Why Do So-Called “Wrong-Way” Car Accidents Ever Occur?
It can be a terrifying experience to see a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way road coming straight toward you. Although not as common as some other types of collisions, wrong-way accidents can cause severe or fatal injuries when they occur. Wrong-way driving can result in a deadly crash, in which two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide head-on.
Whiplash and Other Hidden Injuries That Car Accidents Cause
Injuries suffered in a car crash are not always apparent immediately after the accident. Adrenaline, shock, and other factors may mask injury symptoms until later. We will explore one of the most common hidden injuries, whiplash, and shed light on other lesser-known injuries that can result from car accidents. Understanding these hidden injuries is critical for seeking appropriate medical treatment and pursuing a personal injury claim.
How Dashcam Evidence Helps in SC Car Accident Cases
Dashboard cameras are commonly known as dashcams. These devices are legal in South Carolina, provided they are mounted on the dash – not the windshield – and do not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. If you have been involved in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, a dashcam can provide valuable evidence to support your claim for compensation.
Reckless Things Teenagers Do At the Wheel
The teenage years are one of the riskiest times to drive a vehicle. Automobile crashes are the leading cause of preventable death for teens, as stated by the National Safety Council (NSC). In 2020 in the U.S., approximately eight teens died and hundreds more were injured in motor vehicle crashes every day, as reported by CDC. A total of 2,276 individuals were killed in crashes involving drivers ages 15 to 18, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Crash risk is particularly high during the first few months after a teen gets a driver’s license.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina
After suffering a car accident in South Carolina, you may be wondering what happens next. You’ve heard about compensation, but how do you get it?
These cases are often settled without court intervention, through the at-fault party’s insurer agreeing to a request to pay compensation to the injured party. However, where this method fails to produce a satisfactory outcome, the injured party can file a claim, otherwise known as a lawsuit, with the court. In South Carolina, an injured party must file a lawsuit for damages within three years from the date of the accident.
How Car Insurance Companies Will Try to Deny Your Claim
Car accidents can be life-changing. If you have suffered severe or permanent injury after a car accident, you might be worried about how you are going to take care of yourself or your family. Medical bills related to a car accident can add up, and you might not be able to go back to work for a long time, or maybe you won’t be able to work ever again. In the worst cases, car accidents can lead to the death of family members or friends as well.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance Can Be Deadly
Proper vehicle maintenance may be one of the most important things you can do to stay safe on the road. Like all machines, automobiles require regular maintenance. Failure to provide it can lead to breakdowns and accidents.
Keeping Your Teens Safe on the Road
Traffic crashes are the second leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., as stated by the CDC. Nearly 2,400 teens ages 13 to 19 were killed in motor vehicle accidents in a recent year. Per vehicle miles driven, drivers in the 16 to 19 age group have nearly triple the risk of a fatal car accident as drivers ages 20 and older. Because of their inexperience and tendency to become distracted, teenagers are particularly vulnerable to automobile accidents. Parents should do everything they can to prepare their teens for safe driving.
Gathering Information After an Auto Accident
After a serious car accident, it is important to preserve as much evidence as possible to support your claim. Evidence helps you prove that the other driver caused your accident and injuries and helps establish negligence. The more evidence is gathered, the stronger the case your attorney can build to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Texting and Driving: A Deadly Combination for Your Teen
Teens ages 16 to 19 have a higher risk of traffic crashes than any other age group. Distracted driving is a major risk factor for accidents, as stated by the CDC. As found in a recent national survey among teen drivers in high school, 39% had texted or emailed while driving at least once during the previous 30 days. Crashes involving teen drivers killed 2,042 people in the most recent year for which statistics are available, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).