Last March, a SC Now news article reported the tragic death of five people – two Pennsylvanians and three Canadians – as a result of a fiery crash on Interstate 95. The fatal crash occurred around 7:30 p.m, requiring an almost 12-hour long shutdown of  the expressway’s northbound lanes. The victims’ ages ranged from as young as seven months to 52 years of age. Witness accounts, according to SC Now, state several people attempted to run to the accident scene and help the victims in the car, but could not because of the explosion that resulted in the fire.

When first responders arrived at the scene, both vehicles were consumed in flames; one was pinned under a tractor-trailer. The victims had to be cut from the cars by firefighters. There were seven additional people involved in the crash aside from the five who were killed.  

Statistics on Car Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), each day 80 people are killed in car accidents on American roads. In 2013, more than 35,000 car crashes resulted in fatalities. The combined expense on society is estimated at $871 billion. Studies have also shown that fatal car crashes are more likely to occur on a Saturday (19 percent) as opposed to a Friday or Sunday (16 percent). Additionally, more than half of victims of car accidents who do not survive the crash are drivers while passenger deaths account for about 20 percent of fatalities.

There are several factors that contribute to car accidents, however the most common ones include: drunk driving (32 percent), distracted driving (16 percent), speeding (31 percent), bad road/weather conditions (11 percent), and miscellaneous (10 percent).

Drunk driving is the leading cause of car accident-related deaths with distracted driving following behind. In South Carolina, driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 is prohibited and driving under the influence is considered reckless and unreasonable; this means a drunk driver will likely be held liable for accidents that occur because of the impairment even if the BAC is below the legal limit. Common circumstances that contribute to distracted driving include reading, texting, talking on a cell phone or to passengers, adjusting the radio/MP3/CD player or using a navigation system.

Help in South Carolina

Car accidents are not only physically painful, but they are stressful because of financial strain that results from medical bills, property damage, loss of income, and other factors. Emotions can run high, especially when the crash results in serious injury or death. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident in South Carolina due to the fault of another, contact an Anderson car accident attorney right way to learn about your rights under state law. The skilled attorneys at The Law Offices of Steven M Krause PA will thoroughly review your case and provide an initial, free, case evaluation.

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HOURS & ADDRESS

• 207 E. Calhoun St. Anderson, SC 29621
• (864) 225-4000Local
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Steven M. Krause

Steven Krause is a personal injury, auto accident, and workers’ compensation lawyer who practices in Anderson, SC. He graduated form the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law and has been practicing law for 40 years now. Steven Krause believes in fighting for the injured. Learn more about his experience here.