Experienced Columbia Reckless Driving Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been hurt because another driver was acting carelessly, you are likely feeling overwhelmed. You might be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of missing work. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s bad choices. At The Super Lawyer, we fight to protect your rights.

Reckless driving is more than just a simple traffic mistake. It is a dangerous choice that puts everyone on the road at risk. Our legal team understands the specific laws in Columbia, South Carolina, and we know how to hold negligent drivers accountable. We are here to help you navigate the legal process so you can focus on healing.

What Qualifies as Reckless Driving in Columbia, SC?

In South Carolina, the law is very specific about what counts as reckless driving. According to South Carolina Code §56-5-2920, reckless driving occurs when a person drives a vehicle with a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”

This means the driver knew—or should have known—that their driving was dangerous but did it anyway. It is different from simple negligence, which might just be a momentary lapse in focus. Reckless driving involves a conscious decision to ignore safety rules.

Common examples of reckless driving we see in Columbia include:

• Excessive Speeding: Driving significantly over the speed limit, especially in busy areas or school zones.
• Weaving Through Traffic: Changing lanes rapidly without signaling to get ahead of other cars.
• Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely at high speeds.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Intentionally blowing through intersections.
• Street Racing: Competing with other drivers on public roads.
• Aggressive Driving: Using the vehicle to intimidate or harass other drivers (road rage).

Common Injuries from Reckless Driving Crashes

Because reckless drivers often speed or drive aggressively, the accidents they cause can be severe. High-speed collisions often result in life-changing injuries. We help clients who are suffering from:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions or severe brain damage that impacts cognitive function.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the back or neck that can lead to partial or total paralysis.
• Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis that require surgery.
• Internal Injuries: Bleeding or damage to organs that requires immediate emergency care.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage: Painful injuries to muscles and ligaments that can last for months.

Legal Consequences: Criminal vs. Civil

When a reckless driver causes a crash, they may face two different types of legal trouble. First, they face criminal penalties from the state. This can include fines, points on their license, and even jail time. However, these criminal penalties do not pay for your medical bills.

To get money for your injuries, you must file a personal injury claim. This is a civil action. Even if the driver is not convicted of a crime, we can still prove negligence in a civil case to help you recover compensation.

Steps to Take After a Reckless Driving Accident

Protecting your health and your legal rights starts immediately after the crash. If you are able, follow these steps:

1. Call 911: Ensure the police come to the scene to file an official report. This report is a key piece of evidence.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, go to a doctor. Adrenaline can hide pain, and some injuries take days to appear.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and skid marks. Get names and numbers of any witnesses.
4. Do Not Admit Fault: Be honest with the police, but do not apologize or say the accident was your fault.
5. Contact a Lawyer: Before you speak to the insurance company, talk to a Columbia reckless driving accident lawyer to understand your rights.

Building Your Personal Injury Claim

To win your case, we have to prove that the other driver was at fault. We investigate the accident thoroughly to build a strong case for you. This often involves gathering police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements.

Once we have the evidence, the process usually follows these steps:

• Investigation: We establish liability and calculate the total cost of your damages.
• Demand Letter: We send a formal letter to the insurance company outlining the facts and demanding fair compensation.
• Settlement Negotiation: Insurance companies often try to offer a low amount first. We negotiate aggressively to get you what you actually deserve.
• Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we are prepared to take your case to court.

Types of Compensation Available

The goal of a personal injury claim is to make you “whole” again financially. In South Carolina, you may be entitled to different types of damages:

Economic Damages

These are the financial losses that have a specific price tag. They include:

• Current and future medical bills (surgeries, therapy, medication).
• Lost wages if you missed work.
• Loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your old job.
• Property damage to your vehicle.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages cover the human cost of the accident. They are harder to calculate but very important. They include:

• Physical pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress and anxiety.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme recklessness, the court may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you, but to punish the driver for their terrible behavior and discourage others from doing the same.

Insurance and Liability Considerations

South Carolina follows a rule called comparative negligence. This means you can still get compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were less than 51% responsible. However, your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

We also look for all available insurance money. If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance, we may look at your own policy for UM/UIM coverage (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage) to make sure your bills get paid.

Statute of Limitations in South Carolina

You do not have unlimited time to file a lawsuit. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you will lose your right to sue. It is best to start the process early so evidence doesn’t get lost.

Why Choose a Local Columbia Lawyer?

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be frustrating. They are trained to pay out as little as possible. By hiring a local Columbia lawyer, you level the playing field. We know the local courts, the local judges, and the tactics insurance companies use in our area.

At The Super Lawyer, we handle the paperwork, the phone calls, and the negotiations. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we fight for your financial future.