Speeding is a factor in many South Carolina car accidents. Excessive speed can cause an accident because it increases a vehicle’s stopping distance, and the laws of physics decrease a car’s stability and maneuverability at higher speeds. Not only can speeding cause a crash, but it can also make the resulting injuries much worse.
When drivers speed, they risk not only their own lives but also the lives of everyone who shares the road. In South Carolina, a speeding driver who causes a crash can be held responsible for the injuries that result. Even if the driver wasn’t exceeding the posted speed limit, the speed could have been too fast for the weather or traffic conditions, meaning the motorist was still negligent.
At Joye Law Firm, we represent people who have been hurt in South Carolina speeding accidents, helping them recover the compensation they deserve. If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a South Carolina car accident where excessive speed was a factor, contact Joye Law Firm today. Get one of our car accident lawyers working for you.
Call Joye Law Firm. You can reach us at (888) 324-3100 or fill out an online consultation form today to schedule a free claim evaluation. We treat each and every client with courtesy and respect. It is one of our law firm’s client commitments that we return all phone calls within 24 hours or one business day.
Accidents Caused by Speeding in South Carolina
A Department of Transportation report called “Analysis of Speeding-Related Fatal Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes” indicated that South Carolina had the highest overall percentage of speeding-related fatalities in the nation during a 20-year study period. The report also indicated that the rate of speeding fatalities in South Carolina has remained relatively stable over the years.
Tragically, this means that many people throughout South Carolina have had to endure the loss of a loved one as a result of a speeding-related crash. Many others have also suffered serious injuries as a result of speeding, causing significant financial, physical and emotional damage.
Speeding has been identified time and again as an extremely dangerous practice.
In fact, according to the National Safety Council:
- More than 13,000 people in the U.S. die annually in crashes caused by drivers going too fast.
- In 2005, 27 percent of fatal crashes in maintenance or construction zones were directly attributed to speeding.
- Speeding comes at a significant cost to society. Over $40 billion is lost annually to medical expenses, lost productivity and other costs attributed to speeding-related injury or death.
- For every minute gained by a driver speeding, society pays more than $76,000.
Any driver who is going over the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions could potentially cause a speeding-related wreck. Certain drivers, however, are more likely to drive too fast.
According to the National Safety Council:
- Young men are the demographic group who are most likely to be involved in a crash caused by speeding.
- In 2007, 39 percent of male drivers between the ages of 15-20 who were involved in fatal car wrecks were speeding when the crash occurred.
- Drivers who are impaired by alcohol are more likely than other drivers to exceed the speed limit.
Driving Too Fast for Conditions
Driving in excess of the posted limit is not the only type of speeding that can cause a crash. A report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that only 55 percent of speeding-related crashes occurred when a driver was going over the posted limit. The other 45 percent of crashes attributed to speeding were caused by drivers going faster than it was safe to drive given the current road conditions.
If there is bad weather such as rain, snow, fog or ice, drivers are expected to reduce their speed to account for the slippery roads and reduced visibility. Likewise, in heavy-traffic situations or other dangerous conditions where a crash is more likely to occur, drivers who exercise reasonable and appropriate care will adjust their speed. This is to a level where they can operate their vehicle in a safe manner.
When a driver fails to drive at a safe speed or exceeds the posted limit, excess speed makes a crash more likely for a number of reasons, including:
- Longer stopping distances
- Reduced time to react to unexpected situations that arise
- Less control over a vehicle due to the increased momentum.
Holding a Speeding Driver Responsible in South Carolina
A speeding driver could be held accountable for any resulting injuries in an accident where speed was a contributing factor. This is under South Carolina law. Speed limits are safety laws in South Carolina, so if you can prove that a driver was speeding and that the speeding led to the crash, the driver could be seen as negligent. A negligent driver can be held responsible for paying damages for losses including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, emotional distress damages and wrongful death damages.
A South Carolina car accident lawyer at Joye Law Firm can help you. They will help you gather the evidence you need to show that the other driver was speeding. This can be more difficult in cases where the driver was going too fast for conditions but not breaking the speed limit, but it is still possible. In fact, you could be able to show that the other driver was speeding despite the driver’s claims to the contrary. Evidence collected at the accident scene and the testimony of witnesses can be used. This will help you prove fault in speeding accidents. You may also be able to work with an accident reconstruction expert who can bolster your claim.
Contact Our South Carolina Speeding Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a South Carolina car accident where speed was a factor, you can depend on our personal injury lawyers at Joye Law Firm to fight for all of the benefits you deserve.
Call Joye Law Firm at (888) 324-3100 or fill out our free online case evaluation form.
Testimonials
Words can hardly express how grateful I am for the outstanding performance of this law firm. Several months ago I was in a wreck and my life was turned upside down. The uphill battle was a day to day experience; but Rand and Alice gave me hope from day 1 that I had a voice in what happened, and that I was going to have light at the end of the tunnel I was in. These people are truly, and sincerely motivated to help you. I implore anyone and everyone that has been in an accident, to please contact this law firm and get Rand, Alice, or any of their other team members behind you. You will not be disappointed! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for me! I will continue to spread the good word around.
Review by: Josiah Myers
Reviewing: Car Accident Legal Services
Date published: 11/14/2020
Rating: ★★★★★ 5 / 5 stars
