Charleston driver collides with tree in single vehicle crash
Charleston, SC – Local news for Charleston reported on a situation where a driver lost control and their car made contact with a tree.
Car crashes into tree on Ashley Hall Rd.
On June 26, 2023, a serious single-vehicle crash occurred in West Ashley, Charleston County, South Carolina [1]. The accident took place around 6 p.m. on Ashley Hall Road, leading to the closure of the road at North Woodmere Drive to facilitate the emergency response.
According to reports, a car carrying two occupants collided with a tree during the incident. Details on the cause of the crash have not been provided. Andrew Knapp, the spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, confirmed the occurrence and stated that one of the occupants sustained serious injuries. However, the specific nature and severity of the injuries remain undisclosed at this time.
As the authorities were actively responding to the situation, further updates on the incident may have been provided after the initial reporting. However, no additional information has been included in the summary.
The crash’s impact on traffic and local residents in the area is likely to be significant due to the road closure and the severity of the accident. The investigation into the cause of the crash may be ongoing to determine the factors that led to the vehicle colliding with the tree.
How can a driver be compensated for a single vehicle accident under South Carolina law?
In South Carolina, a single-vehicle car accident occurs when a driver’s vehicle is involved in a crash without any other vehicles being directly involved. These accidents can be caused by various factors, such as driver error, road conditions, weather, or mechanical failures. If you find yourself in such a situation, you may wonder how you can seek compensation for the damages incurred. While compensation options in single-vehicle accidents may be limited compared to multi-vehicle accidents involving another party at fault, there are still avenues available for drivers to pursue compensation under South Carolina law.
Insurance Coverage:
- The primary source of compensation for a single-vehicle accident is typically the driver’s insurance coverage. South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage they may cause to others in an accident. Additionally, drivers may have collision and comprehensive coverage, which could provide compensation for damage to their own vehicle. Depending on the extent of coverage, insurance policies can help reimburse for repair costs or, in the case of a total loss, compensate for the vehicle’s actual cash value.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
- If the single-vehicle accident was caused by another driver who fled the scene or was uninsured, the injured driver’s uninsured motorist coverage may come into play. Similarly, if the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance to cover the damages, underinsured motorist coverage could be utilized to bridge the gap and provide the necessary compensation.
Road Design and Maintenance Negligence:
- In certain instances, single-vehicle accidents may occur due to poor road design, inadequate signage, or negligent road maintenance. If this is the case, the injured driver may have a claim against the entity responsible for maintaining the road, such as the city or county. However, proving negligence in road design or maintenance cases can be challenging and may require legal expertise.
Product Liability Claims:
- In some single-vehicle accidents, vehicle defects or faulty parts may be to blame. If a defective vehicle component caused the accident or worsened the injuries sustained, the driver may pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty part.
Premises Liability:
- If the accident occurred on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions, the property owner may be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment. However, this type of claim typically applies when the accident happens in a private parking lot, driveway, or other premises.
It is crucial to note that South Carolina follows a “modified comparative fault” system, which means that the compensation awarded to an injured party may be reduced if they are found partially at fault for the accident. If the driver’s degree of fault is determined to be 50% or more, they may not be eligible to recover any compensation.
In any case of a single-vehicle accident, seeking legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney is advisable. An attorney can help assess the circumstances of the accident, identify potential sources of compensation, and navigate the complex legal process on behalf of the injured driver.
In conclusion, compensation for a single-vehicle accident in South Carolina primarily relies on insurance coverage, including liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and collision/comprehensive coverage. In specific situations, a driver may pursue claims against responsible parties for road design or maintenance negligence, product liability issues, or premises liability if the accident occurred on someone else’s property. To protect their rights and ensure fair compensation, consulting with a skilled auto accident attorney is essential for drivers involved in single-vehicle accidents.
South Carolina accident lawyers
The Clekis Law Firm handles accident and injury cases for clients in the Charleston area. They can provide more info about these issues.
USAttorneys.com provides referrals to licensed lawyers. They can be reached at 800-672-3103
Firm contact info:
171 Church St., Charleston SC, 29401
843-900-0000
clekis.com
Sources:
- https://www.live5news.com/2023/06/26/ashley-hall-rd-reopens-after-car-crashes-into-tree/
