Car accidents are a terrible reality that millions of people face each year. In fact, road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States for people aged 1-54 (CDC). Our firm sees firsthand the devastation that these accidents can leave families in. While we appreciate and enjoy the freedom that travel gives us, each year vehicles are involved in crashes. Roads are shared by cars, motorcycles, tractor trailers, pedestrians, buses, and more. This is a global problem that causes significant loss. Whether you have lost a loved one or have sustained an injury or disability because of an accident, the journey can be a difficult, uphill battle.

The Facts

On a global level, 20-50 million people are injured or disabled from car accidents each year. 1.3 million lose their lives because of it. Over half of all road traffic deaths are individuals who are pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists. Not to mention, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults (WHO). In 2018, 87 lives were lost in Greenville County due to car accidents (LiveStories). This past holiday season, South Carolina was reported to have the second-highest rate of fatal car accidents in the United States (WMBF News).

What You Can Do

The unfortunate reality of car accidents is that they can be prevented most of the time. Speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, and nonuse of helmets, seat belts, and child restraints are all leading causes of fatality in an accident.

While the facts and statistics don’t lie, there are certainly steps you can take to prevent accidents and injuries:

• Always wear a seat belt. Make sure children are properly buckled in an appropriate seat for their age, height, and weight and are in the back seat of the vehicle.
• If you are riding a motorcycle, moped, or bicycle, always wear a helmet. Also, have appropriate lights installed and wear reflective clothing to alert other drivers of your presence on the roadways.
• Never drive while impaired.
• Pay close attention to the road and drive without distractions such as using a phone or multitasking.
• Obey all speed limits and street signs.
• For pedestrians, be alert when crossing the street or walking on sidewalks.
• Avoid driving at times and days when you know traffic will be heavy.
• Avoid driving in bad weather.

Should you find yourself or a loved one in an accident, please call The Philpot Law Firm as soon as possible. We are here to serve you and your family through these difficult circumstances and fight for what’s right. We guarantee that one of our attorneys will call you back within 24 hours to begin looking into your case. Don’t hesitate!

Call (864) 242-1366 or send us a message.