In Greenville, distracted driving is a leading cause of preventable car accidents. Although South Carolina has laws to prevent distracted driving, it still happens and harms other motorists daily.
If you have sustained injuries in a distracted driving accident, our Greenville auto accident lawyers can pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our distracted driving accident lawyers at David R. Price, Jr., P.A. to begin your recovery.
Distracted Driving Laws in South Carolina
The SC Department of Public Safety states that drivers should focus on the task of driving. Every driver has a legal duty to operate vehicles safely.
South Carolina law makes it illegal to “use a wireless electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on the public streets and highways of this State.” Simply put, is it illegal to text while driving.
South Carolina’s distracted driving law allows the use of phones and similar devices in limited situations:
- Hands-free communications
- Emergency calls
- GPS utilization
You can also use your device hands-on if you stop or park legally.
Types of Distractions Behind the Wheel
Distractions can delay driver reaction times. For example, drivers might not notice stalled traffic in front of them in time to avoid a collision.
There are three categories of distractions, each of which take a driver’s complete focus away from the road. Some common distractions encompass all three types.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions take a driver’s concentration away from driving. Examples include:
- Daydreaming
- Interacting with passengers
- Listening to music
Accidents often occur when a driver is thinking of things other than driving safely.
Manual Distractions
Safe driving requires both hands on the steering wheel. Manual distractions occur when drivers remove one or both hands for:
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking
- Reaching for items in the vehicle
- Putting on makeup
- Adjusting vehicle controls
Without both hands on the wheel, drivers have limited steering control.
Visual Distractions
Watching traffic and seeing traffic signals are a crucial part of driving safely. If a driver’s eyes aren’t on the road, they may not see conditions that require immediate action. Visual distractions include:
- Looking at passengers
- Searching for objects in the vehicle
- Rubbernecking
- Admiring scenery
Drivers are also responsible for maintaining their vehicles. Blurred, cracked, or dirty auto glass and burned-out headlights can cause visual difficulties.
If you suspect the at-fault driver in your accident was distracted, inform your attorney.
How Our Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help
Proving that an at-fault driver was distracted can be challenging, and liability insurance companies usually resist paying the total value that a claim is worth. Our skilled attorneys can:
- Provide information and explain your legal options
- Investigate the accident, gathering evidence that supports your claim
- Handle all communications with insurance company representatives
- Complete case-related paperwork
- Negotiate a favorable settlement offer or take your case to court if needed
The legal team at David R. Price, Jr., P.A. will always fight to protect your interests.
Proving Distracted Driving in an Accident
Guilty drivers usually won’t admit fault. A careful distracted driving accident lawyer will investigate your accident to determine who caused it and how. They may search:
- Police reports
- Driver cell phone records
- Video footage that captured the accident in-progress
- Witness statements
Your attorney must prove that the driver’s negligence caused the accident, your injuries, and damages.
Damages Available in Distracted Driving Accidents
If you sustained injuries in a distracted driving accident, you may qualify to seek compensation for your damages. Payment amounts vary.
During your free consultation, the legal team at David R. Price, Jr., P.A., can assess your accident claim and discuss the factors that may affect its worth.
Economic damages
Most car accidents result in various expenses for those involved. Economic damages reimburse qualifying expenses such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Replacement services
- Property damage
Save your bills and receipts so you can document your expenses for reimbursement.
Non-economic damages
The effects of some car accident damages are intangible, but they can still have long-term consequences. Non-economic damages compensate for these harms, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Inconvenience
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Payout amounts reflect the severity of your condition. Your attorney will seek maximum compensation for you.
Choose David R. Price, Jr., P.A., as Your Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
You should select an attorney with experience representing the injured in distracted driving accident claims. Choose the team of David R. Price, Jr., P.A. to help you navigate your future.
Our lawyers will work hard to gather appropriate evidence and apply our experience and knowledge of the law for a favorable case outcome. The insurance company has tactics to reduce your payment amount, but we remain focused on earning you compensation for every dollar you’re owed.
When you need a distracted driving accident lawyer with a proven track record of successfully resolving cases similar to yours, contact the law firm of David R. Price, Jr., P.A. in Greenville to request a free consultation. Submit our online contact form to get started today.
