Charleston Legal News
Attorney analysis of Charleston and South Carolina legal developments — personal injury, consumer protection, credit reporting, debt collection, expungement, and local civil claims, by David P. Traywick of Traywick Law Offices.
What Charleston Drivers Should Do After a Car Accident in 2026
A car accident on a Charleston highway can turn your life upside down in seconds. Here's what South Carolina drivers need to do immediately after a crash to pro…
South Carolina Consumers: How to Respond to Debt Collection Harassment
Debt collectors in South Carolina frequently use tactics that cross the line. Here's what consumers need to know about their rights under federal and state law …
Credit Report Errors Can Cost South Carolina Consumers More Than They Realize
An inaccurate credit report can deny a mortgage, raise interest rates, or cost a job. South Carolina consumers have powerful tools under the Fair Credit Reporti…
What to Know Before Speaking With an Insurance Adjuster After an Injury
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Before you give a recorded statement after a Charleston injury, understand what is at stake and how to prot…
Charleston Homeowners Facing Foreclosure: Early Action Matters
Foreclosure notices in Charleston are rising. Here's what South Carolina homeowners need to know about lender communication, legal defenses, and how early actio…
When a Slip and Fall Becomes a Legal Claim in South Carolina
A wet floor, a loose handrail, or an unmarked step can cause serious injury. Here's how South Carolina premises liability law works for Charleston slip and fall…
How South Carolina Residents Can Protect Themselves From Unfair Debt Practices
From robocalls to threats, unfair debt practices affect thousands of South Carolina consumers. Here's how to document, dispute, and defend against abusive colle…
Why Medical Bills Sometimes Create Credit Reporting Problems
Medical debt is the leading cause of credit reporting complaints. Here's why South Carolina consumers see inaccurate medical accounts — and how to fix them.
Charleston Civil Disputes: When It Makes Sense to Contact a Lawyer Early
Waiting too long to call a lawyer can cost Charleston residents their best evidence, their strongest claims, and sometimes their case. Here's when early involve…
What South Carolina Consumers Should Save Before Filing a Legal Claim
The strongest legal cases are built on evidence collected in the first days after an incident. Here's what Charleston consumers should save before filing any cl…
Serious I-26 Eastbound Crash Shuts Down Charleston Highway — What to Do If You Were Injured in a Multi-Vehicle Pileup
On April 25, 2026, a multi-vehicle collision on I-26 eastbound brought traffic to a standstill in Charleston, SC.
Serious I-26 Eastbound Crash Shuts Down Charleston Highway — What to Do If You Were Injured in a Multi-Vehicle Highway Pileup
On April 25, 2026, a significant multi-vehicle collision on I-26 eastbound brought traffic to a standstill in Charleston, forcing a major detour and stranding c…
One Dead After Boat From Shem Creek Strikes Mount Pleasant Dock — What SC Boating Accident Law Means for Survivors
On the evening of April 25, 2026, tragedy struck in the waters off Mount Pleasant when a boat carrying seven individuals collided with a dock.
North Charleston Drive-By Shooting Investigation Results in Two New Arrests — What Victims in Affected Neighborhoods Can Do
On April 23, 2026, North Charleston police announced the arrests of two suspects in connection with a drive-by shooting investigation that has shaken local neig…
Moncks Corner House Fire Explosion Injures Firefighter — How Homeowner Negligence Can Create Hidden Civil Liability
On the afternoon of April 22, 2026, a firefighter in Moncks Corner, Berkeley County, sustained non-life-threatening injuries during an explosion at a residentia…
North Charleston Brush Fire Near I-26 Spreads From Encampment — Man Arrested: What Property Owners Near the Scene Need to Know
On April 20, 2026, a fast-moving brush fire erupted on Weber Boulevard near I-26 eastbound in North Charleston.
North Charleston Brush Fire Near I-26 Spreads From Encampment — Man Arrested: What Affected Property Owners Need to Know
On April 20, 2026, a fast-moving brush fire broke out along Weber Boulevard near I-26 eastbound in North Charleston, fueled by dry and windy conditions.
Charleston County Jail Inmate Dies by Suicide — Wrongful Death Lawsuit Targets Sheriff's Office
On April 17, 2026, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, stemming from the tragic suicide of Forrest Kreider, a det…
Charleston County Jail Inmate Dies by Suicide — Wrongful Death Lawsuit Targets Sheriff's Office
On April 17, 2026, Forrest Kreider's father filed a civil lawsuit against the Charleston County Sheriff's Office and other associated parties, alleging negligen…
SC Court Sentences Driver Who Killed Pedestrian in 2025 DUI Crash — What the Verdict Means for the Victim's Family
On April 16, 2026, a South Carolina court sentenced a driver from the upstate region for a fatal DUI crash that occurred in 2025.
SC Court Sentences Driver Who Killed Pedestrian in 2025 DUI Crash — What the Verdict Means for the Victim's Family
On April 16, 2026, a South Carolina court sentenced a driver for a felony DUI crash that tragically claimed the life of a pedestrian in 2025.
Motorcyclist Killed After 18-Wheeler Turns Into His Path on Clements Ferry Road — What SC Law Says About Commercial Truck Liability
On the morning of April 16, 2026, tragedy struck on Clements Ferry Road near Marina Drive in Charleston, South Carolina.
Park Circle Home Licensed Administrator Charged With Neglect Resulting in Deaths — A Second Wave of Accountability for Charleston's Care Facility Victims
On April 3, 2026, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced additional charges in connection with the ongoing investigation into Park Circle Home, a…
North Charleston Care Facility Operators Arrested for Neglect Resulting in Death — What Families of Nursing Home Residents Must Know
On March 27, 2026, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced criminal charges against Cynthia Kelly, 58, and Reginald Kelly, 60, operators of Park C…
Elderly Charleston Woman Struck and Killed Downtown Near King and Broad — Pedestrian Safety and Legal Accountability
On the morning of March 26, 2026, tragedy struck in downtown Charleston when 78-year-old Annelise Simmons was fatally injured in a pedestrian-vehicle collision.
20-Year-Old Arrested After Driving Drunk Into Meeting Street Boutique — What Business Owners and Injured Parties Can Recover
On the night of March 21, 2026, Charleston police were called to the scene of a shocking crash at Chico's boutique, located in the Charleston Place Hotel at 203…
North Charleston Man Gets 20 Years in Hit-and-Run That Killed Two on I-26 — What Families of Hit-and-Run Victims Should Know
On March 17, 2026, Deon Lathel Gibson, a 40-year-old resident of North Charleston, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and weapon o…
Charleston Student Apartment Plagued by Flooding and Power Outages for Months — What Tenants Can Do When Landlords Fail to Act
On March 16, 2026, students residing at SkyGarden Student Living Apartments in Charleston came forward with alarming reports of long-standing maintenance issues…
Murder Charges Filed in NoMo Area Shooting — What Victims of Gun Violence Need to Know About Civil Claims in South Carolina
On March 16, 2026, the Charleston Police Department announced that murder charges had been formally filed in connection with a fatal shooting in the NoMo neighb…
North Charleston DUI Driver Causes Four-Vehicle Crash — A Personal Injury Attorney's Take on Drunk Driving Liability
On March 13, 2026, North Charleston police arrested Roger Anibal Cardona Lopez, age 26, following a multi-vehicle crash that left several cars damaged and multi…
West Ashley Car Break-In Suspects Caught With K-9 Assist — What Vehicle Break-In Victims Can Do Under SC Law
In the early hours of March 13, 2026, Charleston police responded to reports of suspicious activity on Parkwood Estates Drive in West Ashley.
Out-of-Control Brush Fire Burns Cainhoy Area After Controlled Burn Escapes — What Charleston Landowners Should Know
On March 12, 2026, a brush fire broke out in the Cainhoy area of Charleston County after a controlled burn conducted by a crew spiraled out of control.
Woman Stabbed in Northwoods Mall Food Court — What Shoppers and Families Need to Know About Mall Security Liability
On the morning of March 4, 2026, a violent altercation unfolded at the Northwoods Mall food court in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Pedestrian in Wheelchair Killed on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard — What Charleston Drivers and Families Need to Know
On the evening of March 7, 2026, tragedy struck on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard near Gamecock Avenue in Charleston.
Man Sentenced to Life for 2023 Charleston Shopping Center Parking Lot Murder — What Property Owners Must Know About Negligent Security
Neil Ferrell was sentenced to life in prison for the July 2023 murder of Malcolm Jones Jr. in a Charleston commercial parking lot. Attorney David Traywick expla…
20th Annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival Draws Thousands — What Event Attendees Should Know About Their Legal Rights
The 2026 Charleston Wine + Food Festival marks its 20th year with thousands of attendees flooding downtown. Attorney David Traywick explains what rights festiva…
Man Smashes Windows at King Street Walgreens — What Charleston Property Owners and Tenants Need to Know About Vandalism Claims
Tamir Grant, 27, was charged with malicious injury to property after allegedly admitting to breaking windows at the King Street Walgreens in downtown Charleston…
Teen Arrested for Fatal Shooting Outside North Charleston Sports Bar — A Premises Liability Attorney's View on Bar and Nightclub Security
Maxwell Thomas Koller, 17, was arrested for murder in connection with a fatal shooting in the parking lot of KC Mulligans sports bar on Rivers Avenue. His paren…
North Carolina Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash at North Charleston Intersection — What SC Law Says About Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
Eddie Rivera, 75, of North Carolina, was killed when his motorcycle collided with a heavy-duty pickup truck at the intersection of Dorchester Road and Forest Hi…
Charleston Man's Criminal Record Cleared After 8-Year Wait — What Changed Under SC Law
A Charleston resident recently had a decade-old conviction expunged after SC expanded eligibility under the Second Chance Act. Attorney David Traywick explains …
Charleston Homeowner Saves Family Home Through Last-Minute Loan Modification
A James Island family staved off a foreclosure auction through an emergency loan modification negotiated just days before the sale. David Traywick breaks down t…
Charleston County Sheriff's K-9 Mauls Innocent Bystander — Lawsuit Filed
A bystander was seriously injured when a Charleston County Sheriff's K-9 bit them during a pursuit gone wrong. David Traywick analyzes the government liability …
North Charleston Tractor-Trailer Rollover on I-26 Injures Three — Who Is Liable?
A tractor-trailer rolled over on I-26 near North Charleston, injuring three motorists and closing the interstate for hours. David Traywick examines trucking reg…
Driver Arrested After King Street Hit-and-Run Leaves Pedestrian With Broken Hip
A pedestrian suffered a broken hip after a hit-and-run on King Street in downtown Charleston. The driver was later arrested — but the victim still has a complex…
Charleston Car Dealer Sued for Bait-and-Switch Financing After Customer Pays Thousands Extra
A Charleston car buyer is suing a local dealership for bait-and-switch financing tactics that cost thousands more than promised. David Traywick breaks down SC c…
Two Construction Workers Electrocuted at Charleston Job Site on Goer Drive
Two workers were electrocuted at a North Charleston construction site, raising serious OSHA and workers' compensation questions. David Traywick explains the dua…
Charleston Couple Denied Mortgage After Credit Bureau Mixed Up Their File With Stranger's
A Charleston couple's mortgage application was denied because Equifax mixed their credit file with another consumer's. David Traywick explains how the FCRA prot…
Pedestrian Killed on I-526 Near Westmoreland Bridge — Dangerous Roadway Questions Arise
A pedestrian was struck and killed near the Westmoreland Bridge on I-526 — a stretch with no safe shoulder or pedestrian path. David Traywick explores governmen…
I-526 Construction Zone Worker Killed by Passing Vehicle — SCDOT and Contractor Face Scrutiny
A highway worker was struck and killed in the I-526 construction zone in a crash that raises questions about site safety planning. David Traywick explains worke…
Downtown Charleston Tenants File Suit Over Black Mold and Failing Plumbing
A group of downtown Charleston tenants is suing their landlord over uninhabitable conditions including black mold and broken plumbing. David Traywick explains S…
North Charleston Business Faces Lawsuit After Customer Attacked With Machete in Parking Lot
A man was attacked with a machete in a North Charleston business parking lot, leading to a negligent security lawsuit. David Traywick explains the duty property…
North Charleston DUI Driver Charged With Felony After Motorcyclist Critically Injured
A North Charleston DUI driver faces felony charges after a collision that left a motorcyclist on life support. David Traywick explains the civil recovery option…
Charleston Family Sues Debt Collector for Calling Their Workplace 12 Times a Day
A Charleston family is suing a debt collection agency for calling their workplace and relatives multiple times daily, violating the FDCPA. David Traywick explai…
Charleston Shopper Breaks Wrist After Walmart Fails to Collect Runaway Shopping Carts
A Charleston Walmart shopper fractured her wrist when a runaway cart struck her in the parking lot. David Traywick analyzes the retailer's premises liability du…
Woman Severely Mauled by Pit Bull on Commander Road in North Charleston
A North Charleston woman required emergency surgery after a neighbor's pit bull attacked her on Commander Road. David Traywick explains South Carolina's strict …
West Ashley Neighbors in Court Over Disputed Fence Line — SC Property Boundary Law Explained
A West Ashley property boundary dispute escalated into a civil lawsuit after neighbors erected a fence across what the plaintiff claims is their land. David Tra…
Motorcyclist Killed on I-26 Near Charleston in Multi-Vehicle Pileup
A motorcyclist was killed in a multi-vehicle pileup on I-26 near Charleston. David Traywick explains how wrongful death and survivor claims work under SC law, a…
Charleston Uber Driver Assaults Passenger Refusing His Service Dog — Rideshare Liability Examined
An Uber driver on King Street assaulted a passenger who brought a service dog into the vehicle, raising both ADA and personal injury issues. David Traywick exam…
Charleston Electrical Worker Wins $11M After Falling Through Unguarded Floor Opening
A Charleston electrical worker fell through an unguarded floor opening at a construction site and secured an $11 million verdict. David Traywick breaks down how…
Charleston Homeowner Sues Regional Homes Builder Over Major Construction Defects
A Charleston homeowner is suing their builder over foundation cracks, water intrusion, and improperly installed HVAC. David Traywick explains the SC constructio…
Family Files Wrongful Death Suit After Child Drowns in Unlocked Charleston Apartment Pool
A family filed a wrongful death lawsuit after their child drowned in an apartment complex pool that was left unlocked and unattended. David Traywick explains SC…
Charleston Restaurants Accused of Selling Frozen Import Shrimp as 'Fresh Local' — Class Action Filed
Several Charleston restaurants face a class action after investigators found they were selling imported frozen shrimp labeled as fresh local SC shrimp. David Tr…
OSHA Investigates Fatal North Charleston I-526 Skid Steer Accident That Killed Road Worker
OSHA opened an investigation after a skid steer operator was killed at the I-526 widening project in North Charleston. David Traywick explains how OSHA citation…
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