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South Carolina Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
Filing claims against those who cause car accidents by texting and driving
Distracted driving is now one of the leading causes of motor vehicle deaths and injuries. Although different forms of distracted driving have always caused auto accidents, the onslaught of hand-held devices and smartphones has rapidly increased distracted driving accidents at alarming rates. The South Carolina distracted driving lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips LLC provide strong counsel for victims of inattentive drivers. We have a proven track record of success. Our lawyers have obtained millions in jury trial verdicts and settlements with insurance companies.
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How Can We Help?
- How dangerous is distracted driving?
- What are the dangers of distracted driving?
- What are the types of distracted driving in South Carolina?
- What is the value of my distracted driving claim?
- How long do I have to bring a South Carolina distracted driving claim?
- What types of injuries do distracted drivers cause in South Carolina?
- Do you have a distracted driving accident attorney near me?
How dangerous is distracted driving?
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports:
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, distracted or inattentive driving while on a cell phone or texting is listed as a top contributing factor in more than 20,000 traffic collisions each year in South Carolina. Nationally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounts for approximately 10 percent of highway fatalities each year.
Every year in the United States, about 424,000 are injured and 3,000 people die in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident as the result of a distracted driver, you are not alone. Most importantly, you may have a legal right to compensation.
What are the dangers of distracted driving?
Distracted driving is operating a vehicle while doing some other action that takes the driver’s attention away from their driving. Distracted driving increases the odds of an auto accident. Many drivers, especially teens, think they can adapt, but the statistics prove otherwise.
Distracted driving causes three types of problems:
- Visual: The driver does not see the road, other vehicles, or anyone on the road.
- Physical: Many distractions require that the driver take one hand off the wheel. Some drivers, for even a second, may take both hands off the steering wheel.
- Cognitive: While a driver is distracted, he or she is not thinking about reacting to traffic.
What are the types of distracted driving in South Carolina?
Many types of driver distractions place other motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians at great risk of catastrophic injuries. These distractions include:
- Texting while driving
- Talking or texting on cell phones
- Changing the radio or music
- Diverting attention to children or other passengers
- Looking at maps or GPS devices
- Personal grooming
- Eating and drinking
- Surfing the internet or watching a video
- Using social media
Out of all these distractions, texting while driving is particularly dangerous as it takes one’s eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. Federal regulations forbid truck drivers from texting while driving throughout the country. In South Carolina, texting while driving became illegal for all motorists in June 2014.
What is the value of my distracted driving claim?
An attorney will seek compensation from all responsible parties. This includes the owners of the vehicles as well as the drivers. We seek payment from all insurance companies that cover South Carolina car accidents and vehicle accidents.
Our lawyers may sue for:
- Medical bills
- Lost and future wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Any other compensable loss
Because some distractions, such as texting while driving, may be considered gross negligence, we may also sue for punitive damages. Punitive damages include additional money awarded to the victim, with the intention to punish the negligent party and deter future reckless behavior.
Families of anyone who is killed by a distracted driver have the right to bring a wrongful death action.
How long do I have to bring a South Carolina distracted driving claim?
Here in South Carolina, you have three years to bring forth a distracted driving accident claim. However, exceptions do apply, so ensure you contact the lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC as soon as possible after your accident.
What types of injuries do distracted drivers cause in South Carolina?
When drivers divert their attention from the road, they significantly increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Some common injuries caused by distracted driving include:
- Shoulders and neck injuries. Rear-end collisions are a common consequence of distracted driving. These accidents can cause sudden jerking motions, leading to neck injuries, broken collarbones, and more.
- Brain and head injuries. In more severe accidents, distracted drivers may cause head injuries, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can have long-term effects on cognitive functions and overall quality of life.
- Broken bones and fractures. Collisions resulting from distracted driving can lead to fractures and broken bones. Impacts with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects within the vehicle can cause broken bones in various parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
- Spinal cord injuries. High-speed accidents caused by distracted driving have the potential to cause severe spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and extent of the damage.
- Facial injuries. In accidents where the airbag deploys or the driver hits the steering wheel or dashboard, facial injuries can occur. These injuries may include lacerations, fractures, or dental damage.
- Fatal injuries. In 2020, 3,142 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Further, the CDC reports that “Nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.”
- Psychological and emotional trauma. Being involved in a car accident caused by a distracted driver can have psychological and emotional consequences. Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
Do you have a distracted driving accident 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.
South Carolina distracted driving accident attorneys on your side
If you or a loved one were injured in a distracted driving accident, talk to the experienced attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC today. We can help you work to secure full compensation for your injuries and losses. To schedule a free case evaluation, call our offices at 803-327-7800 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients throughout South Carolina.