You just had a wreck. You know it wasn’t your fault, but the other driver says it was. Now what?

In South Carolina, fault affects everything: your insurance, your payout, and even your ability to sue. If you’re in Charleston and you’re being blamed for a crash you didn’t cause, here’s how to fight back the right way.

Don’t Panic. Get Focused.

The moments right after a crash are loud, fast, and confusing. But don’t let that throw you off.

Here’s what to do right away:

• Move to a safe spot if possible
• Turn on your flashers
• Call 911
• Stay calm and speak clearly when help arrives

Staying in control helps you later when others try to twist what happened.

Start Building Your Side of the Story

From the moment the crash happens, facts matter more than feelings. That means you need evidence, and fast.

Use your phone to take photos of:

• All damage, both close-up and wide shots
• Traffic signs, street lights, and intersections
• Skid marks or broken parts on the ground
• The other driver’s license plate

Get contact information from witnesses. People nearby may have seen what happened, and what they saw could prove your case.

Watch What You Say

At the scene, emotions run high. You might feel the urge to say “I’m sorry,” even if it wasn’t your fault. Don’t.

Avoid saying things like:

• “I didn’t see you”
• “It was my bad”
• “I guess I was going fast”

Even small talk can come back to haunt you. Insurance companies twist words to shift blame. Keep it short and polite. Let the police write the report.

Make Sure the Right Reports Get Filed

If Charleston police respond, ask for the report number. That report can shape how insurance companies handle your claim.

No police on the scene? You still need to report the crash if someone’s hurt or if there’s more than $1,000 in damage. Use South Carolina’s Form FR-309 to file your own report with the DMV.

File it within 15 days. Missing that deadline can hurt your case and your license.

See a Doctor, Even If You Feel Okay

Some injuries don’t show up right away. Neck pain, headaches, or back trouble might hit a few days later.

Don’t wait. Go to a local ER, urgent care, or your regular doctor. MUSC and Roper St. Francis are trusted options in Charleston.

That first visit is key. It ties your injury to the crash. No doctor visit means no proof, and insurance companies will use that to claim you weren’t really hurt.

Talk to a Charleston Injury Lawyer

If you’re being blamed, don’t wait to get legal help. A personal injury lawyer knows how to push back against unfair claims.

Here’s how they help:

• Review the police report
• Investigate the scene
• Gather footage or witness statements
• Handle the insurance company
• File a claim or lawsuit if needed

A local lawyer also understands how South Carolina laws apply to your case. That matters when fault and blame are up in the air.

Understand South Carolina Fault Rules

Here’s the deal: South Carolina uses “modified comparative fault.”

That means:

• If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you get nothing.
• If you’re less than 50% at fault, your payout gets reduced by that percentage.

Example: If you’re 20% at fault and your claim is worth $10,000, you only get $8,000.

That’s why blame matters. If they say you caused the wreck, even partly, your money drops. Your lawyer can fight back with facts.

Keep Quiet on Social Media

It’s tempting to post after a crash. But don’t do it.

Insurance adjusters search Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok. One photo at the beach or a “feeling fine” post can wreck your case.

For now, stay quiet online. Don’t post updates, pictures, or jokes about what happened. Protect your story by keeping it offline.

What If the Police Report Is Wrong?

It happens. The officer might have missed something. Or maybe they only heard the other driver’s version of events.

If the report blames you and it’s wrong, don’t panic. But don’t ignore it either.

Talk to your lawyer. They may be able to:

• Correct the report
• Find new witnesses
• Use expert opinions or crash reports
• Push back with photos, video, and more

You have a right to tell your side.

Don’t Let the Blame Stick

Being wrongly blamed for a crash can feel like a punch in the gut. But you don’t have to take it.

There are steps you can take, and people who can help. A solid defense starts with facts, medical proof, and the right legal team in your corner.

If you’re in Charleston and you know you didn’t cause the crash, speak up and stand firm. The truth matters, and you can fight to make it count.