2024 South Carolina Car Accident Statistics

Whenever you get in your car to run errands, go to work, or chauffeur your children to activities, it is important to drive safely. Although no one intends for them to happen, car accidents occur with alarming frequency.

It is important to know about the types of local accidents and what causes them. This can help you take additional care when driving your car. If you do get into a car accident, our team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., is here to help.

South Carolina Driving Statistics

South Carolina is an especially dangerous state for drivers. Every year, there are approximately 142,000 accidents in the state alone. Of those, approximately 2,500 result in serious injuries. 36,500 of the accidents cause minor injuries, while approximately 1,000 of them result in death. This information is estimated based on the most recent data available from a nationwide study.

Although car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, there are a few common reasons why they occur. Driver error is by far the most common cause of collisions, with 94% of non-fatal accidents occurring because of a driver mistake. These errors include:

• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Following too closely behind other vehicles
• Ignoring signs and signals
• Improper lane changes
• Improper lane usage

3% of the remaining accidents occur because of environmental factors such as weather. 1% are because of vehicle defects or malfunctions, and less than 1% are caused by roadway hazards and other factors, respectively.

South Carolina has the most speeding-related fatal accidents in the United States. Simultaneously, the annual number of fatal car accidents in the state is rising.

Demographics of South Carolina Accidents

Not only do the causes of car accidents vary, but the people and circumstances involved do too.

Approximately 72% of the drivers in fatal accidents that occur in South Carolina are men, while approximately 25% are women. A driver is most likely to get into a car accident between the ages of 30 and 34. 36% of all the state’s fatal accidents involve a drunk or intoxicated driver.

12% of the accidents that happen in South Carolina involve an out-of-state driver. The majority of out-of-state drivers involved in accidents in South Carolina are from Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

The evening commute, between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., is the most common time for car accidents to occur. However, fatal accidents occur more often between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. Approximately half of all accidents occur on just Saturday and Sunday, while the other half is spread across the work week.

What to Do After a Car Accident in South Carolina

Although you may drive carefully, it is still possible to get into a car accident due to another driver’s mistake. If this happens to you, it is important to have a plan in place. Taking the proper steps can help you survive your accident and preserve your opportunity for a settlement.

If you get into an accident, follow these steps:

1. Assess yourself for injuries. If you exhibit signs of serious injury, such as losing consciousness or limb sensation, remain where you are and wait for medical help. If it is safe to do so, get out of the car and move to a safe area of the road.
2. Take photos of your injury and the injuries of others involved in the accident.
3. Take photos and video of the accident scene, paying particular attention to damaged areas, road signs, and road signals.
4. Exchange personal and insurance information with the other driver.
5. Call your attorney. Do not speak with an insurance adjuster until your lawyer can be present.

Following these steps can preserve your case if a personal injury claim is appropriate.

FAQs About South Carolina Car Accident Statistics

What State Has the Highest Car Accident Rate?

As of 2022, South Carolina has the highest car accident rate in the United States, followed closely by Massachusetts, Ohio, and Nebraska. In South Carolina, 12% of all drivers have an accident on their record. Most of the accidents across the United States happen because of distracted driving, including:

• Texting
• Eating
• Drinking
• Applying makeup
• Interacting with children while driving

How Many Car Accidents Happen Each Year in South Carolina?

Approximately 142,000 accidents happen annually in South Carolina. 2,500 of the accidents result in serious injuries, while 1,000 cause death. If you have been seriously injured by a car accident that was not your fault, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. The compensation from such a case can help you pay medical bills and keep your family financially stable while you heal. Axelrod & Associates, P.A., is here to help.

Is South Carolina a Fault or No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

South Carolina is a fault state for car accidents. This means that the responsible party’s insurance must pay for all damages. This can cause delays while the insurance companies argue over which driver holds responsibility. Fortunately, South Carolina is also considered a comparative negligence state. This means that those who hold less than 50% of the responsibility for the accident can file claims against the driver with most of the responsibility. It is critical to hire an attorney after a South Carolina car accident.

What Is the Most Common Type of Car Accident in South Carolina?

The most common type of car accident in South Carolina is a rear-end collision. This happens when a car runs into the back of another car at a stop sign, crosswalk, or traffic light. Tailgating and speeding can both lead to this type of accident. Incidentally, speeding is the leading cause of car accidents in South Carolina. Unfortunately, DUIs are the cause of many South Carolina accidents as well.

Contact Axelrod & Associates, P.A.

Our team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., has over 100 years of combined legal experience. We can provide quality representation for any car accident scenario. This includes any personal injury situation resulting from an auto collision. If you get injured in a car accident, or if a loved one is killed in a collision, you have the right to take action. Contact Axelrod & Associates, P.A., to learn more.