The highways of South Carolina see their fair share of accidents, many of them fatal. Understanding what the most common factors are in these accidents may help drivers be more alert. Some factors may inevitably force drivers to drive more cautiously, such as wet roads. Rain and snow also reduce visibility. Highway designs, when built around certain geographical features, may naturally incorporate tight curves and narrow shoulders. Drivers could also come upon blind intersections.
Most highway fatalities are due to human negligence or recklessness. For instance, drivers can engage in distracted behavior like eating, adjusting the radio, and even putting on makeup. With smartphones and in-car entertainment systems, the temptation to take one’s attention from the road is greater than ever. Another factor in fatalities can be anger. Road rage leads many to make irrational and unsafe decisions.
Impaired driving is another all too common issue. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to blurred vision, impaired judgment, slower reflexes, and the inability to perceive speed and distance. Even a moderate amount of alcohol constitutes buzzed driving, which presents its own dangers. Taking drugs both legal and illegal will also impair driving abilities. Though drivers may decrease the risk for death by wearing seat belts and maintaining their airbag system, many choose not to.
Victims of car accidents may be able to file a third-party insurance claim if they themselves were not at fault. If successful, their claim could recover the money spent on vehicle repairs and medical bills. When an accident is fatal, the family can file a wrongful death suit and be reimbursed for pre-death medical costs, funeral and burial costs, and loss of support. Having legal representation is important at this stage, as a lawyer may be able to assess the claim, hire investigators to strengthen it, and negotiate with the insurance company itself.