Distracted driving is a serious safety hazard that has only increased as more motorists decide that in-vehicle distractions are more important than getting to their destinations safely.
According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 287,000 distraction-related injury accidents occurred on U.S. roads in a single recent year. That translates to thousands of people across the nation being hurt by distracted drivers every day. Motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and others in North Myrtle Beach are not immune to the hazards posed by distracted drivers.
If a distracted driver hit you in North Myrtle Beach, contact Jebaily Law Firm today. We’ve been a cornerstone of the community for over 50 years. Our experienced lawyers are ready to help you after a distracted driving car accident. We offer a free consultation to answer your questions. We’re proud of the hard work, determination, and results that we’ve delivered for clients.
Jebaily Law Firm is committed to preventing distracted driving in our community. We support the organization EndDD.org, and attorney George Jebaily recently spoke at the organization’s conference.
What Is Distracted Driving?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, distracted driving is driving while engaging in another activity that takes attention off the road. Distracted driving is responsible for enormous numbers of injuries every year.
The three most common forms of distracted driving include visual, manual, and cognitive distractions:
- Visual – A driver should focus on looking where they’re driving. Devices, such as cellphones, GPS systems, and printed materials that draw drivers’ eyes off the road are visual distractions.
- Manual – Manual distractions happen when someone takes their hands off the steering wheel. For example, drivers who are eating or drinking may stop holding the wheel while on the road.
- Cognitive – Daydreaming and letting our minds wander can be deadly on the road. Even conversation with passengers can cause mental distractions. When drivers stop thinking about driving, they could cause an accident.
Some activities – texting, for example – involve all three types of distractions.
How Jebaily Law Firm Can Help with Your Distracted Driving Crash Case
After an accident, you could be facing stacks of medical bills, time away from work, and even long-term harm. These effects can mean stress and worry during a difficult time.
The North Myrtle Beach distracted driving accident attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm are ready to help you by:
- Explaining your rights under South Carolina law
- Answering your questions about your potential compensation
- Gathering evidence and investigating what really happened
- Working to hold distracted drivers accountable for their actions
- Negotiating for a fair settlement from a position of strength with skill and experience
- Exploring all your potential options for compensation
- Building a case for the compensation you deserve and taking it to court if that’s what it takes to secure results
Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents in North Myrtle Beach
Nearly any activity could lead to a distracted driving accident. However, some causes come up more than others.
Some common causes of distracted driving crashes in North Myrtle Beach include:
- Texting or talking on the phone – Cellphone use while driving is a growing problem. It caused over 60,000 accidents in a single recent year alone. Texting and driving accidents in North Myrtle Beach happen regularly, causing severe injuries and even death.
- Eating or drinking – Even though many drivers eat and drink on the road, it doesn’t mean it’s safe.
- Conversing with passengers – Conversations can be highly distracting and emotional. These types of conversations can impair a driver’s reaction time and cause a deadly accident.
- Adjusting the radio or GPS – In-car electronics systems seem to get more complicated every year. Adjusting electronics while driving can be unsafe and distracting while the car is in motion.
- Pets – Pets can distract a driver and even interfere with the operation of a vehicle at the wrong moment.
- Children – Trying to help a crying child, pick up a cup or toy, or referee a sibling fight are just a few ways children can distract a driver. These distractions and more can lead to dangerous distractions and crashes as a result.
- Grooming – Drivers may apply makeup, shave, do their hair, or do other grooming in the car. Polishing your appearance can lead to inattention and distraction while driving.
- Daydreaming – When drivers are on the road, their minds may wander, and they start to daydream. Not paying attention to your surroundings when driving can be a deadly mistake.
Common Injuries Involved in Distracted Driving Accidents
Following a distracted driving accident, you could be facing a wide range of injuries. A distracted driving lawyer could help you seek compensation for your injuries which could include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Psychological trauma
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Joint damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Disfigurement
- Loss of limbs
North Myrtle Beach Texting While Driving Laws
Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-3890, driving while texting is illegal. While it carries a relatively small fine, driving while texting could lead to a severe accident. If you were hurt by someone who was texting while driving, contact a North Myrtle Beach texting while driving lawyer as soon as you can.
Compensation for a Victim of a North Myrtle Beach Distracted Driving Accident
After an accident, your compensation matters. If you were injured by a distracted driver, like a driver who was texting, a North Myrtle Beach texting & driving accident attorney can help you seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Filing a Car Accident Claim in North Myrtle Beach
Handling an injury claim while you’re recovering from an injury can be stressful. Fortunately, an experienced injury lawyer can help you seek the full and fair compensation you’re owed. Your lawyer can investigate the crash, deal with the other party’s insurer, and negotiate for a settlement while you heal. You can let your attorney handle the legal legwork while you focus on getting better.
Distracted Driving Statistics in North Myrtle Beach
Distracted driving is a significant problem on South Carolina roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving caused over 3,100 deaths in just one recent year. In South Carolina, an average of two distracted driver accidents happen every hour, some leading to injuries and death on North Myrtle Beach roads.
Contact Our North Myrtle Beach Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, turn to the North Myrtle Beach distracted driving accident attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm for help. We have decades of experience fighting for those who’ve been hurt in our community. At Jebaily Law Firm, our clients are like family, and we’re always here to serve.
For a free consultation regarding your case, contact us now.
