With the ever-increasing use of technology in our society, it is sadly not surprising that texting and driving is nationwide issue when it comes personal injury car accidents. According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance, the average time your eyes are off the road while texting is five seconds. While that might not seem like a long time, the data goes on to explain that if you are traveling 55 mph, then five seconds would be enough time to cover the length of an entire football field while blindfolded. Oftentimes, as a result of this distracted driving, more people are getting into personal injury car accidents in South Carolina. The data shows that 64% of all car accidents in the United States involved cell phone usage last year.
Texting and Driving Laws in South Carolina
The laws on texting and driving in South Carolina have been recognized by some legislators as weak, at best. While some South Carolina legislators have proposed a “Driving Under the Influence of an Electronic Device” or “DUI-E” bill to strengthen these laws, it has not passed yet. Currently, South Carolina’s 2014 law still stands, which simply made it illegal to write or send texts while driving. While that sounds good at first glance, the law goes on to allow South Carolina drivers to talk on their cell phones and use their GPS while driving. Drivers can also, for example, text on their cell phones while stopped at a red light. Therefore, it is quite easy to come up with an excuse if stopped for texting and driving. Finally, the fine in South Carolina is hardly a deterrent for offenders to cease texting and driving-it is only twenty-five dollars for a first-time offender.
Seeking Damages For Personal Injuries In A Texting-While-Driving Case
If a driver injures you in a car accident and is ticketed for texting while driving, then this may be helpful to prove that you should be entitled to more compensation. Therefore, despite the fact that the penalties in South Carolina on texting and driving are not strong, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney immediately after a personal injury car accident to make sure you are adequately compensated for the fact that the driver was texting and driving when he or she hit you. Even if the driver was not issued a ticket for texting and driving, the fact that the driver was distracted by using their cell phone when they hit you with their vehicle could establish that they are liable for your resulting personal injuries. Texting and driving should have serious repercussions for a personal injury claim. Call Young & Young, Attorneys at Law today for a free consultation on how we can help you, from start to finish, with negotiations and settlements for your personal injury case.