With its sweeping roads and picturesque landscapes, South Carolina may seem like the perfect place for a leisurely drive. However, beneath the idyllic surface lies a troubling reality – the state is one of the deadliest in the nation for car accidents. For the past 25 years, its mileage death rate has consistently surpassed the national average, making it a treacherous place for drivers and passengers alike.

According to recent data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, a traffic accident occurs every 3.7 minutes in the Palmetto State. In just under 10 hours, a fatal collision claims another life on South Carolina roads. The statistics only become more alarming when examining specific demographics and scenarios.

• Every 28 hours, someone loses their life in a drunk-driving wreck
• Teen drivers are involved in fatal or severe crashes every 1.3 hours
• Drivers without a seat belt die every 27.5 hours
• 1 pedestrian dies every 2.3 days
• Motorcyclists losing their life every 3.1 days

The most common contributing factor in these fatal collisions? Driver negligence.

Whether it’s distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or simply ignoring signs and signals, it’s clear that many lives could be saved if drivers took more responsibility behind the wheel.

When an innocent person becomes a victim of such negligence and loses their life, certain family members can seek justice through a wrongful death claim. This process involves filing a claim with the deceased person’s estate through a personal representative – usually a spouse or someone else appointed as executor.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident caused by someone else’s recklessness or carelessness, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance from experienced attorneys at Burnside Law who offer free consultations to determine if you have a valid wrongful death claim. Let us help you seek the justice and compensation your family deserves.