Aiken County has seen a troubling rise in traffic fatalities in 2026, even as statewide deaths have declined, according to preliminary data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. From January 1 through October 4, Aiken County recorded 23 traffic deaths, up from 17 during the same period in 2025. Over the same timeframe, statewide fatalities dropped from 729 to 667. This divergence underscores a persistent local safety challenge and signals that many more collisions result in injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages, leaving victims and their families to navigate complex legal and insurance issues.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety fatalities data provides the basis for these figures, but fatal crashes are only part of the picture. Non-fatal collisions often lead to debilitating injuries that require extensive medical care and time away from work. For those affected, understanding South Carolina law is critical. A car accident lawyer in Aiken, SC can explain how the state's legal framework applies to claims and the strict deadlines that must be met.
Under South Carolina law, drivers involved in an injury crash must stop, exchange information, and provide reasonable assistance. These obligations are codified in S.C. Code §§ 56-5-1210 and 56-5-1230. Failing to comply can have legal consequences. Additionally, most personal injury claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations under S.C. Code § 15-3-530. For wrongful death claims, that period begins on the date of death, making timely action essential.
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows an injured person to recover damages if their share of fault does not exceed the combined fault of the defendants. Any award is reduced by the claimant's percentage of fault. For claims arising after January 1, 2026, Act 42 introduces a significant change: juries may now assign fault to individuals or businesses not named in the lawsuit. This reform makes identifying every responsible party early in the process more important than ever, as it can affect the total compensation available.
Brett Woron, an attorney with Woron and Dhillon, LLC, emphasized the need for thorough investigation. "When several drivers or companies share responsibility for a crash, the new rules can change how much an injured person is able to collect," said Brett Woron. "We work to identify everyone involved, including employers and vehicle owners, from the start of a case."
Woron and Dhillon, LLC, a personal injury firm with offices in North Augusta, Columbia, and Charleston, serves clients across South Carolina. The firm handles car accident claims as well as truck accident and drunk driving cases. With more than 30 years of combined experience, its attorneys have handled thousands of cases. They are available to meet clients at home or in the hospital, and consultations can be requested online.
