Category: Uncategorized

The Risk of Posting on Social Media After an Injury

Posting on social media after a car accident might feel like a natural way to update loved ones, maybe to let them know you’re okay, or to share a picture of the scene. But even a seemingly harmless post can work against you, especially if you’ve filed or are thinking about filing a personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys are trained to look for any reason to question your credibility, including smiling photos, cheerful captions, or check-ins that conflict with your reported injuries. What you post can quickly become evidence used to minimize or deny your claim.

How Insurance Companies Use Your Posts Against You

Most people don’t realize that social media is fair game for insurance companies during a personal injury claim. It’s one of the first places they look when investigating your case. Adjusters and defense lawyers may scan your posts for anything that contradicts your injuries, your pain levels, or your lifestyle after the accident.

Let’s say you’re pursuing compensation for a back injury, and a week later, you post a photo at a family barbecue. You may just be sitting down with a plate of food, but the insurance company could argue you’re more physically active than you claim. It doesn’t matter that you were hurting the entire time. Once something is public, it can be taken out of context.

That’s why understanding how insurance companies investigate claims is critical. Their goal is to reduce or deny your compensation, not to be fair or forgiving when reviewing your feed.

If you are buying a home in a neighborhood governed by an HOA, it is important to understand the meaning and impact of CC&Rs. Short for covenants, conditions, and restrictions, CC&Rs are binding real estate covenants that directly affect how you can use your property. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that these restrictions are not optional and can significantly limit what they can do with their own land and home.

What Does CC&R Mean in Real Estate?

CC&Rs are private agreements that apply to a group of homes or properties, often within a subdivision or condominium community. The county records these agreements with the property deed, and the law enforces them. Unlike city zoning laws, which the local government creates and enforces, private developers or HOAs establish CC&Rs and enforce them privately.

Common types of restrictions may include limits on exterior paint colors, fencing styles, or whether you can operate a business from your home. These rules can vary widely from one neighborhood to another, but once they are part of the deed, they apply to you just as they did to the previous owner.

If you’ve suffered car accident injuries and have a history of prior health issues, you might be wondering how that affects your case. Can your medical history or pre-existing conditions reduce the value of your car accident claim, or could they actually make it stronger?

It’s a common concern in personal injury claims after a car accident, especially when insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts by referencing your medical history. Understanding how South Carolina personal injury law handles prior injuries can help you protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

Can Prior Injuries Affect a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina?

Yes, prior injuries can affect a personal injury claim, but that doesn’t mean your case is doomed. In fact, having a pre-existing condition doesn’t prevent you from recovering compensation. The key legal question is whether the accident made your condition worse.

For example, if you had a bad back before the accident, but now need surgery or more intensive care, the other driver’s insurance may still be responsible for the aggravation of that condition. South Carolina law allows you to recover damages for any new harm, even if it builds on an old issue.

What matters most is how well your injury is documented, both before and after the crash.

What Does It Mean to Die Without a Will in South Carolina?

Dying without a will in the state of South Carolina is legally referred to as “dying intestate.” This means the state determines how your belongings and assets are divided, not your family or your personal wishes.

South Carolina’s intestacy laws follow a rigid structure to decide who inherits your assets. That structure is designed to be orderly, but it doesn’t account for the nuances of family life. If you’re married with children, your estate will be divided between your spouse and your children. If you’re unmarried and do not have children, your property could go to your parents, siblings, or even more distant relatives. Loved ones you might have wanted to include, like stepchildren or long-time partners, may be left out entirely.

While the law tries to be fair, it doesn’t know your values, relationships, or intentions. That’s why relying on intestacy alone can lead to outcomes that surprise, or even hurt, the people you care about most.

You can explore the full legal framework in the South Carolina Intestate Succession Statute, or review this plain-language guide for a broader overview.

If you’ve been named as a personal representative in someone’s will, or are considering taking on that role, it’s important to understand what that responsibility actually involves under South Carolina law. Acting as a personal representative means managing another person’s financial and legal affairs after their death. This includes navigating the SC probate process, handling estate assets, paying debts, and distributing property to heirs or beneficiaries.

Although many people accept this role as a way to honor a loved one, it’s more than a ceremonial title. It comes with legal duties, deadlines, and potential liability. Understanding what’s required from the start can make a significant difference.

Who Can Be a Personal Representative in South Carolina?

South Carolina law allows any adult of sound mind to serve as a personal representative, unless they are disqualified. An example of disqualification could be due to a felony involving dishonesty or being deemed unfit by the court. If there’s a valid will, the named individual usually has priority. If there isn’t, the probate court may appoint a spouse, adult child, or other interested party.

Disputes over who should serve are handled by the court, which can appoint someone based on the estate’s best interests. For full eligibility details, the Lexington County Probate Court site is a helpful resource.

What to Expect from the South Carolina Probate Process

The probate process begins when the will is filed with the local court. If there is no will, the estate is handled as intestate, meaning state law determines both who inherits and who can serve as a personal representative.

Once appointed, the court issues “Letters of Appointment”, giving the representative legal authority to manage the estate. Most estates take several months to a year to settle, depending on their complexity. Some smaller estates may qualify for simplified procedures, while those involving disputes or significant property may take longer.

Core Duties of a Personal Representative

As a personal representative, your job is to manage the estate’s finances and legal matters. This includes identifying all assets, notifying creditors, paying outstanding debts, and filing tax returns. After everything is accounted for and settled, you distribute the remaining property to the appropriate heirs or beneficiaries.

The IRS provides a guide on your federal tax obligations as a representative, which can help clarify what needs to be filed and when.

Since the role involves legal and financial risk, many personal representatives choose to work with a probate attorney to stay on track and avoid costly errors. You can learn more about our probate attorney services here.

Help your teen driver stay safe on South Carolina roads with these essential tips. As a parent, guiding your teenager through their first experiences behind the wheel can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Unfortunately, teen drivers are at a higher risk of accidents, making it crucial to prioritize safety from the start.

Let’s explore key risks, practical tips, and important legal considerations to keep your teen safe on the road.

Understanding Teen Driving Risks

Teen drivers face unique challenges on the road, including inexperience, distractions, and risky behaviors. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in the United States. Understanding these risks can help parents take proactive steps to minimize danger.

What is an Estate?

An estate refers to everything a person owns at the time of their death. This includes real estate, personal belongings, bank accounts, investments, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and even debts. Everyone has an estate at the time of their death, not just the wealthy. Managing your estate through proper legal planning is critical.

Why Does Estate Planning Matter?

Estate planning is the process of organizing your assets and wishes in advance, so they can be managed efficiently in the event of your incapacity or passing. Without a plan in place, your loved ones may face delays, disputes, or unexpected financial burdens during an already difficult time.

For South Carolina families, estate planning is particularly important because state probate laws can affect how property is distributed. A well-crafted plan helps you:

• Make your wishes legally clear
  
• Protect your family from legal complications
  
• Minimize taxes and fees
  
• Appoint guardians for minor children
  
• Choose someone to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated
  

Learn more about estate planning and probate services here.

Understanding South Carolina property tax is essential for homeowners. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, or managing a rental property, knowing how property taxes work can help you plan your budget, take advantage of exemptions, and avoid costly surprises.

What Is Property Tax and Who Pays It in South Carolina?

Property tax is a recurring fee imposed by local governments on real estate owners. In South Carolina, property taxes help fund public schools, infrastructure, and local services. If you own real property such as a home, land, or commercial building, you’re responsible for paying property taxes based on your property’s assessed value and classification. Typically, city or municipal taxes are included on the same bill as county assessments, but this is not always the case. 

This system is governed by Title 12, Chapter 37 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which outlines the legal structure behind assessments, rates, and exemptions.

A car accident lawyer can be one of your most important resources after a crash especially when you realize your insurance may not cover everything you expected. 

The Shocking Truth About Standard Car Insurance

Most standard auto insurance policies are designed to meet minimum state requirements, not to fully protect you after a serious injury.

In South Carolina, the law requires drivers to carry liability coverage of:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  
• $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
  
• $25,000 for property damage
  

While this coverage may be enough to fix a fender bender, it often falls short when it comes to medical bills, lost wages, or long-term rehabilitation. Worse, if the other driver is uninsured, or underinsured, you may be left footing the bill unless you have special protections in place.

When dealing with the loss of a loved one, one of the most pressing questions a family will face is: How much does an estate have to be worth to go to probate? In South Carolina, understanding the probate process can help you feel more prepared in managing your loved one’s affairs smoothly and efficiently. Let’s break down the basics of probate, how it works, and what to expect.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person’s assets are identified, gathered, and distributed to heirs or beneficiaries. This process occurs whether or not the person left a valid will. During probate, debts and taxes are also addressed and settled. It’s important to note that having a will does not avoid probate, it simply helps guide how the estate should be distributed. The probate process ensures that the decedent’s wishes, as outlined in their will, are carried out legally and transparently.