Stricter laws and increased police patrols are part of an effort to reduce the number of car crashes happening across the country. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported 863 fatalities in South Carolina traffic accidents in 2012. The majority of car accidents can be avoided if proper precautions are taken and drivers practice safe driving techniques. If you have been involved in a car accident in Rock Hill, you should remain calm. Even if you believe the accident was minor, you should call the police to make sure an accident report is completed. Law enforcement will investigate the crash and determine who was at fault for the accident. Determining who was at fault for the collision is necessary for determining who will be held liable, or responsible, for the damages that resulted from the accident.
Your Rock Hill personal injury attorney will also investigate the crash and help compile the evidence and documentation to support your personal injury claim so that you can recover compensation for your damages. Because of the complexity of a personal injury claim, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney before pursuing a claim for damages.
What Causes Rock Hill, SC Car Accidents?
There are several causes for car accidents. Speeding continues to be a leading cause of car crashes. Ignoring the posted speed limit and exceeding it by ten, twenty, thirty, or more miles per hour can have serious consequences. The faster you are going, the longer it will take your vehicle to stop. As a general rule, you should have a buffer equal to a single car length for every ten miles per hour you are driving. So, if you are driving 60 miles per hour, you should have a six-car buffer between you and the next vehicle to avoid a collision in the event of a sudden stop.
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is another leading cause of crashes despite the many warnings and campaigns encouraging drivers to avoid those situations at all costs. Every year, thousands of people across the country are injured or killed in accidents involving alcohol or drugs. “Drugs” refers to both illegal drugs and legally prescribed drugs. Several prescription drugs have warnings for users not to drive or operate machinery when taking them. If you have a prescription that indicates drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking, you should consult with your physician before driving.
Another important thing to remember is that you should never drive while fatigued. The dangers of falling asleep at the wheel are serious. Countless crashes every year result from fatigued driving. If you become too tired to drive and cannot stop for the night, pull to a safe place or at a rest area and take a nap. This can make a significant impact on your functioning and judgment.
You should also make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. Poor maintenance can lead to crashes. Faulty brakes, bald tires, or other mechanical issues can cause car crashes as well.
What Should I Do If I Am in a Rock Hill, SC Car Accident?
If you have been in a car accident, you will probably be nervous, but stay as calm as possible. Staying calm will help ensure everything is done properly to preserve evidence and collect the documentation required to support your Rock Hill auto accident injury claim. Here are a few tips about how to proceed after an auto accident so you can protect your rights:.
- Even if you think your accident is minor, stay on the scene and call the police if possible. You want to make sure an accident report is completed.
- Take photos of the accident scene. You can use your smartphone to take pictures. Get pictures of the vehicular damage and any visible injuries.
- Exchange insurance information and contact details with the other driver.
- Ask any witnesses to provide written statements and include their names and contact information.
- Go to the nearest emergency room to be assessed by a medical professional. Some injuries are not evident at first, and some injuries are worse than they appear.
- Keep all documentation involving your accident and injuries, including: medical records, estimates for repairs to your vehicle, statements from witnesses, evidence of missed work and lost wages, and photographs of any damages.
Schedule a Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer in Rock Hill, South Carolina
If you have been involved in an auto accident, you should consult with an experienced Rock Hill auto accident injury attorney. Your lawyer will help you file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for the damages that resulted from the crash. Elrod Pope Law Firm has years of experience helping Rock Hill, SC car accident victims recover the compensation deserve following a collision. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
