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2015 a Deadly Year on South Carolina’s Highways

2015 a Deadly Year on South Carolina’s Highways

2015 a Deadly Year on South Carolina’s Highways

Fort Mill, SC Attorney

According to the Times and Democrat, preliminary data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety shows that 2015 was far deadlier in terms of deaths in vehicle accidents as compared with 2014. According to the article, there were more than 950 deaths on South Carolina roads and highways in 2015, 129 more than the 823 who were killed in 2014. This presents at 15% increase from the prior year. Similarly, the total number of fatal collisions increased by 129 from 2014 to 2015, which represents as 17% increase. Although these figures are still under review since some collisions are still under investigation, it is likely that the final totals will be worse. If you were injured in a car accident in North or South Carolina, you should seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney, such as Justin Bice of the law firm of Bice Law, LLC.

Breakdown of Deaths

According to the data received, these grim increases are reflected in how the data is broken down. For example, there were 88 motorcycle deaths 2014 as compared to 132 in 2015. There were 109 in 2014 compared to 117 in 2015. The number of bicycle deaths remained steady in 2015 – 14 – which is the same as the prior year. The trend seems to have slowed at the beginning of 2016. As of January 18, 30 people were killed in traffic accidents, as compared to 39 during the same period in 2015.

Contributing Factors

The article states that 320 of those killed in traffic accidents in 2015 were not wearing seat belts. This constitutes for about half of the total deaths. Research shows that nearly half of those who are killed in traffic accidents would not have passed away if they were wearing seat belts. This means there would be around 160 fewer deaths in South Carolina if they had been wearing seat belts in 2015.

With respect to any ensuing litigation after a traffic accident, even though South Carolina law requires drivers and passengers to wear a seatbelt, failure to do so will not prevent or reduce an injured plaintiff’s recovery or damages. Therefore, courts will not allow any evidence of a plaintiff’s failure to wear a seatbelt in court.

Other contributing factors identified by the Times and Democrat are drunk driving, distracted driving, such as using a mobile device while driving a car, and speeding. Another article by the Independent Mail stated that distracted driving seems to be more prevalent as the cause of many of the accidents.

In response to the rising trend of fatal collisions, South Carolina launched the Target Zero Traffic Deaths campaign to eliminate traffic fatalities. The initiative targets certain at-risk groups, such as teens, distracted drivers, drunk drivers elderly drivers, vulnerable road users such as bicyclists and pedestrians, and commercial drivers.

Bice Law, LLC, can help you seek compensation for your injuries due to a vehicle accident in North or South Carolina. Contact us today for a free initial consultation by calling our toll-free number at 877-BICE-877 or by submitting our online form. Do not hesitate to contact us today.

Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bice Law

The personal injury firm of Bice Law will examine your case to determine the type and amount of damages that your injury warrants, including payments for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any permanent disability.  We’ll determine whether an out-of-court settlement or trial is the best strategy to obtain maximum benefits for you or your family. If you have suffered injury or harm because of someone else’s actions, take the first step to protect your legal rights – contact the personal injury firm of Bice Law serving both North and South Carolina. You only have a limited time after your injury to file a claim, so act quickly.  Call 877-BICE-877 today or submit an online request  to get a free consultation with a  personal injury attorney. We serve families across both North Carolina and South Carolina.

 

 

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