What Are the Consequences for Texting and Driving in SC?
The consequences of texting and driving in SC can be harsh for the offender. Depending on the gravity of the situation, they can face lengthy prison time, high fines, and loss of various legal rights. However, it is crucial to note that the victims of motor vehicle crashes involving texting and driving bear the brunt of the consequences.
If they survive the crash, they may face a lengthy and costly recovery, emotional suffering, and financial problems due to medical bills and lost income from work. If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in a distracted driving accident, it’s in your best interest to talk to an SC car accident lawyer right away to learn how you can secure the compensation you need to fully recover.
What Really Happens When Someone Texts and Drives
The usual time to reply to a text message is around five seconds. Within those seconds, a vehicle with a speed of 60mph will go a distance of 440 feet, which is about 10 percent of a mile. A multitude of things can happen in this short amount of time. A parked car can suddenly move in front of the driver. Another vehicle that the driver was behind from a safe distance could brake unexpectedly. Or a pedestrian or animal could suddenly cross.
A driver needs to focus entirely on the car when driving. When a driver uses their phone, their mind, hands, and eyes become distracted. It is impossible to give their full attention to driving a vehicle while doing something as simple as viewing a message. Driving requires being fully aware of everything that is happening around the vehicle. A good driver puts both their hands on the steering wheel and proper attention to what is happening around their car.
The Consequences of Texting and Driving in SC Can be Life-Changing
Texting while driving can lead to catastrophic consequences, especially for accident victims who suffered an injury because of a distracted driver. Knowing about these consequences can help you understand how crucial it is to seek help from an SC car accident lawyer to receive the compensation they are due:
- Injuries and Accidents: Phone use and driving increases the possibility of car crashes. Victims usually experience severe or fatal injuries. These include fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and many more. Injuries like these can result in long-term treatment and rehabilitation and decreased life satisfaction.
- Economic Burden on Victims: Car accidents can lead to high financial losses, such as hospital bills, car restorations, and decreased earnings after being absent from work. Working with an SC car accident lawyer can help injured victims get the compensation they need to help ease their monetary issues.
- Psychological and Emotional Effects: The psychological and emotional consequences of getting into an accident involving texting while driving can be overwhelming. Victims can suffer from anxiety, PTSD, trauma, or depression. These conditions can also affect the victim’s family and friends.
- Insurance Problems: A victim may experience higher insurance fees or challenges with insurance claims because of the accident. Fortunately, an SC car accident lawyer can help deal with these issues to make sure that victims obtain their rightful compensation.
Speak to Our Experienced SC Car Accident Lawyer
At Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC, our SC car accident lawyers routinely handle car accident cases, including those involving texting and driving. Learn how our SC car accident lawyer can help by contacting us online or calling 864-242-9008.