Columbia Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
Your Trusted Advocates After Distracted Driving Accidents in Columbia, SC
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in South Carolina, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. The statistics are alarming, but the real tragedy lies in the victims and families forever impacted by such negligence. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our Columbia distracted driving accident attorneys are here to help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a distracted driver, our experienced legal team is ready to guide you through the complexities of your case. From understanding your rights under South Carolina’s distracted driving laws to pursuing maximum compensation, we are committed to being your staunch advocates every step of the way.
Contact our firm today at (803) 599-2207 to speak with an experienced and compassionate member of our legal team to discuss your case. Our Columbia distracted driving accident attorneys are here to help you.
The Alarming Reality of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is defined as any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. Whether it’s texting, eating, using a GPS, or engaging in other non-driving activities, distractions put everyone on the road at risk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving claims the lives of nine people every day in the United States. South Carolina’s roads are no exception. With over 20,000 traffic collisions linked to distracted or inattentive driving annually in the state, the issue is a prevalent and pressing concern. Despite being illegal, texting while driving remains one of the most common distractions, blending all three types of distractions—visual, manual, and cognitive—and significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents.
South Carolina Distracted Driving Laws
South Carolina’s laws aim to deter distracted driving, but enforcement remains challenging. Texting while driving is currently the only restricted behavior under state law. Drivers may use their phones for calls and GPS navigation, leaving significant loopholes that contribute to risky behaviors.
For first-time offenders, the fine for texting while driving is remarkably low—just $25—making it less stringent than many other states. Repeated offenses result in slightly higher fines but lack sufficient deterrents like license penalties or points.
While lawmakers continue to advocate for stricter regulations, the reality is that distracted driving remains a pervasive danger across South Carolina’s roadways. This underscores the importance of holding negligent drivers accountable and pursuing justice on behalf of victims.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving encompasses a wide range of behaviors, all of which compromise road safety. Common distractions include:
- Texting and Cell Phone Use: The most dangerous distraction, as it involves visual, manual, and cognitive impairments simultaneously.
- Eating or Drinking: Taking hands off the wheel and attention off driving.
- Using a GPS or Navigation Systems: Adjusting settings while driving diverts focus.
- Talking to Passengers: Can shift attention from the road to the conversation.
- Applying Makeup or Grooming: A common yet risky behavior often done while stopped at lights or in traffic.
- Reaching for Items in the Car: Particularly hazardous when searching in the back seat or on the floor.
- Rubbernecking: Paying more attention to roadside incidents than the road itself.
These distractions, whether minimal or sustained, heighten the likelihood of a collision that can severely injure pedestrians, passengers, or other motorists.
Teenagers, in particular, are among the most distracted drivers on the road. According to the CDC, teen drivers are disproportionately involved in accidents due to multitasking behaviors like texting, talking to friends, or playing with in-car controls.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Injured by a Distracted Driver
If you’re a victim of an accident caused by a distracted driver, there are crucial steps to take to protect yourself and strengthen your claim for compensation. These include:
- Seek Medical Attention – Your health should be the top priority. Even minor injuries require medical documentation to support a potential legal claim.
- Collect Evidence at the Scene – If possible, take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and surroundings. Gather contact details from witnesses and the other driver.
- Contact Law Enforcement – Calling the police ensures an official report is filed, documenting the crash and its circumstances.
- Refrain from Speaking with Insurance Companies – Do not admit fault or discuss liability until you consult with an attorney.
- Consult a Columbia Distracted Driving Accident Attorney – A skilled personal injury lawyer can help build a strong case while protecting your rights.
How We Help Distracted Driving Victims
At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that car accidents impose. Our team of Columbia distracted driving accident attorneys is dedicated to easing your burden by handling every aspect of your case, from investigation to negotiation and, if necessary, litigation.
Comprehensive Investigation
We meticulously investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine liability. This involves collecting critical evidence, such as cell phone records, surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, and accident reconstruction reports, to establish negligence.
Skilled Negotiation
Dealing with an insurance company can be daunting, as they often aim to settle quickly for less than your case is worth. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively to secure fair compensation, ensuring that all your current and future damages are covered.
Pursuing Fair Compensation
Distracted driving accidents can result in significant financial and non-economic losses. Our legal team will fight to recover the maximum compensation for damages, including but not limited to:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases
Trial-Ready Representation
If fair compensation cannot be reached through negotiation, our firm has the skills and experience necessary to take your case to court. We are committed to standing by your side as dedicated advocates focused on achieving justice.
Compassionate Guidance
Navigating the aftermath of an accident is overwhelming. Our attorneys provide not only legal support but also compassionate guidance, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions for your future.
Contact a Columbia Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Today
At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we are dedicated to serving victims of distracted driving accidents in Columbia, SC, and across South Carolina. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of holding negligent drivers accountable and securing fair compensation for our clients.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, don’t face the legal battles alone. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call our firm at (803) 599-2207! We decades of experience helping the injured. Don't wait to contact us and retain the dedicated advocacy you need.
Our Satisfied Clients
-
“Being involved in a life-changing event is when you realize that we are really not in control of our lives and how we choose to handle it is where we find our character. Thank God for my legal team, Jacob and Erica, and everyone else involved.”- Former Client
-
“George kept me informed and gave loving advice all the way through. I could call him when I needed. He recognized my personal, mental and physical struggles. You can trust in him. GOD knew EXACTLY what he was doing when he made him.”- Former Client
-
“He was patient, listened, considerate, explained things to me that my previous attorney did not, and broke every part of my case down so I was sure to understand every aspect of my case before leaving his office.”- Cassandra J.
-
“Promises were kept and interactions were both personal and professional. I would highly recommend Mr. George and his firm to anyone in need of legal help.”- Former Client
-
“I had a workers compensation claim that my wonderful lawyer Lawton Harper was able to help me with. He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client
-
“When my case took a hit from the doctor’s final impairment rating, Danny didn’t give up – he went full force and earned me a fair settlement!”- Former Client
-
“Lawton Harper has been amazing helping me with my works compensation case. He explained everything about what to expect throughout the case and was there for any questions or concerns I had.”- Kai P.
-
“He was very attentive to detail and was able to get me the maximum claim I deserved!”- Former Client
-
$1,225,000 Won
Confidential settlement after our client was involved in a motor vehicle collision with a delivery driver.
-
$700,000 Won
Towns County, GA motor vehicle collision settlement. Defendant fell asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle.
-
$550,000 Won
State court trucking settlement. Client underwent cervical fusion after a rear-end collision in stop-and-go traffic on the interstate.