When a driver exceeds the posted speed limit or drives too fast for the road conditions, they reduce their ability to steer around curves or objects. Our York car accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you need for your injuries.
Victims of car accidents caused by speeding often face high medical bills and lost wages. South Carolina law allows injured people to seek money from the driver who caused the crash. If you were hurt in York County, knowing your rights is the first step toward recovery.
At Hunter | Everage, we help victims in York County hold reckless drivers accountable. Our car accident lawyers will gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and secure compensation for you.
How Dangerous Are Speeding Car Accidents in South Carolina?
South Carolina consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of speeding-related deaths. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, driving too fast for conditions is the most common contributing factor in fatal crashes. When a car travels at high speeds, the energy released during an impact is much greater. This leads to more severe vehicle damage and more life-threatening injuries.
In car accidents caused by speeding, safety features like seat belts and airbags may not be enough to prevent harm. High speeds make it harder for a driver to react to a sudden change in traffic, such as a car braking ahead or a pedestrian entering a crosswalk. This lack of reaction time turns a simple mistake into a deadly event.
Most Common Causes of Speeding Accidents in York County
Drivers speed for many reasons, but none of them excuse the danger they create. Here are some common causes for speeding.
- Aggressive Driving: Some drivers use speed to intimidate others or weave through traffic.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, often leading drivers to press the gas pedal too hard.
- Road Rage: Disputes between drivers can lead to high-speed chases or intentional ramming.
- Distracted Driving: A driver looking at a phone may not realize they have accelerated or that the speed limit has changed.
Most Common Injuries in Speeding Car Accidents
The injuries from a speeding car accident are often permanent. Because the impact is so violent, victims frequently require emergency surgery and long-term physical therapy.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The head can hit the steering wheel or window, causing the brain to strike the inside of the skull.
- Spinal Cord Damage: High-speed impacts can crush vertebrae, leading to partial or total paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Compound fractures in the legs, ribs, and arms are common.
- Internal Organ Damage: The force of the seatbelt or the impact itself can cause internal bleeding.
- Whiplash: Even at moderate speeds, the neck can be snapped back and forth, damaging soft tissue.
Who Is Liable for a Speeding Car Accident in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the person who is “at fault” for the accident must pay for the damages. Under S.C. Code § 56-5-1520, no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions.
If a driver breaks this law and hits you, they are likely liable. Liability can also extend to employers if the speeding driver was working at the time of the crash or to vehicle owners if they let a dangerous person drive their car. Furthermore, government entities can be held liable if poor road design or a lack of signage contributed to the speed-related crash.
How Do You Prove a Driver Was Speeding in a South Carolina Accident?
Proving a speeding car accident requires evidence beyond just your word. At Hunter | Everage, we use several methods to show the court that the defendant was over the limit.
1. Police Reports
Officers often note if “exceeding stated speed limit” or “too fast for conditions” contributed to the crash.
2. Skid Marks
Forensic experts can measure the length of tire marks on the road to calculate how fast the car was moving.
3. Video Footage
Dashcams and security cameras from nearby businesses in York or Rock Hill can provide visual proof.
4. Witness Testimony
Other drivers or pedestrians can describe the vehicle’s high rate of speed.
How South Carolina’s Comparative Fault Law Affects Your Claim
South Carolina follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. It means that if you are partially to blame for the accident, your money reward is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a speeding driver hits you, but you were changing lanes without a signal, a jury might find you 20% at fault. If your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot collect any money from the other driver. This is why gathering evidence to prove the other driver’s speed is so vital.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident.
If you do not file a lawsuit within this three-year window, you lose your right to sue forever. It is best to contact a lawyer early so they can preserve evidence before it disappears.
Why You Need a York, SC Car Accident Lawyer After a Speeding Crash
Insurance companies for speeding drivers often try to blame the victim to save money. They might claim you pulled out too slowly or that your injuries were pre-existing. A local lawyer knows how to handle these tactics in the following ways:
1. Prove the Other Driver Was Speeding: Lawyers use crash data and witness statements to show the driver broke the law.
2. Handle the Insurance Companies: Adjusters often try to pay you less than you deserve, but a lawyer knows their tactics.
3. Calculate Your Total Losses: This includes medical bills, car repairs, and the money you lost due to missed work.
4. Find Important Evidence: Lawyers can get traffic camera footage or “black box” data from the cars involved.
5. Know South Carolina Laws: Legal experts understand the specific state rules on fault and filing deadlines for a claim.
6. Take Your Case to Court: If the insurance company refuses to be fair, your lawyer will represent you in a trial.
Contact Our York, SC Car Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a crash, our York, SC car accident lawyers at Hunter | Everage are ready to help. Our team will handle the insurance companies and the paperwork while you focus on your recovery. Contact us at 704-377-9157 to request a free case review to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
