Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of accidental injuries. For the most part, these collisions are preventable. Most accidents happen because of negligence, and, in some cases, negligence by multiple parties. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) published comprehensive data on motor vehicle accident causation. In this article, our Summerville car accident attorney provides an overview of the most common causes of car accidents in South Carolina.
An Overview of the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in South Carolina
1. Speeding
Speeding is dangerous. It is cited as a factor in nearly one in three car accidents reported statewide in South Carolina. The key issue is that speeding reduces the time a driver has to react to changing road conditions. Beyond that, it increases the severity of crashes by amplifying the force of impact. Speeding—or otherwise driving too fast for road conditions—is negligence.
2. Failure to Yield
The second leading cause of car accidents, according to the SCDPS, is failure to yield. Failing to yield the right-of-way is a common cause of intersection collisions. Drivers may misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic or ignore traffic signs. These wrecks often occur during lane merges, left turns, or while entering roadways from side streets. Notably, failure to yield the right of way is our state’s top cause of pedestrian accidents.
3. Improper Lane Change
All motorists in South Carolina need to take proper care when changing lanes. Improper lane changes occur when drivers switch lanes without signaling or checking blind spots. These sudden maneuvers can surprise other drivers and have the potential to cause serious side-swipe crashes or rear-end collisions. Safe lane changes must be a priority. A driver who makes an unsafe lane change may be legally liable for the resulting crash.
4. Following Too Closely
Tailgating reduces the time to react if the vehicle ahead slows or stops suddenly. Drivers who follow too closely often cause rear-end collisions. Maintaining a safe following distance allows for better visibility and reaction time. Notably, rear-end collisions are the most common type of multi-vehicle crash in South Carolina. An experienced South Carolina auto accident attorney can help if you were rear-ended by another vehicle.
5. Traffic Signal Violations
Traffic violations can cause terrible crashes. Running red lights or ignoring stop signs creates significant crash risks at intersections. These violations often result from impatience, distraction, or misjudgment of timing. Crashes caused by signal violations can lead to serious injuries due to the force of a high-speed impact. A driver can be held liable for a crash caused by a traffic violation.
6. Distracted Driving
Distractions—such as texting and driving—divert attention from the road. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in a crash. Visual, manual, and cognitive distractions all impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Notably, there is a wide belief among public safety officials that distracted driving is actually underreported. It may cause even more car accidents in South Carolina than the official data indicates.
7 .Intoxicated Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Impaired drivers pose a danger to themselves and others on the road. Drunk driving and drugged driving are criminal violations. At the same time, a DUI accident victim in South Carolina has the right to bring a civil legal claim for compensation.
8. Vehicle Defects
Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering issues can lead to loss of control. Regular maintenance and timely repairs help prevent crashes caused by vehicle defects. In some cases, defects stem from manufacturing or design flaws rather than poor upkeep. A safe vehicle is a key part of reducing crash risks. Notably, a driver in South Carolina is negligent if they knowingly or recklessly operate a non-roadworthy vehicle.
9. Roadway Hazards
There are also some crashes that are caused by roadway hazards. Hazards like potholes, debris, or poor signage can disrupt safe driving. These conditions may cause drivers to swerve or lose control. Weather-related hazards, such as standing water or ice, also contribute to crash risk. A government entity or private roadway maintenance crew may be responsible for a crash.
South Carolina is a Fault-Based Motor Vehicle Accident State
The cause of a car accident matters. It has big implications for your legal claim. South Carolina is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. The driver—or other party—who is determined to be at fault for causing a car accident is legally responsible for the resulting damage. Every crash in South Carolina should be carefully investigated to determine exactly what happened.
Notably, a modified comparative negligence standard applies to motor vehicle accident cases in South Carolina. You can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for your own crash, so long as your degree of blame does not exceed 50 percent. If you are partially responsible, your recovery will be reduced proportionately to your assigned fault.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation After a Crash in South Carolina
No matter how your crash happened, it is crucial that you are able to secure the maximum financial support. In South Carolina, car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages. Insurance companies fight hard to pay out as little as possible. Do not rely on any insurance company to look out for your best interests. Our South Carolina car accident lawyer can help you seek financial compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Medical expenses;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental anguish;
- Long-term disability;
- Loss of quality of life; and
- Wrongful death damages.
Why Trust Our South Carolina Auto Accident Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a crash is not easy. Regardless of how a collision happened, you may have a lot of questions about your rights and options. At the West Law Firm, we put injured victims first. Our team is prepared to thoroughly investigate your crash to determine the cause, with a focus on ensuring that you have access to all of the evidence that you need to establish liability and recover compensation. Our case results show what we have done for people and families. An initial consultation with our South Carolina car accident lawyer is free and confidential.
Set Up a Free Case Review With Our Summerville Auto Accident Lawyer Today
At the West Law Firm, our Summerville auto accident attorney has the professional experience that you can rely on when it matters most. If you have any questions about the common causes of crashes, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us online for a free, fully confidential initial consultation.