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    U.S. Highway 17, known as the “Coastal Highway” is a major thoroughfare that connects many of South Carolina’s coastal communities. Whether you live in the Charleston or Myrtle Beach areas, you’ve likely driven Highway 17 and know how beautiful – and dangerous – it can be. Often congested with local traffic, commercial vehicles, and road trippers, this essential route has earned a reputation as one of the most treacherous roads in our state.

    Since so many of us depend on Highway 17, it’s important to understand its unique dangers so you can keep yourself and your family safe. However, sometimes there is nothing you can do to avoid a wreck. If you suffered injuries or lost a family member in a car accident, you may qualify to receive compensation for your injuries and losses.

    Contact an experienced local car accident lawyer from Joye Law Firm for help obtaining compensation. Our legal team can explain your rights and options for holding the at-fault driver accountable and fight to help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

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    Crash Statistics for Highway 17 in SC semi truck and vehicles driving on highway

    To truly grasp the dangers of Highway 17, here are a few fatal crash statistics between 2018-2020:

    • The 3.8-mile area between Bonanza Road and Orleans Road on Savannah Highway (Highway 17) in Charleston reported 11 traffic fatalities.
    • In North Myrtle Beach, the five-mile stretch between Conway Street and Vereen Road reported 10 traffic fatalities.

    One study ranked Highway 17 as one of the most dangerous roads in the country for summer traveling. Researchers reviewed crash data from a recent two-year period between May and September of each year. They found 82 deaths occurred on Highway 17 during those times. They also noted how the rate of accident fatalities was high considering South Carolina’s relatively small size and population.

    Common Causes of Accidents on U.S. Highway 17

    Although crashes can happen for many reasons, crash data reports point to three main culprits that cause the most fatal car accidents on Highway 17:

    • Drunk driving: Being so close to popular vacation destinations, Highway 17 sees a lot of traffic from beach partiers and bar/nightclub patrons, particularly around Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Intoxicated driving is a factor in around 31% of all fatal accidents along the highway.
    • Speeding: Highway 17 has long, straight stretches as well as tight turns in some areas. The road also has heavy traffic around major cities. Speeding significantly reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Speeding is a factor in nearly 45% of fatal crashes on Highway 17.
    • Distracted driving: With scenic views like those crossing the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge on the Cooper River in Charleston, drivers might take their eyes off the road. Texting, adjusting GPS, or rubbernecking at beach sights are all dangerous distractions. Distracted driving contributed to nearly 6% of fatal accidents on this dangerous road.

    Other common causes of traffic accidents on Highway 17 include tourists who aren’t familiar with the road, heavy traffic, and inadequate road design. People have criticized Highway 17 for poor lighting, confusing signage, and dangerous intersections that contribute to accidents.

    No matter the reason, if the crash wasn’t entirely your fault, you need to speak with a personal injury lawyer to learn of your options to pursue compensation.

    Who You Can Hold Liable for a Crash on U.S. Highway 17 in South Carolina

    Determining liability in a car accident isn’t always straightforward. That’s why you need an attorney to investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. These could include:

    • Other Drivers: If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, an attorney can pursue compensation from them through a personal injury claim.
    • Government Entities: If poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, a lawyer could file a claim for you against the local or state government agencies responsible for road maintenance.
    • Vehicle Manufacturers: In cases where a defective auto part contributed to the crash, an attorney could hold the manufacturer liable through a third-party claim.
    • Trucking Companies: For accidents involving commercial trucks, the trucking company may share liability with the driver.
    • Your own uninsured (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) policies: Unfortunately, not all drivers in South Carolina carry insurance, and even those who do often lack sufficient coverage for the damages caused by a catastrophic crash. In those instances, you can seek compensation from your own insurance company through your own UM and/or UIM policies. To make matters worse, however, even when you have coverage, many insurance providers are still reluctant to pay out on these claims. In such cases, it often takes a skilled attorney to negotiate assertively and secure the compensation you deserve.

    Additionally, if your case involves a drunk driver, Joye Law Firm will explore whether an establishment over-served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron. It’s possible to hold a bar or restaurant partially liable under South Carolina’s “dram shop” laws.

    You need to work with a seasoned car accident lawyer to correctly identify all liable parties and ensure you get full compensation.

    Compensation You Could Receive from a SC Car Accident Injury Claim

    If you suffered injuries or losses in a South Carolina car accident that someone else caused, a lawyer could help you recover compensation for:

    • Medical expenses (current and future)
    • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
    • Pain and suffering
    • Property damage
    • Emotional distress
    • Loss of enjoyment of life
    • Punitive damages

    The exact amount you could receive depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the available insurance coverage. An experienced car accident attorney can help you calculate the full value of your claim and fight for maximum compensation.

    How an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Help

    A car accident attorney from Joye Law Firm can ease your burden and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome. Here’s how we can assist you:

    • Case evaluation: Our attorneys can assess the strength of your case and help you understand your legal options.
    • Evidence gathering: We will collect and preserve crucial evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
    • Negotiation with insurance companies: Your attorney will handle all communication with insurers, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim.
    • Accurate damage calculation: We’ll work with medical experts and economists to accurately calculate the full extent of your current and future losses.
    • Legal representation: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will present a compelling case on your behalf in court.
    • Paperwork and deadlines: We’ll ensure all necessary documents are filed correctly and on time, adhering to South Carolina’s legal requirements.
    • Access to resources: We have an extensive network of accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators who can strengthen your case.
    • Peace of mind: With a skilled lawyer from Joye Law Firm handling the legal complexities, you can focus on what’s most important—your recovery.

    By leveraging our knowledge of South Carolina law and experience with similar cases, a car accident attorney at Joye Law Firm can significantly increase your chances of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

    What You Need to Do to Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident on Hwy 17

    After a car accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed amid the chaos. However, your actions following the crash can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation.

    Here’s what you need to do to protect your rights:

    Focus on Health and Well-Being

    Your health should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, some injuries may not show up right away. Always seek medical attention as soon as possible after a crash.

    This serves two crucial purposes:

    1. It ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly.
    2. It creates an official medical record linking your injuries to the accident, which is vital for your claim.

    Follow your doctor’s orders carefully and attend all follow-up appointments. This not only aids your recovery but also demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries to insurance companies and the court.

    Don’t Accept the First Insurance Settlement

    Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after the accident, often with a settlement offer. While accepting and putting the whole ordeal behind you might tempt you, resist this urge. The first offer is almost always lower than what your claim is truly worth.

    Insurance companies are businesses focused on their bottom line. They’re hoping you’ll accept a lowball offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and losses. Once you accept a settlement, you typically can’t go back and ask for more, even if your injuries are more severe than initially thought.

    Instead, politely decline to discuss settlement offers until you speak with an attorney and fully assess your damages.

    Hire an Attorney ASAP

    The sooner you bring a car accident lawyer on board, the better. Here’s why:

    • Critical evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. An attorney can take immediate steps to preserve this evidence, such as obtaining traffic camera footage or interviewing witnesses while their memories are fresh.
    • Insurance adjusters may try to get you to make statements that could hurt your claim. A lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company, protecting your rights.
    • An experienced attorney can accurately assess the full value of your claim, including future medical expenses and long-term impacts on your life.
    • There are strict time limits for filing a car accident claim in South Carolina. An attorney will ensure all necessary paperwork is filed on time.

    You can rest easier knowing a professional is handling the legal aspects of your case and looking out for your best interests.

    Joye Law Firm successfully represented a client who sustained severe spinal injuries in his neck from a devastating crash in 2016. The 45-year-old man was turning left at a green light at the intersection of Carolina Bay Drive and Highway 17 in Charleston when a dump truck hauling a woodchipper ran a red light and crashed into him. Despite the challenges in the case, our legal team fought for justice, securing a jury verdict that was nearly 10 times the best offer made before trial. This case highlights our commitment to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve, especially when facing serious injuries.

    At Joye Law Firm we offer free consultations 24/7 without an appointment. We also take all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by contacting an attorney immediately.

    How Long Do You Have to Pursue Compensation in SC?

    In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. It might seem like a long time, but those three years can fly by, especially when you’re recovering from serious injuries.

    There are some exceptions to this rule, such as:

    • If the injured person is a minor, the clock may not start ticking until they turn 18
    • If the at-fault party was a governmental entity, the statute is shortened to two years from the date of the accident, plus other notification may be required

    It’s crucial to start the process as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and building a strong case takes time. Don’t wait until the last minute to seek legal help.

    Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

    Now that you understand the importance of acting quickly to recover damages from the driver or entity responsible for your injuries, it’s time to take the next step.

    At Joye Law Firm, we’ve helped tens of thousands of injured clients in South Carolina recover the full compensation they need. Since 1968, our law firm has served our communities not only through legal advocacy but also by contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities through our Joye In The Community program. This has earned the trust and respect of individuals and families across our region.

    Our team brings over 300 years of combined experience to every case. We regularly hold case evaluation meetings, a process unique to Joye Law Firm, where our partners and senior attorneys—many of whom hold leadership positions in legal organizations—review each case to ensure the best possible outcomes.

    When you choose Joye Law Firm, you’re selecting a partner who is dedicated to your case and committed to helping you get the best results possible. You’re not just another case number to us, but a real individual in need who deserves top-notch legal counsel to help you heal and move on. We have the skills, experience, and resources to handle your claim effectively, and we’ve secured many substantial verdicts and settlements for our clients.

    We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.

    During this meeting, we’ll:

    • Listen to your story and answer your questions
    • Explain your legal rights and options
    • Provide an initial assessment of your case
    • Outline how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve
    • If you have a type of case that we don’t handle, we will make sure you are connected with a law firm we trust

    You don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover damages for you. This means you can access top-quality legal representation without any upfront costs or financial risk.

    Contact Joye Law Firm now for a free case review. Your recovery is our priority, and we’re here to help you get the justice and fair compensation you deserve.

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