Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving that killed 3,142 lives in America in 2019. That is an average of 8 people a day, and that number has been consistent over the previous years. Much like drinking and driving, texting while driving presents several dangers on the road that the average driver can't see coming. Distracted driving is a known danger in every state, with every state in the union having laws against it.

At Hopkins Law Firm, we are there for drivers who have been injured in an accident that occurred when someone was texting while driving. We can help you to be compensated for your damages when these dangers have presented themselves to you on South Carolina roads.

Visual Distractions

Visual distractions are among the four known dangers of texting while driving, occurring when a driver's eyes are taken off the road and onto something in your car.

It only takes that one second for something awful to happen.

Manual Distractions

The steering wheel of a car saves lives. The driver's hands need to be on the steering wheel at all times when the vehicle is in motion. When something is coming at a car, the driver can defensively steer away from it if they have the opportunity.

Steering away from danger is harder when a driver's hands have come off of the wheel. When the driver of the car is using their hands to control another device, the vehicle's steering has been handed over to something else. This danger kills Americans every day.

Cognitive Distractions

It sounds unusual and contrary to common sense, but people do read their phones when driving. Even when they are not texting, it is common for people to read new texts, check the news, read emails, and scroll through notifications, even if they aren't doing anything about it.

It may not be texting while driving, but reading a device is as dangerous as texting while driving for the same reason. The driver's eyes are off the road, and concentration is diverted to something else.

Dangers to Self

When a driver is texting while driving, they put themselves at risk. They risk getting a minimum ticket, totaling their car, or killing someone when they are texting while driving.

A moving violation such as this could derail anybody's life. It may derail the life of a stranger.

Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Attorney if You've Been in a Texting While Driving Accident

When you've been injured in a car crash due to texting while driving, we can help. At Hopkins Law Firm, we know that annual car accident rates always show fatalities and injuries. Texting while driving alters lives forever in America every day. If this has happened to you, call the Hopkins Law Firm at 843-314-4202 for a free review of your case. We can fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.

FAQ

Is hands-free texting while driving okay in South Carolina?

Hands-free texting while driving is legal in South Carolina under South Carolina Motor Vehicle Code S.C. Code § 56-5-3890. You may also text while legally parked or stopped, calling for emergency help, using a GPS, or if you are a public official performing your regular course of duties.

I was in an accident where the other driver was texting when it happened. Do I have to pay for the damages too?

South Carolina is an at-fault state, which means that the other party will be primarily responsible for the damages, including medical bills, property damage, and any other losses incurred.

Is texting the only kind of distracted driving?

No, calling on the phone, eating, putting on make-up, checking on children or pets, and daydreaming are all other known forms of distracted driving that pose the same dangers on the road.