According to a recent study, South Carolina ranks fourth in the nation for fatal car accidents. In 2020, the state reported 962 fatal crashes, resulting in 20.7 deaths per 100,000 people. This alarming statistic raises questions about road safety in the Palmetto State.
Several factors contribute to South Carolina's high fatal car accident rate. First, the state's roads are in poor condition. A Consumer Affairs study ranked South Carolina 12th for worst roads in the country in 2021. About 12% of urban South Carolina roads have rough pavement.
Additionally, South Carolina tops the list for deaths per 100 million miles traveled per vehicle, with a rate of 1.97. This suggests that drivers in South Carolina face higher risks even on shorter trips.
Why is South Carolina's fatal car accident rate so high?
While not the worst in the nation, drunk driving remains a significant issue in South Carolina. The state's impaired driving laws and enforcement strategies may need reevaluation to reduce alcohol-related fatal crashes.
Distracted driving, speeding, and failure to use seatbelts also play roles in South Carolina's high fatal car accident rate. Moreover, the state's mix of urban and rural roads presents unique challenges. Rural roads, in particular, often see higher fatality rates due to higher speeds and less immediate access to emergency services.
How does South Carolina compare to other states?
While South Carolina's situation is concerning, it's not the worst in the nation. Mississippi leads with 25.4 deaths per 100,000 people, followed by Wyoming and Arkansas. These states share similar challenges, including poor road conditions, high rates of drunk driving, and significant rural road networks.
What should I do if I'm injured in a car accident in South Carolina?
First and foremost, you should think about your safety and the safety of others during the immediate aftermath. Take a moment to check on yourself and other parties involved in a crash and call 911 to report any serious injuries. Next, call the police and wait for an officer to arrive at the crash scene. An officer will document the scene and create a police report, which you can later obtain when pursuing a claim.
While waiting for an officer to arrive, exchange insurance and contact information with the other parties involved. Avoid admitting blame or arguing over who was at fault. An investigation can determine liability after a crash. Also, take pictures of vehicle positions and damage, as well as any visible injuries.
After leaving the crash scene, get immediate medical attention, even if you initially feel fine. Many injuries can take several days to produce symptoms. Plus, getting a medical diagnosis can help create a link between your car accident and injuries. You'll also need to contact your insurance provider to report the car accident. Only provide basic information such as the date, time, location, parties involved, and any injuries sustained.
How do I pursue a successful claim after a car accident?
To pursue a successful car accident claim in South Carolina, get legal help from an experienced attorney at Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law. They can act as a buffer between you and the other driver's insurance company. This way, the other driver's insurer can't trick you into admitting fault or accepting a lowball settlement offer.
Additionally, you should keep all medical records, logs, and receipts, as well as pay stubs, vehicle repair estimates, and a pain and suffering journal. This way, our attorneys can accurately determine how much money you're eligible for and fight to recover every dollar of it. We have a proven track record of successfully recovering compensation for our clients, such as a $200,000 settlement for an uninsured motorist car accident.
To begin your path to recovery and justice, contact us online or call our Lexington, SC, law office to schedule your free initial consultation. If you decide to work with us, it won't cost anything upfront. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we have a successful outcome for your case.
