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Can Ruin A Life, But…

What Happens to Your Body in a 40 Mph Car Crash?

Solomon Law Group, LLC

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This article was last updated: Feb. 2nd, 2023

When we hear about dangerous car accidents, we likely associate them with highways and high speeds. But you don’t need to be traveling at high speeds to sustain serious or potentially fatal injuries. These accidents could happen when you’re in an accident going at 40 mph.

While it can be difficult to imagine that an accident at that speed would look like, you can look at possible statistics that can help the damage of that car crash, including how the human body is affected. Let’s take a look at what happens to your body in a 40mph car crash.

Examining the Damage of a 40 Mph Car Crash

A tool that can help show just how devastating a car crash at this speed can be is a car crash calculator. This takes into account a person’s weight and whether or not they were wearing a seat belt. At 40 mph, a 185 lb. person wearing a seat belt will face an average impact force of 67,080 N, or newtons.

While you may not know what that force would be like in newtons, the table also puts this in terms of what that would feel like in lbs. If you were hit with the force of 67,080 N, it feels like getting hit with a mass of 15,075 lbs. It’s likely that this accident would case severe injuries or fatalities.

This is also taking into account that the person was wearing a seat belt. The impact force increases drastically when the vehicle occupant isn’t wearing a seat belt. Let’s reexamine the numbers for a 185 lb. person in a 40mph crash if they weren’t buckled in:

  • The average impact force is 335,398 N.
  • This would feel like getting hit with a mass of 75,375 lbs.

The human femur can break when it’s hit with the force of 4,000 N. A 40mph car accident far exceeds that amount, which is why they can be so deadly.

This calculator also only takes into account the seat belt, weight, and speed of the crash. It’s important to know what other factors can increase the likelihood of a car accident resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.

What Factors Can Affect the Severity of a Car Accident?

While the speed and whether or not you’re wearing a seat belt both greatly affect how a car accident can affect you, there are some other factors to be aware of:

  • Vehicle Occupant’s Position. When a person is sitting in their seat, they’re positioned so the seat belt and airbag can help reduce the impact they sustain. However, if the person is turned around or twisted in some way, those tools may not be able to work as well, and they could sustain more severe injuries.
  • Type of Collision. The type of car accident can have a major part in determining the type of injuries that one sustains. For example, a head-on collision puts the impact at the front of the car near the driver, making it one of the deadliest forms of car collisions. T-bones, or broadside collisions, can be particularly dangerous for passengers when the driver strikes the door next to them.

There are many factors in play that can explain the severity of car accident injuries. However, one common factor of car accidents is their cause: negligence. A person’s decision to not use their signal, put on a seat belt, or to be on their phone while driving can all result in a tragedy. That’s where our law firm can help.

Have You Been Harmed in an Auto Collision?

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, you can look into your legal options. You may have grounds to seek compensation that will provide you with the security you need to cover your medical costs, days of lost pay from missing work, and additional losses that you’ve suffered.

A car accident lawyer from Columbia can stand up for your rights and fight for you to get full and fair compensation. In some cases, you may be offered a settlement from an insurance company that undervalues your injuries and damages. Your lawyer won’t let you settle for less. We’ll help protect your rights and will advocate for your future.

The Solomon Law Group is here for you. To get started on your claim, give our office a call for a free case evaluation. We’ll discuss your case, your options, and how we can help you move forward.

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This article was last updated: Feb. 1st, 2023

The most recent research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that road debris is a factor in nearly 10,000 car accident injuries each year in the United States. To better understand why road debris is a danger to motorists on roads and highways, we’ll look first at what can be considered road debris, and then examine who is liable if flying debris hits your car.

If you have further questions, get in touch with a car accident attorney with experience in complicated motor vehicle accident cases. Our auto collision attorneys at The Solomon Law Group are available to answer questions in the Columbia, South Carolina area.

What Are Flying Debris?

According to vehicle crash statistics published by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, within one year in our state nearly 400 accidents were caused by debris in the road. “Swerving to avoid an object” was cited as the cause leading to hundreds of injuries in collisions. Another statistic showed that “other movable object”—an object other than a vehicle, animal, pedestrian, train, maintenance equipment, or roadway fixture—was a factor in nearly 800 collisions.

What kind of objects are included in the term “debris” when discussing road accidents? Debris can be defined as any hazard that is not supposed to be in the roadway. Flying debris is especially dangerous. Drivers most often face flying debris when an object is picked up and thrown by the tires of another car, or when objects are not properly secured on a moving vehicle and fly off in the roadway. Drivers do not expect these objects to appear—and collisions, vehicle damage, and personal injury can result. The following objects are ones frequently seen as road debris:

  • Fallen rocks or stones thrown by tires
  • Pieces of blown tires
  • Unsecured objects that fly out of a truck bed (appliances, equipment, furniture)
  • Tree limbs and other plant debris
  • Garbage or litter
  • Broken guardrails
  • Oil or other liquid spills
  • Wreckage from another vehicle crash
  • Animals, often deer, killed by motor vehicles
  • A trailer being towed by another vehicle that unhitched
  • Broken auto parts fallen from a damaged vehicle

National road debris accident statistics indicate that about two-thirds of debris-related crashes are caused by items falling off vehicles—either broken parts falling from improperly maintained vehicles, or unsecured loads falling from trucks. This type of road debris is especially dangerous because it appears suddenly while the vehicle is moving. This often leaves other drivers little or no time to react to avoid a collision.

How to Determine Who Is Liable in an Accident Involving Debris

The type of object involved in the crash is a major factor in determining who is liable if flying debris hit your car and caused damage. For example, a tree limb that naturally fell into the road and an unsecured sofa that flew off another driver’s truck are two different types of objects when considering liability.

After a road debris crash, drivers are right to ask: does insurance cover hitting debris? Contact your insurance company representative, as it will depend on your policy. In many cases, your collision coverage should cover unavoidable road debris collisions on the highway or road. Be sure to speak with your car accident attorney if there are any complications as you file your insurance claim. One of the jobs of a car accident lawyer is to make sure that auto insurance companies don’t try to take advantage of policy-holders by compensating them less than they deserve.

But what if the debris was the result of another driver’s negligence? Who is responsible for damage caused by road debris that shouldn’t be there? If another driver was responsible for the flying debris, and that debris was the cause of your vehicle damage and injury, it may be best to take legal action.

For example, if someone fails to properly secure a sofa in the back of their pick-up truck and it flies off and hits your car, that driver is likely liable for the accident. You and your lawyer will need to work together to gather evidence proving the at-fault driver’s negligence. Because one of the biggest problems leading to flying debris accidents is a failure to secure large objects, holding negligent parties accountable can help deter future instances of this dangerous behavior.

There are other situations in which roadway defects, defective car parts, or poorly maintained roads may have been the source of the road debris that caused an accident or damage to your vehicle. It’s possible that a negligent auto parts manufacturer was at fault, or that The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) was negligent in its duty to keep roads safe for South Carolina drivers. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to work with you to determine who was liable and should be held accountable in these specific scenarios.

Why Is Debris on the Road Dangerous to Motorists?

As we have discussed, there are many dangers associated with debris on the highway or road. Too many preventable injuries and deaths have resulted from highway debris-caused accidents.

When debris flies off a vehicle or lands in the roadways, it can cause:

  • External damage to vehicles, like broken windshields, cracked windows, dents, and popped tires
  • Internal vehicle damage leading to stalling or breaking down
  • One-vehicle collisions when a car swerves into a guardrail, tree, building, or another object
  • Two or multi-vehicle accidents when a car attempts to avoid debris
  • Rear-end collisions when a car brakes suddenly
  • Injuries resulting from deployed airbags
  • Injuries from collisions with other vehicles, including head, neck, spine, brain, and nerve trauma
  • Traumatic injuries and fatalities when a heavy object enters through the windshield
  • Lacerations and other injuries when a sharp objects cuts through the vehicle
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) when motorcyclists are not wearing helmets

By taking simple preventative measures, you can help decrease the risk of road debris crashes.

Recommendations to Avoid Debris-Caused Crashes

The AAA makes road safety recommendations to help motorists avoid causing or being involved in a road debris crash. Those operating a motor vehicle can help lower the odds of a road debris accident by maintaining their vehicles and always securing loads and trailers properly. When maintaining your vehicle, keep in mind that:

  • Underinflated, overinflated, and worn tires can blow out and cause a flying debris accident
  • Rusted hardware can fall off and hit another vehicle
  • Loose parts, fenders, and dragging mufflers are a serious road hazard
  • Keeping up with regular car maintenance is an important step in car safety

Additionally, if you are moving or towing objects, make sure every item is properly secured. There should be no risk of an object flying off or out of your moving vehicle. If you are moving or towing furniture, appliances, ladders, equipment, trees, lumber, building supplies, or other heavy objects, all items should be tightly secured before you begin driving, even short distances. The AAA advises that to properly secure a load, drivers should:

  • First tie the load down tightly using rope, netting, cords, or straps
  • Use a tarp or netting to cover the entire load
  • Tie large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer
  • Be careful not to overload the vehicle
  • Double and triple check trailer hitches
  • Try to evenly distribute weight
  • Do a quick test by pulling and pushing on pieces of the load to make sure nothing is loose
  • Always double check the load to make sure it is secure before driving

If you see that another car on the highway around you is carrying a potentially-dangerous load, stay as far away as you can. Other drivers sharing the road with vehicles towing or carrying large loads should practice extra caution. In all cases, avoid tailgating (following too closely). Repeatedly sweep the road with your eyes to watch for falling or flying debris. It’s recommended that you continue to visually search at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of you on the road for debris.

If you do see that there is danger of hitting or being bit by a piece of debris, try not to give in to the urge to brake suddenly of swerve abruptly. As we have discussed, this can lead to accidents with other vehicles. Instead, as safely as possible, reduce your speed as much as you can before making contact, and steer out of the object’s path if you are sure that it is safe to do so.

What to Do After Your Car Is Hit by Flying Debris

If you are seeking legal advice following a debris-caused accident, we encourage you to reach out to our legal team with questions. While every motor vehicle crash is a unique situation, some car accidents are more complicated than others when it comes to determining who is liable. When an auto collision is caused by flying debris, it’s not always easy to immediately know which party is at fault. Having a lawyer on your side after a car accident can be a great help.

A car accident lawyer’s job is to make sure that you receive the compensation you need to recover after an accident. We also work hard to make our roads safer for everyone. When a party is negligent and creates a situation of harm for other drivers, they should be held accountable. Through conscientious legal action, our team at The Solomon Group fights for improved road safety for all drivers in South Carolina. Contact our office to schedule a free discussion about how we can help you.

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If you’ve been injured at work, you may be wondering what you can do to improve your chances of a successful workers’ compensation claim. Here are some tips:

  1. Get medical attention right away. This is important for both your health and your claim. Be sure to tell your doctor that the injury occurred at work.
  2. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. This will ensure that your employer is aware of the incident and can take appropriate action.
  3. Gather evidence. If possible, take photos of the accident scene and get the names and contact information of any witnesses. This will help support your claim.
  4. Keep detailed records. Be sure to keep track of all medical appointments, expenses, and missed work days. This will help you document the impact of the injury on your life.
  5. Work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and ensure that you get the benefits you deserve.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be in a better position to win your workers’ compensation claim.

Can I See My Own Doctor While on Workers’ Compensation?

Typically, injured workers are able to see their own doctor while on workers’ compensation. In most cases, you will need to get prior approval from the workers’ compensation insurance company before seeing your own doctor. Once you have been seen by your own doctor, he or she will need to provide a report to the insurance company detailing your injuries and treatment plan.

In some cases, the workers’ compensation insurance company may require that you be seen by one of their approved doctors. If this is the case, you will be notified in writing and given a list of approved doctors. You will then need to choose one of the approved doctors and make an appointment.

It is important to keep in mind that even if you are seeing your own doctor, the workers’ compensation insurance company may still require that you be seen by one of their approved doctors for a second opinion.

What Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Do to Help?

A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you if you’ve been injured on the job. They can review your case and help you determine whether or not you have a valid claim. If you do, they can help you file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. They can also help you appeal a denial of benefits from the Workers’ Compensation Board.

In some cases, a workers’ comp lawyer may be able to get you a lump sum settlement for your injuries. This can be helpful if you’re unable to return to work or if you have permanent injuries.

If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t try to deal with the workers’ compensation system alone. Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer can give you peace of mind and ensure that you get the benefits you deserve.

Is Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Worth It?

If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be wondering if hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is worth it. After all, you’re already dealing with the stress of an injury, and the last thing you need is more legal complications.

However, there are some very good reasons to consider hiring a workers’ comp lawyer, including a workers’ compensation lawyer’s understanding of the law and how to ensure you get the benefits you deserve.

Contact our law firm today at 803-391-3120 to book a consultation with our team and get the legal advice and representation you need.

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Filing for workers’ compensation can seem like a daunting task, but we’re here to help. Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. In South Carolina, the Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) oversees the workers’ compensation program.

If you are a state employee and you have been injured or have become ill due to your job, you should notify your supervisor immediately. Your supervisor will then complete an Employee’s Report of Injury form and submit it to WCC. You will also need to complete a Claim for Compensation form and submit it to WCC within 30 days of the injury or illness.

You may also need to see a doctor designated by WCC. If you receive medical treatment from your own doctor, you will need to submit a Medical Provider Network (MPN) Authorization form to WCC.

Once WCC has received all the necessary forms, they will review your claim and make a determination. If your claim is approved, you will begin receiving benefits. These benefits may include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.

If you have any questions about filing for workers’ compensation, we can help answer them and give you the representation you need.

What Should I Expect at a Workers’ Comp Hearing in South Carolina?

If your claim is approved, you may be scheduled for a hearing. This hearing is held in front of a single commissioner, who will decide whether or not you’re eligible for benefits. Here’s what you can expect at a workers’ comp hearing in South Carolina:

The Claim Process

Before the hearing, you’ll need to submit all of the necessary paperwork to the WCC. This includes your workers’ compensation claim form, medical records, and wage statements. Your employer will also need to submit their side of the story, which may include information about your job duties and the accident that caused your injuries.

Once all of the paperwork has been submitted, a hearing date will be scheduled. You’ll receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location of the hearing. It’s important that you attend this hearing, as it’s your only opportunity to present your case.

The Hearing

At the hearing, you’ll have the chance to testify about your injuries and how they’ve affected your ability to work. You’ll also be able to present witnesses, such as your doctor or employer, who can attest to the severity of your injuries. The commissioner will then ask questions about your case.

After both sides have presented their case, the commissioner will make a decision. If they find that you’re eligible for benefits, they’ll issue an order that outlines the amount and duration of your benefits. If they find that you’re not eligible for benefits, they’ll issue a denial order.

Appealing the Decision

If you don’t agree with the commissioner’s decision, you have the right to appeal. You must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision. The appeal will be heard by a panel of three commissioners, who will review the case and issue a new decision.

How Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Make My Life Easier?

As someone who has been injured on the job, you may be wondering if hiring a workers’ comp lawyer is worth it. After all, you’re already dealing with a lot – from doctor’s appointments and physical therapy to being out of work and worrying about how you’ll pay your bills. The good news is that a workers’ comp lawyer can take a lot of the stress and anxiety off of your plate by advocating for you and taking care of the detailed work that goes into filing a claim.

Is Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Right for Me?

Hiring a workers’ comp lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your workers’ compensation case. Our esteemed law firm is here to help. Contact our law firm today at 803-391-3120 to book a consultation with our team and get the legal advice and representation you need.

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If you have been injured at work, you may be wondering when you should file for workers’ compensation. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the severity of your injury.

In general, you should file for workers’ compensation as soon as possible after sustaining an injury. This will help ensure that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled. If you wait too long to file, your claim may be denied.

The severity of your injury is also a factor to consider when deciding when to file for workers’ compensation. If your injury is minor, you may not need to file a claim. However, if your injury is more severe, you will want to file a claim as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the benefits you need.

If you are unsure whether or not you should file for workers’ compensation, you can always consult with an attorney who deals in this area of law. We will be able to help you determine whether or not you have a valid claim and how to proceed.

How Long Does a Workers’ Comp Claim Take in SC?

When an employee is injured on the job in South Carolina, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover medical expenses and lost wages while the employee is unable to work. But how long does a workers’ comp claim take in SC?

The amount of time it takes to process a workers’ compensation claim in South Carolina depends on the severity of the injury and the amount of time it takes the employee to recover. In some cases, claims may be processed quickly, and benefits may be paid out within a few weeks. In other cases, claims may take several months or even years to resolve.

If you have been injured on the job in South Carolina, it is important to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of getting the benefits you need and deserve.

How Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Help Me?

A workers’ comp lawyer can be a big help to injured employees. If you’ve been hurt at work, a lawyer can help you get the benefits you’re entitled to under your state’s workers’ compensation laws.

A workers’ compensation lawyer will:

  • Listen to your story and give you an honest assessment of your case
  • Explain the workers’ compensation process and what to expect
  • Gather evidence to support your claim, including witness statements and medical records
  • File paperwork with the workers’ compensation office
  • Represent you at hearings or mediations

Is Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Worth It?

Hiring a workers’ comp lawyer may be worth it, depending on the severity of your injuries, how much time you’ve missed from work, and whether your employer is contesting your claim.

Our law firm has represented many injured workers, and we’ve helped them get the benefits they’re entitled to under the law. We’ve also seen firsthand how hiring a lawyer can make a difference in the outcome of a claim. Contact our law firm today at 803-391-3120 to book a consultation with our team and get the legal advice and representation you need.

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If you’ve been injured at work, the last thing you want to deal with is complex paperwork and red tape. You may be wondering if you even qualify for workers’ compensation in South Carolina. The good news is that, in most cases, you probably do.

The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and replacement income if you are unable to work. In some cases, it can also provide death benefits to surviving family members.

Keep reading to learn five important facts about workers’ compensation in South Carolina:

You Are Probably Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina

In South Carolina, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This means that, in most cases, you will be covered by workers’ compensation if you are injured at work. There are a few exceptions, however. For example, some small businesses and certain types of employees (such as independent contractors) are not required to have workers’ compensation insurance.

You Must Report Your Injury Within 90 Days

If you are injured at work, you must report your injury to your employer within 90 days. If you fail to do so, you may forfeit your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

You Have a Limited Time to File a Claim

After you report your injury, you have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you do not file within this time frame, you will likely be unable to recover any benefits.

You May Be Able to Choose Your Own Doctor

In South Carolina, you are typically able to choose your own doctor for workers’ compensation purposes. However, your employer may require you to see a specific doctor for the first 30 days after your injury.

You May Be Entitled to More Than Just Medical Benefits

Workers’ compensation in South Carolina can provide more than just medical benefits. You may also be entitled to replacement income if you are unable to work and death benefits if you pass away as a result of your injuries.

These are just a few of the most important facts you should know about workers’ compensation in South Carolina. If you have been injured at work, it is important to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.

Contact our law firm today at 803-391-3120 to book a consultation with our team and get the legal advice and representation you need.