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South Carolina Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers
Our experienced attorneys explain why reckless drivers are so dangerous
Reckless driving accidents can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. If you or a loved one has been injured in a reckless driving accident, you are likely facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. You may also be dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident. The South Carolina reckless driving attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips LLC have the proficiency to prove a driver was reckless. Our lawyers and professionals work tirelessly to hold reckless drivers accountable for their complete disregard of people’s safety.
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How Can We Help?
- What is reckless driving?
- How can your lawyers help with my South Carolina reckless driving case?
- What should I do if I encounter a reckless driver in South Carolina?
- How do your lawyers prove my reckless driving accident case?
- What is the compensation for damages from a South Carolina reckless driving accident claim?
- Do you have a reckless driving attorney near me?
What is reckless driving?
Reckless driving, also known as aggressive driving, is a major cause of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bicycle and pedestrian accidents. The term refers to driving without regard to the safety of others. It is more than just being negligent. Reckless driving, as a lawyer at our firm understands, involves willful or wanton conduct. It is a deliberate failure to exercise due care. A driver does not have to violate South Carolina motor vehicle laws to be reckless. For example, a driver who knows he is sleepy but continues to drive instead of stopping somewhere he can rest, is reckless.
Some of the most common examples of reckless driving include:
- Driving at excessive speeds
- Swerving in and out of lanes
- Passing without looking
- Failing to obey traffic signals and traffic signs
- Tailgating – driving too closely
- Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle
- Road rage
- Driving on the wrong side of the road or the shoulder of the road
Reckless driving is also against the law.
How can your lawyers help with my South Carolina reckless driving case?
Reckless driving is worse than just being negligent. When it comes to proving fault, we must show that:
- Reckless driving is willful. People who make mistakes should be liable for the harm they cause. Still, it is understandable that people make mistakes. It is NOT understandable that people disregard the safety of others.
- Reckless driving is extremely dangerous. Reckless driving can result in catastrophic injuries and even death. Each attorney who works at our firm fights to get our clients payment for all their medical bills including future medical bills, lost and future wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other damages.
- The insurance companies are wrong about the severity of the accident. Insurance companies will try to convince a jury or a lawyer that the driver was just negligent or not at fault. Because we have been trying cases for over 20 years, we anticipate the tactics insurance companies like to use. We counter those tactics. We fight every step of the way towards a just and fair outcome.
Because of the seriousness of these accidents, an accident lawyer at our firm may request punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer – to make sure the driver does not drive recklessly ever again. Proof of reckless driving may also mitigate any contributory negligence on the part of the injured victim.
What should I do if I encounter a reckless driver in South Carolina?
If you encounter a reckless driver in South Carolina, the most important thing to do is to stay calm and drive safely. Here are some specific tips:
- Move out of the way. If possible, move to another lane or get off the road to avoid the reckless driver.
- Do not engage with the driver. Do not honk your horn, flash your lights, or make any gestures at the driver. This could make them even more reckless.
- Get the driver's license plate number. If possible, write down the driver's license plate number or take a picture of it. This information will be helpful if you need to report the driver to the police.
- Report the driver to the police. If you see a reckless driver, call the police immediately. The police will be able to investigate the incident and take appropriate action.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the drivers around you and be prepared for anything.
- Leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. This will give you more time to react if the driver in front of you stops suddenly.
- Avoid driving at night or in bad weather. These are times when roads are more likely to be congested or drivers are more likely to be impaired.
If you are involved in an accident with a reckless driver, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are injured. You should also contact the police to file an accident report.
How do your lawyers prove my reckless driving accident case?
To prove a reckless driving accident case, our lawyers will need to establish the following:
- The defendant was driving recklessly. This means that they were driving in a way that was likely to cause harm to others. Reckless driving can include behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights.
- The defendant's reckless driving caused the accident. This means that the accident would not have happened if the defendant had been driving safely.
- You suffered injuries and damages as a result of the accident. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Our lawyers will gather evidence to support each of these elements of your case. This evidence may include:
- Police reports and accident reports
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Medical records
- Lost wage documentation
Once we have gathered all the relevant evidence, we will build a strong case against the defendant and their insurance company. We will negotiate on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
If you have been injured in a reckless driving accident, we encourage you to contact McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips LLC for a free consultation. We will review your case and discuss your legal options. We will also answer any questions you may have about the legal process.
What is the compensation for damages from a South Carolina reckless driving accident claim?
Compensation for damages resulting from a reckless driving accident in South Carolina can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, property damage, and other specific circumstances of the case. If you've been injured in a reckless driving accident and you are pursuing a personal injury claim, the following types of compensation are available to you:
- Medical expenses. You may be entitled to compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident. This can include hospital bills, doctor's fees, prescription medication, rehabilitation costs, and future medical expenses if your injuries require ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages. If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for the income you lost during your recovery period. If your injuries result in long-term disability or an inability to return to your previous occupation, you may also be eligible for compensation for future lost earning capacity.
- Property damage. You can seek compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle or other property that was damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering. In South Carolina, you are also entitled to non-economic damages, such as compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and suffering caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Punitive damages. In cases of reckless driving, where the defendant's conduct was especially egregious, you may be able to pursue punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.
- Wrongful death damages. If the reckless driving accident resulted in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional pain and suffering caused by the loss.
It's essential to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney in South Carolina to assess the specific details of your case and determine the potential compensation to which you may be entitled.
Do you have a reckless driving attorney near me?
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is located at 1539 Health Care Drive in Rock Hill, SC. If you are too ill or injured to visit us, we can see you in the hospital or meet via telephone or video conference.
We also maintain offices in or near Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville, and serve clients throughout the State of South Carolina in all 46 counties, including Sumter, Anderson, Orangeburg, Hilton Head, Aiken, and Spartanburg.
Don’t let reckless drivers get away with inexcusable conduct in South Carolina
Some drivers think they own the road. They do not. If a reckless driver causes you harm or causes the wrongful death of a loved one, you have the right to make the reckless driver pay. A South Carolina reckless driving lawyer at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips LLC will not quit until the reckless driver and his or her insurance company are forced to pay for their misconduct. Our firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis which means we do not get paid unless you win. Please call our firm at 803-327-7800 for a free consultation, or simply fill out our contact form. We serve clients throughout South Carolina.