When drivers speed, they threaten the safety of road users throughout the North Myrtle Beach area. If you were injured in an accident caused by a speeding driver in North Myrtle Beach, you deserve fair compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. However, holding that person accountable can prove to be challenging.
At Jebaily Law Firm, our South Carolina speeding accident lawyers are prepared to help you demand the money and justice you’re owed. Contact our firm today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation.
What Can I Do If a Speeding Driver Hit Me in North Myrtle Beach?
After a speeding accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. The second thing you should do is meet with an experienced attorney to determine if you have a case and, if so, how to pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in an accident in North Myrtle Beach caused by a speeding driver, you might have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against them. But you should know that pursuing an insurance claim can be complicated, even when the other driver’s liability seems obvious.
That’s where the North Myrtle Beach car accident lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm come in. We have more than a century of combined experience helping people just like you get back on their feet. Our team is committed to going the extra mile in every case we handle because we genuinely care about our clients. Our goal is to help you take control of your situation and seek the maximum compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us when you’re ready to take action.
How Speeding Causes Crashes in North Myrtle Beach
Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents both nationally and in North Myrtle Beach. Although South Carolina, like most states, has attempted to reduce the number of speeding accidents that occur on its roads, speed continues to be a major contributing factor in many North Myrtle Beach crashes.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), speeding creates challenges for:
- The driver – When drivers travel at higher speeds, drivers have to process everything more quickly. Speeding decreases the amount of time a driver has to identify and react to changes in traffic or potential road hazards in the roadway.
- The vehicle – A speeding car takes longer to slow down and come to a stop than a slow-moving vehicle. Combined with the shorter time window speeding drivers have in which to react, this added stopping distance substantially increases the risk of a preventable collision.
- The road – At higher speeds, the basic safety infrastructure of local roads can be less effective. The protective ability of guardrails, crash cushions, median dividers, and other barriers is significantly reduced when hit at high speeds.
In addition to increasing the likelihood of a collision, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that speeding also increases crash severity. Speeding accident victims often suffer more extensive physical injuries, which require costly, long-term medical care.
How to Prove Another Driver Was Over the Speed Limit
Demonstrating that the other driver was speeding at the time of the collision can be crucial for proving that their negligent actions led to your injuries and that they are legally liable for your losses.
The evidence we will use to prove liability:
- Police accident reports – If the police responded to the scene of the wreck, they should have created a formal accident report. These reports contain valuable information, including details about citations issued for speeding violations, radar-detected driving speeds, and the investigating officer’s opinion regarding who was at fault.
- Physical evidence – Evidence such as the length of skid marks and the extent of the damage could indicate that one motorist was speeding at the time of impact.
- Electronic data recorders – Some newer cars and trucks contain “black box” data recorders that could provide information about vehicle speed before impact.
- Photos of the crash scene – Photos of vehicle damage, the position of the vehicles after the collision, and any skid marks or other visible damage to road surfaces can provide investigators with a clearer idea of how the crash occurred.
- Videos of the collision – Videos from traffic cameras, outdoor security cameras, or personal dashcams could also help establish what happened in the moments before, during, and after a wreck.
- Eyewitness statements – If any third-party eyewitnesses saw the crash occur, their statements can act as valuable, unbiased confirmation of the facts.
- Expert witness testimony – Expert witnesses such as medical providers and accident reconstruction specialists can offer professional insight into the causes and effects of a speeding accident.
Injuries Caused by Speeding Car Accidents in North Myrtle Beach
Any traffic collision involves the violent transfer of energy. The greater the speeds of the vehicles involved, the greater the force of the impact – and the more serious the consequences. This can lead to injuries like:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Facial, eye, and dental trauma
- Scarring and permanent disfigurement
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Partial or total paralysis
- Shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
- Dislocated or broken bones
- Traumatic amputation or loss of limb
- Bruises, burns, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding
- Hip, leg, knee, ankle, and foot injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Speeding Driver Car Crashes Can Be Fatal
Tragically, many car crashes that involve excessive speed result in fatal injuries. In a single recent year, NHTSA reported that 9,478 people were killed in speed-related accidents throughout the U.S., accounting for more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities that year.
The following year, the NSC reported 10,136 speed-related traffic crashes, resulting in 11,528 total fatalities or about 30 deaths every day. Speed contributed to nearly a third of all traffic fatalities that year – a 17 percent increase over the previous year.
Talk to Our Experienced North Myrtle Beach Speeding Car Accident Attorneys Today
At Jebaily Law Firm, our speeding accident lawyers have the experience and resources to fight for the money you’re owed. Contact us today to learn more during a free initial consultation.
