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South Carolina Speeding Accident Lawyers
Experienced help when you are seriously injured by a speeding driver
Speeding is a prevalent contributing factor to road accidents worldwide, leading to severe injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. Speeding accidents pose a serious threat to road safety, affecting not only the drivers but also passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our South Carolina speeding accident lawyers help injured people, and hold at-fault drivers accountable for the accidents and injuries they cause. We have years of experience handling car accident cases, and we stand ready to help you after a serious injury takes you out of work. We understand what you are dealing with, and we are here to help.
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How dangerous is speeding?
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports:
Speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, killing 12,330, or an average of over 33 people per day. The total number of fatal motor-vehicle crashes attributable to speeding was 11,057. A crash is considered speeding-related if the driver was charged with a speeding-related offense or if racing, driving too fast for conditions, or exceeding the posted speed limit was indicated as a contributing factor in the crash.
How does speeding cause South Carolina car accidents?
Speeding contributes to car accidents in a variety of ways:
- Reduced reaction time. Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react and respond to unexpected situations. When a driver is traveling at high speeds, their ability to perceive hazards – such as a sudden change in traffic or a pedestrian crossing the road – is compromised. This can result in delayed reactions and an increased likelihood of collisions.
- Increased stopping distance. Higher speeds require a longer distance to come to a complete stop. When a driver needs to suddenly brake, such as in the case of an obstacle in the road or a vehicle ahead slowing down, the increased stopping distance can make it difficult to avoid a collision. This is particularly dangerous in situations where there is limited visibility or adverse weather conditions.
- Loss of vehicle control. Speeding makes it more challenging to maintain control of a vehicle, especially when navigating curves, turns, or uneven road surfaces. Increased speed amplifies the forces acting on the vehicle, making it harder to steer, brake, or accelerate safely. This can lead to skidding, loss of control, and potentially cause accidents.
- Reduced effectiveness of safety features. Vehicles are equipped with safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash, such as airbags and seat belts. However, these safety features are only effective within certain speed ranges. When a vehicle is traveling at high speeds, the effectiveness of these safety features may be compromised, increasing the risk of severe injuries or fatalities in the event of an accident.
- Increased severity of accidents. Speeding not only raises the likelihood of an accident but also increases the severity of the collision. The force of impact is directly proportional to the speed at which vehicles travel. A higher speed at the time of impact can result in more severe injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved in the accident.
What types of injuries are caused by speeding?
Speeding can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the accident. Here are some common types of injuries that can result from speeding-related accidents in South Carolina:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Speeding accidents can result in head and brain injuries, including concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive functions, motor skills, and overall brain health. TBIs may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Fractures and broken bones. The impact of a high-speed collision can result in fractures or breaks in various bones of the body, such as arms and legs, ribs, pelvis, or skull. These injuries can be severe and may require surgery or prolonged medical treatment.
- Spinal cord injuries. Accidents at high speeds can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can result in loss of sensation and motor function below the site of the injury, affecting a person's mobility and quality of life.
- Internal injuries and organ damage. The force of impact in speeding-related accidents can cause internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, damage to organs (such as the liver, spleen, or lungs), and injuries to blood vessels. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Emotional and psychological trauma. Being involved in a high-speed accident can have a significant emotional and psychological effect on individuals. It can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Wrongful death. Speeding kills, and if a speeding driver causes a fatal crash, our compassionate team can help you hold him or her accountable. It won’t bring your loved one back, but it can help you get some justice.
How much is my South Carolina speeding accident claim worth?
The value of your speeding accident claim depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries. The extent and long-term consequences of your injuries play a significant role in determining the value of your claim. Severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, result in permanent disabilities, or significantly affect your quality of life generally lead to higher compensation.
- Medical expenses. The medical costs associated with your injuries, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, are considered when evaluating the value of your claim.
- Lost wages and earning capacity. If the injuries from the accident cause you to miss work or result in a decreased ability to earn income, you can seek damages for lost wages and potential future loss of earning capacity in your personal injury lawsuit.
- Pain and suffering. Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are also considered in determining the value of a claim. The valuation of these damages can be subjective and may vary based on the specifics of your case. Our attorneys fight for maximum compensation.
- Comparative negligence. If you were partially at fault for the accident, the compensation awarded in your claim will be reduced to your assigned fault percentage.
- Insurance policy limits. The at-fault party's insurance policy limits can also affect the potential value of your claim. If the damages exceed the policy limits, it may limit the amount of compensation you can recover from the insurance company.
Do you have a speeding 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.
Talk to our South Carolina speeding accident lawyers today
If you have been involved in a speeding accident, it's crucial to seek the guidance and representation of an experienced South Carolina speeding accident lawyer at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC. We can assist you in navigating the legal complexities and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. With our experience, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case. Call our offices at 803-327-7800 today to schedule a free case evaluation by a South Carolina speeding accident attorney or fill out our contact form from any device.