Highways are busy, multi-laned roads that offer drivers attractive conveniences. They allow for higher-speed travel, and limited-access highways are without traffic lights and intersections. Unfortunately, these conveniences also present dangers, as high speeds and fewer traffic controls can create opportunities for highway accidents.
If you are a highway accident victim, connect with a Columbia car accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke right away. Our firm has been recognized by the South Carolina Association for Justice and highly rated by other legal and business institutions. A Columbia highway accident lawyer from our team will fight to get you compensated for your accident-related damages.
How a Highway Accident Lawyer in Columbia Can Help
A highway accident can leave you facing significant hardship. Serious injuries bring physical and emotional pain and costly medical treatments. You will likely need time off from work to recover, losing out on wages and further compounding your financial distress.
Property damaged in the accident will require repair or replacement, and you may also need to pay others to fulfill family, household, or other responsibilities you cannot manage while in your injured state. As these financial burdens pile up, you can easily become overwhelmed. And if a full recovery is not realistic, you may feel there is no hope for a secure financial future.
With a skilled personal injury lawyer in Columbia fighting for you, there is reason to hope. Our team will investigate your accident thoroughly, working to identify the party at fault, collect evidence to prove their negligence, and demand compensation to compensate you for your losses. We have fought for and won substantial settlements or trial verdicts for our clients, and we look forward to adding your case to our history of success.
Columbia Highway Accident Statistics and Causes
According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Factbook, the State saw 143,426 total motor-vehicle collisions over a recent year. These collisions caused 50,172 injuries ranging from mild to very serious and 1,093 fatalities. The Factbook also numbers the drivers involved in deadly highway accidents:
- 160 in fatal interstate accidents.
- 486 in fatal accidents on U.S. primary routes in South Carolina.
- 419 in fatal accidents on South Carolina primary routes.
Driver behavior was the main contributing factor in 91.78% of injury-causing accidents and 82.32% of fatal incidents. Driving under the influence, speeding, and failing to yield the right of way factor prominently in highway accidents. Understanding what is considered distracted driving sheds light on this particular dangerous driving behavior.
Though less common, other factors contribute to highway accidents, such as poor roadway conditions and vehicle defects. We can manage your case no matter the cause of the accident. Whether the negligent party is another driver, a vehicle or part manufacturer, a mechanic, or a government agency responsible for keeping travel environments safe, we will fight to hold them accountable for the harm their failure caused you.
Additional Highway Dangers
High-speed collisions have a greater potential for producing serious injuries. It is also easier for drivers to lose control of a fast-moving vehicle. Since highways are busy, there is an increased risk of multi-car collisions.
Trucks are common on highways, and accidents with commercial vehicles present additional considerations. However, an experienced Columbia highway accident attorney knows the kinds of evidence needed to prove negligence in a truck accident and will work tirelessly to prove your case. Motorcyclists pose other hazards, sometimes speeding and losing control or driving between lanes. If you are left wondering, “Is lane splitting legal in South Carolina?” the answer is no, and your attorney will work to hold lane-splitting motorcyclists liable for the damage their unlawful behavior causes.
South Carolina’s Laws Can Affect Your Case Outcome
Many car accident claims settle out of court, and victims do not have to go through a trial. However, negotiations can fail if the other side refuses to make a fair offer or engage in productive discussions. To preserve your right to take your fight to court, you must file your accident claim within South Carolina’s three-year statute of limitations, established in the South Carolina Code of Laws 15-3-530.
Making a fast partnership with a highway accident lawyer in Columbia is the best way forward. Your attorney can look into your case, determine the liable party, and file against them well within the legal deadline. Evidence collection is also more efficient when conducted soon after the accident. Witnesses’ memories are still sharp, physical evidence is still available, and other information–such as traffic or security camera footage is still accessible.
Code 15-38-158 of the 1976 South Carolina Code allows accident victims to seek compensation for their accident-related damages if they are less than 50% responsible for causing the incident. If you meet this threshold but still bear some fault, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your fault. By securing strong legal representation, you can protect yourself from unfair blame and reduced compensation.
Other Rules to Follow
The South Carolina Code of Laws Section Article 9 establishes a driver’s responsibilities after an accident involving injury, death, or property damage. Along with complying with these laws, you should take steps to preserve evidence of your accident at the scene. To protect your health and your potential claim for damages, get medical attention right away.
Injury effects can take time to appear, and in some situations, waiting to seek care can cause catastrophic or deadly outcomes. Failing to get care can also compromise your case by giving the at-fault party the opportunity to argue that the delay caused your condition, not the initial injury sustained in the accident. Further, they may argue your injuries could not have been as severe as you claim if you did not seek immediate care.
We Are the Right Choice for Your Case
The team at Shelly Leeke is dedicated to clients and committed to the fight for justice. We will handle all the legalities and details of your case so you can concentrate on healing.
Throughout the process, we will keep you updated on your case’s progress, address your questions and concerns, and provide loyal support and guidance. Connect with us today to arrange a free case consultation.
