Nearly 40% of South Carolina Traffic Deaths Caused By Speeding
Speeding is one of the top causes of car accidents in South Carolina. It’s an aggressive yet common driving behavior. It’s against the law to drive above the posted speed limit, but drivers do it every day. This often results in crashes that leave victims with serious injuries, especially at high speeds. Sometimes those injuries are fatal.
How often does speeding lead to a fatal crash? ValuePenguin analyzed federal traffic data from every state, using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reports System (FARS). They examined data on crashes from 2010 to 2019. And they found that in South Carolina, 39% of roadway deaths during that time period were related to speeding.
A speeding ticket in the state can range from $15 to hundreds of dollars. It can also result in higher insurance premiums. So why do people speed when they’re behind the wheel?
Reckless drivers give many different reasons for driving fast. Some inexcusably say they were running late to work or an appointment, for example. Others get frustrated by traffic conditions. Some negligent drivers overestimate their abilities and drive at a speed they think they can handle.
Speeding is a dangerous driving behavior
The problem is that speeding makes it harder to control a vehicle. Even if they see approaching danger, a speeding driver may not be able to stop in time to prevent a collision. The faster they are going, the longer the stopping distance that is required.
A collision at a high speed has a greater force of impact, increasing the risk that drivers and passengers will suffer severe and possibly fatal injuries. In South Carolina during the years examined, there were 108.7 deaths for every 100 fatal crashes.
The death of a loved one in a crash is a sudden and devastating loss for families. And while they are still grieving, they may have to deal with bills for final medical expenses and funeral costs. If a loved one was a financial provider, they wonder how they will pay their bills.
If a negligent driver caused their loved one’s fatal accident, family members deserve financial compensation. But recovering compensation can be complicated. One reason is that negligent drivers often deny speeding and won’t admit responsibility.
Another reason is that insurance companies aren’t really on their side. They are looking for reasons to pay as little as possible. They may argue that a loved one was partially responsible for what happened. One common tactic is to offer a lowball settlement that falls far short of covering all losses.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help
At Twenge + Twombley, we know how to handle insurance companies and hold negligent drivers accountable. We investigate accidents – gathering evidence, carefully reviewing accident reports and interviewing witnesses. We build strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
Family members of fatal crash victims may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost future income, vehicle repair or replacement, and other damages such as pain and suffering.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal crash, learn more about how a South Carolina car accident lawyer can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.