2013-04-10T20:11:54Z

On March 9, a 30-year-old North Charleston man was driving on Interstate 26 near mile marker 204 when the vehicle veered off the road. There were three passengers in the car: a 29-year-old North Charleston woman, a three-year-old child, and a one-year-old infant in a car seat. The woman was the mother of three children, but it was not stated whether the children in the vehicle were her children or whether they were related to the driver.

The woman and the children were taken to an area hospital for treatment. The woman later died from her injuries. The condition of the children was not disclosed. As a result of the fatal accident, the driver now faces two counts of child endangerment and a felony charge of driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in death and great bodily injury.

]]> The driver was taken to the Al Cannon Detention Center. His bail was set at $94,665.

A person who causes the wrongful death of another person while driving under the influence may be open to civil liability. The family of the deceased victim has the right to bring a suit to recover the person's medical bills, lost earning potential and funeral costs. In a situation where the deceased person has minor children, the children may also be able to claim compensation for the damage to their relationship with the parent. A personal injury attorney may be able to assist family members of accident victims in obtaining the compensation that they deserve.

Source: WBTW News, "SC mom dies, 2 children hurt in crash with drunk driver, police say," March 13, 2013

2013-04-05T15:05:41Z

According to a study done by Australian researchers, children are an enormous source of distraction while driving. Based on the findings of the study, children are twelve times as distracting as talking on a cell phone and the average parent will take their eyes off the road for almost three and a half minutes during a 16 minute car ride. Therefore, an individual living in South Carolina should be very careful when driving with a child in the car in an effort to prevent a car accident.

To help reduce the impact that children have on people's driving, they should put ground rules in place. One of the most important is that anything dropped will not be picked up by the driver until the vehicle has stopped. Parents should also keep snacks nearby so that they are easy to get to if children cannot be fed before they are put into the car. Additionally, parents should avoid using the rear view mirror to keep an eye on kids instead of traffic.

]]> Another idea to help reduce the time people's eyes spend off the road is to use a tool that automatically replies to phone calls and text messages when they are driving. With this tool, callers and texters receive a message saying that the person they are trying to reach will call them back when they are not driving.

If someone is in a car accident, they can end up with enormous medical bills and lost wages. To better understand their options for recourse, people may benefit from speaking with a personal injury attorney.

Source: ABC News, "One of the Worst Driving Distractions on the Road: Your Kids," Paula Faris, March 19, 2013

2013-04-03T20:03:13Z

An accident involving a tanker, log truck and vehicle recently occurred near Andrews on Highway 521. The tanker truck driver appears to be at fault for causing the March 18 accident, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old Georgetown woman.

The truck accident happened when the tanker truck reportedly crossed over the median and side-swiped the woman's car and a log truck. The log truck and vehicle were traveling west, and the tanker was headed east. The 28-year-old woman died in the wreck, according to the county coroner, and the log truck driver was transported to an area hospital.

]]> Authorities had to block off the area where the accident occurred due to the allegedly hazardous materials that the tanker was transporting. The material was deemed explosive, and the highway patrol was concerned about the safety of other drivers. The accident investigation remains open.

A variety of factors can contribute to trucking accidents, such as truck driver fatigue or malfunctioning or inadequately serviced equipment. The companies that hire these drivers have a responsibility to ensure their drivers get proper rest, and the commercial vehicles owned by the company must be regularly and carefully maintained. Negligent hiring, supervision or maintenance could ultimately result in an accident that could potentially harm or even kill multiple individuals. As a result, the injured parties may choose to seek compensation from the liable company for medical expenses and other costs.

Proper insurance is required on all vehicles, and when an accident results in a fatality, insurance companies can make a settlement offer to potentially avoid truck accident litigation. Individuals who are injured may also receive these type of offers. The experience of an attorney who is experienced with wrongful death and personal injury cases could help victims evaluate whether a settlement offer is fair or guide them through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Source: The Weekly Observer, "Georgetown woman killed in early morning Williamsburg County wreck," Christopher McKagen, March 21, 2013

2013-03-30T16:40:28Z

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run case that took the life of an 18-year-old Coastal Carolina University freshman in South Carolina on Sept. 7, 2012. The car accident occurred when the 18-year-old was crossing Highway 544 somewhere between Elvington and Cox Ferry Roads to reach a bar. The 19-year-old driver, who police contend was operating the vehicle recklessly, hit the young woman and then left the scene of the accident.

The victim died at the scene because of massive head trauma. A toxicology report showed that her blood alcohol content at the time of the accident was .153, nearly twice the legal limit for intoxication in South Carolina. The bar that the student was attempting to reach at the time of her death has voluntarily closed after complaints by the college regarding not only this accident but other incidents.

]]> The driver, who was located shortly after the accident, was said to be traveling between 31 mph and 38 mph in a 40 mph zone. He was charged with driving recklessly and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries. His attorney is asking for the charges to be dropped. While the outcome of the criminal charges is in doubt, there is no question that any disposition of these charges will not compensate the woman's family for their loss.

When a person is killed in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, the victim's family may be entitled to payment of monetary damages. In South Carolina, many family members turn to personal injury attorneys to help them seek compensation for the devastating loss of loved ones and the value of the family members' future earnings as well as other damages.

Source: Carolina Live, "New details emerge in CCU student hit and run death," Brianna Smith, March 13, 2013

2013-03-29T15:36:44Z

A South Carolina man was arrested after a car crash that occurred near mile marker 204 on Interstate 26 in North Charleston, South Carolina, on March 9. A young mother was killed and two children were injured. The car accident resulted in a felony driving-under-the-influence charge as well as two charges of child endangerment.

The 29-year-old mother of three was taken to a hospital where she died. The two passengers in her car were an infant who was in a car seat and a 3-year-old who was not wearing a seat belt. It is unclear whether the children were her own or what their present condition is. The accused is being held on a nearly $100,000 bond.

]]> DUI crashes cost thousands of lives and millions of dollars each year. In South Carolina, those who drive under the influence of alcohol and cause accidents that result in death or injury can be charged with felonies. In this case, the driver received several charges related to the crash. Although these charges may result in prison time, fines or other punishments, criminal charges will not result in payments to the people involved or their families for their injuries and losses.

People in South Carolina who have lost family members or who have suffered injuries because of DUI crashes may be able to recover damages from the responsible parties through personal injury lawsuits. In the effort to seek damages, people may benefit from consultations with personal injury attorneys who may explain their rights and options and recommend courses of action. Personal injury attorneys who are thoroughly familiar with cases involving DUI may also clarify intricacies of the process of seeking compensation.

Source: WBTW News 13, "SC mom dies, 2 children hurt in crash with drunk driver," March 13, 2013

2013-03-21T14:02:17Z

Under current South Carolina law, police officers and firefighters cannot collect workers' compensation for mental anguish and damage caused by things that are part of their normal work routine, such as shooting a suspect. However, a new push to change the law may allow police officers and firefighters who suffer mental anguish, rather than physical brain injury, to collect workers' compensation.

The advocates who want the law changed point out the fact that these workers' jobs involve such remarkable circumstances every day that it would be almost impossible to meet the standard of "extraordinary and unusual" required by state law for an award of workers' compensation payments. However, critics argue that firefighters and police officers already have an advantage - they are the only groups not barred by law from "double dipping" or drawing both disability pensions and workers' compensation.
Awarding workers' compensation in circumstances of mental anguish would give some of these workers 112 percent of their normal salaries for not working - at taxpayers' expense.

]]> Another problem facing advocates of the legal change is the difficulty in proving that a person is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or some other mental issue. There are no reliable tests that can physically show the effects of PTSD or any other mental disorder. Most states allow workers' compensation payments for mental distress based on the findings of experts, but South Carolina requires medical evidence.

Workers who experience physical or mental trauma as a result of injuries at work may be able to collect workers' compensation benefits to pay for their medical expenses and living costs, including lost wages. An attorney may be able to assist workers in collecting damages.

Source: Herald Online, "SC may change workers' comp law for police, firefighter C may change workers' comp law for police, firefighter" Adam Beam, March 4, 2013

2013-03-19T13:59:58Z

A new study by the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic has made a discovery about sub-concussive, repetitive trauma to the brain. The study finds that degeneration caused by brain injury could be the result of an autoimmune response similar to multiple sclerosis.

Scientists have been aware for some time that these types of injuries are linked to later-in-life neurological problems. However, the new research showed that these types of injuries may harm the blood-brain barrier and trigger an autoimmune response. While the research is preliminary, it is possible that the results could lead to a vaccine or new drug therapies for brain injury victims.

]]> Specifically, the study found that opening the blood-brain barrier, which occurs in some types of head injuries, may allow proteins to enter the brain and lead to damage. S100B, a well-known protein marker that is present in brain injury victims, was found in blood samples of football players after a game even if there had been no direct evidence of concussion. The study found that antibodies that accumulate in the blood to fight S100B may leak into the brain through the barrier, triggering an autoimmune response. Other conditions such as infection, burns, and seizures may also play a role in this phenomenon.

Victims of brain injuries may be able to recover damages from the person or company that caused their trauma through negligence. Victims of these types of injuries may find that consulting a personal injury attorney in South Carolina can help them understand their rights and how to recover damages in these situations.

Source: Medical Press, "Brain injury may be autoimmune phenomenon, like multiple sclerosis, research finds," March 6, 2013

2013-03-15T15:20:07Z

On Feb. 28, a traffic accident in Loris, South Carolina injured five individuals. The collision occurred when a white truck ran a stop sign, hitting the passenger side of a red truck in the intersection of Mt. Zion Road and Huggins Road.

There were five people in the two trucks at the time of the car accident. All were injured. The driver of the white truck was taken via airlift to a nearby hospital. The other four were taken by ambulance. No information was released regarding their conditions.

]]> The speed of the truck that allegedly ran the stop sign was not revealed. However, photographs taken of the scene show two vehicles with extensive damage. The South Carolina Highway Patrol indicated that they will cite the driver of the white truck for running a stop sign.

The person who causes a car accident may be liable for any injuries that occur, both in the driver's vehicle and other vehicles. When a person is found guilty of a traffic violation immediately prior to an accident, the fact of the citation may be used as evidence of negligence. A person who causes an accident by failing to stop at stop sign can be found to be negligent per se, which means that the driver is not permitted to refute a claim of negligence lodged against them in a civil suit. When there are multiple victims in an accident, damages sometimes exceed available insurance policy limits. The driver is still responsible for the amounts not covered by insurance. An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to assist victims of car accidents in getting compensation for their injuries.

Source: WMBF News, "5 injured, 1 airlifted after traffic accident near Loris," Feb. 28, 2013

2013-03-13T15:16:13Z

Charleston County Sheriff's officials have charged a 49-year-old Summerville woman with felony DUI after a crash that injured three victims. The Ladson car accident occurred near Lincolnville and Ladson roads when a Chevy Suburban crossed the centerline and struck a Toyota in the opposite lane.

Upon investigation, authorities stated that they detected an odor of alcohol on the driver of the SUV and noticed that she could not maintain her balance. The allegedly drunk woman was taken to the hospital for possible injuries while the driver of the other car was airlifted to an area hospital with serious injuries. Authorities continue their investigation into the accident.

]]> Felony DUI is usually charged when the driver injures or kills another person while driving drunk. A felony carries much longer prison sentences and higher fines than a misdemeanor. However, no matter what the disposition of the criminal case, criminal courts do not award damages to victims who have been injured by these drivers nor do they make any provisions for paying the victims' bills resulting from the accident.

In order to collect damages for their injuries, including hospitalization costs, bills for doctors' treatment, physical therapy and other long-term rehabilitative costs, living expenses during recovery, lost wages due to time missed at work, and sums for pain and suffering, some victims turn to a personal injury attorney for help. While there is no guarantee that any particular case will result in the payment of a certain sum, personal injury lawyers may be able to help victims recover damages for their costs and defray the expenses resulting from the accident.

Source: Live 5 WCSC, "Summerville woman charged with felony DUI in two car wreck," Feb. 27, 2013

2013-03-08T16:42:25Z

An award-winning coach and athletic director at Kingstree High school was killed in a hit and run accident that remains under investigation. The woman was driving south on Highway 52 when, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, she swerved to avoid a head-on collision with a driver on the wrong side of the highway. That driver had not been identified.

The woman's attempt to remain on the road after swerving caused her SUV to rollover. After the vehicle came to a stop, she exited the SUV and was run over by an unidentified driver. Police continue to investigate, and have not issued a comment on the possibility of whether one driver was responsible for both the initial encounter and the fatal car accident.

]]> The woman, who was the high school's head coach for girls' basketball and director for the Kingstree High School Science Department, was one of four occupants of the Ford Expedition. The other three were children. They were all taken to the hospital and subsequently released, according to the Williamsburg County Coroner. The accidents occurred on Feb. 18 around 6:30 p.m. near Cades, South Carolina.

Every car accident presents the potential for serious damage, including property repairs or replacement, medical expenses and lost wages. Fatal accidents bring the pain and suffering that come with loss of a loved one. The liability involved in such accidents is a major reason for harsh treatment under the law for hit and run drivers. The victims and their families may have access to alternative forms of compensation in the event a liable party cannot be located. A personal injury attorney may be able to assist victims in reviewing all relevant sources of compensation.

Source: Georgetown Times, "Kingstree coach dies in car accident," Feb. 20, 2013

2013-03-05T14:42:53Z

A man was arrested on Feb. 22 in Charleston just after midnight and was charged with failure to stop for a blue light, having no drivers or vehicle license and reckless driving. The man was driving a Ducati motorcycle and ended up causing a motorcycle accident that injured his passenger.

An officer who was at the First Citizens Bank on Meeting Street saw a man on a motorcycle stop for a red light and, after 10 seconds, rev his engine and drive onto Calhoun Street. According to police, the officer tried to stop the man driving the motorcycle, but the cyclist ignored a traffic signal and was driving at a high speed. While searching for the cyclist, the officer found a man on the road who stated he had been struck by the motorcycle.

]]> The officer called an EMS for the injured man, and several minutes later, officers found the motorcyclist after he had struck a parked automobile. The cyclist had injured his foot in the crash, but his passenger suffered severe injuries that included spinal damage, an elbow cut that required surgery, an air leak in her left lung and a clavicle fracture. The driver was treated for his injury and is currently being detained at the Al Cannon Detention Center.

If someone has been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, he or she may be facing major medical bills and lost wages. It could be helpful for someone who has been in an accident to speak with a personal injury attorney who may be able to help victims ensure that all of their medical expenses are covered through a personal injury lawsuit.

Source: Live 5 News, "Motorcycle chase injures pedestrian, sends woman to ER," Ray Rivera, Feb. 22, 2013

2013-03-03T16:31:03Z

In February 2010, a 28-year-old man died when the vehicle in which he was traveling as a passenger crashed in North Myrtle Beach. Nearly three years later, the driver of the vehicle has been indicted on criminal charges stemming from the fatal car accident.

The crash occurred on Feb. 16, 2010 when the man allegedly drove south in the northbound lane of U.S. 17 in a 2004 Mercury Sable. The vehicle collided with a Hyundai, and the impact knocked both cars into a truck. Both occupants of the Hyundai were taken to Grand Strand Regional Center for treatment, and the driver of the Sable was treated for minor facial injuries at Seacoast Medical Center.

]]> The highway was closed for approximately two hours while officials investigated the cause of the accident. A breathalyzer test conducted at the police station showed that the Sable's driver had a blood alcohol level of .19 percent, more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent.

Losing a loved one can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. While monetary compensation for damages cannot replace a deceased family member, a judgment against the wrongdoer may help the family feel some measure of closure, and it may ease some of the financial burden. However, once the statute of limitations expires, no recovery is possible, leaving some survivors feeling as though they have been victimized again by the legal system. The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death action in South Carolina is only three years from the date of the victim's death. Family members who have lost a loved one in an accident may benefit from speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn about filing a wrongful death claim.

Source: Myrtle Beach Online, "Loris man indicted in fatal 2010 crash that killed 28-year-old passenger," Tonya Root, Feb. 13, 2013

Source: S.C. Code of Laws, Section 15-3-530

2013-03-02T16:29:18Z

On Feb. 16, a two-vehicle car accident on Rabon Road in Columbia, South Carolina, resulted in the death of a female driver and injuries to two others. The car accident occurred Saturday morning and involved a 2004 Ford Mustang and another vehicle. The Mustang driver who died was a 77-year-old woman from Columbia, and no details have been released about the driver or passenger in the second vehicle.

Troopers from the SC Highway Patrol's MAIT team are currently investigating the cause of this accident. Therefore, specific details about the cause of the car crash are not yet available. However, it has been confirmed that the driver of the Ford died on the scene. The driver and passenger in the other vehicle involved in the accident were injured, and they were transported to a medical center for treatment. Their conditions are unknown. Because the circumstances surrounding this case are not known, there is a possibility that criminal charges may be filed and that families of victims may file a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit.

]]> Which party was at fault in the car accident is not yet established. If the negligent or intentional actions of one driver resulted in the accident, the other parties affected may pursue justice through a civil lawsuit for their pain and suffering, funeral costs, medical expenses, lost wages and other effects of the event.

In South Carolina, those who have been involved in a car accident or their family members or estates may want to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer may be able to provide additional guidance regarding legal options and rights after a car accident.

Source: WLTX.com, "SC Highway Patrol Investigating Fatal Wreck ," Haylee Korn, Feb. 16, 2013

2013-02-22T21:38:07Z

On the afternoon of Feb. 6, a two-vehicle car accident involving a log truck and a Honda Accord occurred on Highway 601 in Richland County near the Calhoun County line. The truck driver died at the scene, and the driver of the Honda was transported to a hospital with injuries.

The car accident occurred as the log truck was traveling south and came into contact with a guard rail; the driver over-corrected, and the truck struck the Honda. The 48-year-old truck driver exited the truck and died of a heart attack while at the scene of the accident, according to the county coroner's findings. Unspecified injuries were sustained by the driver of the Honda as a result of the collision, and he received medical care at a local hospital.

]]> While it is not clear what caused the truck driver to lose control of his vehicle, if a further investigation yields negligence on his part or an insufficient inspection of the truck on the part of his employer, his estate or his employer may be deemed liable for any damages incurred by the driver of the passenger vehicle.

A knowledgeable and experienced car accident lawyer may assist in filing a claim on behalf of the injured driver in order to potentially secure financial compensation for current and future medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages and pain and suffering. Anyone who has been affected by a car accident would do well to consider contacting a personal injury lawyer to discuss his or her case and to learn more about his or her options for filing such a claim.

Source: Midlands Connect, "Truck driver dies in two-car accident at Richland-Calhoun County line ," Drew Stewart, Feb. 6, 2013

2013-02-20T21:34:47Z

On Jan. 29, a tractor trailer collided with a car on Interstate 26 near the town of Orangeburg, resulting in the hospitalization of a passenger in the car for serious injuries. After the truck careened into the rear of the Honda Accord, the passenger car was pushed off the road, and it rammed into a tree. The driver of the tractor trailer fled the scene of the truck accident, and police are conducting an investigation to search for this individual.

While no injuries were reported for the driver of the Honda, the vehicle's passenger was transported to a nearby hospital to receive treatment. She suffered from multiple breaks in her back and shattered her arm and remained in the hospital several days after the incident.

]]> Truck accidents such as this one may result in considerable financial expenses as well as unnecessary pain and suffering for the victims and their families. Injuries may result in significant medical bills in addition to the inability to work and earn a living. While the driver of this hit-and-run truck accident has not yet been found, he or she may face steep criminal charges as well as civil charges when located.

Regardless of whether the driver is found guilty of criminal charges, the victim in this truck accident may file a civil lawsuit and pursue justice and due compensation. Individuals who have been affected by a car or truck accident would do well to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to learn more about their rights and options under the law.

Source: ABC News 4 Charleston, "No leads in Orangeburg hit-and-run that hospitalized woman ," Feb. 8, 2013