Distracted driving has become a serious nationwide problem, especially over the last several years as cell phones have taken over much of our everyday lives. Yet, smartphones are far from the only dangerous diversion. To be sure, distracted driving, which constitutes many activities, puts everyone on the road at risk, as the driver pays attention to one of many different things instead of the road in front of them.
Our Charleston car accident lawyers explain major behind the wheel distractions and what you can do if you’ve been the victim of a crash caused by a distracted motorist. If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident due to a distracted driver, contact an experienced South Carolina auto accident attorney right away to help obtain the compensation you deserve.
America’s Drivers Are Distracted
Tens of thousands of car accidents occur every year on U.S. roads and highways. Unfortunately, with the introduction of technology into our daily lives, often these accidents are caused by a completely avoidable factor—distracted driving. Various state legislatures have enacted laws that cover numerous areas relating to highway safety, including distracted driving.
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from focusing on the road. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) is charged with enforcing highway safety laws in the state. According to Distraction.gov, the U.S. government’s official website for distracted driving, 2,841 people were killed and 400,000 were injured in 2018 in car accidents involving distracted drivers.
Common types of distractions while driving include:
- Adjusting the radio or CD/MP3 player
- Attending to personal hygiene
- Daydreaming
- Eating
- Reading
- Rubbernecking
- Talking on a cell phone
- Talking to other passengers
- Texting
- Using a navigation system or map
Despite numerous efforts to combat distracted driving, including newly enacted laws, educational organizations, and government campaigns, these types of accidents are still occurring at an alarming rate. The results of a car accident involving a distracted driver could include injury to pedestrians and/or cyclists, in addition to crashes involving multiple trucks, passenger cars, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles. Victims of distracted driving accidents will not only suffer physical harm—or death—but may also sustain property damage for which they may be entitled to compensation.
Not only can distracted drivers be held criminally liable, a victim of a distracted driving car accident may be able to receive punitive damages from the at-fault motorist under South Carolina law.
Generally, damages to which a victim may be entitled include monetary compensation to cover:
- Lost wages/salary
- Medical/hospital bills
- Physical therapy/rehabilitation
- Loss of future earnings
Charleston Auto Accident Attorneys
Every case is unique, and the facts of each case will determine the damages awarded. Because these cases can be complex when it comes to determining liability or defendants, an experienced and knowledgeable attorney should be retained. If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident due to the negligence of another, contact the attorneys at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC today.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident in South Carolina, you may be able to take legal action to win compensation for your losses. Our Charleston car accident attorneys can help you build a strong case. Contact us now for a free consultation.