Hazardous Moving Violations
With so many drivers on our roads and interstates, it makes it all the more important to follow traffic rules and regulations. Designed to avoid accidents while keeping drivers safe, we learn these laws when we first get our licenses, and good driving behavior is enforced through the years both by avoiding accidents, as well as receiving the occasional ticket. Obeying traffic laws in terms of avoiding common traffic violations has a definite impact when it comes to preventing car accidents and car accident injuries. The following provides some useful information on the laws regarding various moving violations in the Palmetto State, as well as some facts regarding how infractions of these laws are often a contributing cause in most accidents.
South Carolina Moving Violations
In South Carolina, laws regulating the flow of traffic and dictating the expected conduct of drivers can be found in Chapter five of the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways, listed under Title 56 in the S.C. Code of Laws. This chapter lists non-moving violations, such as parking violations, as well as equipment violations, including those covering the safety of vehicles on the road. Hazardous moving violations relates to basic driver techniques and actions that have the potential to endanger the driver as well as others on the road. These include the following:
- Changing lanes unlawfully and improper passing
- Disregarding stop signs or traffic signals
- Making a right on red where prohibited
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to yield right of way
- Reckless driving
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Speeding
According to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, penalties for the above infractions include fines as well as the potential for license suspension, depending on the number of prior tickets.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Accidents Resulting From Moving Violations
According to reports and studies conducted by the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 90 people a day die in car accidents in the United States, while over 6,000 more are injured. Hazardous moving violations fall under the category of aggressive driving, and the III reports that studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that in 56 percent of all accidents, aggressive driving played a role.
If you have been injured in an accident in which the at fault driver was guilty of committing a hazardous moving violation, you may be offered a settlement through the other driver’s insurance company, and you may also be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit for damages. Damages are compensation for expenses related to your accident, and may include the following:
- Medical expense
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
In addition, you may be entitled to punitive damages, meant to punish particularly reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the at fault driver.
Reach Out to Us Today
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a reckless or aggressive driver, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm. Our experienced South Carolina car accident attorneys can advise you on how to hold at fault drivers accountable for the injuries and damages their behavior caused, and can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
