Sharp Increase in South Carolina Road Fatalities in 2015
Charlotte, NC Personal Injury Lawyer
The Greenville Online reported in August that road fatality rates in South Carolina sharply increased this year as compared with the same time period in 2014. At the time it was reported, 572 people had died on South Carolina roads, as compared with 473 for the same period last year. Eighty-eight fatalities were motorcyclists, which has increased fifty-four percent from fifty-seven percent last year, additionally eight out of every ten failed to wear helmets. With regard to pedestrians, there have been sixty-one deaths, as compared with forty-nine from the same time last year. In accidents where a cause or contributing factor has been ascertained, the leading reasons are speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and failure to yield the right of way.
Improving Economy Cited as Reason for Spike
One industry expert indicated in the article that the improvement in the economy may be causing the increase in vehicle accidents that cause roadway fatalities. When the economy is thriving, more people are on the roads, and during vacation season, more people are traveling to the coast. Additionally, people have more disposable income, which may be enabling people to buy more motorcycles. An increase in motorcycle use correlates to an increase in motorcycle fatalities.
Speeding Accidents
Speeding can be the cause of catastrophic vehicle accidents. When drivers speed, they vastly reduce the amount of control they can exercise over their vehicles as well as the amount of time they have to react to any hazards or changes in road conditions. Drivers often speed because they are negligent – either they are in a hurry to get somewhere, are not paying attention to the roads, or believe that they will not get caught. As the speed of a vehicle increases, the severity of the injuries that may be caused by a speeding accident also increases.
Failure to Yield Right of Way Accidents
Failure to yield the right of way has been cited as a leading cause of traffic fatalities in South Carolina. This is often the result of overly-aggressive driving. Sometimes the drivers involved in these types of accidents do not even see the other vehicles involved, particularly motorcycles. Crashes for failure to yield often occur while approaching an intersection, turning left, entering a highway, or at stop signs. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable to these violations, as drivers often fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks. If the accident was caused by a driver’s failure to yield, then that failure may constitute negligence for which the driver is liable.
The increase in the number of fatalities in South Carolina roadways is alarming. Failure to exercise due care as a driver can cause severe injuries and death, and may forever change the lives of those affected. With these accidents also come potential liabilities, and injured parties deserve compensation for the negligence of vehicle drivers. If you have been injured in a vehicle accident and wish to bring a claim for compensation, the attorneys at Bice Law, LLC may be able to help you seek compensation. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
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.
