Driving on the highway is significantly more dangerous than navigating other roads. It is more difficult to stop; time and space for maneuvering are limited, road rage is rampant, and traffic can be congested.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a highway crash, consult a car accident attorney today. The harmed party is often left to deal with devastating consequences like serious injuries, financial burdens, and emotional distress. You do not need to handle these repercussions alone.
You need a hardworking legal team that understands the nuances of state laws and the intricacies of collision claims. At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, we specialize in representing clients injured in highway car accidents in Columbia and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Reasons Highway Crashes Occur
Anything can happen while on the road, but certain factors that contribute to accidents appear more often than others. Being aware of these as a defensive driver can help you to anticipate and avoid a wreck.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
When someone speeds, dangerously weaves between cars, or brakes suddenly, they put everyone at risk of a wreck. In addition, high speeds increase the severity of crashes and reduce a person’s reaction time.
Drunk Driving
The dangers of drunk driving are well known, but many motorists choose to do it anyway. Alcohol and drug use significantly impair driving abilities. DUI-related collisions are especially deadly and account for a large proportion of highway fatalities in the country.
Distracted Driving
Distractions come in many forms. A motorist can be distracted from focusing on the road, including by eating, texting, talking on the phone, and putting on makeup.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Conditions such as heavy rain, fog, and ice can make driving on the freeway hazardous. Poor visibility and slippery roads contribute to a multitude of vehicle crashes, especially during the winter months.
Fatigued Driving
Driver fatigue can be as dangerous as drunk driving. A sleepy driver’s reaction time slows dramatically, which can prevent them from hitting the brakes in time to avoid an accident.
Vehicle or Part Defects
Wrecks can sometimes involve a single car due to a defect. Problems with suspension, steering, braking, tires, and other major systems can cause a driver to lose control and cause a collision.
Many car accidents result in significant harm due to speeding, direct impacts, and violations of the law. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers will ensure these facts are well represented before a judge and jury or when communicating with insurance companies on your behalf.
Proving Liability in a Car Wreck Case
To win a Columbia highway car crash case, a plaintiff must prove that the other party is responsible for their losses.
To prove liability, a plaintiff must first show that the at-fault party had a duty of care and that they violated that duty. Secondly, they must prove that the plaintiff acquired injuries that resulted directly from the at-fault party’s misconduct.
You must show that the other party was negligent to obtain monetary damages. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence model. This means a party can recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault.
Their percentage of fault will reduce their compensation. A lawyer who handles highway car collision cases in Columbia could ensure that the necessary burden of proof is met.
Get in Touch With an Accident Attorney
After experiencing a highway car accident in Columbia, it can be overwhelming to conduct your own legal case while recovering. Our lawyers could protect you from insurance companies that will try to convince you to take a lower settlement than you deserve.
We could also walk you through the claims process and collect helpful evidence on your behalf. Call our team of legal professionals as soon as possible to discuss your case.
