How did your car wreck happen?

Each year, an average of more than 100,000 car wrecks occur in South Carolina. In 2018, there were 142,406 crashes that resulted in 1,036 fatalities and 58,053 non-fatal injuries. When a crash occurs, the cause can be as clear as day. But crashes often happen so fast that crash victims aren't aware of what happened. For example, you may have been unexpectedly struck while crossing an intersection. Next thing you know, you're being rushed to the hospital.

Due to the shock of being in a crash, you may not be able to recall what happened. Until a thorough investigation is conducted, nobody can determine who was at fault. If you file a claim, be aware that the other driver's insurance company will try to shift the blame. Don't fall for their tricks. Let an experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer at Twenge + Twombley Law Firm conduct a full investigation into your crash and gather all the facts.

Common types of crashes

The most common types of crashes we deal with at Twenge + Twombley Law Firm include:

• Rear-end collisions - The most common type of car wreck that occurs at signalized intersections and in traffic jams.
• T-bone crashes - Often caused by drivers who run red lights, T-bone crashes can be very complex. The driver who gets hit can either be the crash victim or the at-fault driver.
• Head-on collisions - This type of crash is very rare, but is the deadliest and most catastrophic.
• Lane departures - This type of crash often occurs on multi-lane roads when one driver hits another driver while changing lanes.
• Rollovers - The weight distribution or poor design of a vehicle can easily result in a rollover. This also occurs when drivers change lanes too quickly, go off the road, or are hit from the side.

How human error leads to crashes

Most crashes are the result of human error. There are very few cases when there is another cause, such as extreme weather. Even when the weather conditions are unfavorable, crashes are the result of drivers traveling at speeds that are unsafe for the conditions. Common causes of crashes include:

• Distracted driving - This involves any activity that causes manual, visual, or cognitive distraction. Cellphone use is the leading cause of distracted driving crashes.
• Impaired driving - Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs often don't have the coordination, good judgment, and concentration to safely operate a car.
• Speeding - Drivers not only have less time and distance to stop when speeding, they increase the risk of a crash being catastrophic or fatal.
• Drowsy driving - When drivers fall asleep at the wheel, they often don't make any attempt to stop or avoid a crash. Drowsy driving crashes often happen at full speed and result in serious injuries and deaths.
• Vehicle defects - Defects to the brakes, wheels, steering, and tires can cause drivers to lose control. When crashes occur, a vehicle parts manufacturer can be held accountable.

Why an investigation is necessary

South Carolina is considered an at-fault or tort car insurance state. That means to recover damages, you must prove that the other driver was at fault. This is where an in-depth investigation is necessary. The attorneys at Twenge + Twombley Law Firm have experience investigating all types of car wrecks by:

• Working with crash reconstruction experts and obtaining physical evidence from the crash scene.
• Examining the official police report.
• Getting access to surveillance camera footage if it is available.
• Interviewing witnesses and cross-referencing their statements with other pieces of evidence.
• Getting a subpoena for the at-fault driver's cellphone records.
• Obtaining a copy of your medical records and linking your injury to the crash.

Contact our South Carolina car accident attorneys if you were hurt in a crash

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash, speak to the attorneys at Twenge + Twombley Law Firm to learn about your rights. We'll handle the insurance companies for you, accurately tally up your damages and fight to maximize your compensation. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, in-home modifications and assistance, and other damages accrued from your crash.

Our legal team would be glad to sit down with you during a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options and what you can expect from your case. We proudly serve clients in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head. Contact us today to get started on your claim.