What Happens if the Accident Happens at Night or in Poor Visibility?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that car crashes are more than twice as likely to happen at night on a per-vehicle-mile-traveled basis. Poor visibility during the daytime, such as due to adverse weather conditions, can also increase the risk of a crash. You may be wondering: What happens if I am involved in a reduced visibility crash? The short answer is that you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and your interests. Here, our Florence car accident attorney provides a guide to nighttime/poor visibility crashes in South Carolina.
Your Safety is the Top Priority: Nighttime/Low-Visibility Accidents Are Especially Dangerous
Not only are accidents more likely to happen during reduced visibility, but they are also more dangerous. Indeed, crashes that happen at night or in poor visibility conditions, such as heavy fog or rain, are often more severe. Drivers face reduced visibility, limited reaction times, and a higher likelihood of encountering impaired or fatigued motorists. You need to get yourself to safety right away after this type of crash. When you exchange information, be sure to do so in a safe spot.
Drivers Still Have a Legal Duty to Operate With Reasonable Care
Reduced visibility does not absolve any driver of their obligation to operate a vehicle in a safe manner. Indeed, under South Carolina law, drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road, even at night or in poor visibility. If it is harder to see, drivers need to change the way they operate in order to avoid accidents. Among other things, this includes adjusting their behavior to match the conditions. Depending on the circumstances, that might mean
- Slowing down;
- Using headlights properly; and
- Increasing following distance.
If a driver causes an accident because they were speeding, distracted, or failed to turn on their lights, they may still be found negligent. South Carolina follows a fault-based system. A driver who breaches this duty can be held liable for any resulting damages. Every nighttime or reduced visibility crash requires a comprehensive investigation. An experienced Florence, SC auto accident attorney can help.
Evidence is Key to Any Car Accident Claim in South Carolina
Evidence builds the foundation of a car accident case, especially when it comes to proving liability. If you were hurt in a crash that happened under poor visibility conditions, gathering evidence is especially important. Skid marks, headlight usage, dashcam footage, and witness testimony can help reconstruct what happened. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts may be necessary to demonstrate how the crash occurred.
Contact Our Florence Car Accident Lawyer Today
At The Law Office of D. Craig Brown, LLC, our Florence auto accident attorney is always prepared to go the extra mile for victims and their families. If you or your loved one was hurt in a nighttime collision or a poor visibility collision, we can help. Give us a call now or contact us online for a free case review. From our Florence office, we handle car crash claims throughout South Carolina.