South Carolina Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer

Texting while driving is illegal in South Carolina — and it’s inexcusable. Offenders who text behind the wheel run the risk of causing serious accidents that put others’ lives in danger as well as their own.

If you’ve been hurt by a distracted driver, you shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences of their irresponsibility. South Carolina law allows accident victims to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other losses resulting from the crash.

The best way to find out if you’re entitled to compensation is by talking to an experienced car accident attorney at the Wilson Law Group. Texting while driving is intolerable no matter the circumstances. Our lawyers will fight to hold the at-fault driver responsible for his or her negligence.

Types of Crashes Caused by Texting While Driving Accidents

There are many different types of accidents that may occur when a motorist is texting. Some of the most common include:

Fender benders: These accidents are typically minor and normally happen in slow-moving traffic, such as in a parking lot. Looking down at a phone for even a few seconds could easily cause a fender bender.
Sideswipe accidents: When a driver’s eyes are off the road, it’s difficult to drive straight ahead. Texting motorists often veer into other lanes, which can result in a sideswipe crash.
Rear-end accidents: There’s no way to gauge how close you are to another car if you’re fixated on your phone screen. It becomes very easy to hit another driver from behind.
Fatal accidents: Although some texting while driving accidents are minor, many are severe. When a person texts while driving at high speeds, it can result in a fatal crash.

Although these are just a few of the most common types of accidents caused by texting and driving, any type of crash can occur when drivers engaging in such dangerous behavior.

Common Injuries In Texting Accidents

The injuries that result from a texting and driving accident may be serious, depending on the severity of the wreck. Costs for relatively minor injuries can still amount to thousands of dollars in medical bills, and catastrophic injuries can number in the millions over the course of a victim’s lifetime. That’s not to mention other losses, such as lost income, diminished earning capacity and pain and suffering.

The most common injuries caused by texting and driving include:

Whiplash: Especially common in rear-end accidents, whiplash results when the neck is snapped back and forth during the impact of the crash. Whiplash can have long-lasting consequences, such as chronic pain, spinal degeneration, and disability.
Cuts and bruises: Broken glass or lose objects in the vehicle may result in lacerations and bruising if a texting driver hits you.
Head injuries: Head injuries are a common result of car accidents and can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries that change a victim’s life forever.
Broken ribs: Ribs are very fragile and can easily break. Broken ribs are extremely painful and can cause further complications, such as a punctured lung.
Broken bones: Car accident victims may suffer multiple broken bones in a wreck, which may require surgery, rehabilitation and long hospital stay.
Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding is a very serious injury, but one that’s not always noticeable right away. When internal bleeding is not treated immediately, it can be life-threatening for accident victims.
Spinal cord injuries: Discs in the spine become dislocated during a car crash. If the spinal cord is severed completely, victims may suffer from permanent paralysis.
Knee injuries: During an accident, the knees may strike the dashboard with great force. These injuries may require braces, crutches, and multiple surgeries during recovery.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Not all injuries are physical. Many people suffer from emotional conditions in the aftermath of a car accident, such as PTSD. People living with PTSD may be unable to function in daily life or be triggered into panic at the sound of screeching brakes or a honking horn. This can greatly impair their ability to perform the normal tasks of everyday life, including work.

If you or a family member was injured by a texting driver, you don’t have to struggle alone. Contact the compassionate lawyers at the Wilson Law Group to help you through this difficult time.

South Carolina Texting While Driving Statistics

A look at the statistics on texting while driving and distracted driving in South Carolina shows just how dangerous driving around the state can be. The most recent data from the South Carolina Department of Insurance and the S.C. Department of Public Safety shows that:

64% of all accidents in the state are caused by cell phone usage, mainly texting while driving
Texting was named as a primary contributing factor in 60 collisions in 2017, leading to 1 death and 29 injuries.
Distracted driving and inattention resulted in a 9,708 total crash in the Palmetto State in 2017. Of that number, 8 motorists died and 3,373 people were injured.
South Carolina places fifth-worst in the country for careless driving.
Overall, South Carolina ranks sixth nationally for having the worst drivers.

To prevent anyone else from becoming a statistic, it’s important that all drivers obey the texting and driving laws in the state.

Is There a South Carolina Hands-Free Law?

Although texting and driving are illegal in South Carolina, the state does not have a law banning the use of handheld devices.

Texting and Driving Claims in South Carolina

Victims of texting while driving accidents have the right to file a claim for compensation against whoever is at fault for the wreck. For many, this compensation is vital to restore the family’s financial security, get the best medical care possible and ensure their overall wellbeing.

But obtaining full and fair compensation is not always an easy task. To pursue compensation, victims must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s very important to contact an attorney before negotiating with insurers or giving a recorded statement. Insurance companies are quick to deny texting while driving claims and/or make cheap settlement offers. A strong and competent lawyer can help you avoid falling into any traps so that you can receive the compensation you are owed.

How Wilson Law Group Can Help

Texting while driving can and does kill. At the Wilson Law Group, we are committed to getting accident victims the compensation they need to recover from their injuries if they’ve been hit by a texting driver.

During a free consultation, our South Carolina car accident lawyers will review your claim, advise on your legal options and guide you through every part of the claims process.

If you’re ready to get started, contact us now to arrange your no-cost, no-obligation case review.

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