S.C. Code Ann. § 57-3-630

The department may bring suits in its name, whenever a cause of action shall accrue to the State by reason of the injury, damage, destruction, or obstruction of any road in the state highway system, any bridge, culvert, ditch, causeway, embankment, wharf, tollgate, tollhouse, or other facility or any equipment, apparatus, or property, real or personal, belonging to the state highway system. Suits for the recovery of appropriate damages, and other proceedings incident thereto, shall be instituted in any court of competent jurisdiction, for and in behalf of the State in the name of the department as plaintiff. Complaints and other pleadings requiring verification may be verified by the director or any other person duly authorized by him.