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Car accidents seem like a part of life, but just how common are they? According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there is one accident on the road every 5 minutes. However, not all of these accidents result in injuries. Take the common fender bender for example, that only results in scratches on bumpers. Accidents that result in injuries occur every 20 minutes, and accidents with fatalities occur every 10 hours. Overall, you can see how there are over a hundred thousand accidents in South Carolina annually. With this many cars getting involved in accidents, it’s only a matter of time before you have one too.
David Aylor is a seasoned Charleston car accident lawyer that understands how overwhelming car accidents can be. One minute you’re driving to work and the next, you’re on your way to the hospital. If you have been injured in a car accident because of the negligence of someone else, you deserve compensation. Contact our offices today to schedule your free consultation. Let’s review your case, so we can go over your options.
How does South Carolina compare to other states?
It was only a few years ago that South Carolina was ranked the 3rd deadliest state in the country for car accidents. In 2008, our state had 20 deaths per 100,000 people because of car accidents. Most of these accidents occurred because of distracted driving, which means that they were preventable.
Did you know that it is only a fine of 25 dollars if you are found to be driving while distracted? Some experts think if there were more penalties in SC for distracted driving, then there would be fewer accidents.
How are our accidents this year, compared to last?
Over the past several years there has been a slight decline in the number of fatal accidents we have seen in our state. However, the numbers are still too high. In 2016, 1,000 people died because of car accidents and in 2019 we’ve seen over 750 already. Drivers need to focus on the road to prevent these accidents and deaths.
What are the causes of car crashes?
There are many reasons that car accidents can occur, some of the most common are:
- Errors by the driver
- DUI (This is the leading cause of driving fatalities)
- Speeding (Second leading cause of death)
- Not yielding
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving while distracted
- Road hazards
In most cases, if drivers would follow the rules of the road these accidents would be prevented. It is our responsibility when we are on the road to drive safely to our destination. When drivers take liberties with the law, accidents are bound to happen.
How can I be safer on the road?
Knowing that the number of fatalities in South Carolina are some of the worst in the country, how can you improve your driving? Here are some tips to not drive distracted:
- Before you start your car, commit to not driving distracted
- Turn off your phone before you begin to drive
- Make sure your phone is out of reach, so you won’t use it
- Pay attention
- Advocate for stricter driving laws
- Encourage others to remain focused while driving
Contact a Charleston car accident attorney today!
If you have been in a car accident, you need help. We have handled numerous car accident cases, and our personal injury lawyers can get you the settlement you deserve. Call our office today to schedule an appointment to go over your accident.