In Charleston, speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents. The faster someone drives, the more likely they are to cause an accident, the more forceful an accident will be, and the more potential there is for serious injury or even death as a result.

If you were involved in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, don’t wait to enlist the services of a trusted local attorney. At Crantford Meehan, our team of Charleston lawyers for car accidents due to speeding works on behalf of injured clients in the fight for maximal, fair compensation. For a free, no-obligation case review, contact our office at (843) 983-2211.

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The Role of Speeding in Car Accidents

Driving over the posted speed limit on any road is negligent behavior. There are a few different reasons why speeding can either cause or worsen a car accident, including:

Lost control of the vehicle

The faster a driver goes, the less precise maneuvers they can make. If a speeding driver swerves in the middle of a tight turn, they can easily hit a vehicle next to them.

Longer stopping distance

Drivers in Charleston are expected to keep a safe following and stopping distance from other vehicles. The faster a driver travels, the longer their stopping distance is, and the more likely it is that they will hit another car when braking.

More forceful impact

Higher speed equals more force when vehicles collide, and more force equals more severe injuries.

Hinders safety features

For airbags or intelligent pre-crash systems to be most effective at preventing injury, they must deploy at the right time. The higher the speed of an accident, the less likely these systems will activate correctly.

Some common injuries from speeding-related crashes include:

Bruising

Muscle sprains, strains, or tears

Broken bones

Whiplash

Concussion

Traumatic brain injury

Spinal injuries

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Who’s Responsible for a Speeding-Related Car Accident in Charleston?

Liability in a speeding-related car accident can rest with multiple different parties. However, your lawyer’s investigation will begin with the speeding driver, and they’ll likely use a doctrine called “negligence per se” in your case.

Negligence per se applies when a driver speeds or otherwise breaks the law. If their violation directly led to your accident, then they could hold some liability by default.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, other liable parties could include:

A car company – If a car company designed a faulty vehicle that was later involved in an accident, such as one with a sticky accelerator or defective gauges, they could hold some liability for an accident.
A parts manufacturer – If a defective part caused mechanical failures and led to a speeding-related accident, the manufacturer could be responsible for compensating you in a lawsuit.
An employer – If the speeding driver was on duty at their job and using a company-issued vehicle, their employer could bear some liability for the crash.

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Evidence in a Speeding-Related Car Accident Case

In a speeding accident lawsuit, your legal team must prove that the defendant was negligent and that they caused your injuries and losses. They will obtain a variety of different types of evidence to support your claims, including:

Medical documentation with information on your injuries
Financial documentation, such as pay stubs, to show lost wages
Your pain journal as documentation of your emotional distress and the injury’s effect on your life
Dashcam or CCTV footage of the accident
Eyewitness testimony

It’s crucial to note that according to Title 56, Chapter 5 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, speeding tickets are not admissible as evidence in civil actions, including personal injury cases, even if the defendant paid the fine.

Further, while an officer can opine about who was at fault in an accident report, the courts consider these statements hearsay, making them generally inadmissible.

How Crantford Meehan Can Help

At Crantford Meehan, we take pride in our comprehensive approach to each case. We have the skills, experience, and resources necessary to help you through each step of the legal process, and most of the successful cases we fight never go to court.

While you focus on your recovery, we’ll work “behind the scenes” to:

Identify liable parties
Obtain the evidence necessary to prove your case
Prepare demand letters to insurance companies
Attempt to negotiate a fair settlement for you
Represent you in mediation sessions or at alternative dispute resolution, if necessary
File the lawsuit and argue your case at trial, if necessary

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Contact Crantford Meehan for a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one were injured in a speeding-related accident in Charleston that wasn’t your fault, contact the Charleston car accident attorneys of Crantford Meehan today for a free consultation. Our firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, one of the highest peer accolades in the country. With over 50 years of combined experience, several multi-million dollar verdicts, and a stop-at-nothing attitude, we’re a team that other lawyers turn to for advice.

Call our office today at (843) 983-2211 to get your questions answered and see what we can do for you.

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(843) 832-1120

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US

“Helped me through the hardest time in my life “

Crantford Meehan has helped me extremely through the hardest time in my life and has gotten me such an AMAZING recovery after my accident. I highly recommend them to any and everyone I know. Even after my own mother got into an auto accident, they have helped us both successfully move forward with our lives...

Harleigh Tenio
My ‘go to’ for legal help.

Attorney William Crantford has been great! He is my “go to” for legal help.

David Childress
Mr. Meehan was very professional.

Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Nikki M.

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Time Limit to File a Speeding Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina

According to the South Carolina statute of limitations, the latest you can file a personal injury suit is three years from the accident date. However, the court may pause, or “toll,” the statutory period under certain circumstances, including:

You were under 18 – If you were under 18 when you were injured, the court would pause the clock. Once you turn 18, you have one more year to file the suit before the statutory period expires.
The defendant leaves the state – If the defendant in the lawsuit leaves South Carolina for at least one straight year, the filing period will likely pause. It will resume once the defendant returns to the state.
The injured party was declared “insane” – The filing period can pause for up to five years if the injured party was declared “insane.” It will resume once the person is no longer considered “insane.”

No matter the circumstances of your case, you will have better odds of success the sooner you hire an attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does speeding cause car accidents?

Speeding increases the likelihood of accidents because it reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time, increases the force of impact during a collision, and limits the effectiveness of safety features like airbags. Speeding also reduces a driver’s ability to maneuver around obstacles or other vehicles.
Who is liable for a car accident caused by speeding?

In most cases, the speeding driver is liable for the accident. However, other parties, such as a vehicle manufacturer or employer, may also be held accountable if their actions contributed to the accident.
Can I claim compensation for my injuries if I was hit by a speeding driver?

Yes, if you were injured by a speeding driver, you can pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the accident. This can be done through the at-fault driver’s insurance or by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
How do I prove that a driver was speeding in my accident case?

Evidence such as eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, police reports, and accident reconstruction experts can help prove that the other driver was speeding. Your attorney will gather the necessary evidence to build your case.
What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?

If the driver who caused the accident doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to claim compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a speeding-related accident in Charleston?

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for a speeding-related car accident in South Carolina. It’s important to act quickly to ensure you meet this deadline and gather all necessary evidence for your case.