Reckless driving ruins the lives of the victims and their families. When a driver ignores the posted speed limit, runs a red light, or weaves through traffic on I-26, a normal trip can turn into a serious auto accident in seconds.
Since 1968, Joye Law Firm has guided injured South Carolinians through car accident cases. Our legal team investigates your crash, shields you from bill collectors and the insurance company, and seeks every penny of compensation the law allows.
If a reckless driver hurt you or someone you love, get a free consultation with a South Carolina reckless driving accident lawyer today.
Nationwide Reckless Driving Accident Statistics You Should Know
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates around 40,990 people died in U.S. traffic crashes during 2023. In addition, 11,775 speeding deaths in a certain year due to reckless behavior.
These numbers show just how dangerous it is when drivers ignore speed limits and other safety rules. Every day, on major highways like I-95 and even quiet county roads, reckless choices put lives at risk.
Understanding Reckless Driving Under South Carolina Law
Most motor vehicle accidents are caused by negligent driving, meaning the driver failed to use reasonable care. Common examples include glancing at a phone and rear-ending another vehicle or rolling through a stop sign. South Carolina law treats reckless driving more severely. Under S.C. Code § 56-5-2920, a motorist commits reckless driving when operating a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of persons or property.
Examples include:
- Driving 25 mph or more above the speed limit
- Street racing
- Fleeing from police after lights and sirens come on
- Passing around a stopped school bus or on a blind curve
- Tailgating, cutting off, swerving or other behaviors commonly called “road rage”
Because these actions involve conscious disregard, your lawyer may demand punitive damages on top of your ordinary compensatory damages.
What To Do If You Encounter a Reckless Driver on South Carolina Roads
- Create distance: Slow down, change lanes, or exit.
- Do not retaliate: Brake-checking or racing only raises crash risk.
- Avoid eye contact or gestures: Road rage can make matters worse.
- Note details safely after you stop: Plate number, vehicle color, location, and direction help police.
- Call HP (*47 on mobile) or 911: Give dispatchers facts, not emotion.
- Put safety first: Arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in South Carolina and How They Influence Your Car Accident Claim
The state’s criminal case is separate from your civil car accident claim. In criminal court, the state attempts to punish offenders for violating the law. In civil court, the injured individual (you) seeks compensation from the other party for damages they caused or for civil rights violations.
| Offense | Criminal Penalties | License Points | Possible Civil Impact |
| First conviction | Up to 30 days in jail or up to $200 fine | 6 points | Police reports and convictions help prove “willful or wanton disregard,” supporting punitive damages. |
| Second conviction within 5 years | Up to 90 days in jail or up to $500 fine; mandatory license suspension possible | 6 points plus potential suspension | Pattern of reckless conduct strengthens liability claim and may justify higher settlement. |
| Reckless vehicular homicide | Felony, up to 10 years imprisonment; license revoked five years | N/A | Criminal case record supplies powerful evidence for wrongful-death suits. |
The state’s criminal case is separate from your civil car accident claim. In criminal court, the state attempts to punish offenders for violating the law. In civil court, the injured individual (you) seeks compensation from the other party for damages they caused or for civil rights violations.
