Charleston Texting & Driving Accident Attorney

Fighting For Texting & Driving Accident Victims in South Carolina

Study after study indicates the dangers of cell phone use while driving, whether that involves talking on a cell phone or texting while driving. It is extremely dangerous to try to use a cell phone while driving a vehicle. It seems that drivers simply cannot devote the attention necessary to driving a vehicle when their minds are otherwise occupied by a phone.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, the law office of Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC can help. Our personal injury firm has been in practice since 1999 and we understand the nuances of car accident cases. To schedule a free initial consultation with a Charleston car accident attorney from our office, call (843) 968-0886.

Is it Illegal to Text and Drive in South Carolina?

Yes, texting while driving is illegal in South Carolina. According to state law, it is prohibited for drivers to send, read, or write text messages or emails while operating a motor vehicle. This law is in place to lower the risk of accidents caused by distracted driving. South Carolina's ban on texting and driving is considered a primary offense, meaning that a law enforcement officer can pull a driver over if they suspect a violation, even if no other traffic laws have been broken.

Texting is especially dangerous because it involves three types of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. A driver who is texting is not only taking their eyes off the road but also diverting their hands from the wheel and their mind from driving. This trifecta of distraction dramatically raises the risk of causing an accident.

Common Injuries in Texting & Driving Involved Accidents

Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents today. We represent individuals who have suffered any serious injury in an accident caused by a distracted driver texting while driving, talking on a cell phone while driving, using a GPS app while driving, or otherwise using a smartphone while driving.

Talk to a lawyer from our firm if you have suffered from:

• Head injuries
• Brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Fractured bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis

Once we determine what caused your accident, we can help you pursue compensation for all expenses related to your accident. Our Charleston personal injury attorneys have significant experience helping accident victims, as well as families who have lost loved ones in fatal car accidents. Find out more about reckless and aggressive driving when you get in touch with our office.

What Damages Could be Recovered in a Texting & Driving Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages in a texting and driving accident claim may include:

• Medical Expenses: If you suffered injuries in the accident, you could recover the fee of current and future medical treatments. This could include hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any other healthcare needs resulting from the crash.
• Lost Wages: If the accident caused you to miss work, you could claim compensation for lost earnings. Additionally, if the injuries resulted in long-term or permanent disability, you might also be entitled to compensation for the loss of earning capacity.
• Property Damage: The cost of fixing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash can be recovered through an accident claim.

Non-Economic Damages

Examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and Suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional despair, and the overall effect the accident has had on your quality of life.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries you sustained prevent you from enjoying activities you previously loved, such as sports, hobbies, or time with family, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
• Emotional Distress: Texting and driving accidents can be traumatic, leading to anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Victims may recover damages for the psychological impact the accident has had on their lives.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the driver's conduct was particularly reckless, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to penalize the defendant and deter others from similar behavior. Texting while driving, especially when combined with other dangerous actions like speeding, could potentially justify punitive damages if the driver exhibited gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Contact Our Charleston Texting & Driving Accident Lawyer Today

Pierce | Sloan represents clients throughout the state of South Carolina, including clients in Charleston and Myrtle Beach. The sooner you contact our law firm after a car accident, the sooner we can start building a solid case on your behalf.