The small towns of Bonneau, Cross, and the surrounding rural communities of upper Berkeley County may feel worlds away from the congestion of Charleston, but serious car and truck accidents happen here regularly. Narrow two-lane roads, high-speed rural highways, limited lighting, and long distances to hospitals make accidents in this part of Berkeley County especially dangerous.
At Crantford Meehan, we represent accident victims throughout Berkeley County, from the shores of Lake Moultrie to the I-26 corridor. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash near Bonneau, Cross, Pinopolis, Jamestown, or anywhere in rural Berkeley County, we are here to help.
Why Rural Berkeley County Roads Are So Dangerous
Residents of Bonneau and Cross know that driving conditions in rural Berkeley County present unique hazards that drivers in more urban areas do not face. The most common factors contributing to serious accidents include:
- High-speed two-lane highways — Roads like Highway 6, Highway 52, and Highway 17A carry traffic at speeds of 55 mph or higher with no median barrier separating oncoming lanes. Head-on collisions at these speeds are often fatal.
- Logging trucks and agricultural equipment — Berkeley County’s timber and farming industries mean slow-moving logging trucks, tractors, and farm equipment frequently share the road with passenger vehicles. Rear-end collisions with these slow-moving vehicles cause devastating injuries.
- Poor lighting and no shoulders — Many rural Berkeley County roads have no street lights, minimal reflective markers, and little to no paved shoulder. Nighttime driving is particularly hazardous.
- Wildlife crossings — Deer, wild hogs, and other large animals are common near the Francis Marion National Forest and around Lake Moultrie, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Drunk driving — Rural areas with long stretches of open road and limited law enforcement presence see disproportionately high rates of DUI-related crashes.
Challenges of Filing an Accident Claim in a Rural Area
Accident victims in small towns like Bonneau and Cross face challenges that their counterparts in Charleston or Summerville may not encounter:
- Delayed emergency response — In rural parts of Berkeley County, it can take significantly longer for EMS and law enforcement to reach an accident scene. This delay can worsen injuries and complicate evidence collection.
- Limited medical facilities — The nearest trauma centers are in Charleston, which means critically injured victims face long transport times. This can affect both outcomes and the documentation of injuries.
- Fewer witnesses — Accidents on isolated rural roads may have no witnesses at all, making it harder to prove what happened. An experienced attorney knows how to build a strong case using physical evidence, accident reconstruction, and available data.
- Insurance company tactics — Insurers sometimes take advantage of rural claimants who they assume will not hire an attorney, offering lowball settlements that do not come close to covering the true cost of injuries.
Types of Cases We Handle in Berkeley County
Crantford Meehan handles a wide range of accident and personal injury cases for residents of Bonneau, Cross, and the surrounding communities:
- Car accidents — Including head-on collisions, rear-end crashes, and intersection accidents on rural highways
- Truck accidents — Including crashes involving logging trucks, 18-wheelers, and commercial vehicles on Highway 52 and I-26
- DUI accidents — If you were injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims — South Carolina has a high rate of uninsured drivers, and we help clients recover through their own UM/UIM coverage
- Wrongful death — When a loved one is killed in a car or truck accident, we help families pursue justice and financial security
What Your Case May Be Worth
The value of a personal injury case depends on the specific facts and the severity of your injuries. Factors that affect the value of your claim include:
- The total cost of your medical treatment, including future care needs
- How long you were unable to work and whether your earning capacity has been permanently affected
- The severity and permanence of your physical injuries
- The degree of pain and suffering you have experienced
- Whether the at-fault driver was impaired, distracted, or acting recklessly
In cases involving drunk driving or extreme recklessness, South Carolina courts may award punitive damages on top of your actual losses. These damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
I was in an accident on a rural road with no witnesses. Do I still have a case?
Yes. While witness testimony can be helpful, it is not the only way to prove your case. Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts, review physical evidence at the scene, analyze vehicle damage, and obtain any available surveillance or dashcam footage to build a strong case on your behalf.
What if a logging truck caused my accident?
Logging truck accidents can involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, the logging company, and the vehicle owner. These trucks are also subject to state and federal weight and safety regulations. If a violation contributed to your accident, it strengthens your claim significantly.
How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?
We can help connect you with medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they agree to wait for payment until your case resolves. You should never delay treatment because of concerns about upfront costs.
Contact Crantford Meehan for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an accident near Bonneau, Cross, or anywhere in Berkeley County, do not try to handle the insurance company on your own. Call the experienced personal injury attorneys at Crantford Meehan at (843) 376-4030 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
