Being involved in a car accident is always a scary experience, especially when you learn the other person was texting or otherwise distracted behind the wheel. That creates a very high risk of serious injury, and it is fully avoidable, but always talk to a Columbia car accident lawyer who is a member of the American Association For Justice. By working with our Columbia distracted driving accident lawyer, you will be able to recover the damages you are owed, and our team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm will stand by your side throughout the process.
Distracted Driving Is Illegal, and It Is Dangerous
If you are the victim, do not assume the insurance company will treat you fairly or that you will receive compensation that matches your needs. Instead, let our Columbia personal injury lawyer guide you. Many people have reached for their phone to find out who just texted them, or they are in such a rush to get to the next activity that they find themselves eating while driving. Yet, distracted driving is not only illegal in South Carolina, but it is deadly as well.
The South Carolina Department of Insurance states that distracted driving kills more than 8 people and injures nearly 1100 every day in the US, and South Carolina is ranked 7th in the worst states for it. According to their reports, South Carolina averages about two crashes every hour in which a driver is operating a vehicle distracted. In 2019, 1006 people died as a result of these accidents, and 18,936 total collisions occurred across the state related to these accidents. Even worse, every 1.4 hours in South Carolina, a teen driver is killed or injured as a result of distracted driving.
Knowing these risks and being on the other side of the process as the victim can be eye-opening.
Understanding What Distracted Driving Is
Distracted driving is a term used to describe a person who is not paying full attention to the road because they are thinking about, engaging with, or otherwise distracted by something or someone else. Distractions make it harder for the brain to respond to fast-changing road conditions fast enough, meaning that someone who stops fast or is crossing the street could be easily struck by a driver who is distracted. Some of the most common distracted driving activities include:
- Sending or receiving text messages.
- Talking on the phone.
- Using navigational devices while driving.
- Eating while driving.
- Sending or receiving emails.
- Browsing the internet behind the wheel.
- Watching videos or TV behind the wheel.
- Getting into an angry conversation with someone else in the car.
In each of these situations, the person is unable to put their full attention on what is happening on the roadway, and that ultimately leads to a higher risk of injury and loss. When you are the victim of distracted driving in South Carolina, the other party may be held responsible for providing financial support for any losses you have. Let our distracted driving accident attorney in Columbia prove it.
Proving Distracted Driving Caused Your Accident
The police officer at the scene of any accident will gather data to help determine what caused the accident. It is not always necessary to label the accident as being due to distracted driving as long as the other person is proven to be at fault for what occurred. However, there are various ways to prove that distracted driving is what occurred:
- Consider what you saw the other driver doing before the accident and let the police officer know what you saw.
- Your attorney can help to pull records from cell phones that could demonstrate what the other driver was doing.
- Information from witnesses could also provide insight into what occurred.
- Evidence at the scene may show distraction, especially if there was no initial step taken to avoid the accident.
In every situation, the more information you have about what caused the accident and how it happened, the better. Our Columbia distracted driving accident attorney will work tirelessly to determine what occurred and then help to build your case one step at a time. We encourage you to reach out to us immediately for the guidance and support you need. Let us go to work building your case and read our frequently asked questions to learn more.
You Could Be Owed Compensation in a Distracted Driving Case
In a distracted driving accident, it becomes critical that you determine all of your losses and then work carefully to put an accurate value on them. Our attorney will help with this process by examining all ways in which this incident has impacted your health, quality of life, and well-being. We look at all types of loss, including physical, emotional, and financial, including:
- Medical expenses related to the accident and your recovery.
- Financial losses due to repairs to your car or damage to other property.
- Wages and benefits you missed because you were unable to work.
- Loss of quality of life.
- Ongoing pain and suffering.
- Emotional trauma.
- Loss of consortium.
Seek the help of our trusted and experienced Columbia distracted driving accident attorney to pursue full and fair compensation in your case. Our team knows what is on the line and we will fight tirelessly to prove what you are owed. With experience recovering millions of dollars in losses for our clients, you can expect us to fight hard for you, too. The sooner you take action, the better.
Contact Us if Your Loved One Died in a Car Accident
If your family member died in a car accident, and you suspect distracted driving was the cause, contact our attorney for immediate help. We know how to make sure the insurance company pays for what you are really owed. Let our distracted driving accident lawyer in Columbia fight for justice for your family members in every situation, and be sure to review our case results.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Attorney Now
Put your trust in our Columbia distracted driving accident lawyer and learn what your case may be worth. When you contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you gain insight into the value of your case, the legal strategies that could help you, and the support you need. Contact our legal team now for a free consultation.
