Thousands of people are injured or killed each year in car accidents, and a vast majority of these are preventable. For most people in South Carolina, driving a car is more of a necessity than a luxury. We rely on our vehicles for business, family, and just about everything. Unfortunately, driving isn't without its risks. Even if you are the safest driver on the road and follow all known laws, you may not be able to avoid being injured in a car accident. Why is this? Simply because we cannot control the behavior of other drivers on our roadways today, so our fate is left to the mercy of others.

Whether you are the driver or a passenger who has been in a collision, or a pedestrian or cyclist injured by a vehicle who failed to follow the rules of the road, you need an experienced car accident attorney who can give your case the attention it deserves.

Major Causes of Car Accidents

Many car crashes are caused by poor driving habits and just plain driver negligence. The most frequent causes of motor vehicle accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Teenage drivers
• Aggressive driving
• Ignoring adverse weather
• Ignoring stop signs or failing to yield
• Defective vehicles

Of these major accident causes, the problem of distracted driving is one that is gaining nationwide attention due to its severity. Nationwide, more than 400,000 people are injured each year in accidents caused by distracted drivers. Operating a vehicle while texting is now against the law in South Carolina, but there are many states that have banned the use of electronic devices in vehicles altogether. Despite the ban, the accidents and injuries continue.

Most people are distracted while driving because they are using a smartphone, but they could also be eating, applying makeup, or speaking to other passengers. A University of Utah study found that just talking on a cell phone while driving can increase the chance of an accident occurring by as much as four times. This is nearly the same risk as drinking and driving. If you text and drive, the risk of an accident goes up eightfold. These statistics may be shocking in themselves, but the damage from even a minor car accident can be truly devastating.

Types of Damages in a Car Accident Case

If you've been injured in a car accident, there are probably many expenses and hardships that are challenging your sense of fairness. When you've done nothing wrong, yet are suffering physically, emotionally, and even financially, you feel there has to be a way to set things right. Fortunately, you have legal recourse against those who have caused you harm, where you can recover damages for such things as:

• Past, present, and future medical care
• Compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

Since car accidents are so common, too many people mistakenly believe that they don't need legal representation. This couldn't be further from the truth. Insurance companies attempt to underpay victims or place blame where there shouldn't be any at all. The primary reason to retain an attorney is to have someone on your side, fighting for your rights every step of the way.

Where to go for Help

The first step to retaining a car accident attorney is to receive a free consultation. Chad Pye will be happy to meet with you to discuss the specifics of your case. We can then advise you on the best course of action for your particular situation. We have helped many South Carolina residents get the money they need after a car accident and will put our experience to work for you and your family. Contact our experienced auto accident attorney at (864) 583-5658.

Fortunately, South Carolina isn't one of the most dangerous places in the country to drive a vehicle, but we do have our share of road tragedies. In fact, there are more than 13 traffic crashes on South Carolina roads each hour and two fatalities on our roads every day. We have teen drivers involved in either fatal or injury collisions up to 16 times per day and about once a week there is a small child either seriously injured or killed in a traffic accident in our state. What is often so frustrating about motor vehicle accidents is that nearly all of them could be prevented.

Injuries and Disability From Auto Accidents

A car accident can not only cause damage to your primary means of transportation, but it can also cause significant damage to the human body that is life-changing. Here are just some of the injuries that might occur from a South Carolina car accident:

• Spinal cord damage
• Internal bleeding
• Brain trauma
• Fractures
• Burns
• Vital organ damage
• Facial disfiguration
• Blindness
• Deafness
• Depression and Anxiety
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Scarring
• Chronic pain
• Death

What to do When an Accident Occurs

If you've been involved in an auto accident, there are several immediate steps that you should take to protect your rights.

Stop. South Carolina law requires that you stop after a car crash. If you fail to do so, you could be charged with a hit and run, which carries severe penalties.

Exchange Information. There is never any harm in exchanging information with the other party. In fact, you need to both hand over your driver's license and insurance and get the same contact information from others involved.

Give Assistance. If someone needs help, provide assistance and call emergency services. If you need medical attention, ask for it immediately.

Report. Depending on the severity of the accident, you can either have the police respond to the scene to write up a report, or you can call them once you've cleared the area. Either way, you should personally report the accident to the proper authorities.

Avoid Admitting Fault. Accident scenes can be confusing and sometimes disorienting. Don't make any statements admitting fault to an accident.

Seek Legal Advice. Even if you aren't sure about fault or the extent of your injuries, seek the advice of a qualified car accident attorney. This will increase your chances of receiving the best care, fair treatment from the insurance companies, and the right compensation for your injuries.