Distracted Driving Collisions in South Carolina

Choose Lawton Law Firm for Experienced Legal Representation

According to the National Safety Council, at least 1.6 million crashes are caused by cell phone use every year. While cell phones have quickly developed a rather dangerously ubiquitous presence on the road, it is not the only form of distracted driving that leads to motor vehicle crashes every year. Other forms of distracted driving include eating, changing the radio station or adjusting an mp3 player, grooming, talking to a passenger, and using a GPS for navigation.

After speeding and drinking, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents, which have increased in the last two years. While it is not the only form of distracted driving, there is no doubt that cell phone use greatly contributed to this increase.

Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that:

• Approximately 330,000 injuries occur every year in accidents that involve texting and driving.
• 1 out of 4 accidents in the United States are caused by texting and driving.
• 11 teenage drivers die every day due to texting while driving.
• In 2013, 3,154 people were killed in distracted driving accidents.
• In 2013, approximately 424,000 people were injured in crashes that involved distracted driving.

Additionally, the NHTSA conducted a national survey in 2012, which revealed that nearly half of drivers answer or use their cell phones while driving. Of the drivers surveyed, 14% admitted that they read texts and emails while driving. Various research shows that answering a text while driving requires at least 5 seconds. If driving the average speed limit, which is 55 mph, a driver will travel the length of a football field in the time it takes to read the message.

Protecting the Rights of the Injured

If you have suffered a serious injury after being involved in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be eligible to recover monetary damages with the help of one of our skilled personal injury lawyers. At Lawton Law Firm, our legal team is committed to helping our clients obtain results. Motor vehicle accidents often lead to serious injuries and you should not be burdened with the cost of medical bills or lost wages.

With more than 30 years of combined experience, our Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyers have a deep understanding of South Carolina law and will guide you through this process every step of the way. We will review the facts of your accident, contact any witnesses, and devise a legal strategy that is specific to your needs.