WACH FOX 57 reports on a tragic two-vehicle collision that killed one person and injured at least three others. According to the coroner, a 27-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene due to critical injuries sustained in the accident.
Investigators believe that as the victim’s vehicle drifted off the road, she overcorrected, crossed the centerline, and struck an oncoming car. She was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the collision.
There was also a passenger in her car when the accident occurred. The passenger was wearing a seatbelt at the time but still sustained minor injuries. In the other vehicle, both the driver and a passenger suffered non-life threatening injuries. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating the collision.
If you were hurt in a car accident that someone else caused and you want to recover compensation for the damages you incurred, contact Churdar Law Firm to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Doug Churdar has been practicing law in the state of South Carolina for 25 years. Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation with the best car accident lawyer in Greenville, SC.
How Effective Are Seatbelts?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, safety restraints reduce the probability of being seriously injured or dying in an accident by approximately half. In 2015, seatbelts saved nearly 14,000 lives.
Can I Recover Compensation for My Injuries If I Was Not Wearing a Seatbelt at the Time of the Collision?
In the state of South Carolina, all motor vehicle occupants must wear a seatbelt that complies with federal regulations when the car is traveling on any public road. However, there are a few exceptions to this law. These include:
- Individuals who have written verification from a physician that they cannot wear a safety restraint for medical reasons;
- Individuals riding on school, church, day care, or public transportation buses; and
- Individuals who are riding in a vehicle that was not originally equipped with seatbelts.
Since South Carolina is a modified comparative negligence state when it comes to awarding compensation for car accident injuries, seatbelt laws play a role in how much accident victims can recover. In general, modified comparative negligence will allow you to recover funds from parties that shoulder a larger portion of fault than you do; however, if you were not wearing your seatbelt at the time of the collision, a judge or jury may consider you at least partially responsible for your injuries. In such a scenario, the total amount that you could recover would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A Greenville personal injury attorney from Churdar Law Firm can assess your case and help you determine the best way to proceed.
Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation. If you want to learn more about car accident claims in South Carolina, visit USAttorneys.com.