South Carolina Auto Accident Attorneys
If you were injured in a car crash, the at-fault driver can be held liable for their actions by filing a personal injury claim against them. Our South Carolina auto accident attorneys at Simmons Law Firm can help you recover damages relating to your destroyed property, medical bills, pain and suffering, and much more.
The Tragic Truth About South Carolina Roadways
South Carolina had 1.73 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2019, which is the highest of any state according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is the technical way of saying that South Carolina has the most dangerous roads in the country. Factors that contribute to this unfortunate statistic include:
- Culture of distracted driving;
- Culture of road rage, aggressive, and impatient driving;
- High speed limits;
- Poor infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists;
- Large, multi-lane highways with short on and off ramps;
- Fast surface streets in-town;
- Large amount of heavy truck traffic; and
- Drunk drivers.
The Three Forms of Distracted Driving
There are three types of distracted driving: physical distraction, visual distraction, and cognitive distraction. Physical distraction includes doing anything that takes one’s hands off the wheel, such as dialing a contact in a phone. Visual distraction includes anything that takes the driver’s eyes from the road, such as looking at a GPS screen. Cognitive distraction includes anything that takes the driver’s attention from the road, such as talking on the phone. The problem with cell phones is that they involve all three types of distraction at the same time—physical, visual, and cognitive.
Distracted driving is possibly the most prevalent cause of collisions in South Carolina and throughout the country. According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance, South Carolina averages two crashes every hour that involve a distracted driver. And, this number is almost certainly low, as distracted driving is heavily under-reported in official accident reports. Distracted driving includes driving behaviors that are legal, such as talking on the phone, as well as illegal practices such as texting while driving. A few examples of distracted driving include the following:
- Texting or talking on the phone ;
- Using a phone to read, write, take pictures, use GPS, or use social media;
- Reaching for objects in the passenger seat or back seat;
- Eating and drinking;
- Staring out the window in a daydream;
- Talking to passengers;
- Making extended eye contact while talking to passengers; and
- Scolding children in the back seat.
Drunk Driving, Aggressive Driving, and Drowsy/Fatigued Driving
Drunk driving claims thousands of lives every year, while speeding and aggressive driving are factors in most auto collisions. Truck drivers and regular commuters alike engage in drowsy/fatigued driving on a regular basis. No matter the cause of the collision, an experienced attorney can get to the bottom of it and ensure that every measure is taken to secure full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Call a South Auto Accident Attorney Today
No one deserves to be injured in an auto accident, and no injured victim deserves to be stuck with the medical bills and other damages incurred from being in a wreck caused by a careless, drunk, or reckless driver. Our South Carolina auto accident attorneys at Simmons Law Firm are prepared to take on your case today and fight 24/7 for your best interests in the coming months. Contact us today at 803-779-4600 to schedule a free consultation.
