Car accidents can happen at any time in The Palmetto State. According to the 2022 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, one traffic collision occurs every 3.7 minutes on our state’s roads. Have you or a loved one been affected? You have options.
Being involved in a car accident can be traumatic and overwhelming. Often, victims are left with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. However, the following steps can be just as challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and potential personal injury claims. You need an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer on your side.
At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we are ready to assist you with your claim. Reach out to us today to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our skilled and experienced attorneys.
Where Motor Vehicle Collisions Occur in Charleston
South Carolina can be a dangerous state for drivers, with Charleston being a location with many crashes. Some of the most hazardous stretches of road throughout our city and in surrounding areas include:
- Rivers Avenue from Remount Road
- Jacksonville Road and Highway 17
- Bonanza Road to Orleans Road
Injuries These Car Crashes Cause
In 2022, South Carolina recorded around 143,426 accidents, with about 1,018 resulting in fatalities and 2,130 serious injuries, per the same 2022 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book cited above. On a state level, around 22 deadly accidents involved speeding, while drunk driving was responsible for 273 of these crashes.
While some victims can walk away with only minor bumps and bruises from these Charleston car crashes, others will suffer debilitating injuries that may last for a lifetime. No matter the type of collision, many accident victims can often suffer the following:
- Concussions are caused by the brain hitting the skull, resulting in headaches, dizziness, and cognitive issues.
- Traumatic brain injuries lead to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and emotional changes.
- Whiplash happens when the neck is jerked back-and-forth suddenly, leaving victims with pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion.
- Spinal cord injuries often end in damage to the neural pathway that extends through the neck and back, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal organ damage occurs when a particular area of the body, such as the liver, lungs, spleen, or kidneys, sustains significant crash force, damaging them.
- Fractures and broken bones may result in the arms, legs, face, collarbone, ribs, and other body parts.
- Amputations may be necessary if compression injuries occur in serious car collisions.
- Sprains and strains affect ligaments and muscles due to the sudden force of impact, causing pain and limited mobility.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often leads to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Every one of these injuries can have long-lasting effects. Many times, they require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and, in some cases, lifelong care. If you have been seriously injured in a car crash in Charleston, contact The Solomon Law Group, LLC today.
Reckless Behaviors That Lead to These Charleston Auto Collisions
Every driver owes others a duty of care when on the road. With that, they need to act in a safe manner that doesn’t put anyone else’s life at risk. When they fail to adhere to those duties, they could be liable for any injuries, damages, and losses victims suffer.
Reckless behavior on the road often leads to severe injuries and fatalities. Some of the most common types of reckless driving that causes crashes include:
- Speeding: This can reduce the driver’s ability to react to obstacles, increase stopping distance, and magnify the impact force in a crash.
- Tailgating: This behavior reduces the time a driver has to react if the car in front of them suddenly stops or slows down, leading to rear-end collisions.
- Running red lights and stop signs: Ignoring traffic signals can result in T-bone collisions, which are not only highly dangerous but also often fatal.
- Distracted driving: This activity takes the driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving.
- Aggressive driving: This type of driving increases the likelihood of dangerous maneuvers, such as losing control of the vehicle.
- Drunk driving: Impaired driving affects reaction times, coordination, and judgment on the road.
- Drowsy driving: Like impaired drivers, these individuals may fall asleep at the wheel, have slower reaction times, or make poor decisions.
- Improper lane changes: These actions can lead to sideswipes or other types of accidents.
Sorting Our Liability for South Carolina Car Wrecks
Accidents caused by reckless drivers are preventable. When they result in serious injuries or loss of life, victims and their families have the right to hold those motorists who struck them accountable.
However, other drivers are not the only parties that can be held liable for damages. If the car was operated by one individual but owned by another, then that person can be liable. Many times, this can occur when an owner allows an inexperienced, reckless, or impaired person to drive their vehicle.
Then, some crashes are caused by poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or other infrastructure issues. A governmental entity may be liable for any damages in these cases.
Even manufacturers may share fault. Product liability law may come into the picture, especially if a car part, like tires or brakes, fails due to a manufacturing defect. In these cases, the manufacturer holds some responsibility. Sometimes, vehicles have been recently repaired and become involved in an accident. If the repair shop or technicians failed to address any issue properly, that liability could be placed on them.
Many times, car crashes are not straightforward. Often, they have several parties that could share some degree of fault. This is why we urge you to contact us whether you suspect that a dangerous driver’s actions are responsible for your crash or something else is. When you reach out to our Charleston car accident lawyers for a free initial consultation, you can expect us to share what rights South Carolina law affords you in your unique situation.
Why Reach Out to a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer?
Trying to recover damages after a car crash can be stressful and challenging, given how it’s your responsibility to identify the responsible parties and prove liability. This is where a Charleston car accident attorney is ready to assist you.
The attorney you get in touch with in our office will evaluate the specifics regarding your Charleston motor vehicle accident, determine the strength of your case, and identify the potential legal avenues available to you. Often, this includes assessing fault and reviewing evidence before advising on the best course of action.
Many of these cases don’t end in the courtroom but often start with negotiation with an insurance company. Keep in mind that insurers want to close claims filed with them by making minimize payouts. When you work with a car crash lawyer in Charleston, you can expect them to handle all communications with the insurance adjusters. Their goal is to negotiate a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other accident-related costs.
Establishing liability is often complicated, especially when there are multiple parties involved or there is a dispute regarding fault. A qualified attorney will analyze the evidence to prove who was at fault. However, they are also there to make sure you get any settlement you’re entitled to. Before you can do that, they will calculate the full extent of your damages, including non-economic losses like pain and suffering.
If you and an insurer cannot reach a fair settlement through negotiation, your lawyer will be prepared to litigate your case in a courtroom. It’s extremely beneficial to have an experienced litigator, like our lawyers, by your side to present your case to the judge and jury if your case goes to trial.
While you are recovering, the last thing on your mind should be struggling to meet deadlines. However, statutes of limitations exist that limit the amount of time you have to take legal action. Missing them often results in losing your right to compensation. Your Charleston car accident attorney will make sure that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
Finally, after a motor vehicle crash, the last thing you need is additional stress to deal with. By working with a car accident lawyer, you can let them handle your claim while you focus on your recovery. Their experience and dedication can give you peace of mind, and you can rest easily knowing that your case is in capable hands.
Trust the Legal Team at The Solomon Law Group, LLC
If you or a loved one has been in a vehicle wreck in Charleston, SC or neighboring communities, allow The Solomon Law Group, LLC to help you. With so much at stake, you don’t want to trust your case to just any law firm.
With a consultation with an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer, we can help assess the validity of your claim and aid you in taking those next steps. Whether you want to settle out of court or take the case to trial, our legal team will be there for you throughout the entire process.
Contact us to talk to one of our qualified attorneys. With a free initial consultation, we can help get the compensation you deserve and the peace of mind you need.
