A recent local news report highlighted that pedestrian-involved accidents, as well as all highway deaths, are up this year. Drivers have a lot to pay attention to; even if we assume people are driving safely and not utilizing cellular phones or other electronic devices while driving, there are plenty of other distractions that can cause a driver to take his eyes off the road. Billboards, signs, other drivers, sirens, loud music, food consumption, spilled coffee . . . the list seems limitless. Being cognizant of pedestrians while you are a driver is equally important to being aware of your surroundings when you are a pedestrian, and these tips may help you avoid an accident in the future.

All of us require specialized experience in our occupations, whether we are teachers, parents, police officers, or stockbrokers. Medical doctors require a certain level of expertise since people entrust their lives with physicians on a daily basis. Given their training and experience, it is not wrong for us, as patients, to trust our doctors. However, even a careful, diligent doctor may prescribe something to a patient that leads to an adverse, even deadly, reaction. The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for monitoring adverse reactions and issuing a drug recall when necessary. Apart from that, there are “safe” drugs on the market that have serious impairment or death as listed side effects, and these require monitoring from physicians alone.

Wrongful death liability falls under the laws of personal injury. Personal injury lawsuits seek redress for injury caused by the negligence of another. Wrongful death cases, similarly, seek redress for death caused by the negligence of another. Both areas of the law are governed under similar principles and understanding your rights if you or anyone you know has been injured or killed due to the negligence, carelessness, or reckless of another is paramount in seeking compensation for loss.

The sheer weight, size, and speed of large vehicles make the outcomes of accidents more catastrophic and predictable. Combine these factors with driver error, distractions, and the possibility of mechanical problems, and driving these vehicles becomes even more life-threatening. An early March accident in North Carolina reminded us of the dangers of large vehicles when a train/truck accident injured several dozen. In our own state, a truck’s cargo emptied on the freeway creating danger to traveling motorists. These recent accidents serve as a reminder to be careful on the roadways and to understand our rights and responsibilities when traveling.

Insurance is something that we all (hopefully) have, but seldom use or understand. Drivers with registered vehicles in the state of South Carolina are required to carry auto insurance. South Carolina requires three categories of coverage. The first two, bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance, are both required by law in most states. The third category of insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, is seldom required by law. South Carolina is one of few states with this requirement, although it can and will protect you in the event you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

If you have been injured in an accident or injury, you know how frustrating it is mentally, physically, and financially to recover. Trying to move forward as the medical bills pile up while you continue to miss work can be devastating. Luckily, there are options for individuals that find themselves in this all-too-common situation.

Two common means of seeking financial recourse during the period following an accident or injury that leaves you unable to work are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Workers’ Compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you may be lawfully entitled to one or both forms of payment, allowing you to receive up to 80% of your paycheck that you were making before your injury.