Serious Injuries from Auto Accidents
The South Carolina personal injury lawyers at Lofton & Lofton are dedicated to representing victims severely injured in automobile accidents. Since 1984, we have been known for our stellar service and formidable advocacy on behalf of our clients. Trust us to help you get back on your feet.
Automobile Accidents
South Carolina drivers, like those in other states, must exercise caution every time they get behind the wheel. Indeed, automobile accidents remain the leading cause of personal injury and death in the United States. Motor vehicle collisions often involve:
- Speeding
- Intoxication
- Failure to yield
- Vehicle rollovers
- Inclement weather
- Detours, road hazard
- Bicyclists, pedestrians
- Unexpected lane changes
- Distracted, fatigued driving
- Talking on a cell phone or texting
- Insufficient braking distance
In most accidents, at least one party is at fault. The negligent driver is required to stop at the scene of an accident, exchange information, and secure medical attention for injured parties.
Serious Injuries in Automobile Accidents
Car accidents are known to cause serious injuries requiring emergency treatment. Other injuries are not immediately perceptible, but appear over time. Serious injuries may include:
- Coma, amnesia
- Third-degree burns
- Lost bodily function
- Cognitive impairment
- Partial or total paralysis
- Hemorrhage, hypothermia
- Brain or spinal cord damage
- Amputation, total loss of limbs
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement
In every accident, the mental trauma endures long after impact. Victims often recover from physical injuries before receiving help for psychological or mental disorders.
Causes of Serious Bodily Injury
The automobile can be a source of severe and even deadly impacts in the event of a collision. Upon contact, the car transfers the force of impact to the receiving body. Even at low velocities, this transfer can be fatal. High-impact collisions are especially likely to cause serious injury because the receiving object absorbs more kinetic energy. This may occur in various kinds of collisions involving:
- Rear-endings
- Chain reactions
- Vehicle rollovers
- Pedestrians, cyclists
- Side vehicle impact
- Front vehicle impact
- School crossing zones
- Bus stops, loading zones
- Tractor-trailer accidents
In these collisions, the force is greater when the traveling vehicle is of greater mass or moving at a higher velocity. The severity of the crash may also depend on the stability and safety mechanisms of the vehicle receiving the impact. In many cases, no object can withstand the impending force. The body merely serves as a conduit, transferring energy to other automobiles, people, or stationary objects until the force is expended.
Negligence and Liability
South Carolina law holds negligent parties liable for the harm they cause others. Dangerous driving, even if unintentional, breaches a legal duty. When a preventable mistake leads to an accident, at-fault parties are liable for any resulting injury. This may require compensating the victim for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the crash. Surviving family members may also be entitled to compensation for future earnings, lost relationship, and other benefits resulting from the wrongful death of a loved one.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one sustained a serious injury in a car accident, the South Carolina personal injury attorneys of Lofton & Lofton can help. For over 25 years, we have fought for the rights of accident victims throughout South Carolina and recovered the compensation they deserve. Call (843) 722-6319 for a consultation or contact us online.
