Accidents can happen suddenly, catching even the most prepared person off guard. One minute, you may be strolling to a restaurant after a long day at work, and the next minute, someone else's carelessness can change your life forever. Personal injury victims not only endure negligence but also experience pain and worry about their families and ability to work. Often, these victims cannot afford to focus on work and family when they're injured or even clinging to life in an ER. Without a personal injury attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC, to fight for their rights, these same victims provide official statements by mistake to insurance companies. They accept embarrassingly low settlement offers without realizing that they deserve much more.
If you've been hurt in an accident recently, ask yourself these questions:
With 30.21 personal injury cases for every 100,000 residents in South Carolina - 217% higher than the national average - it's not surprising that men and women like you are asking the questions above. At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our hearts hurt for victims who are suffering needlessly.
Because, at the end of the day, they're not just hurting physically. They're struggling to make ends meet due to the cost of car repairs, medical bills, doctor's appointments, and loss of income. Fortunately, personal injury laws in South Carolina state that the parties found responsible for your suffering and pain must account for your expenses. With a personal injury lawyer by your side, you have a real shot at getting the compensation you deserve.
If you've been injured in an accident in South Carolina, you have the right to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. If the insurance company doesn't offer a fair settlement, consider speaking with our Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer.
At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our goal is to help accident victims in South Carolina recover the maximum amount for their losses, including damages for pain and suffering. Unlike some personal injury law firms, our expert attorneys know that no two cases are ever exactly the same. That's why we take a personalized approach to each case that comes across our desk.
You can rest easy knowing that your personal injury case starts with a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. During this initial meeting, we'll review your accident, determine liability, and recommend the best legal course of action for you. Max Sparwasser and his team focus on a range of personal injury categories, including the following:
Injured victims choose Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC because we put our clients' needs first.
Max dedicates focused attention to your claim and is confident that once you've met and talked to him, you will feel comfortable entrusting him with your personal injury case.
Your case is going to be handled personally by Max, properly and professionally. NO FEES are collected unless you are paid benefits.
Now that you know a little bit more about our personal injury law firm and how we take care of our clients, let's take a look at two of the most common types of personal injury cases we take: Car accidents and workers' compensation.
As an experienced personal injury attorney, Max has the right training and legal tools to assist with your compensation claims and your personal injury case as a whole.
If you've ever been in a minor fender bender, you know how frustrating and scary it can be when police are called and insurance companies get involved. Dinging a car is one thing, but a full-on car wreck is a completely different story. A car accident in Myrtle Beach can result in significant expenses such as vehicle damage and medical costs.
If a distracted driver kills your loved one, the impact on your family can be profound and long-lasting. Survivors of car accidents often experience emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other challenges that alter their quality of life. In the face of these life-changing events, aggressive representation from a personal injury attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC, can maximize your chances of winning your case.
Here's an uncomfortable truth to digest: Insurance companies often aim to pay out as little as possible. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from their tactics by getting the right legal support for your personal injury claim.
When you report a crash to an insurer, they'll assign an adjuster to your case. However, these adjusters deal with many cases and may not fully understand yours. If an insurance claims adjuster contacts you, be cautious. They aren't looking out for your best interests. It's common for adjusters to push for settlements that undervalue your claim.
Stick to the facts if you talk to an adjuster and refuse to provide a recorded statement or agree to any settlement. Instead, wait until you've consulted with a personal injury attorney. At the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, our team of car accident lawyers will assess the true worth of your claim and protect you from being taken advantage of by insurance companies.
When you hire a personal injury attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC, from Max Sparwasser Law Firm, you don't have to know all our state's car crash and insurance laws. We have the expertise, knowledge, and resources to handle any case related to a car accident in the Lowcountry. Our long-time car accident attorneys can handle the legal proceedings for you and provide you with peace of mind during negotiations. With that said, we understand that the more you know about South Carolina's car wreck laws, the better you can safeguard your rights after an accident.
As such, here are three car wreck laws in South Carolina you should understand:
It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.
Like many other states, South Carolina operates under a "fault" insurance system. This system holds the driver responsible for covering the damages of the injured party if they are at fault for the accident.
If you are in a car accident and it leads to a personal injury claim due to negligence, the court needs to determine that you (the plaintiff) are 50% or less at fault for the accident. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you will lose your right to seek compensation. However, if you are 50% or less at fault, you will receive at least some compensation. Your award will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
When drivers take the wheel, they bear the responsibility of being careful and attentive to their surroundings. This means watching out for other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users. However, if a driver chooses to text, eat, or talk on the phone while driving, they are failing to do so and are behaving negligently.
Negligence involves acting carelessly, resulting in harm or damage. Other examples of negligence include:
If you've been in a car accident and need help understanding our local laws or the role of negligence in your case, schedule your free claim assessment with the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC, today. The sooner you know your rights and file a claim, the sooner our lawyers can advocate on your behalf. Our accident lawyers will uphold your best interests despite pushback from insurance companies and the complex legal system in South Carolina.
While South Carolina's workplace incidence rate was lower than the national average in 2020, tens of thousands of workers were reportedly injured on the job. In fact, private employers in South Carolina reported 29,100 nonfatal injuries and illnesses, resulting in an incident rate of 2.1 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. In 2021, the private sector reported 30,300 such injuries and illnesses, leading to an incidence rate of 2.2 cases per 100 workers, many of whom hired.
Public sector employers reported 8,100 injury and illness cases in 2021, with 72 percent occurring among local government workers. Occupational illness trends in South Carolina mirrored those seen nationwide. In 2020, the private sector accounted for 4,200 of the total reported cases, and 3,100 in 2021, showing a 26 percent decline.
Respiratory illnesses made up 79 percent of the total occupational illnesses reported in South Carolina in 2020. In 2021, 89.8 percent of private industry recorded incidents were injuries.
Personal injury attorneys in Myrtle Beach, SC, fought some of the state's biggest employers in court, including brands such as:
While there is no single federal law governing workers' compensation, every state in the U.S. has its own workers' compensation system. This program provides financial benefits to employees who experience job-related injuries or illnesses. Typically, an injured worker can receive workers' compensation benefits without needing to prove their employer's negligence. In exchange, the employee forfeits the right to file a personal injury claim against the employer.
Under the state workers' comp system, an injured employee will be reimbursed for all necessary medical treatment following a workplace accident. If the injury or illness leads to more than seven days of missed work, the employee will receive 66.66% of their average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount. Workers may also receive compensation for permanent disabilities or disfigurement. The maximum award for death or total disability is 500 weeks of compensation.
Lifetime benefits are available in cases of paraplegia, quadriplegia, and brain injury. It should be noted that trying to
In South Carolina, most employees are eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they suffer an injury or illness while working. Employees don't need to prove fault; they just need to prove that the injury or illness happened at work or during a work-related activity. Unfortunately, there are exceptions under the SC State Workers' Compensation Act, meaning some employers never qualify for workers' compensation.
Those restrictions apply to:
Employers who fall under the SC State Workers' Compensation Act must maintain the required minimum amounts of workers' comp insurance. If you're trying to pick up the pieces after being injured at work, contact the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC today. Our personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the help you need to rebuild your life.
Many injured workers assume they can save money by foregoing a personal injury attorney to oversee their workers' comp claim. In reality, many plaintiffs lose money - or don't get the proper amount they're owed - when they choose not to hire a lawyer. If you were recently injured at work and are on the fence about retaining counsel for your case, keep these facts in mind.
To safeguard your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation, injured individuals must file a workers' compensation claim. Unfortunately, many people come up with reasons why they shouldn't file a claim before determining whether their claim is valid.
Some of the most common reasons for doing so include:
You should know that making the decisions above doesn't necessarily disqualify you from making a workers' comp claim. That's why it's so important to work with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer. Great workers' comp attorneys - like those at the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC - thoroughly assess your case and help determine whether you have a valid claim for workers' compensation benefits.
Here's a safely kept secret in the insurance industry: Skilled workers' compensation lawyers create risk. Insurance companies hate risk because it exposes them and causes them to lose money. An experienced workers' compensation lawyer takes on risk by developing the best strategy to maximize your benefits and gathering evidence that will be admissible in a hearing.
Do you truly understand the benefits you're entitled to? Do you know what you need to prove in order to win? Do you know how to effectively present that evidence? This can be quite complex, even for attorneys, which is why an injured employee alone doesn't pose much of a threat to the insurance company. That's why professional help from a qualified attorney is essential in workers' comp cases.
It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.
It's important to keep in mind that there's a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. Typically, you need to pursue your claim against the at-fault driver or another party within three years of the car accident. However, there are certain cases that require action within two years. If you fail to file your personal injury claim within the specified deadline, you may forfeit your right to make a claim permanently.
Whether you have been injured in a car accident, hurt at work, or are struggling with another type of personal injury situation, know that our team is here to help. Our personal injury attorneys in Myrtle Beach, SC are insurance claims experts and know how to negotiation and achieve maximum financial compensation. The best part? We take all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay us unless we win. That's the Max Sparwasser Law Firm difference. Contact our office today to learn more about personal injury cases in South Carolina and whether or not you have a valid claim.
There are perks to being a local in the Myrtle Beach area.Not only do you have access to hundreds of restaurants year-round, but many of those dining spots offer discounts for those living in Horry County.And if you’re not sure if a discount is offered, ask. Restaurants may not advertise such discounts, but most do celebrate their local residents with some type of savings.Here are some restaurants along the Grand Strand that provide residents a discount when eating at their establishments. The only requirement is t...
There are perks to being a local in the Myrtle Beach area.
Not only do you have access to hundreds of restaurants year-round, but many of those dining spots offer discounts for those living in Horry County.
And if you’re not sure if a discount is offered, ask. Restaurants may not advertise such discounts, but most do celebrate their local residents with some type of savings.
Here are some restaurants along the Grand Strand that provide residents a discount when eating at their establishments. The only requirement is that you have to show an ID that says you live where you say you do.
Located at 9650 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, the Chinese restaurant offers local residents a 10% discount during lunch from Monday through Friday.
The Mexican restaurant, 2801 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, offers a 20% locals discount during the off-season through February. After that, locals can enjoy a 10% discount on food items.
The diner known for its cheap plates and classic American food offers locals a 10% discount. The Myrtle Beach store is located at 800 S. Kings Highway.
One of the newest restaurants in Cherry Grove, Salty Brews serves salads, wraps, nachos, tacos, as well as coffee, beer, wine and mimosas. It also offers local residents a 5% discount on food items at its store at 223 Sea Mountain Highway in North Myrtle Beach.
A smokehouse that offers barbecue, as well as other food items, is located at 14 Ocean Blvd. S. in Surfside Beach where locals can get a 10% discount.
There are eight locations of this popular, local chain that serves burgers and other sandwiches. The great thing is that no matter where you go, locals can get a 10% discount on its food.
A Tex-Mex restaurant with two locations along the Grand Strand, locals can get a 10% discount at 1116 Farrow Parkway in Market Common in Myrtle Beach or at 850 North Beach Blvd. in North Myrtle Beach.
This Conway sandwich restaurant, 1039 Third Ave., provides a 10% locals discount.
By far the largest locals discount, Myrtle Beach area residents can get a 25% locals discount at this music-themed restaurant at 1318 Celebrity Circle in Myrtle Beach.
All three locations of this restaurant offers local residents a 10% discount.
Locals can get a 10% discount at both locations - 16 S. Ocean Blvd. in Surfside Beach and 1565 21st Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach.
Did we miss your restaurant? If you offer a locals discount, contact Terri Richardson at trichardson@thesunnews.com.
PAWLEYS ISLAND — A new Pawleys Island restaurant is serving up classic Southern comfort foods with a hint of creative flair.Brandon Wallace, head chef and co-owner of Pawleys Fish Camp, is a Georgetown County native. He said he wanted to create a place with an authentic Lowcountry menu — something that would remind locals of...
PAWLEYS ISLAND — A new Pawleys Island restaurant is serving up classic Southern comfort foods with a hint of creative flair.
Brandon Wallace, head chef and co-owner of Pawleys Fish Camp, is a Georgetown County native. He said he wanted to create a place with an authentic Lowcountry menu — something that would remind locals of the food they ate growing up.
“I try to put a little twist on it, you know, to bring it up to speed, but still keep those traditional roots from a long time ago,” Wallace said.
Pawleys Fish Camp is located along U.S. Highway 17 in the building that once housed Tuscany Bistro.
Its menu includes such dishes as lobster mac and cheese, oysters Rockefeller with smoked collard greens, and 12-hour braised beef brisket, plus traditional samplers featuring hushpuppies and honey butter.
Wallace has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He’s worked in several other Pawleys restaurants, including Frank's, Bistro 217 and The Chive Blossom Restaurant and Bar. He also spent time working at a Connecticut restaurant and at a country club in Blythewood.
Pawleys Fish Camp celebrated its soft opening on Jan. 14. Wallace said the restaurant received rave reviews from its first customers.
“It wasn’t soft, I’ll tell you that. Right at four o’clock, they (the customers) piled in. It was beautiful,” Wallace said. He added that the fried deviled eggs, in particular, were a huge hit.
Andrea Brunson attended the soft opening. She ordered the fried shrimp and dirty grits. She enjoyed the entree, but like many other customers, her favorite dish of the night was the fried deviled eggs.
Wallace said Pawleys Fish Camp already has plans to expand its offerings to include live entertainment and Sunday brunches. At the moment, the restaurant is only open for dinner, but it will start serving lunch in the coming months.
"We're just kind of taking our time right now with the winter and everything, getting acclimated with the menu that we have," he said. "And before we rush into something else, we want to do it right."
The community responded to the restaurant’s opening with a surge of support.
Brunson said she's been eating Wallace's food for years, having hired him to cater private events. She also went to school with Alfonzo Allen, who co-owns the restaurant with Wallace. She said she’s excited for them to be embarking on this new venture and is confident the restaurant will be a welcome addition to Pawleys Island.
"It's going to be great for the community," she said. "I think everybody's going to love it.”
Correction: Pawleys Fish Camp opened this week. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the name of the restaurant. It has been updated to include the correct name.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — The Myrtle Beach International Airport had a historic year in 2024, reaching a record number of passengers, a news release said.The airport had a total of 3,837,052 arriving and departing passengers last year. This is an almost 14% increase from 2023, the release said.“We are thrilled to celebrate this record-breaking year for Myrtle Beach International Airport,” Judi Olmstead, director of airports f...
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — The Myrtle Beach International Airport had a historic year in 2024, reaching a record number of passengers, a news release said.
The airport had a total of 3,837,052 arriving and departing passengers last year. This is an almost 14% increase from 2023, the release said.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this record-breaking year for Myrtle Beach International Airport,” Judi Olmstead, director of airports for Horry County said. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our team, the support of our airline partners, and the enduring appeal of Myrtle Beach as a world-class destination and a great place to call home.”
According to the release, the growth stems from the airport’s air service development strategy and close collaboration with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
The airport also welcomed Breeze Airways in 2024, which included seven destinations from Myrtle Beach. United Airlines and Frontier Airlines also added new destinations from the Grand Strand, including Denver, Colorado, and Cleveland, Ohio, respectively.
“Over the past few years, we’ve focused on diversifying our airline options and providing competitive fares,” Olmstead explained. “This strategy has proven successful, with three new airlines joining MYR since 2021 and continued growth from existing partners. These efforts have strengthened our air service portfolio, ensuring long-term success for MYR and our community. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our travelers and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.”
In June, the airport began construction on a major terminal expansion project, which is set to open in late 2025. Six gates will be added, in addition to new food, beverage, and retail options. Updates to flooring, signage, and restrooms will also be included.
Coming in the spring, a new long-term economy parking lot with over 1,200 new parking space will also be added.
“We take great pride in Myrtle Beach International Airport’s record-breaking year, which underscores its essential role in connecting our community and fostering regional growth,” Barry Spivey, Horry County administrator said. “MYR is an invaluable asset, and we appreciate the community’s support in achieving this success.”
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Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.
A thick layer of fog that has covered a roadway in the Longs area has people questioning what it possibly could be and if it may be dangerous.People took to Facebook Wednesday and Thursday after a post showed a white, fog-like vapor covering the ground around a Dominion Energy substation and on Water Tower Road in the Longs area. The su...
A thick layer of fog that has covered a roadway in the Longs area has people questioning what it possibly could be and if it may be dangerous.
People took to Facebook Wednesday and Thursday after a post showed a white, fog-like vapor covering the ground around a Dominion Energy substation and on Water Tower Road in the Longs area. The substation sits near the corner of Water Tower and Kerchies roads.
The white fog that covered the roadway made it impossible for drivers to see at night, one poster said.
Those who commented on the post said that it was a natural gas leak coming from the substation. Many reported smelling gas in that area.
But that’s not the case, according to a spokesperson with Dominion Energy in South Carolina.
Paul Fischer said that there is no gas leak, and that what people are seeing, and smelling, is all due to the recent cold weather that has come to the Grand Strand in the last week.
Fischer said it’s water vapor in the air, a byproduct of the gas flow and cold temperatures. So basically, fog.
“There is no concern,” Fischer said.
To meet the growing demand for natural gas in Horry County, Dominion Energy is operating temporary liquified natural gas stations in the North Myrtle Beach and Little River areas, Fischer said by email.
“These facilities provide supplemental natural gas to our system during periods of high demand, such as the stretch of very cold weather we have experienced this month,” he said. “As we increase the flow of LNG on our system, the combination of varying temperatures and moisture in the air can create low-lying fog near our facilities.
“This cloud of clean water vapor is safe and similar to the fog that forms over a natural body of water during an early-morning commute. We urge drivers in the area to exercise caution if fog is present.”
Such “fog” can appear on clear, cold nights with high pressure. During a strong temperature inversion, a warm layer of air will sit above the surface and the cold air is below it, according to the National Weather Service.
The warm layer of air can trap things below it, such as fog and the smell of gas that is being “burped” out from gas meters, especially in areas where there is a lot of gas service in a neighborhood, according to an article by WCNC meteorologist Brad Panovich in Charlotte, North Carolina.
These inversions are most common in the morning and at night.
The smell happens because gas companies, like Dominion, often add the compound mercaptan to natural gas, which doesn’t have any odor. Mercaptan is what gives the smell of rotten eggs and is used for safety purposes so that people know when there is a gas leak.
So under certain weather conditions, such as cold weather, you might smell the mercaptan, which is heavier than natural gas and will often sink and hang closer to the surface. Natural gas is lighter than air and when released, rises quickly and dissipates outside, Panovich wrote.
This story was originally published January 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Bitter cold temperatures and low wind chills will start to move in tomorrow and they will be sticking around. Data continues to come in and show snow chances increase Tuesday into Wednesday.Tuesday, and Wednesday, are FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS. Remember, FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS means our team of meteorologists has concluded that the weather may become highly disruptive to day-to-day life or bring concerns about life and property. The potential of pipe-bursting cold temperatures and potentially disruptive ice ...
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Bitter cold temperatures and low wind chills will start to move in tomorrow and they will be sticking around. Data continues to come in and show snow chances increase Tuesday into Wednesday.
Tuesday, and Wednesday, are FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS. Remember, FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS means our team of meteorologists has concluded that the weather may become highly disruptive to day-to-day life or bring concerns about life and property. The potential of pipe-bursting cold temperatures and potentially disruptive ice and snow warrants the FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAYS.
Here is our first call accumulation forecast. Now these numbers can still change as we are about 48 hours out from this system but east of the I-95 corridor could see 1 to 2 inches of snowfall. West of I-95 is likely to pick up on a dusting to an inch based on the southward trend in data.
Since the ground will be so cold it is important to note that even light snow amounts will lead to travel issues Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
Since we are still 48 hours out from this system we can still expect to see changes north or south, we will continue to keep you updated with any changes that we are making to this forecast.
THE SET UP
Bitter cold Arctic air will settle into the Carolinas starting Sunday night and lasting through Thursday of next week. Daytime high temperatures will fail to rise above freezing next Tuesday and Wednesday, potentially resulting in more than 48 consecutive hours below freezing.
In addition, gusty winds accompanying the cold temperatures may send wind chills into the single digits. Cold weather advisories and potentially extreme cold warnings may be needed at times early next week.
As the core of the cold weather settles in, low pressure will start to develop in the Gulf of Mexico. This area of low pressure will transport moisture northward, resulting in snow, sleet, and freezing accumulations in areas highly unaccustomed to winter weather.
Travel concerns could reach from deep south Texas on Monday, through the Gulf Coast on Tuesday, and into the coastal Carolinas late Tuesday and Wednesday.
LOCAL IMPACTS
The storm track will be crucial to what falls across the region. A storm system tracking far enough offshore would result in primarily snow. If the low pressure tracks closer to the coast, freezing rain and sleet would be possible.
We will start to see clouds through Tuesday morning, snow will start to be seen on radar through the afternoon and will turn widespread through the overnight hours.
You can expect snowfall to last through the overnight before moving out of the area early Wednesday morning. Wednesday will still be cold the wind chills as you are waking up will be 5-10 degrees and high temperatures will only climb to the upper 20s to low 30s.
The southward trend that we have seen with models today shows that we could only see snow. Any shift northward would cause us to see sleet and freezing rain and any shift more to the south inland areas could see less snowfall.
Looking at model data for snowfall accumulation the GFS is still pushing everything to the south and the Graf and Euro suggest the steady snow overnight. Our weather team has stated overall that we are looking like about an inch of snow now through tomorrow is when you will want to stick with us as we continue to iron everything out.
THURSDAY
We are continuing to keep an eye on what could follow after this winter storm. New data continues to suggest the chance for rain through the day on Thursday where a freezing rain could be seen early.
Now we are still a couple of days out and can see plenty of changes with this, so stay with us through the week as we continue to iron out the potential for any freezing rain.
This can cause major issues as we are already going to be dealing with snow impacts, and travel issues can become a real concern throughout the morning and throughout the day.
Thursday’s high temperatures will sit in the mid-30s.
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