When reckless drivers get on South Carolina’s roads, their carelessness puts everyone in danger. Unfortunately, it seems more and more motorists are taking unnecessary risks behind the wheel, abandoning caution to make better time or even just to get a thrill.
Most South Carolina auto “accidents” don’t just happen — they usually have a cause. Many times the cause is another driver’s failure to obey the rules of the road and drive cautiously. Too often their speeding, tailgating, red light running, texting while driving or other dangerous habits have a devastating outcome for others.
Contact Our Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a family member has suffered serious injuries in a South Carolina reckless driving accident, contact our South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm today and get one of our car accident lawyers on your side. We treat each and every client with courtesy and respect, and it is one of our law firm’s client commitments that we return all phone calls within 24 hours or one business day. Call Joye Law Firm.
You can reach us at (888) 324-3100 or fill out an online consultation form today.
We have offices in Charleston, Clinton and Myrtle Beach, and our South Carolina reckless driving accident lawyers are ready to handle your case anywhere in South Carolina. We represent clients in all parts of the state, including Florence, Richland County, Orangeburg, Columbia, Horry County (including Conway and North Myrtle Beach), North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Summerville.
Experience Counts
With nearly 250 years of combined litigation experience, our South Carolina car accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm have received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and several have been recognized as Super Lawyers.
Results achieved for our previous clients include a $5.9 million settlement for a client who suffered brain injuries in a wreck, a $1.15 million settlement for the family of a man killed in a car accident and a $500,000 verdict for a man whose back was injured in a collision.
While every case is different, and past results are in no way intended to guarantee that a similar result can be obtained in another case, past results obtained by a law firm are an indication of the firm’s experience when it comes to serious injury and wrongful death cases. For more details about the results obtained for previous Joye Law Firm clients, please click on the Results tab on our home page.
What is Considered Reckless Driving in South Carolina?
Anyone who has been on South Carolina’s streets and highways has likely witnessed someone driving recklessly. We all know it when we see it. But what is the legal definition of reckless driving in South Carolina?
According to S.C. Code § 56-5-2920, “Any person who drives any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate either a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.”
That sounds pretty broad and vague. So, what are some examples of “willful or wanton disregard for safety”? Depending on the circumstances, the following could be considered reckless driving:
- Reading and even sending text messages and e-mails while driving.
- Exceeding the posted limit by a wide margin or driving much faster than conditions allow.
- Racing.
- Ignoring road signs or traffic signals.
- Weaving through traffic.
- Illegal passing, such as against a double yellow line or on a blind curve.
- Passing a stopped school bus with its red flashers on.
- Tailgating, cutting off, swerving or other behaviors commonly called “road rage.”
- Driving a vehicle that the operator knows to be in an unsafe condition (for example, an overloaded truck with bad brakes).
Due to the speeds and unexpected actions involved, accidents caused by another motorist’s reckless driving can happen to even the most cautious motorists — and the crash can cause serious injuries or even death.
Can I Get Punitive Damages in Reckless Driving Accident?
Yes, under certain circumstances, a person injured by a reckless driver could be entitled to recover punitive damages — a sum that exceeds their actual damages and is designed to punish and deter exceptionally bad acts.
Punitive damages are most likely to factor in when the reckless driver was at the wheel of a commercial vehicle — an 18-wheeler, tractor trailer or semi truck, for example — or was on company business at the time of the accident. However, they could also be available under other circumstances, including where a motorist is served too much alcohol at a restaurant, bar or other business.
You need an car accident attorney like those at Joye Law Firm to make sure every aspect of your case is reviewed and every potential path of recovery is pursued.
Contact Our South Carolina Reckless Driving Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a South Carolina reckless driving accident, you can depend our personal injury lawyers at Joye Law Firm to fight for the compensation you deserve while treating you with dignity and respect. You aren’t just another faceless claim at Joye Law Firm. You are our client.
Call Joye Law Firm at (888) 324-3100 or fill out our free online case evaluation form.
