According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed-related accidents result in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities nationwide. Every day, drivers who are in a hurry or simply refuse to respect the traffic laws put others in danger.
A speed-related collision can have devastating consequences. To help protect yourself, learn to identify the most dangerous stretches of road in South Carolina. Also, learn what actions to take if you're involved in a speed-related crash. Our South Carolina car accident attorneys at Johnson + Johnson can help you build a strong claim and get the justice you deserve.
Where do most speed-related accidents happen in South Carolina?
All roads and intersections in South Carolina require some degree of caution. However, certain areas have been recognized as consistently dangerous over the last five years, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDP).
Between 2019 and 2023, Interstate 85 in Greenville County and Interstate 26 in Charleston and Lexington counties had the highest number of speed-related car accidents. More specifically, 2,760 speed-related crashes occurred on I-85 in Greenville County over the last five years. That accounts for more than half of all countywide crashes. Additionally, the same area saw 397 traffic fatalities during the same period.
On the Charleston County portion of I-26, approximately 2,629 speed-related crashes were reported. This accounted for nearly half of all crashes in the county. The Lexington County portion had 2,579 speed-related accidents, accounting for over 61% of all countywide crashes. That also included 547 fatalities between the two counties.
Other areas with high amounts of speed-related crashes include:
- U.S. Highway 17 in Horry County - 2,516 speed-related crashes
- Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County - 2,396 speed-related crashes
- U.S. Highway 501 in Horry County - 2,355 speed-related crashes
- Interstate 20 in Richland County - 2,188 speed-related crashes
- Highway 25 in Greenville County - 1,566 speed-related crashes
- Interstate 26 in Richland County - 1,528 speed-related crashes
- U.S. Highway 1 in Richland County - 1,481 speed-related crashes
Why does speeding result in devastating crashes?
Speeding isn't just a violation of South Carolina's traffic laws; it's a dangerous behavior that puts all road users at risk. Here's why:
- It takes longer to brake or swerve to avoid a collision.
- Coming to a complete stop requires more distance.
- High speeds make maneuvering around corners, navigating through traffic, or adjusting to changing road conditions more difficult.
- The force of impact in a collision increases with speed.
- Safety features, such as airbags and seat belts, may become less effective at higher speeds.
What can I do if I'm hit by a speeding driver?
If you're hit by a speeding driver, there are steps you can take to recover and build a solid claim. These include:
- Check for injuries: Check yourself and others involved for any injuries and call emergency services if necessary.
- Move your vehicle (if possible): It's best to get your vehicle out of the line of traffic to prevent a second or subsequent collision.
- Gather information from the crash scene: Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle details with the other driver. If there are any witnesses, try to obtain their contact information as well. You should also take pictures of the crash scene, including vehicle damage and visible injuries.
- Call the police: Report the collision to the police and wait for them to arrive. They will assess the situation and document the details in a police report.
- Seeking medical attention: No matter how you feel after a speed-related collision, you should always get a medical evaluation. Many injuries take time to develop symptoms. Seeing a doctor allows you to address the injury early on and create a medical record.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the crash as soon as possible. Stick to the basic facts and avoid divulging into too many details.
- Get legal help: Don't attempt to handle your case alone. Speak to an experienced attorney who can advise you on what to do next and protect your rights.
Schedule a consultation with a South Carolina car accident lawyer
Navigating a car accident claim can be a challenging process without a legal advocate on your side. When you consult with the team at Johnson + Johnson in Lexington, SC, we'll help you explore your options and answer your questions. We know how to investigate speed-related accidents, and we understand the tactics insurance companies use to reduce their liability. We'll fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
To get started, contact us for a free consultation. You don't have to worry about paying for our legal services upfront. That's because we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
