Anderson, SC Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys You Can Trust
Advocating for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents in South Carolina
One of the most common causes of car accidents is distracted driving. At Smith & Griffith, LLP, we have handled many cases in which the negligent driver caused the accident because he or she looked away from the road to play with the stereo, adjust the GPS or use a cellphone or iPhone. We strive to have these drivers held accountable for the harm they cause.
Contact Smith & Griffith today to schedule a consultation with our distracted driving accident attorney in Anderson, SC.
Understanding Car Accidents Caused By Texting While Driving
In an increasing number of cities, texting while driving is against the law. This is a serious distraction that has resulted in too many serious injuries. In cities where it is illegal, victims may have the right to recover additional money in the form of punitive damages. These are damages that the negligent driver has to pay to the victim as part of the penalty for breaking the law. Our Anderson distracted driving accident lawyer will take care to see that you get all of the compensation you are entitled to, including punitive damages.
Thorough Investigations of Distracted Driving Accident Cases
A negligent driver is unlikely to admit to being distracted. An attorney needs to know how to investigate to determine the cause of a car accident. In some cases, we may learn from witnesses that the negligent driver was seen using a cell phone or iPhone moments before the car accident. We can also obtain records from the cellphone company that will show the time of texts and calls. If they correspond with the time of the car accident, that is critical evidence. We will also seek to determine whether or not the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Identifying Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash: A sudden jolt to the neck can cause whiplash, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This injury often requires extensive physical therapy and time to heal.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in distracted driving accidents, especially if the victim is thrown against the dashboard or steering wheel. TBIs may differ from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The effect of a crash can damage the spinal cord, possibly resulting in partial or full paralysis. Spinal injuries often necessitate a lifetime of medical care and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common, especially in high-speed collisions. Broken bones can require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery.
- Internal Injuries: The force of a wreck can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs. These injuries are dangerous because they are not always immediately apparent, requiring prompt medical attention.
- Lacerations and Contusions: Cuts and bruises from shattered glass, metal, and other debris can cause significant pain and scarring. In some cases, lacerations may require stitches or lead to infection.
- Emotional Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims of distracted driving accidents often suffer from emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The psychological effect can be as debilitating as physical injuries, requiring therapy and long-term treatment.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Distracted Driving Accident Claim?
Potential damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the expense of emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments that are related to the accident. Even minor injuries can lead to substantial medical bills, and serious injuries may require ongoing care for years to come.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries stop you from working, you could be qualified to recover lost wages. This includes the time you have already missed from work and any future earnings you will lose due to your inability to perform your job at the same level as before the accident.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you could seek compensation for rehabilitation or replacement.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, cover the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. These damages are often more challenging to quantify but are crucial for fully compensating victims.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have impacted your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and support.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the distracted driver’s behavior was particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages could be granted. These are intended to penalize the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Get in Touch with Our Anderson, SC Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
Find out more about your rights to compensation and how to protect and pursue these. Located in Anderson, we serve injured clients throughout the surrounding communities.
Regardless of the cause of the car accident, we encourage you to call us at (864) 477-7395 or send us an email to schedule a consultation with our Anderson, SC, distracted driving accident lawyer.
