Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents in South Carolina
Single-vehicle accidents are quite common in South Carolina, and they can lead to serious injuries for both drivers and passengers. These accidents often involve motorists crashing into trees, concrete barriers, and other solid structures at high speeds. If you were involved in a single-vehicle accident in South Carolina, you might be wondering whether you can pursue compensation. To answer this question, you need to consider the root cause of your accident.
Animal Collisions
South Carolina is filled with all kinds of wild animals that may venture onto public roads. Examples include deer, bears, coyotes, and alligators. In addition, many domesticated animals wander onto roads – including cows, sheep, and even bison. A collision with one of these heavy animals can cause serious damage and injuries. In many cases, the animal comes straight through the windshield and impacts the driver. Even small animals can cause serious injuries, as drivers may veer off the road in an effort to avoid impacting these critters.
Medical Emergencies
A medical emergency can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, veer off the road, and crash. Examples include seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and fainting. Even if you have no history of these issues, you might experience a medical episode completely without warning.
Poorly Maintained Roads
Poorly maintained roads can easily cause single-vehicle crashes in South Carolina. Examples include potholes, cracks, and other defects. After hitting a pothole, your vehicle might lose traction – and you might veer off the road as a result. In this situation, it may be possible to sue the traffic authority responsible for road maintenance.
Confusing Signage
You might also experience a single-vehicle crash due to confusing signage. This issue is particularly common in construction zones. The dizzying array of cones and signs might direct you right off the road. Alternatively, you might find yourself suddenly facing oncoming traffic – and you may veer off the road in an effort to avoid collisions. You may sue the traffic authority responsible for confusing signage if this causes a single-vehicle crash.
Near Misses
Even if your vehicle never comes into contact with another car, you may crash and suffer severe injuries. A “near miss” might cause you to veer off the road in an effort to avoid a collision. For example, you might have been forced off the road by a motorist driving into oncoming traffic. Perhaps someone cut you off, forcing you to slam on the brakes and swerve into a tree. Technically speaking, this is not a “single-vehicle” accident at all – and you can sue the negligent driver who caused your crash.
Find a Qualified, Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer in South Carolina
Although pursuing compensation for single-vehicle accidents in South Carolina can be challenging, it is not impossible. With help from a qualified, experienced Charleston car accident lawyer, at Mickelsen Dalton LLC, you can assess your options and pursue potential sources of compensation. Even if it seems like your accident is purely your fault, you might be missing subtle signs of someone else’s negligence. To discuss this subject in more detail, book a consultation at your earliest convenience.
Sources:
greenvillepost.com/are-there-wolves-in-south-carolina-a-fascinating-exploration/#:~:text=The%20Majestic%20Gray%20Wolf&text=Once%20inhabiting%20a%20significant%20portion,gray%20wolves%20in%20South%20Carolina.
dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/species.html
