f you or your loved one have been injured in a car accident in South Carolina, call Luke today at (843) 379-3285 for a free consultation. We will fight for your justice!

While car accidents can have a variety of different causes, some causes are much more common than others. All of the most common causes of car accidents in South Carolina can entitle victims and their families to just compensation; and, if you are facing the consequences of a serious accident, we strongly encourage you to speak with a lawyer about your legal rights.
7 Common Causes of Car Accidents in South Carolina
Here are seven of the most common causes of car accidents in South Carolina. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision involving any of the following, you may be entitled to financial compensation:
1. Speeding
Speeding is a common factor in all types of car accidents, from rear-end collisions to high-speed accidents on the highway. While most cases involve drivers exceeding the posted speed limit, accidents can also happen when drivers are going too fast for the current road, traffic, or weather conditions—regardless of the maximum speed allowed by law.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another common factor in all types of car accidents, with cell phone use being among the primary distractions involved in serious collisions. Talking on the phone, texting, and scrolling social media all distract drivers from the task at hand. Talking to passengers, rubbernecking, eating and drinking, and other distractions continue to play a role in many car accidents as well.
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Get Help Now3. Aggressive or Reckless Driving
Along with speeding, other forms of aggressive and reckless driving play a role in a significant percentage of all car accidents in South Carolina. This includes dangerous behaviors like tailgating, running red lights and stop signs, and weaving through traffic.
4. Careless Driving
Even when drivers aren’t being aggressive or reckless, they can still make costly mistakes behind the wheel. Turning without checking for oncoming traffic, merging or changing lanes without looking, and misjudging the speed of other vehicles can all put other drivers and passengers in harm’s way.
5. Impaired Driving

Unfortunately, impaired driving is a major issue in South Carolina as well. While there is no excuse for impaired driving (or any of the other mistakes discussed above), impaired drivers are to blame for a significant percentage of all car accidents in the state each year. Common forms of impaired driving include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Driving under the influence of marijuana or other drugs
- Driving under the influence of prescription medications
- Driving while fatigued
You might be surprised to see “driving while fatigued on this list,” but studies have shown that fatigue can have impairing effects similar to—and potentially even greater than—alcohol intoxication. All four of these forms of impairment are very real concerns for drivers and passengers in South Carolina.
6. Road Hazards
Even when all drivers are doing their best to stay safe, road hazards can cause serious accidents resulting in life-altering or life-threatening injuries. Some examples of road hazards that can (and do) cause car accidents include standing water, debris in the roadway, potholes, and dangerous road construction zones.
7. Vehicle Defects
Just as road-related issues can cause serious car accidents, vehicle-related issues can cause serious car accidents as well. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and electrical malfunctions are just a few examples of vehicle defects that can suddenly and unexpectedly cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
7 Most Common Types of Car Accidents

These issues (among others) can lead to a wide range of types of car accidents. In South Carolina, all types of car accidents can give rise to claims for financial compensation if either: (i) the other driver was at fault (i.e., in cases involving speeding or distracted driving); or, (ii) a non-driver-related issue was to blame (i.e., a road hazard or vehicle defect). This includes common types of car accidents such as:
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipe collisions
- T-bone collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Accidents at controlled intersections (those with traffic signals or stop signs)
- Accidents at uncontrolled intersections
- High-speed accidents on highways
Injured in a Car Accident in South Carolina? Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Do you have questions about your legal rights after a car accident in South Carolina? If so, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. To speak with attorney Luke Paulick in confidence, call 843-379-3285 or request a free consultation online today.