Lack of Driving Experience
New drivers are a major cause of highway accidents in South Carolina. Young motorists, particularly teenagers, are understandably much less experienced behind the wheel than their older counterparts. They either lack essential driving skills or their abilities are underdeveloped. They might also not know how to react to certain situations.
Similarly, while out-of-state drivers may be well experienced, they may be unfamiliar with a particular area, road, or interstate. If they’re distracted trying to read road signs or to get their bearings, they may cause an accident due to their inattention to other motorists. Myrtle Beach and Charleston are especially popular among South Carolina visitors, and the additional traffic makes roadways in these areas more hazardous.
Dangerous or Reckless Driving Behavior
With dashcam footage and other evidence, it can sometimes be easier to prove fault in a car accident based on the other driver’s behavior. Some common examples of dangerous maneuvers and reckless driving include:
- Sudden lane changes
- Not performing an over-the-shoulder check
- Excessive lane changing or swerving
- Tailgating
- Unsafe or improper passing
- Driving too slowly for the conditions
- Not obeying traffic signals and signs
Excessive Speeding
An especially noteworthy example of dangerous driving is excessive speeding. Motorists risk losing control of their vehicle or being unable to react to the unexpected quickly enough to avoid a collision.
Adverse or Difficult Weather Conditions
Sometimes, drivers with the best intentions still cause crashes on South Carolina highways and interstates, and weather can be a major factor. It’s often difficult to see through thick fog or severe rainstorms. Slippery road conditions, water-covered roadways, and other weather-related hazards cause difficulties as well. High winds can even blow debris and hazards onto the road. In some cases, impatient drivers may travel too quickly for these conditions and cause an unwanted collision.
Faulty or Poorly Maintained Vehicles
It’s crucially important to keep your car or truck up to date with repairs and maintenance. A poorly maintained vehicle poses significant risks. For instance:
- Bald tires can lose traction or even blow out.
- Burnt-out headlights make your vehicle much harder to see.
- Inadequate brake maintenance compromises the ability to stop safely.
- Loose or improperly secured cargo could hit other vehicles.
Every motorist has a responsibility to ensure their safety and that of others.
What to Do If You’re Hurt in a SC Highway Crash
First, focus on your health. Call 911 and seek emergency medical attention right away. After collecting evidence and photos at the scene, call the team at Pracht Injury Lawyers. We’ll explain the basics of South Carolina personal injury cases and how they apply to you.
It’s critically important to protect your legal rights following an automobile accident that wasn’t your fault. Insurance companies might try to put more blame on your actions or offer the lowest settlement amount they think you’ll accept just to make the case go away. With our experienced professionals in your corner, we’ll help you seek the justice and fair compensation you deserve.