Many drivers are stuck to their phones, waiting to send or receive a text message. The reality is that the actions of distracted drivers have severe consequences in the event they cause a collision. The victims of a reckless or negligent texter may experience physical, financial, and emotional challenges for years to come. In situations where a reckless or negligent texter causes a crash, a lawyer could file a lawsuit on behalf of injured survivors.
A dedicated vehicle collision attorney could help injured parties pursue financial compensation and a sense of justice from a negligent driver. The legal team at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda has experience researching and gathering evidence that proves liability in texting while driving car accidents in Orangeburg.
Texting While Driving Under State Law
Like most states, South Carolina has specific documentation outlawing texting while driving. Specifically, § 56-5-3890(B) of the state’s Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways reads, “It is unlawful for a person to use a wireless electronic communication device to compose, send, or read a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle on the public streets and highways of this State.” This law aims to lessen the roughly 18,000 traffic accidents occurring in the state each year involving distracted drivers.
Though texting while driving in SC is illegal, the Act does provide some exceptions. Drivers may be able to use their cell phones while in motor vehicles when they are:
- Legally parked
- Using a hands-free device
- Calling or texting for emergency help on a wireless device
- Sending or receiving dispatch communications on a digital system
- Using a navigation system such as a GPS
After a vehicle accident involving a texting driver in Orangeburg, involved parties should make sure to file a police report as soon as possible. An officer may determine the accident was caused by a reckless or negligent texter. If the collision results in non-fatal injuries, the officer may issue a ticket.
Without filing an official police report, injured parties could find it difficult to show to a jury or judge that the at-fault driver caused the car accident because they were texting. This is where an experienced personal injury attorney could step in to collect phone records and present a case on behalf of injured survivors.
Pursuing Fair Compensation From a Texting Driver
An Orangeburg attorney could help you pursue financial damages from liable parties after a texting-while-driving car accident. At-fault parties may include another driver, insurance companies, car manufacturers, local governments, and other third-party defendants.
A legal professional could work to get injured parties financial compensation for their medical bills, missed time from work, and emotional distress. If a vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the collision, an attorney could also pursue compensation for repair and replacement costs. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving particularly egregious behavior. In cases where someone does not survive an accident caused by a texting driver, our legal team could work on behalf of surviving families to pursue justice and compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Contact an Orangeburg Attorney With Experience Handling Texting While Driving Accident Claims
The team of injury attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda works to maximize the compensation available to people who are injured because of someone’s reckless choices. Texting while driving can have fatal consequences, and negligent drivers should be held accountable for the harm they cause. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with a compassionate lawyer.
