A car accident can happen when you least expect it, resulting in serious injuries. In 2022, there was an injury collision every 15.4 minutes in South Carolina, resulting in a total of 2,130 serious injury collisions in the same year.
Whether it be answering a text, racing to get to your doctor’s appointment, or failing to get enough sleep the night before, most motor vehicle crashes are linked to common factors. A motorist who acts carelessly, causing you injuries, should be held accountable for their actions.
At Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC, our Charleston car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims get the compensation to which they are entitled.
Distracted Driving
Distracted or inattentive driving is any time a person’s full attention is not on the road ahead. Whether it be caused by answering a text message, changing the radio station, or even having a conversation with your passengers, distracted driving cost the lives of 3,308 individuals in 2022. Anyone operating a motor vehicle should minimize distractions, putting their cell phones down and keeping both hands on the wheel at all times.
Drowsy Driving
We all lead busy lives, resulting in many people not getting quality sleep. Even closing your eyes for a few seconds puts you at risk of running your vehicle off the road or colliding with another vehicle or person. Each year, 328,000 crashes occur due to drowsy driving, with 109,000 of those resulting in injuries and 6,400 crashes resulting in at least one fatality. Drowsy driving results in delayed reaction times and inability to focus. If you feel fatigued, do not drive!
Drunk Driving
An alarming 32% of all fatal accidents are caused by an intoxicated driver, making it the number one cause of death on the roadway. Driving while under the influence of alcohol directly correlates with slowed reflexes, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination. Alcohol has also been shown to relax the muscles of the eye that control movement, causing blurred vision. Simply stated, drinking and driving is never an acceptable combination.
Speeding
In 2022, speeding took the lives of 12,151 people, contributing to 29% of total auto accident fatalities. The dangers of speeding may seem obvious: causing a loss of vehicle control, reducing the effectiveness of safety equipment, and increasing stopping distances.
Studies have shown that even a five-mile-per-hour speed reduction can make all the difference. A motorist traveling at 60 miles per hour will have a total stopping distance of 304 feet, compared to someone traveling at 55 miles per hour, resulting in a stopping distance of 265 feet.
Inclement Weather
Bad weather often results in poor road conditions and visibility issues. Whereas rain, snow, and ice cause slippery conditions, fog can impair a driver’s ability to see. An estimated 1.2 million crashes are weather-related, resulting in thousands of injuries and deaths annually. In adverse weather, it is best to stay off the roads.
Compensatory Damages
Damages are defined as compensation that aims to make an injury victim “whole” again. In most auto accidents, victims recover compensatory damages, which are measurable losses directly caused by the accident.
At Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC, we have helped injury victims recover the following compensatory damages:
- Lost wages
- Ambulatory services
- Medical imaging
- Diagnostic testing
- Surgeries and procedures
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and society
- Disfigurement and/or scarring
You will not know what compensation may be available to you until you speak with a car accident attorney. Even if your injuries and vehicle damage were minor, you may still be entitled to damages. The other driver’s degree of fault will determine your eligibility, which is the most difficult part of the claims process.
Reach Out to Our Charleston Car Accident Attorney at Your Earliest Convenience
Many elements must be examined to determine liability in an auto accident. If you have recently been in a car crash, the legal team at Query Sautter & Uricchio, LLC, wants to hear from you. To learn more or to schedule a meeting with one of our Charleston car accident attorneys, contact us online or by phone.