Bus Accident Lawyer South Carolina

South Carolina Bus Accident Lawyer

Injured in a bus accident in South Carolina? Trust Jonathan Arndt, a dedicated bus accident lawyer with local knowledge and trial experience. Contact him today for a free consultation and start reclaiming your life!

Bus accidents are uncommon in South Carolina; yet when they happen, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can overwhelm victims and their families. Injuries from bus crashes often involve lengthy hospital stays, substantial medical bills, lost income, long-term rehabilitation, and sometimes permanent disability.

At our firm, we are dedicated to helping those harmed in collisions regain stability, access justice, and hold negligent parties accountable. Founded in Mount Pleasant, we proudly serve clients throughout Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties, and the wider Lowcountry. Whether you’re in the bustling areas along US 17 and I-526 or in the more rural communities of Goose Creek, Ladson, Summerville, or even Georgetown County, we are here for you.

Our founder, Jonathan Arndt, brings a wealth of litigation experience, having worked on both plaintiff and defense matters. This background allows us to anticipate insurer strategies, uncover weaknesses, and build strong cases from the very beginning. With our local knowledge of roads like Coleman Boulevard, Bowman Road, Johns Island roads, SC-41, and Cainhoy Road—especially those frequently traveled by transit and school buses—we enhance our advocacy for our clients. We are here to provide the support and guidance you need during these challenging times.

This highlights the importance of working with an experienced South Carolina bus accident lawyer.

The Nature and Frequency of Bus Crashes in South Carolina

Though buses are seldom involved in crashes compared to passenger vehicles, data over multiple years confirms that crashes involving buses do occur, occasionally with severe outcomes. Understanding trends helps victims and their attorneys evaluate risk, liability, and recovery potential.

During the 2021-2022 school year, South Carolina had 492 school bus crashes out of a fleet of approximately 5,600 buses. Most of those incidents involved property damage or minor injuries; fatal or serious injury crashes involving school buses remained relatively rare.

Across all traffic crashes, South Carolina’s five-year moving average for fatalities has hovered above 1,000. Serious injuries remain a high concern: the state set goals in its Safety Improvement Program to reduce serious injuries from traffic crashes, having reported about 2,556 serious injuries in 2022.

School-transportation-related crashes make up a small fraction of roadway incidents. Nationally, for instance, of fatal motor vehicle crashes between 2013 and 2022, only about 0.28% involved school buses..

SC averages 1,000 traffic fatalities annually over 2019-2023, with serious injuries numbering in the thousands.
School bus crashes (hundreds per year) are rare relative to total road crashes but pose a risk, especially to young passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.

These numbers underscore that although buses may be safer than many other vehicle types, when bus accidents occur, they are not trivial and demand careful legal attention.

Types of Bus Cases and Legal Challenges Unique to South Carolina

Bus accident claims in South Carolina vary significantly depending on whether the bus is public, private, for school, chartered, or commercial. Each category brings distinct legal challenges tied to liability, immunity, duty of care, and procedural rules.

Public transit buses (such as CARTA in the Charleston area), school district buses, and governmental school bus operators often operate under state regulations and may enjoy certain immunities under law. Private shuttles or charter buses are subject to commercial liability rules. In school bus cases, state and federal regulations on safety, stop arms, loading zones, and driver training add complexity.

A central legal hurdle arises from sovereign immunity and the South Carolina Tort Claims Act. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-78-10 et seq., governmental entities and political subdivisions may be liable for certain torts, but only under specified conditions (e.g., notice requirements and limitations on damages).

For example, when a school bus or bus operated by a public transportation agency is involved, victims may need to file a notice of claim within a set period (often 180 days) before bringing a lawsuit. Courts strictly enforce these deadlines; missing them may completely bar recovery. The Tort Claims Act also imposes caps on damages in many instances.

Another distinct legal duty in many bus cases is the “common carrier” standard. Bus operators are often expected to meet higher standards of care than ordinary motorists. This includes:

Regular Inspections
Properly Trained Drivers
Safe Driving Practices
Passenger Safety (E.G., Seat Belts Where Required, Safe Condition Of The Interior)
Adherence To Schedules And Safety Regulations

In South Carolina, proving a breach of these elevated duties can substantially increase defendants' liability exposure.

Common Accident Causes and Crash Scenarios in South Carolina

Bus accidents can happen anywhere, from the busy streets of Charleston and Mount Pleasant to rural stretches of I-95 or U.S. Highway 17. Each crash has its own story, but most result from a mix of preventable factors. Understanding how these collisions occur helps explain why they can be so devastating, and why accountability matters.

Driver Error and Fatigue

Bus drivers spend long hours behind the wheel, often on tight schedules. Fatigue, distraction, or even a moment of inattention can have serious consequences.

Driver fatigue and distraction are among the most common causes cited in South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) crash data.
In several multi-year studies, human error was a factor in more than 80% of commercial vehicle accidents statewide.

Whether a collision occurs on I-26 near Summerville or on a neighborhood route in Goose Creek, a tired or distracted driver may struggle to react to changing traffic conditions or sudden obstacles. Federal and state laws limit how long commercial drivers can operate without rest, but those rules are not always followed.

Speeding and Reckless Operation

Speeding is a persistent issue on South Carolina’s highways. Even a few miles per hour over the limit can increase the risk of a crash when operating a large bus.

In some years between 2019 and 2022, around one-third of serious injury collisions cited speeding as a contributing factor.

Because buses are heavier and take longer to stop, excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to avoid hazards, especially during rain or fog, which is common along the coastal Lowcountry. On roads like Highway 17 and I-526, reckless maneuvers such as improper lane changes or tailgating can quickly lead to multi-vehicle collisions.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Many bus accidents are linked to maintenance issues such as brake failure, worn tires, or faulty steering components. These failures often stem from poor oversight or skipped inspections.

South Carolina law requires commercial vehicles to be kept in safe operating condition, yet enforcement gaps can occur. When companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, passengers and other motorists face unnecessary danger.

A single failed brake line on a school or charter bus traveling on U.S. 521 near Georgetown could result in dozens of injuries. Proper documentation and mechanical checks are critical to determining whether negligence was involved.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Roadway design and maintenance also play a role. Potholes, uneven pavement, poor lighting, and confusing signage can contribute to a crash, especially for longer buses that require wider turns and longer stopping distances.

In rural counties such as Williamsburg or Clarendon, limited visibility and narrow shoulders often increase the risk of rollover accidents. Likewise, frequent congestion on the Ravenel Bridge and in the I-26 corridor leaves little margin for driver error.

When a public agency is responsible for roadway upkeep, special procedures under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act (S.C. Code § 15-78-10 et seq.) may apply to pursue compensation.

Weather-Related Crashes

South Carolina’s humid subtropical climate brings sudden rainstorms and occasional flooding. Wet or slick roads can cause a bus to hydroplane, especially when combined with worn tires or high speeds.

From Charleston to Columbia, law enforcement data suggest that weather contributed to roughly 10–12% of all large-vehicle crashes between 2018 and 2023. Though drivers cannot control the weather, they are expected to adjust their behavior —slowing down and maintaining safe distances —to prevent accidents.

Negligent Hiring and Inadequate Training

Behind every safe ride is a qualified driver. Unfortunately, some companies fail to perform adequate background checks or provide proper training.

When an operator with a history of traffic violations or health issues is allowed to drive, the company may be directly liable for negligent hiring or supervision. Bus drivers are entrusted with dozens of lives at once; employers must ensure they are fit for duty and trained in emergency procedures.

Complex Multi-Vehicle Collisions

Bus crashes often involve multiple vehicles, especially on congested highways like I-26 or I-20. These chain-reaction collisions can make it challenging to determine which driver, or company, was primarily responsible.

At our firm, we understand that cases involving multiple insurers and agencies require meticulous coordination and legal insight. Our founder has built strong relationships with accident reconstruction professionals across Charleston County and beyond. This collaboration allows us to effectively clarify the details of each case, ensuring that we identify what really happened and who should be held accountable. We are dedicated to advocating for our clients and navigating the complexities of these situations with care.

Establishing Liability

Winning a bus accident claim requires proving several elements under South Carolina law, meeting elevated duty standards in many bus cases, and carefully collecting and preserving proof.

First, a plaintiff must show duty, breach, causation, and damages. Bus operators, especially those deemed common carriers or public entities, owe enhanced duties: safe maintenance, skilled drivers, thorough inspections, safe route planning, safe operation, etc.

Vicarious liability also applies. Bus owners or operators may be held responsible for the actions of drivers or contractors. Manufacturers or parts suppliers may be separately liable if defects contributed.

Evidence is crucial. Plaintiffs or their bus accident attorneys in SC should aim to gather:

Maintenance and inspection records (bus logs, repair facilities, parts replacement records)
Driver logs, training, hours, and rest periods
Telematics or black box data, video or surveillance from the bus, traffic cameras, dashboard or bow cameras, witness statements from passengers, other motorists, or pedestrians, road condition, and weather reports
Expert testimony in crash reconstruction, mechanical engineering, human factors, and life care planning in cases of serious injury.

Comparative negligence is another critical doctrine in South Carolina. Under modified comparative negligence, a claimant’s recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault, so long as that fault is 50 percent or less. If the claimant is more than 50 percent at fault, they generally cannot recover damages.

Identifying All Liable Parties

Multiple parties may bear liability for a single bus accident. The bus driver who negligently operated the bus faces personal responsibility, though most claims focus on the employing company's deeper insurance coverage.

The bus company or school district that hired, trained, and supervised the driver is vicariously liable. Maintenance contractors who serviced the bus may be liable if mechanical failures contributed to the crash.

Vehicle manufacturers face claims when defective parts cause or contribute to accidents. Even government entities responsible for dangerous road conditions may share liability if potholes, inadequate signage, or infrastructure failures contributed to the accident.

Identifying all responsible parties maximizes available compensation, as each defendant typically carries separate insurance coverage.

Regulatory Frameworks Governing Bus Operations

Multiple regulatory frameworks govern bus operations across South Carolina. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes standards for commercial buses crossing state lines, including maintenance requirements, driver qualification standards, and Hours of Service limits. Violations of FMCSA regulations provide strong evidence of negligence.

Key regulatory considerations include:

The South Carolina Department of Education's regulations for school bus drivers and equipment inspections
The Public Service Commission's oversight of charter and tour operators within South Carolina
Federal requirements regarding commercial driver's licenses and medical certification

Jonathan Arndt's background in defending insurance companies provides insight into how defendants exploit regulatory gray areas. That insider perspective may benefit injury victims, as his firm anticipates defense strategies and counters them effectively.

Damages and Compensation Available

Recovering from a bus accident in South Carolina often extends far beyond physical healing. Victims face hospital bills, time away from work, emotional distress, and sometimes permanent disabilities that reshape everyday life.

South Carolina law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation that reflects the full scope of these losses, both tangible and intangible. The Arndt Law Firm carefully evaluates every aspect of a client’s damages to ensure the claim seeks the full measure of justice allowed under state law.

Economic Damages: The Financial Impact of a Serious Injury

Economic damages encompass the direct financial consequences of an accident. In bus crash cases, these costs can escalate quickly, particularly when multiple passengers are injured or when a collision involves a large commercial carrier.

Common categories include:

Medical expenses: emergency transport, hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, medication, and assistive equipment
Lost income and diminished earning capacity: wages lost during recovery and projected future losses if the injury prevents returning to prior employment

Under South Carolina law, plaintiffs may recover both past and future economic losses, supported by medical documentation, wage records, and expert testimony. For instance, a spinal cord injury requiring lifetime care can justify claims for decades of anticipated medical and attendant care costs. South Carolina accident law firms often work with economists, life-care planners, and medical professionals to substantiate these amounts with credible projections.

Because public entities are sometimes involved, damage caps may apply. The South Carolina Tort Claims Act (§ 15-78-120) limits recoverable amounts against government agencies to $300,000 per claimant and $600,000 per occurrence, unless another statute provides otherwise.

Understanding how these caps intersect with multiple claimants or layered insurance policies can be critical in bus accident litigation.

Non-Economic Damages: Accounting for Human Loss

While financial losses can be tallied, the emotional and physical suffering following a bus crash cannot easily be measured. Non-economic damages recognize the profound disruption an injury can cause in daily life, relationships, and well-being.

South Carolina law recognizes both physical and emotional harm as compensable losses.
Documenting quality-of-life changes through journals, witness accounts, or expert evaluation strengthens non-economic damage claims.

Courts in South Carolina allow recovery for pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of consortium for spouses. In practice, this may include compensation for chronic pain, anxiety about traveling, depression, or inability to engage in family or recreational activities once enjoyed.

Judges and juries weigh these damages by considering the severity and permanence of the injuries, the plaintiff’s testimony, and corroborating statements from family members or counselors. Because these damages are subjective, the credibility of the presentation matters.

At our firm, we take pride in our ability to prepare cases that reflect a deep understanding of the human cost associated with injuries. Our founder instilled the belief that every case is not just about numbers or legal precedents but about the real lives affected by these incidents. We approach each case with respect and precision, ensuring our clients' voices are heard and their experiences are fully represented. Our commitment to conveying this human element is what sets us apart and drives us to seek justice on behalf of those we serve.

Punitive Damages: Deterring Reckless or Egregious Conduct

While most cases involve ordinary negligence, inevitable bus accidents stem from reckless conduct that may result in punitive damages. These damages are designed not to compensate but to punish and deter.

Punitive damages are available under S.C. Code § 15-32-530 when clear and convincing evidence shows willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for others’ safety. Examples might include:

A bus operator knowingly driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A company that falsifies inspection records or ignores repeated safety violations.
Maintenance personnel deliberately cut corners, which leads to predictable mechanical failure.

In South Carolina, punitive damages are capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $500,000, unless the conduct falls within specific exceptions for intentional acts, intoxication, or criminal intent, in which case the caps may not apply. Courts scrutinize these awards closely, but where evidence supports such conduct, they can significantly increase total recovery.

Wrongful Death and Survivorship Damages: Supporting Families After Tragedy

Sadly, some bus accidents result in fatalities, affecting not only the immediate victim but entire families and communities. When a death occurs due to negligence, the South Carolina Wrongful Death Act (§ 15-51-10 et seq.) and the Survival Statute (§ 15-5-90) allow surviving family members and the decedent’s estate to pursue justice.

Wrongful death claims must generally be filed within three years of death under § 15-3-530.
Survivorship claims recover the deceased’s personal damages and are brought by the estate’s personal representative.

A wrongful death claim compensates the family for losses suffered because of the death. These may include funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and the emotional anguish of losing a loved one.

A survivorship action, brought by the estate, seeks damages the deceased could have claimed had they lived, such as medical bills and pain and suffering before death.

At our firm, we pride ourselves on handling sensitive cases with the utmost care and compassion. Our founder established this practice with a mission to support families during challenging times, enabling them to focus on healing while we manage the legal complexities. We understand that navigating these situations can be overwhelming, which is why we prioritize clarity and communication throughout the process.

In many cases, the legal actions we undertake run concurrently with the healing journey of the families we serve. Our team is dedicated to ensuring compliance with all statutory procedures and works diligently to secure settlements that are both fair and protective of all beneficiaries' interests. We believe our role is to advocate for our clients' rights while giving them the space to focus on their emotional well-being.

Future Needs and Structured Settlements

For catastrophic injuries, compensation must extend beyond immediate bills. Long-term care, prosthetics, home accessibility modifications, ongoing therapy, and loss of independence can span decades.

At The Arndt Law Firm, we understand the importance of addressing our clients' long-term needs. Our founder has always emphasized the significance of planning for the future, which is why we may explore structured settlements or trust-based disbursements for our clients. These arrangements are designed to protect funds earmarked for medical and personal expenses, ensuring that our clients have the support they need throughout their lives. By taking these proactive steps, we aim to prevent financial exhaustion and secure lifetime support for those we serve. It's a cornerstone of our commitment to providing comprehensive legal assistance that truly meets our clients' needs.

The Role of Insurance and Multiple Defendants

Bus accident cases often involve complex insurance structures, multiple defendants, layered coverage, and both public and private insurers. For instance, a school district’s self-insured pool may handle initial coverage, while a private contractor’s commercial policy may cover maintenance liability. Understanding these layers is essential to identifying available compensation.

The law firm may conduct a detailed policy analysis to determine the maximum recovery and coordinate negotiations with each insurer. In some cases, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage from a passenger’s personal policy may also apply if the at-fault party’s limits are insufficient.

Statutes, Notices, and Critical Deadlines Under South Carolina Law

Meeting deadlines under South Carolina law is non-negotiable: missing a statute of limitations or failing to give required notice can end a claim before it begins.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Under South Carolina Code § 15-3-530, individuals have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim, and three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.

Special Rules for Government Entities & the Tort Claims Act

For cases against governmental entities or political subdivisions (including public school districts, city transit agencies, or state-run bus services), the South Carolina Tort Claims Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-78-10 et seq.) imposes specific notice requirements and shorter windows:

A notice of claim must often be filed within 180 days after the incident. Failing to do so can bar recovery.
Lawsuits against government entities generally must be filed within 2 years of the incident, unless a verified claim is filed correctly, in which case some deadlines may be extended.
Damages against government entities are capped under § 15-78-120(a)(1): for example, often $300,000 per claimant, and $600,000 per occurrence, though exceptions may apply.

Tolling, Discovery Rule, and Other Exceptions

The deadlines may be tolled or extended in certain circumstances:

If the injury or cause was not immediately known (discovery rule), the statute may begin to run when the claimant knew or reasonably should have known.
If the injured party is a minor or mentally incapacitated, the limitations period may be tolled until the incapacity or minority ends.
If a governmental defendant concealed wrongdoing, the courts may apply equitable tolling.

Missing deadlines or notice requirements, especially when government entities are involved, can lead courts to dismiss cases even if the evidence is strong.

How a Bus Accident Claim Proceeds

Specific steps are standard from the moment of a crash through trial (if necessary). The Arndt Law Firm guides clients through each step with attention to detail.

Investigation and Evidence Preservation

The first phase involves thoroughly investigating the accident and preserving all possible evidence. This means securing police reports (from SC Highway Patrol, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Pleasant PD, etc.), gathering photographs of the scene, road, and bus, obtaining bus route info, driver logs, mechanical maintenance records, and, where available, video or camera footage (bus cameras, traffic cameras, CCTV).

Time-sensitive tasks, such as issuing spoliation notices (to preserve evidence from alteration or destruction), are often essential.

Building the Claim, Liability Research, and Expert Retention

After gathering initial facts, South Carolina bus accident lawyers must identify all potentially liable parties: the bus driver; the bus company or owner; maintenance contractors; parts suppliers; and possibly governmental entities if roads, signage, or transit infrastructure contributed.

Experts are retained to reconstruct the crash, assess mechanical failures, analyze medical evidence, and project future care and economic losses.

Negotiation, Settlement, Mediation, or Trial

Many cases resolve via settlement, once strong evidence is marshaled and liability is established. Demand letters are prepared with detailed documentation.

Early action increases chances of preserving evidence and meeting deadlines.
Preparedness for trial strengthens negotiating position in settlement talks.

In South Carolina, mediation may be used (or required, depending on the jurisdiction) to resolve disputes before trial. If settlement isn’t possible, the case proceeds to litigation: filing suit, discovery, depositions, motions, and trial preparation.

At our firm, we take pride in leveraging the extensive insights of our founder, Jonathan Arndt, to develop robust defense strategies. Our team is dedicated to countering low offers that undermine our clients' interests and presenting compelling evidence that resonates with judges and juries alike. We believe in a thorough, strategic approach to every case, ensuring our clients receive the representation they deserve.

Navigating Insurance Claims and Legal Options

The insurance landscape following bus accidents presents complex challenges that require experienced legal guidance to navigate successfully.

Understanding Insurance Coverage

School districts and governmental entities enjoy immunity from tort liability under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-78-120), with damage caps. This statute limits recovery to $300,000 per person and $600,000 per occurrence for claims against public entities.

When school buses crash on routes serving Berkeley County schools, Charleston County districts, or Dorchester County systems, these caps restrict compensation regardless of injury severity.

Private bus companies generally carry higher commercial liability insurance, often driven by federal rules and market risk. For example, under FMCSA rules, a bus carrying 16 or more passengers must typically maintain $5 million in liability coverage. Buses with fewer passengers often require at least $1.5 million in capital.

These higher limits provide greater recovery potential for victims of crashes involving private operators.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

Victims often face initial low settlement offers designed to close cases quickly before the full extent of injuries becomes apparent.

For example, when someone is involved in a crash on busy routes like the Highway 17 Bypass near Myrtle Beach or I-26 heading into Charleston, insurance adjusters often reach out within days or weeks with settlement offers. The offers may seem substantial, but they rarely account for future medical needs, lost earning capacity, or full damages.

Insurance adjusters employ sophisticated tactics to minimize payouts. They request recorded statements designed to trap victims in inconsistent narratives.

Any statement about feeling "fine" gets used to argue that injuries are minor, even when shock masks serious trauma immediately after accidents. Adjusters ask leading questions about pre-existing conditions, seeking to attribute current problems to prior health issues.

Surveillance represents another common tactic. Insurance companies hire investigators to film accident victims, hoping to capture footage suggesting injuries are exaggerated. Social media posts showing victims at family gatherings get badly portrayed as evidence that injuries aren't serious, ignoring how photographs capture brief moments that don't reflect ongoing suffering.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Bus Accident Claims

What should I do immediately after a bus accident?

Prioritize medical care, even if injuries seem minor; internal damage or head trauma may not show symptoms immediately. Call 911 to report the accident and create an official record.

Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses, passengers, and the bus driver. Obtain the bus company's insurance information and vehicle details. Preserve all medical records, bills, and documentation of missed work.

Contact The Arndt Law Firm before giving statements to insurance adjusters.

How long do I have to file a bus accident claim in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. The deadline for wrongful death cases is also three years from the date of death. However, claims against government entities require notice within specific timeframes under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act.

Missing these deadlines forfeits the right to compensation, so prompt legal consultation is essential.

Can I sue if I was partially at fault for the accident?

South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-38-15. Victims can recover damages if they are less than 51 percent responsible for the crash.

Compensation is reduced proportionally by the victim's fault percentage. For example, if $100,000 is awarded but 20 percent is found at fault, recovery is $80,000. If 51 percent or more is at fault, no recovery is possible.

The Arndt Law Firm carefully evaluates liability to maximize compensation.

What if the bus accident involved a school bus?

School bus accidents implicate governmental immunity protections. Under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act, damages are capped at $300,000 per person and $600,000 per occurrence for claims against school districts.

Victims must follow specific notice requirements and procedures. However, if a third party contributed to the crash, additional claims may be possible without damage caps.

How much is my bus accident case worth?

Case value depends on numerous factors: injury severity and permanence, medical expenses incurred and projected for future care, lost income and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, the degree of defendant negligence, available insurance coverage, and comparative fault issues.

The Arndt Law Firm may conduct thorough evaluations during free consultations, analyzing medical records, accident reports, and insurance policies to provide realistic assessments.

Will my case go to trial?

Most bus accident cases settle through negotiations when insurers recognize strong liability evidence and significant damages. However, our team at the Arndt Law Firm may prepare every case for trial in Charleston County, Dorchester County, or other venues as necessary. Insurance companies take cases more seriously when they know the firm is ready and willing to try cases before South Carolina juries.

Why The Arndt Law Firm Is the Right Choice for Your Case

Bus accident victims throughout South Carolina deserve experienced, dedicated legal representation that prioritizes their interests above all else.

Local Knowledge and Statewide Reach

Located in Mount Pleasant, the firm understands the unique challenges facing residents after bus accidents on familiar roads. Skilled South Carolina bus accident lawyers know Coleman Boulevard's traffic patterns, Rifle Range Road's congestion during rush hours, and how tourist season affects Highway 17 conditions. This local knowledge informs case strategy and resonates with Charleston-area juries.

The firm's geographic reach extends throughout South Carolina, representing victims from coastal communities to inland regions. Whether accidents occur in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, North Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, or anywhere else throughout the state, The Arndt Law Firm provides skilled representation.

Experience and Recognition

Jonathan Arndt brings extensive experience litigating complex personal injury claims, including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and premises liability. This breadth of experience provides perspective on what strategies prove most effective in settlement negotiations and courtroom presentations.

Jonathan Arndt's unique advantages include:

Recognition as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for 2024-2025, awarded to only select accomplished attorneys in South Carolina
Previous work at a defense firm representing insurance companies and large corporations
Invaluable insider insights into defense tactics and insurance company strategies

This experience may benefit injury victims. Jonathan Arndt knows how insurance companies evaluate claims, what arguments their lawyers make to reduce damages, and which evidence proves most persuasive. He can anticipate defense strategies before they emerge and prepare counterarguments that neutralize typical defenses.

Personalized Attention and Client Communication

The Arndt Law Firm provides personalized representation that recognizes clients' unique circumstances and needs. Unlike high-volume practices that treat clients as case numbers, the firm limits caseloads to ensure adequate attention for each matter. Jonathan Arndt personally manages cases rather than delegating to paralegals or junior associates.

Communication remains a priority throughout representation. Jonathan Arndt returns phone calls promptly, answers questions clearly, and keeps clients informed about case developments. Victims from Daniel Island, Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach, or anywhere throughout Charleston County receive updates on settlement negotiations and litigation progress.

Comprehensive Resources

The Arndt Law Firm may collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists who analyze complex collisions, medical experts who testify about brain injuries and other trauma, and economic analysts who calculate future losses. This multidisciplinary approach builds compelling cases that insurers cannot easily dismiss.

The firm's track record of success against large corporations and insurance companies through thorough case preparation, aggressive negotiation, and skilled trial advocacy demonstrates its capability to handle complex bus accident claims effectively.

No Upfront Costs

The firm offers free initial consultations with no upfront fees. The Arndt Law Firm operates on a contingency basis, collecting attorney's fees only when clients receive compensation. This arrangement ensures that financial concerns never prevent injured victims from accessing experienced legal representation after accidents throughout South Carolina.

Families from Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, and throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties can pursue justice without financial risk.

What You Should Do If Injured in a Bus Crash

Taking prompt, informed steps after a bus accident can protect legal rights and improve the chances of full recovery.

Preserve what you can: photos, names of witnesses, bus company information, police crash report, and medical records.
Contact The Arndt Law Firm in Mount Pleasant as soon as possible for a free, confidential review before deadlines pass.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident anywhere in South Carolina, whether on a school bus, private shuttle, commercial carrier, or public transit, reach out promptly. Provide date, location, description of the crash, and any documentation you have. The firm will evaluate whether your case qualifies, investigate liability, identify damages, and map out the best path forward.

Understand that this page is purely informational: each case rests on its own facts. Only a licensed South Carolina bus accident lawyer reviewing your specific circumstances can give legal advice. But with the proper legal representation, many victims of bus accidents recover fair compensation under South Carolina law.

Need a South Carolina Bus Accident Lawyer? Get Help Now

Call (843) 469-8777 for a free consultation or visit The Arndt Law Firm's Mount Pleasant office. After a bus accident anywhere in South Carolina, victims need experienced advocates who understand local roads, state laws, and insurance company tactics.

The Arndt Law Firm provides the dedicated representation necessary to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation families need to rebuild their lives.

​South Carolina Bus Accident Lawyer