South Carolina Had the Highest At-Fault Accident Rate in 2022

South Carolina car accident lawyers explain the safety implications.

South Carolina has more drivers with an at-fault car accident on their record than any other state in the country, according to a recent traffic safety study.

The same study by Insurify noted that several southern states have similarly high rates of at-fault car accidents. “Drivers in the South should take extra precautions on the roads,” Insurify stated, adding, “The region has many states with elevated motor vehicle crash and fatality rates.”

So just how common are at-fault accidents in South Carolina? What are the common causes of collisions caused by other drivers in the state? And what can be done to make South Carolina’s roads safer? Our South Carolina car accident attorneys at Twenge + Twombley have the answers to all these questions and more useful information below.

South Carolina has the most accident-prone drivers

The recent Insurify study measured how many drivers in each state have caused a car accident. The study was based on 4.6 million car insurance applications nationwide last year. Insurify then compared such numbers to determine which state had the highest at-fault car accident rate.

In the case of South Carolina, 12 percent of drivers reported causing a collision in the past. That figure is 37 percent higher than the national average of 8.8 percent.

South Carolina also had the highest number of traffic fatalities per mile and per capita compared to all other states. Specifically, 1.97 fatal car accidents occur in South Carolina for every 100 million miles traveled. And each year, on average, 1 out of 4,831 people die in a motor vehicle accident in South Carolina, Insurify reports.

Why do so many collisions occur?

Each year, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety issues a “Traffic Collision Fact Book” about the number of collisions and the causes of accidents. In 2021, there was a car accident every 4.8 minutes in South Carolina. Common causes included:

Speeding, which resulted in 39,595 car accidents in 2021.
Failure to yield to other drivers, which resulted in 29,274 car accidents.
Improper lane usage or improper lane change, 12,907 accidents.
Following other vehicles too closely, 10,020 collisions.
Distracted driving, which caused 8,928 accidents.
Not obeying traffic signs, including stop signs and traffic lights, 7,169 accidents.
Drunk driving or driving under the influence of alcohol, 5,377 accidents.

What can be done to prevent accidents?

Along with its annual car accident report, South Carolina’s Department of Public Safety also offers suggestions for making the state’s roads safer, including:

Don’t drive aggressively. Share the road with other motorists.
Slow down when driving in hazardous weather.
Turn on your headlights if you have trouble seeing, especially if there’s fog. That way, other drivers will see you as well.
When driving in work zones, always slow down.
If you have a tire blowout, coast to the side of the road. Don’t brake or speed up to get out of the way.

Why should I hire a South Carolina car accident attorney?

Car accident claims in South Carolina quickly turn into complicated legal cases. Often, this is because the at-fault driver denies doing anything wrong. Other times, it’s insurance companies that are the problem. Rather than paying you the money you rightfully deserve, many insurance companies would rather deny your claim or fight you in court.

That’s not right. That’s why our South Carolina car accident lawyers at Twenge + Twombley want to help. We understand how the legal system works in South Carolina. We know what evidence to look for and how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies.

Put your trust in a law firm that puts your needs first. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a Beaufort, South Carolina car accident lawyer you can count on in a crisis. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay us if we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you.