Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Columbia, SC

We’ve likely all had the experience at some point or another of driving behind someone who is clearly distracted – they may be swerving, ignoring traffic signals, going an inconsistent speed, braking late. Not only is distracted driving a frustrating experience for others on the road, it’s also very unsafe. Distracted driving is avoidable yet it kills more than 8 people and injures another 1,095 per day in the United States (SC DOI). There is no doubt that distracted driving continues to be a threat on our South Carolina roads; in fact, on average, there are 2 crashes per hour involving a distracted driver in the Palmetto State.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a collision caused by a distracted driver in Columbia, SC or nearby, you have rights under SC law. The injury attorneys at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC have decades of experience fighting to get Columbia car accident victims the compensation they deserve for all physical, financial, and emotional damages caused by an unexpected accident. Let us help you get the entirety of what you’re owed so you can focus on recovering and a brighter future ahead.

Examples of Distracted Driving

A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving. Distractions can be visual (eyes off the road), manual (hands off the wheel), or cognitive (mind off driving). Types of distractions can include, but are not limited to:

• Texting
• Eating
• Drinking
• Adjusting vehicle controls
• Reading
• Daydreaming
• Talking to passengers or on the phone
• Applying makeup
• Watching videos
• Checking social media
• Checking emails
• Talking to other passengers
• Reaching for things
• Looking at something (inside or outside of the car)

It’s important to note that under South Carolina law, it is illegal to use a wireless electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on public streets and state highways (S.C. Code Section 56-5-3890).

Under South Carolina law, drivers are expected to uphold a duty of care to keep themselves and others on the road safe. This includes paying attention to the road while driving, following the rules of the road, and more. When a driver fails to do so and it results in a car wreck, that driver may be found to be negligent and therefore held fully or partially at-fault for the accident.

Proving Distracted Driving Occurred in a Columbia, SC Car Accident

After an accident resulting in injury, it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced Columbia car accident lawyer. Why?

A critical component in all South Carolina motor vehicle accident cases is proving negligence, as South Carolina is an “at-fault” state. This means that in order to get compensated for the accident and your related injuries, you must be found to be no more than 50% at-fault for the accident.

If a driver was engaged in a distraction while driving and caused the accident, your lawyer can gather evidence to prove that the at-fault driver was negligent and therefore at fault for the accident. They will do this by:

• Obtaining and reviewing cell phone, text, and email records
• Analyzing the police report
• Getting admission from the driver
• Interviewing witnesses
• Collecting and analyzing video footage
• Securing and reviewing available surveillance footage
• Analyzing black box data
• And more

Damages Recoverable From Distracted Driving Accident Claims

From sprains and broken bones to spinal injuries, distracted driving accidents can cause significant injuries and damages. When you’ve been impacted by an accident that was not your fault, you don’t have to handle the process alone. Our lawyers will make sure that your rights are protected and you are compensated for all past, present, and future costs related to the accident, including but not limited to:

• Doctor Bills
• Hospital Bills
• Specicial Bills
• Rehabilitation Costs
• Physical Therapy Costs
• Past and Future Lost Wages
• Reduced Earning Capacity
• Property Damage
• Permanent Disability
• Pain and Suffering
• Emotional Distress
• Wrongful Death
• And More

While this list is a good place to start, you may be entitled to additional compensation depending on the specifics of your case, such as punitive damages.

To learn more about what you may be entitled to following a car accident in Columbia, SC caused by a distracted driver, contact our team today for a free case evaluation. We’d be happy to help you understand your options under South Carolina law and how much your distracted driving accident case may be worth.

Contact a Columbia, SC Distracted Driving Lawyer at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC Today

Accidents caused by distracted drivers can lead to serious injuries, mounting medical bills, a fear of driving, and much more. Our distracted driving accident attorneys in Columbia, SC have the experience and resources needed to aggressively represent your case, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve and discouraging others from driving distracted in the future. Our goal is to secure you with the best outcome possible for

Get a free case evaluation with our award-winning Columbia car accident attorneys today by calling (803) 888-2200 or completing our secure online form. With over 60 years of combined experience and hundreds of 5-star reviews, you can trust our team has your best interests at heart.