The early morning commute can bring out the worst in drivers, especially those having to wade through the congested traffic and bad local roads in Charleston, SC. Ranked as the second most unsafe state for drivers in the US, South Carolina roadways are a prime place for car accidents.
From the road rage that comes before your first cup of coffee to attempted U-turns in the hopes of finding a faster route, car accidents become all too common when dealing with traffic congestion.
Keep reading as our car accident attorneys guide you through the relationship between traffic congestion and car accidents, and how Hoffman Law Firm can help in the aftermath.
What Causes Traffic Congestion?
Understanding the dangers of traffic congestion is only half the battle – the other half is understanding the causes behind the bumper-to-bumper holdups. Traffic congestion occurs when the number of vehicles on the road exceeds the road’s capacity.
Traffic congestion can vary in type, ranging from growing demand in a specific area or roadway to new construction zones or weather conditions. The main factors behind traffic congestion include population growth and an unexpected setback. An unexpected setback in terms of traffic congestion could include:
- Car or truck accidents
- Construction
- Lane closures
- Animal obstruction or incident
Population growth continues to be a major factor across the Palmetto State. As more drivers and commuters move into the Charleston area, the roadways do not have the proper infrastructure in place to satisfy the demands of the new growth.
How Might Traffic Congestion Lead to Car Accidents?
While most major highways fall prey to traffic congestion, Charleston County knows all too well the dangers of driving in the Lowcountry. Charleston natives will not be surprised to learn that U.S. Highway 17 was named the most dangerous highway in the state in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The dangers of South Carolina highways coupled with traffic congestion can lead many drivers to exhibit bad behavior while out on the road. Examples of negligent driving that may lead to a car accident in South Carolina include:
- Driving while distracted: In an effort to combat the boredom of traffic, drivers may take out their phones or find other means to pass the time. This can cause delayed reaction time, leaving you little room for error if a car weaves in front of you.
- Tailgating: Tailgating is when a driver closes in the space between them and the car in front of them in the hopes of speeding up their pace. The lack of space leaves little room for error, potentially causing an accident if the person in front slams on their brakes
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals: In an effort to move quickly, drivers stuck in traffic may run a red light or stop sign, ultimately raising the risk of collision with another driver
- Illegal U-turns: When drivers become impatient, they may attempt to turn around in order to find a faster route. Doing so, however, may lead to a collision with oncoming traffic
- Road rage: A driver who is forced to sit in congested traffic may grow agitated and frustrated at their lack of progress. This agitated state, or road rage, may cause them to drive recklessly and risk a potential collision.
Traffic congestion accidents can have several causes behind them, especially when it could risk a situation where multiple vehicles are involved. Schedule a consultation with the experienced car accident lawyers at Hoffman Law Firm if you have been the victim of a car accident while in congested traffic.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
In the event of a car accident, it’s important to gather and preserve evidence so that your personal injury attorney at Hoffman Law Firm can help you recover damages from the negligent driver.
After emergency services have been called and are in route, it’s important to gather the following information:
- Take pictures and video of the accident scene and damage to all vehicles involved
- Exchange contact information with other drivers involved
- Obtain a copy of the police report when they arrive
- Do not admit fault to anyone
- Contact a trustworthy car accident attorney near you
The Car Accident Attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm Can Help
Your early morning commute should be focused on making it to work safely – not on handling the aftermath of a car accident in congested traffic.
Located in Charleston, SC, we support accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. Our personal injury attorneys are skilled in a wide variety of areas, including slip, trip, and fall incidents. To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation at Hoffman Law Firm today.
Our personal injury law firm offers trusted legal representation right here in the Lowcountry, including these practice areas:
Car Accident
Truck Accident
Motorcycle Accident
Wrongful Death
Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
View All Practice Areas
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