When another driver’s reckless behavior causes serious harm, accident victims need experienced legal advocates who will fight tirelessly for their rights. At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., our South Carolina reckless driving accident attorneys have over a century of legal experience achieving successful outcomes for our clients. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with a member of our team.
Understanding Reckless Driving Under South Carolina Law
Reckless driving encompasses far more than simply driving too fast. Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-2920, reckless driving occurs when someone operates a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. This broad definition covers numerous dangerous behaviors that put innocent people at risk every day on our roads.
Common examples of reckless driving that frequently lead to serious accidents include:
- Excessive speeding (particularly in school zones or construction areas)
- Aggressive lane changes without proper signaling
- Tailgating other vehicles
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Operating a vehicle while distracted by mobile devices
What makes these behaviors particularly dangerous is the deliberate nature of the driver’s actions. Unlike simple negligence, reckless driving involves a conscious choice to disregard safety rules and put others in harm’s way.
The Serious Consequences of Reckless Driving Accidents
Reckless driving accidents often result in more severe injuries than typical motor vehicle collisions due to the extreme nature of the driving behavior involved. High-speed crashes, head-on collisions, and T-bone accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, internal organ damage, and other life-altering conditions.
The financial consequences can be equally devastating. Emergency room treatment, surgeries, extended hospital stays, rehabilitation therapy, and ongoing medical care can quickly accumulate costs that stretch into hundreds of thousands of dollars. When victims cannot return to work immediately or at all, the loss of income compounds these financial pressures.
Beyond the measurable costs, accident victims and their families must also cope with significant emotional trauma, chronic pain, permanent disabilities, and dramatic changes to their quality of life.
Compensation Available for Reckless Driving Accident Victims
South Carolina law recognizes that reckless driving accident victims deserve comprehensive compensation for their losses. Our attorneys will work diligently to pursue full recovery for both economic and non-economic harm resulting from another driver’s reckless conduct.
- Medical Expenses – We will seek compensation for all accident-related medical costs, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgical procedures, diagnostic testing, prescription medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and future medical care needs.
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity – If your injuries prevent you from working, we will pursue recovery for lost wages, benefits, and other employment-related losses. When injuries result in permanent limitations, we will also seek compensation for reduced future earning capacity.
- Property Damage – We can work to recover vehicle repairs or replacement costs, along with damage to personal property inside the vehicle.
- Pain and Suffering – South Carolina law allows recovery for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life that often accompany serious injuries.
- Punitive Damages – In cases involving particularly egregious reckless behavior, courts may award punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
How Our Florence & Myrtle Beach Reckless Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., our experienced attorneys will:
- Conduct a Comprehensive Accident Investigation – We will work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash scene, examine vehicle damage, review police reports, and interview witnesses. This thorough investigation helps establish exactly how the other driver’s reckless behavior caused your accident and injuries.
- Preserve Evidence – Time-sensitive evidence like surveillance footage, cell phone records, and vehicle black box data can disappear quickly. We will act swiftly to preserve all available evidence before it becomes unavailable.
- Secure Medical Documentation – Our team will work closely with your healthcare providers to ensure that all injuries and their connection to the accident are properly documented. This medical evidence forms the foundation of your compensation claim.
- Negotiate with Insurers – Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even in clear cases of reckless driving. Our skilled negotiators will advocate aggressively on your behalf for fair settlement offers that reflect the true extent of your losses.
- Represent You in Court if Necessary – When insurance companies refuse to offer adequate compensation, we will not hesitate to take your case to court. Our experienced trial attorneys have the courtroom skills necessary to present compelling cases to juries.
Why Choose Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., for Your Reckless Driving Case
Since 1895, our firm has maintained an unwavering commitment to achieving excellent results for our clients. We understand that reckless driving accidents can turn lives upside down, and we are dedicated to helping our clients rebuild and move forward.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex personal injury cases throughout South Carolina’s state and federal courts. We have the resources and skills necessary to take on insurance companies and their legal teams so that our clients have a fair opportunity to receive the compensation they deserve.
We also understand the financial pressures that accident victims face. That’s why we handle reckless driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case.
Contact Our South Carolina Reckless Driving Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a reckless driver, time is crucial. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and South Carolina’s statute of limitations places strict deadlines on when you can file a lawsuit.
Contact Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., today for your free consultation. We will help you understand the next steps toward securing the compensation you need and deserve. Our Florence and Myrtle Beach offices are ready to serve accident victims throughout South Carolina. Call us today to begin fighting for your rights and your recovery.