When you are driving on South Carolina roads, you have the ability to control how you drive. For example, you can follow traffic laws, wear your seat belts, attempt to anticipate any upcoming road hazards, and pay attention. However, no matter how careful you are, you can’t control the actions of the other drivers.
We want you to have a basic understanding of Tega Cay, South Carolina car accidents so you understand what your rights are if you are involved in a car accident. As you will see, a car accident claim in South Carolina can be a complex legal matter.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation
No upfront costs to you or your family. We strive to recover the maximum possible compensation allowed under the law for our clients.
If you have additional questions as to whether you may have a claim after being in a car accident in Tega Cay, South Carolina, then we welcome you to contact one of our car accident attorneys at Elrod Pope.
Car Accident Statistics in South Carolina
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety:
- There is a fatal car accident once every nine hours
- One person dies in a Driving Under the Influence accident every 30.1 hours
- A teenager is involved in an injury or fatal accident every 1.4 hours
- A child under 8 is seriously injured or killed in a traffic accident every 7.2 Hours
- More than 570 passengers involved in a fatal car accident in 2020 were not wearing their seatbelts
- There is an Injury Accident in South Carolina every 13.8 Minutes
- Two in five roads in South Carolina need repair
- One in five bridges in South Carolina have structural deficiencies or are considered obsolete
- Over 40% of South Carolina car accidents involve a drunk driver
- Speeding is responsible for 37% of all car accidents in South Carolina
What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries in South Carolina?
While new and updated safety features have helped reduce the number of fatalities in
car accidents in South Carolina, the problem of people being injured or killed in a car
accident still exists.
According to an article in Trauma magazine, the most common car accident injuries
include, but aren’t limited to:
- Aortic Rupture
- Bone Fractures
- Spine Injuries
- Traumatic Head Injuries
- Pelvis and Rib Injuries
- Whiplash
- Spleen, liver, and pulmonary contusions
What Evidence Can Help My Case if I’m Involved in a Tega Cay, South Carolina Car Accident?
South Carolina personal injury lawyers are experts at collecting evidence they can use to build your case. They use this evidence to prove the other driver was at fault. Some of
the most common types of evidence that may be useful in South Carolina courts
include, but aren’t limited to:
- Cell Phone Records
- Expert Testimony
- Eyewitness Testimony
- Medical Bills
- Medical Records
- Photos and/or Video of the Scene of the Accident
- Photographs of Your Injuries
- Police Reports
- Repair Bills
How Is Negligence Proven in A Tega Cay, South Carolina Car Accident?
For your South Carolina car accident lawyer and you to establish liability, you must be
able to prove that the actions of the other driver meet the criteria for legal negligence.
The Tega Cay, South Carolina car accident lawyers at Elrod Pope will do this by
showing the court that the at-fault driver:
- Had a duty to use caution and protect your safety within reason
- Breached that duty by either an intentional act, carelessness, or by failing to act
- Caused you to be injured or the death of a loved one by their breach of duty
- Caused you significant financial damages as a result of your injuries
Additionally, South Carolina is a contributory negligence state. What this means is that even if you are found to be partially at fault for your Tega Cay car accident, you can still collect an award if your part of the blame is 50% or less.
The total amount of damages you will collect in South Carolina will be reduced by the percentage you were found to be at-fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, and your award was $100,000, you will receive 80%, or $80,000.
Once liability is proven, you can to file for monetary compensation from the responsible party within 3 years of the date of your injury or in a case of wrongful death.
Why Do I Need a Tega Cay, South Carolina Attorney for a Car Accident?
While on the roads in South Carolina, you have a duty to everyone else on the road to drive in a safe manner. You must also follow all traffic laws and rules.
In South Carolina, the at-fault driver who caused your car accident must cover your damages with their liability car insurance policies. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses and are known to try to shift the blame on you to minimize the amount of settlement they have to pay.
If you or a loved one was involved in a Tega Cay, South Carolina car accident, and decide to file a personal injury claim, you will have the same burden of proof that establishes the defendant’s negligence in the accident.
The legal team at the South Carolina law firm of Elrod Pope have the skills and experience you need to properly assess all aspects of your car accident and fight for the true value of your injuries and other damages.
We can build your case in preparation for a South Carolina court, and build a strong claim to assist you in negotiating a fair out-of-court settlement. We are proficient at the necessary strategies to assist you with your Tega Cay car accident.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation
No upfront costs to you or your family. We strive to recover the maximum possible compensation allowed under the law for our clients.
As you may have realized, car accident claims can be extremely complicated, and you will need an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable attorney in your corner to ensure you receive all the monetary compensation you and your loved ones deserve Please contact the car accident attorneys at Elrod Pope today to find out how we can assist you in settling your case in a timely manner so you can focus on moving forward with your life.
