Common Causes of Car Accidents in South Carolina

From drunk to  distracted driving, a multitude of factors can cause car accidents, leading to vehicle and property damage, injuries, and even death. If the cause of your car accident isn’t clear, a proper investigation into the matter may uncover what happened and how. We’ll cover the most common causes of car accidents in South Carolina and show how an auto accident lawyer can help if you’ve suffered damages from a wreck.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence causes most car accidents in South Carolina according to the Department of Public Safety. The rate of drunk driving accidents in South Carolina is higher than the national average¹ and the state ranks in the top 10 for the most accidents per year. While there are programs in place to help curb the number of crashes annually, including the state’s Sober or Slammer campaign, drivers continue to climb behind the wheel intoxicated. Bell Legal Group can help you hold drunk drivers accountable for damages, injuries, or even loss of life to you or your loved one.

Distracted Driving

Many drivers become distracted at some point while driving. Even small distractions can become dangerous when you take your eyes off the road, whether you’re changing the radio station, eating, or chatting with other passengers in the vehicle. Texting or talking on the phone (even hands-free) while driving is one of the biggest factors that contribute to car accidents. These distractions can induce drivers to swerve out of their lane or off the road or miss stopped vehicles ahead of them.

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Speeding is a form of reckless driving that is a major cause of car accidents in South Carolina. A speeding driver can wreak havoc on the roads, whether they’re late to work or simply ignoring posted speed limits. Some speeding drivers will run a red light or stop sign because they can’t stop soon enough, in turn leading to a car accident. Aggressive driving includes weaving, tailgating, cutting off other drivers, and other behaviors that make roadways dangerous for other vehicles. Accidents caused by reckless or aggressive driving are preventable, and Bell Legal Group attorneys are  ready to support you or your loved one if you experience this type of accident.

Mechanical Failures

Vehicle defects can also cause catastrophic car accidents.  Defective vehicle parts, including faulty brakes, electrical system failures, or a part falling off, may cause an accident. If a manufacturer’s part fails, they may be responsible for the resulting accident. Drivers are responsible for regular maintenance of their vehicle to keep it roadworthy, including outfitting the car with safe tires. If an accident results from mechanical failure, it’s important to investigate why the failure happened and who is at fault.

Inexperienced Driving

A new driver may have a permit or license to drive, but that doesn’t give them the experience they need to drive safely in all conditions. Inexperienced drivers are more likely to improperly assess road conditions, misjudge curves or stopping distance, or drive too fast. Teenagers are especially prone to car accidents in South Carolina because they’re inexperienced and easily distracted by technology. Inexperience is not an excuse for causing an accident, however, and an experienced lawyer can hold even a new driver accountable.

Poor Road Conditions

Sometimes poor road conditions—potholes or debris in the road, for example—can cause a devastating collision when a driver encounters them. Construction zones with missing or illegible signage, improper markings, or debris in the road present similar hazards. While another driver may not be at fault for an accident that results from these types of road conditions, someone may be, especially if they knew of the hazard and failed to correct it. Poor road conditions due to bad weather may also lead to accidents if the driver fails to adjust their speed, use headlights or hazard lights, or to take other safety measures. If you’re unsure who may be liable for an accident that resulted from poor road conditions, Bell Legal Group attorneys can help.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigued driving is extremely dangerous to the driver and to others on the road. An exhausted driver takes longer to react and may fail to stop in time or to easily swerve around a potential accident. They’re less likely to notice road hazards or follow signage correctly. But the biggest danger for a drowsy driver is falling asleep at the wheel. An individual who is no longer in control of the vehicle can cause a wreck that results in devastating injuries to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Many factors can cause car accidents, but whatever the circumstances that led to your injuries, we want to help. If you’ve been involved in a South Carolina car accident, contact us today and one of our experienced trial attorneys will listen to your story. 

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¹ Source: Consumer Affairs, Journal of Consumer Research, “The Five Worst States for Drunk Driving,” January 15, 2025