorite city, Charleston. Of course, the Upstate is home to a couple of standout properties as well—two of this year’s winners are in Greenville, a blossoming city in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It’s clear the South Carolina Lowcountry has captured our readers’ hearts. Both Hilton Head Island and Kiawah Island, frequently voted among the top islands in the continental U.S., are home to some of our readers’ favorite coastal resorts. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, voted No. 8 this year, offers a family-friendly escape in a scenic natural setting (far from Disney’s famous theme parks), while The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (No. 4) is a prime golf getaway with world-renowned courses just minutes away.
Of course, no matter which of these hotels you pick across the Palmetto State, one thing remains consistent: the dedication to that warm Southern hospitality the region is known for. Of Hotel Hartness, which made No. 2 this year after winning the top spot in 2024, one reader commented, “This hotel continues to provide excellent and bespoke service, as well as a truly unique experience.”
While there are several returning favorites, the top property for 2025 is a luxe newcomer—but more on that below.
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection
One of South Carolina’s newest luxury resorts is also the state’s best, according to T+L readers. The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection opened last summer in the new Kiawah River development on Johns Island, about 20 miles from downtown Charleston. The WBA newcomer has 72 rooms and suites spread across several buildings that feel like a Lowcountry home away from home. The luxe property features a marshfront pool lined with mint green loungers, an elevated take on Carolinian coastal cuisine at Linnette’s, and guest rooms decked out in gingham and pastels. One reader described it as a “new gem just outside Charleston” with “incredible interior design.”