Car accidents are a primary cause of death and injury in the nation, and South Carolina is no exception. There were over 1,100 traffic fatalities statewide in a recent year and thousands of injuries.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a car crash, talk to an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney with The Melonakos Law Firm about pursuing compensation from the at-fault party. We’ll take on the insurance adjuster and claims process while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation with an SC auto accident lawyer to learn about your legal options for seeking financial compensation.
Why Choose Us as Your Car Accident Lawyers?
While searching for the best car accident lawyers, you should know that The Melonakos Law Firm is known for its experience, results, and dedication to helping people harmed by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Our firm stands out for several reasons:
- We focus on personal injury. Insurance companies might try to avoid their financial responsibilities and leave you with a mountain of debt. From car wrecks to medical malpractice and more, our personal injury attorneys comprehend the complexities and nuances of personal injury claims.
- We pay attention to details. We’ll carefully examine every aspect of your car accident claim, paying close attention to deadlines and other essential details. We aim to move personal injury claims forward and avoid giving the insurance company an excuse to delay paying your fair compensation.
- We have a proven track record. The Melonakos Law Firm has secured over $50 million for our clients. We aggressively pursue every dollar you’re owed to help you get back on your feet.
- We treat our clients like family. You can expect personal attention from an attorney dedicated to your case. We keep you informed with professional, prompt communication.
- We dedicate ourselves to excellence. The Melonakos Law Firm is an award-winning personal injury firm consistently earning high marks from clients and peers.
- We understand South Carolina law. We understand South Carolina statutes and precedents, and we maintain a strong presence within the local legal community.
Risky Behaviors Leading to Crashes on SC Roads
South Carolina roads are dangerous places for motorists. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) reports that the state experiences:
- A traffic accident every 3.6 minutes
- An accident with injuries approximately every 14.4 minutes
- A fatal crash every 7.9 hours
The overwhelming primary cause of car accidents in South Carolina is risky behavior by drivers. SCDPS data shows the following as leading factors in crashes with injuries and fatalities:
- Driving while distracted — Activities that divert a driver’s attention away from the road, such as using a phone, eating, or interacting with other passengers, increase the risk of missing critical cues and reacting too late to avoid accidents.
- Driving too fast for conditions — Speeding or driving too fast for road, weather, or traffic conditions can make it difficult to stop or maneuver safely, raising the risk of collisions.
- Driving under the influence — Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, making it one of the most dangerous driving behaviors with a high likelihood of causing severe accidents.
- Driving while fatigued — Driving while overly tired or falling asleep at the wheel impairs cognitive and motor functions, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Failing to yield the right-of-way — Failing to give way to other drivers or pedestrians at intersections or merging lanes can cause crashes due to the unexpected or forceful convergence of paths.
- Following too closely — Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely leaves insufficient time and distance for a driver to react if the leading vehicle suddenly brakes or slows down.
- Making improper turns or lane changes — Making incorrect or illegal turns and lane changes can lead to collisions.
- Driving recklessly or aggressively — Engaging in aggressive driving behaviors, such as weaving through traffic, excessive speeding, and confronting other drivers, heightens the risk of high-impact crashes.
South Carolina Law about Car Accidents
South Carolina has extensive laws that regulate vehicular traffic in the state. Examples of South Carolina statutes frequently involved in car accident cases include:
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1930 – Following too closely
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3230 – Failing to use due care
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2920 – Driving in reckless disregard for the safety of others
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1810 – Crossing the center line into oncoming traffic
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1900 – Failure to maintain lane
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-950 – Failure to obey traffic signal
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2320 – Failure to yield when turning left
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3130 – Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3435 – Failure to pass bicycle at a safe distance
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-2930- Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1220 and 1230 – Hit and Run
- S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-1520 – Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Conditions
Who Could Be Liable for a Car Accident?
Determining liability requires a thorough examination of the evidence. Our experienced car accident lawyers in SC can identify liable parties that might include:
- Another driver for negligent behavior
- The at-fault driver’s employer if they were driving as part of their job duties
- Government entities for poorly designed and maintained roads
- Auto or parts manufacturers if a mechanical or design defect caused or contributed to the crash
South Carolina operates under a comparative negligence system, meaning you may seek damages if you are less than 51 percent at fault for a motor vehicle accident. If you are found partially at fault for the crash, your compensation will be reduced according to the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Why You Need a South Carolina Car Accident Attorney
Handling the legal aftermath of an auto accident alone can be daunting. Here’s why hiring a South Carolina car accident lawyer from our firm is beneficial:
- We have a deep working knowledge of state and local laws.
- We understand the insurance process for personal injury claims.
- We compile and examine evidence to identify liable parties.
- We negotiate assertively for the maximum possible compensation from the insurance company.
- We protect your rights from unscrupulous insurers.
When you work with a South Carolina car crash attorney with The Melonakos Law Firm, you can also rest easier knowing that a skilled and compassionate legal advocate is working tirelessly on your behalf. We understand that recovering from car accident injuries can be a long and painful process, so we do all we can to relieve your stress and anxiety. We’re ready to pursue every dollar you deserve to help you cover medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses.
If you have questions after a car crash in South Carolina, contact The Melonakos Law Firm for a free consultation today. An experienced car accident attorney at our law firm is ready to answer your questions and set out your best legal options.
