Car accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of injury and death in the US. Every day, we hear of accidents that result in fatalities, disabilities, serious injuries and property damage. A large number of Chester auto accident victims suffer injuries that have a long-term impact on their life. In addition, they also have to deal with the emotional consequences of such an event.
What Causes a Chester Auto Accident?
While some accidents are the result of unavoidable circumstances, there are many that occur mainly due to the reckless behavior of drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 35,092 people were killed in 2015 and approximately 2,443,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes. Ninety-six people died each day on average and one person was killed every 15 minutes. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if the drivers had demonstrated responsible behavior.
Here are some behaviors that are responsible for a large majority of fatal and serious car accidents in South Carolina:
Driving under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol: Alcohol-impaired driving is one of the primary reasons for car accidents in South Carolina despite a straightforward and specific Code of Laws in South Carolina that clearly states that it is illegal to get behind the wheel of a car while the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DUI penalties in South Carolina are very strict and heavy penalties can be imposed on those convicted. Despite this, many drivers continue to drive while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Another major contributor to car accidents is speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors such as racing, tailgating, reckless and careless lane changing, etc. This type of reckless behavior often has been observed in young drivers. Speed-related accidents continue to cause injury and damage to victims.
Distracted Driving: This form of driving behavior is rapidly becoming a major problem for road safety. More and more people today have smartphones, and despite repeated warnings about the consequences of distracted driving, drivers continue to text, talk, and email through their mobile devices while driving. South Carolina safety officials have made a significant effort to educate people about the dangers of distracted driving, but it continues to be a problem.
Driver Fatigue: This is another driving behavior that has been known to cause Chester car accidents. Drowsy or fatigued drivers should not get behind the wheel but this behavior is commonly demonstrated by drivers working night shifts, drivers working overtime, those who have been on a long journey and are tired but choose to drive, and young people studying all night or partying with friends.
The Risks of Reckless Driving in Chester, South Carolina
The fact is that drivers who demonstrate reckless and aggressive driving behavior not only put their own lives at risk but also endanger other people on the road including other drivers, pedestrians, etc. There is no justification for such behavior, and that is why most of these activities are heavily regulated and penalized. However, drivers continue to behave irresponsibly and continue to put other people’s lives at risk.
Car accident injuries are not always minor and can result in health consequences that affect people for a long period of time. People can lose their loved ones; suffer long-term disabilities; lose the ability to work and earn for their families; suffer from mental and emotional issues; or incur significant property damage. All in all, road accidents are a menace for everyone.
If you have been in a Chester auto accident and suffered bodily injury and/or property damage, you should talk to an attorney who handles auto accidents in Chester, South Carolina immediately. A lawyer who handles car accidents in South Carolina is the best person to tell you how to file for compensation for the losses that you’ve incurred so that you can pay your medical bills and rehabilitation costs and can also recover any damage that you may have incurred due to property loss. Chester auto accident victims have to deal with the physical pain of injuries and may have to deal with the emotional trauma of being in a road accident. For many, recovery is slow and there is the additional problem of lost wages and income. By talking to an attorney in Chester SC who handles car accidents, you will be in a better position to determine how much you can claim and how much financial loss you can recover.
Consult with a Chester Auto Accident Lawyer About Your Case
Car accidents can be very traumatic for all parties involved. Emotions run high, and the burden of medical bills and lost wages can be quite challenging. If you have been involved in a Chester auto accident in South Carolina, contact the Elrod Pope Law Firm to talk to a lawyer. Our legal team has dealt with numerous car accident cases and we understand the importance of providing financial relief to our clients.
Keep in mind that recovering damages is not as easy as one might think. You have to deal with insurance agents who can often be very difficult and can make the claim-approval process frustrating for the victims. There are also situations where the other party may try to blame you for the accident so that they can reduce their liability. An attorney in Chester, South Carolina who deals with car accidents is aware of the way insurance companies operate.
Call us today at 803-599-3080 and speak to our lawyers in South Carolina who deal with car accidents to find out how you can proceed with your claim and what measures you can take to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
