Summerville Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

Modern technology has made cars safer, but technological changes have also made distracted driving crashes more common in South Carolina. Research from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety indicates distracted driving was the primary contributing factor in roughly 6 percent of all crashes statewide in one recent year. Our Summerville distracted driving accident lawyers have witnessed the devastating effects of these crashes firsthand and want to help.

If you’ve sustained injuries in a distracted driving accident, trust Murphy Crantford Meehan to help you rebuild your life. Our Summerville car accident attorneys can handle your personal injury case while you concentrate on getting better. We’ve provided skilled representation to South Carolina residents since 1995 and have a proven record of success for our clients. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a distracted driving accident lawyer in Summerville.

Why You Need a Summerville Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident in Summerville, recovering fair compensation can be a stressful, complicated process. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and proving the other driver was distracted can be challenging without solid evidence. At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we can help you gather proof, handle tough negotiations, and fight for the money you need.

A distracted driving lawyer does more than file paperwork. We investigate the crash thoroughly, including reviewing phone records, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to build a compelling case. Our team also handles all communication with the insurance companies, so you can focus on recovering. Finally, we’ll calculate the full value of your losses, including your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Without a lawyer, you risk accepting an unfair settlement or struggling to prove your case. Insurance adjusters might pressure you into a low offer, or the at-fault driver might deny responsibility. These challenges can make it harder to secure the compensation you need for recovery. By hiring Murphy Crantford Meehan, you gain a dedicated advocate who works tirelessly to protect your rights and simplify the process.

South Carolina Distracted Driving Laws

Under South Carolina law, it’s illegal to use a phone or other electronic device to write, read, or send a text while driving. Any driver who violates this law could be liable for a crash, as distracted driving puts everyone on the roads at risk. That said, proving a driver was texting when a crash happened can be difficult. An experienced attorney can gather cellphone records and other evidence to show how a driver was distracted.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents

There are many ways that a distracted driver can cause a crash in Summerville, such as:

• Texting or Using a Phone – Sending texts, making calls, or checking apps takes a driver’s eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.

• Eating or Drinking – Drivers trying to eat meals or sip drinks may lose focus, causing them to miss changes in traffic conditions.

• Adjusting In-Car Controls – Fiddling with a GPS, radio, or climate settings forces drivers to take their attention away from driving.

• Talking to Passengers – Engaging in animated conversations can cause drivers to lose focus, especially if they turn their heads or make hand gestures.

• Reaching for Items – Picking up something from the floor, backseat, or glove compartment takes a driver’s focus and hands away from the wheel.

• Daydreaming or Zoning Out – Letting the mind wander leads to delayed reactions and missed hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

• Grooming or Applying Makeup – Drivers who use the mirror to fix their hair or apply makeup are not watching the road, making a collision more likely.

• Watching Outside Distractions – Rubbernecking at accidents or staring at billboards diverts drivers’ attention from driving and increases the likelihood of collisions.

• Managing Children or Pets – Turning around to address kids or pets can cause drivers to lose focus on traffic and their surroundings.

• Reading Maps or Notes – Looking at paper maps, handwritten directions, or other documents keeps drivers from paying attention to what’s happening on the road.

What To Do After a Distracted Driving Accident

Your priority after a distracted driving crash is to seek medical treatment and report the crash to the police. Once you’ve done that, follow these steps to protect your rights and give yourself the best chance of recovering compensation:

• Follow Up on Medical Treatment – Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations. This step helps you document the severity of your injuries.

• Gather Evidence – If possible, collect photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Keep copies of the police report and witness contact information.

• Track Your Expenses – Save your medical bills, repair estimates, and receipts for out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, document any missed workdays and lost income due to the accident.

• Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Alone – Refer insurance adjusters to your attorney before making statements or accepting settlement offers. Remember that insurers often try to minimize payouts, so get legal help to protect your claim.

• Keep a Recovery Journal – Write down your daily pain levels, emotional struggles, and how your injuries impact your life. This journal can support your claim for non-economic losses like your pain and suffering.

• Stay Off Social Media – Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries. Insurers may use your posts to dispute the severity of your claim.

• Consult a Distracted Driving Lawyer – An attorney can evaluate your case, investigate the accident, and help you file a strong claim for maximum compensation.

• Be Patient With the Process – Resolving claims takes time, especially for serious injuries. Trust your lawyer to handle legal challenges while you focus on recovery.

Compensation for a Distracted Driving Accident

One of the key jobs of a distracted driving accident lawyer is to tally all your losses from the crash. With a full assessment of your losses, you can seek maximum compensation in a personal injury claim. Your compensation for a distracted driving accident could include money for:

• Current and expected medical expenses

• Lost income and reduced future earnings

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Diminished quality of life due to an injury or disability

• The cost to repair or replace your damaged personal property (such as your car)

Frequently Asked Questions About Distracted Driving Accidents

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about distracted driving crashes in Summerville.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault in a distracted driving accident?

Yes, you can file a claim even if you contributed to a distracted driving accident. South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule. This means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault if you played a role in the accident. If you are more than 50 percent responsible, you cannot recover damages. A lawyer can help determine fault and protect your rights.

How can I prove that the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident?

Proving a driver was distracted requires gathering strong evidence. Your attorney may request phone records to show if the driver was texting or calling. Similarly, eyewitnesses can confirm if they saw the driver using a phone or behaving carelessly. Traffic or surveillance camera footage might capture the driver’s behavior leading up to the crash. Physical evidence from the scene, such as an open drink or scattered food in their car, can also support your claim.

An accident reconstruction expert may analyze the crash to identify behaviors consistent with distraction. Police reports can include observations made by officers at the scene, such as the driver admitting to using their phone. By working with a skilled lawyer, you can build a strong case to prove the other driver’s negligence.

What should I bring to my initial consultation with a distracted driving accident lawyer?

To get the most from your consultation, bring documents and evidence related to the crash. Key items include:

• The police report, which contains important details about the accident.

• Photos or videos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.

• Contact information for any eyewitnesses who can support your claim.

• Copies of medical bills, records, and proof of treatment.

• Evidence of lost wages, like pay stubs or employer statements.

• Correspondence from insurance companies or adjusters.

If you have notes about the crash, such as details about the driver’s behavior, bring those as well. The more information you provide, the easier it is for the attorney to evaluate your case and explain your options.

How long do I have to file a claim after a distracted driving accident in Summerville?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the accident date. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation. Consult a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid issues with timing.

Contact Our Summerville, SC, Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys Today

Our Summerville distracted driving accident lawyers are ready to protect your rights and help you rebuild your life. Call Murphy Crantford Meehan today or reach out online for a free case evaluation.