What to Know About F. Craig Wilkerson Jr. and Personal Injury Law in South Carolina

Who F. Craig Wilkerson Jr. Is and What He Does

F. Craig Wilkerson Jr. is a personal injury attorney licensed to practice in South Carolina. He represents clients in cases involving injuries caused by someone else's negligence—car accidents, workplace injuries, slip-and-fall incidents, and similar claims where you may be may have access to to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Wilkerson operates as a solo practitioner, meaning you work directly with him rather than through a larger firm. This structure often means more direct access to your attorney and decisions made by the person handling your case rather than being passed between associates.

Key Takeaways

• F. Craig Wilkerson Jr. is a South Carolina personal injury attorney who handles negligence cases including vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and premises liability claims.
• As a solo practitioner, clients typically work directly with Wilkerson on their cases rather than with multiple attorneys or paralegals.
• Personal injury cases often involve negotiating with insurance companies, and an attorney can handle communication and settlement discussions on your behalf.
• Before hiring any personal injury attorney, you should understand how they charge (contingency fees are common, meaning they take a percentage only if you win), what their experience is in cases like yours, and how they will keep you informed.

How Personal Injury Cases Work in South Carolina

When you are injured due to someone else's negligence, South Carolina law allows you to seek compensation through a civil claim. The person or business responsible (the defendant) is typically insured, and their insurance company handles the defense. Your attorney's role is to gather evidence, document your injuries and losses, and negotiate with that insurance company or represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.

South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule, which means if you are found partially at fault for your injury, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $10,000 but found 20 percent at fault, you receive $8,000. This is why the facts and evidence matter significantly in how your case is valued.

Most personal injury cases settle before trial. Your attorney will typically send a demand letter to the insurance company, negotiate back and forth, and either reach a settlement agreement or prepare for court. The entire process can take months to over a year depending on the complexity of your injuries and the willingness of both sides to negotiate.

What to Expect When Working With a Personal Injury Attorney

The first step is usually a consultation where you describe what happened, your injuries, and any medical treatment you have received. The attorney will ask about your lost income, property damage, and ongoing medical needs. This conversation helps both you and the attorney decide whether your case is worth pursuing.

If you decide to work together, the attorney will typically sign a contingency fee agreement. This means the attorney's fee comes from your settlement or court award—usually a percentage (commonly 33 percent, though this varies). You do not pay upfront. However, you may be responsible for costs like medical record requests, expert witness fees, or court filing fees, depending on your agreement.

Throughout the case, your attorney will request your medical records, communicate with your doctors about your prognosis, and gather police reports or witness statements. They will keep you informed about settlement offers and advise you on whether to accept or reject them. You always have the final say on whether to settle.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Attorney

Before you commit to working with F. Craig Wilkerson Jr. or any personal injury attorney, it is worth asking a few direct questions. Ask about his experience with cases similar to yours—how many he has handled, what the typical outcomes were, and how long they took. Ask exactly how he charges and what costs you might owe beyond his fee. Ask how often he will update you and whether you can reach him directly or through an office staff member.

You should also ask whether he handles your type of case regularly or whether he would refer you to someone else. An attorney who is honest about the limits of his practice is more trustworthy than one who takes every case that walks through the door. Ask for references from past clients if possible, or check online reviews from South Carolina legal directories.

How Insurance Companies Evaluate Personal Injury Claims

Insurance adjusters use a formula to value claims: they look at your medical expenses, multiply them by a factor (often 1.5 to 5 times, depending on severity), add lost wages, and consider pain and suffering. However, this is just their starting point. If your case is strong—clear liability, documented injuries, credible witnesses—an attorney can negotiate for more. If liability is unclear or your injuries are minor, the offer may be lower.

Insurance companies count on injured people settling quickly for less than their claim is worth. An attorney's job is to push back on low offers and make sure the company takes your case seriously. They also know which adjusters are reasonable negotiators and which ones need the threat of a lawsuit to move.

When You Might Need a Personal Injury Attorney

You do not need an attorney for every minor injury. If you were in a fender-bender with no injuries and minimal property damage, handling it directly with the insurance company is often fine. But if you have significant medical bills, ongoing treatment, lost income, or any uncertainty about who was at fault, an attorney can protect your interests.

You should definitely consult an attorney if the insurance company denies your claim, offers far less than your expenses, or if the other party was uninsured or underinsured. You should also reach out if you are unsure whether you have a case—most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations, so there is no cost to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact F. Craig Wilkerson Jr. to discuss my case?

You can reach out through his office to request a consultation. Most personal injury attorneys offer a free initial meeting to discuss your situation and whether they can help. Have details about your injury, when it happened, and any medical treatment ready when you call.

What if I cannot afford to pay an attorney upfront?

Personal injury attorneys typically work on contingency, meaning they take their fee only if you win your case or reach a settlement. This structure exists because it allows people without money to pursue claims they otherwise could not afford. Ask about the specific percentage and what costs you might owe separately.

How long does a personal injury case usually take?

Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle in a few months. More complex cases with serious injuries, disputed fault, or uncooperative insurance companies can take a year or longer. Your attorney can give you a better estimate once they review the details of your specific situation.

What if the insurance company's offer seems low?

Your attorney will advise you on whether the offer reflects the true value of your claim. If it is too low, they can send a counter-demand and negotiate further. You are never required to accept an offer—your attorney works for you and will only recommend settlement if you agree it is fair.

Can I still hire an attorney if I have already been dealing with the insurance company on my own?

Yes. You can hire an attorney at any point in the process, even after you have been communicating with the insurance company. However, be careful not to sign any settlement agreement or release before consulting an attorney, as these documents often waive your right to pursue further claims.