South Carolina has a disturbing track record for reckless driving. A recent analysis found the Palmetto State ranks third in the nation for the worst drivers. Additional statistics from the state Department of Transportation found someone was injured in a S.C. motor vehicle accident every nine minutes in a recent year. One person died in a crash every seven hours.
When motorists drive recklessly, they endanger the lives of everyone in their paths. If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a reckless driver, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation from the at-fault party.
At Land Parker Welch LLC, we understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll a reckless driving accident takes on injured victims. Our job is to hold the responsible driver accountable for their carelessness and fight for maximum compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering, and other losses. Our skilled attorneys craft tailored legal strategies to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.
You shouldn’t suffer because of someone else’s poor choices. Our reckless driving accident lawyer can help. Contact Land Parker Welch LLC today for a free consultation with a South Carolina reckless driving accident lawyer.
What Kind of Driving in South Carolina is Considered Reckless?
South Carolina law defines reckless driving as driving in a way that demonstrates “willful or wanton disregard” for others’ safety. “Willful” means doing something deliberately, and “wanton” means acting unruly. In other words, a driver who acts dangerously or irresponsibly and does so on purpose without regard for the consequences is driving recklessly.
What counts as reckless driving in South Carolina? It depends on the circumstances of the case, but common examples of actions that often meet the definition of reckless driving include:
- Driving at an excessive speed
- Passing a school bus illegally
- Illegal passing
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Racing
A driver convicted of reckless driving could face criminal penalties, including fines, jail time, and license revocations. They can also face civil penalties if their actions harm others through personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits. You should know you can seek compensation even if the responsible driver isn’t convicted of reckless driving. Criminal charges have no bearing on your ability to seek compensation. An experienced reckless driving accident lawyer can explore every avenue for compensation in your case after reviewing the facts.
Common Causes of Reckless Driving Accidents
Why do some drivers choose to act recklessly? Many factors could be to blame, including:
- Traffic delays – Drivers stuck in traffic may become frustrated and make reckless maneuvers without regard for others’ safety.
- Running late – Drivers running late to an appointment may make the dangerous choice to drive recklessly in a misguided effort to save time.
- Overconfidence – Some motorists have a lax attitude behind the wheel, thinking that they can handle any situation that arises while driving.
- Drugs or alcohol – Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have impaired judgment and lowered inhibition, increasing the chance of driving recklessly.
- Inexperience – Younger drivers are more often more aggressive temperamentally and take greater risks behind the wheel.
- Passenger distractions – Passengers sometimes encourage or reinforce reckless behaviors. Similarly, some drivers may try to show off for an audience by driving recklessly.
Typical Injuries Resulting From Reckless Driving Accidents
Reckless driving can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash – Whiplash is an injury to the neck’s soft tissues that occurs when the impact of a collision causes the head to jerk forward and backward rapidly. It can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headache, nerve damage, and chronic pain.
- Head and brain injuries – Reckless driving accidents can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI) when the head strikes an object or experiences a violent blow or jolt. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, resulting in cognitive impairment, memory loss, headaches, dizziness, coma, or death.
- Spinal cord injuries – Severe accidents may bruise or sever the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones – High-impact collisions can lead to fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and skull. Most broken bones heal over time with immobilization and rehabilitation, but compound fractures may require surgery.
- Internal injuries – The force of impact of a reckless driving accident can cause internal injuries to vital organs. These injuries often require emergency medical attention and surgical intervention.
- Cuts and bruises – Broken glass, sharp objects, or the sheer impact of the collision can cause cuts and bruises. These injuries be minor or result in deep wounds that require stitches or surgical repair.
- Soft tissue injuries – Muscles, ligaments, and tendons can become stretched, strained, sprained, or torn during a reckless driving accident.
- Burns – Victims can sustain burn injuries if a collision results in a fire or explosion. Burns can range from superficial to full-thick burns, affecting the skin, underlying tissues, bones, and internal organs.
Steps to Take After a Reckless Driving Accident
Take the following steps to protect your rights after a reckless driving accident in South Carolina:
- Gather evidence and preserve documentation – Save items such as the police accident report, photos, videos, medical records, hospital bills, car repair invoices, pay statements, and other accident-related correspondence. These can establish the cause of the accident and the harm you suffered.
- Follow your doctor’s orders – Follow your treatment plan as prescribed. Attend all medical appointments and participate in any recommended therapy or rehabilitation programs.
- Keep a pain journal – A daily log of your pain experience can help quantify the full extent of your accident-related losses.
- Consult an attorney – A knowledgeable reckless driving accident attorney can provide personalized guidance and legal advice based on the specific details of your accident. They can also handle all negotiations with the insurance company and demand maximum compensation for your losses.
Get Help from Our Reckless Driving Accident Attorneys
At Land Parker Welch LLC, Our reckless driving accident lawyer is committed to seeking justice for the wrongfully injured. Let us fight for you and help you rebuild your life. Contact our South Carolina reckless driving lawyers today for a free consultation.
