North Myrtle Beach offers miles of coastline, entertainment venues, and businesses for residents and visitors. With this activity, however, comes a significant amount of traffic. U.S. Highway 17, Sea Mountain Highway, and Robert Edge Parkway are some of the busiest routes in the area. These roads, and others, are common locations for North Myrtle Beach car accidents.
For victims injured in a crash, the consequences can be overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about handling insurance companies quickly compound the stress of physical recovery.
In these situations, seeking guidance from a North Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer can be an important step toward understanding available legal options and ensuring rights are protected. The team at Derrick Law Firm works with injured parties to navigate the claims process and pursue the compensation a victim may be entitled to.
Common Types of Car Accidents in North Myrtle Beach
Motor vehicle crashes in North Myrtle Beach happen in many ways. While each accident is unique, certain types of collisions that commonly occur include:
- Rear-end collisions. These accidents often occur in stop-and-go traffic or near busy intersections when one driver fails to stop in time. Rear-end crashes may seem minor, but even low-speed impacts can lead to painful injuries such as whiplash or herniated discs that take weeks or months to heal.
- T-bone accidents. Side-impact collisions frequently occur when drivers run a stoplight or stop sign at an intersection. Because vehicle sides provide less protection than the front or rear, victims in T-bone crashes may sustain broken ribs, collapsed lungs, or severe head injuries from hitting the window or door.
- Head-on collisions. Head-on crashes typically result from drivers drifting across the centerline, often due to distraction or impairment. The combined speed of both vehicles makes these wrecks particularly dangerous, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
- Sideswipe accidents. These collisions occur when vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact during a lane change. On multi-lane highways like U.S. 17, a sideswipe can quickly cause drivers to lose control, sometimes resulting in secondary crashes or vehicles leaving the roadway.
- Multi-vehicle pileups. Chain-reaction accidents often happen in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions, particularly when rain or fog reduces visibility. These collisions often involve multiple parties, making it more difficult to determine liability.
Other types of accidents, such as rollover crashes, may also cause serious injuries.
Causes of Car Accidents in North Myrtle Beach
While road design and weather can play a role, most collisions in North Myrtle Beach stem from preventable driver behaviors.
Some common contributing factors are:
- Distracted driving. Despite laws aimed at curbing cellphone use, many crashes occur when drivers glance at their phones or attempt to multitask behind the wheel. A single moment of distracted driving can have serious consequences in a high-traffic area filled with tourists unfamiliar with the road or residents who are rushing around.
- Speeding. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of impact in a crash. On major roadways such as Highway 17, speeding contributes to many collisions where drivers misjudge distance or fail to brake in time to prevent an accident.
- Drunk driving. Alcohol-related crashes remain a persistent danger. North Myrtle Beach is a popular destination with many restaurants and bars, and impaired drivers leaving these establishments may cause severe collisions.
- Aggressive driving. Tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, or weaving between lanes greatly increases accident risk. Stressful traffic conditions may lead to aggressive driving behaviors that endanger everyone nearby.
- Fatigued driving. Drowsy drivers experience slowed reaction times like those under the influence of alcohol. Long-haul drivers, shift workers, and vacationers driving extended hours without rest are especially vulnerable to falling asleep at the wheel.
- Poor road conditions. Poor road conditions—potholes, worn-out lane markings, or faulty traffic lights—play a role in some North Myrtle Beach crashes. When drivers aren’t paying attention, these issues turn into real hazards.
A thorough investigation is often required to determine what caused a specific crash.
Injuries Sustained in North Myrtle Beach Car Accidents
The impact of a car crash may leave victims facing injuries ranging from temporary setbacks to life-changing conditions.
Common injuries could potentially include:
- Soft tissue injuries. Whiplash, muscle strains, and ligament sprains are typical in rear-end accidents. These injuries may not appear immediately, but can develop into long-term pain if left untreated.
- Broken bones. Fractures in arms, legs, and ribs are common in high-impact collisions. Complex breaks may require surgery, metal implants, and months of rehabilitation.
- Spinal cord injuries. Trauma to the spinal cord may cause partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity of damage. Even less severe spinal injuries, such as herniated discs, can cause chronic pain and limit mobility.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). From concussions to severe brain trauma, TBIs often result in memory problems, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. Some victims require long-term rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments.
- Internal injuries. Damage to internal organs, including the liver or spleen, may not be immediately visible but can become life-threatening if undiagnosed.
- Burns. Fires, hot fluids, or chemical exposure during a crash can lead to second- or third-degree burns requiring extensive medical treatment and possible skin grafts.
- Psychological trauma. The emotional toll of a serious accident often includes anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
These conditions can affect quality of life long after physical injuries heal.
Steps to Take After a North Myrtle Beach Car Accident
Following a crash, it’s not uncommon for victims to start feeling overwhelmed at the thought of taking legal steps. However, taking the proper steps can help protect health and preserve the strength of a potential legal claim. Such steps may include:
- Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, prompt medical care is essential for both health and documentation purposes.
- Contact law enforcement. Police reports provide valuable evidence when determining liability.
- Gather evidence. This includes photos, videos, and witness contact information, which can all strengthen a claim.
- Exchange information. Obtaining the other driver’s insurance and contact details is essential.
- Avoid admitting fault. Liability should be determined after a thorough investigation.
- Notify the insurance company. Prompt reporting helps avoid delays in the claims process.
Additionally, it’s recommended to consult a North Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer. The right legal guidance may help victims understand their rights and options after an accident.
Potential Compensation for Accident Victims
Victims of car accidents may be entitled to recover damages depending on the circumstances of the crash. Compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses. Hospital bills, rehabilitation, surgeries, and long-term care can be significant after a serious accident.
- Lost income. Injuries often prevent victims from returning to work, resulting in lost wages and benefits. Permanent injuries may also reduce future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain and emotional trauma may be factored into compensation.
- Property damage. Repairs or replacement of a totaled vehicle and damaged personal property may be included.
Families who lose a loved one may seek recovery for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
How to Choose the Right Legal Representation
Car accident cases can be complicated, especially when multiple parties are involved or when insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts. When selecting legal representation, injured parties often consider:
- Experience. A firm familiar with South Carolina’s personal injury laws understands how to navigate local courts and insurance practices.
- Client-centered service. Personalized attention helps ensure victims remain informed and supported throughout the legal process.
- Results. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, , prior settlements or verdicts and client reviews could reflect real-world results and insights into a particular law firm. See what prior clients had to say about Derrick Law Firm.
Car accidents in North Myrtle Beach can have lasting financial, physical, and emotional consequences. With the guidance of an experienced North Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer, victims can focus on healing while their legal team handles their legal case.
