A Look at the Most Dangerous Roadways in South Carolina for Car Accidents

Despite being a staple of many people’s lives, driving is still a potentially hazardous activity. On most days, you’ll travel safely from your starting point to your destination without even approaching the likelihood of getting into a car accident. But in the event that things do go wrong, the results can be devastating.

Whether you get into a car accident in a place like South Carolina depends on several factors; in particular, some of the state’s roads are significantly more likely to result in car accidents than others.

Most Dangerous Roads in South Carolina

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), the county that experiences the most car accidents in the state is Charleston County. In 2022, the area was the site of over 16,000 accidents, resulting in a statewide high of more than 5,500 injuries.

Narrowing down the danger, one of the roads most responsible for these statistics is Highway 17. Not only is it a two-lane highway with many intersections, but it is also a popular tourist highway that sees almost as much traffic as some interstates.

Highway 41 also contributes to that accident total, as, similar to Highway 17, it is a smaller highway with several intersections that sees more traffic than it should for its size. In particular, Highway 41 doesn’t parallel any major highways and goes to areas where few other roads do.

Deadliest South Carolina Roads

Another way to determine the most dangerous roads is by looking at how many traffic fatalities occur on them. Roughly 1,000 fatal crashes took place in South Carolina in 2022, and according to SCDPS statistics, almost 100 of these occurred in Greenville County — nearly twice the amount that did in Charleston County.

Two routes immediately stand out in Greenville County: Highway 11, which is a rural, scenic road that has lots of twists and turns, making it quite dangerous, and Highway 20, which (in contrast to 11) traverses a crowded urban area, resulting in lots of drivers entering and exiting the highway.

How an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Help After Getting Into an Accident on a Dangerous Roadway

If you are seriously injured on any of the state’s dangerous roads, contact the South Carolina law firm of Clore Law as soon as possible. We are fully familiar with the routes that pose the most danger to local and visiting drivers alike, and we know how to determine fault for accidents that occur on them. We will investigate your case quickly, help you get top-quality medical care, and guide you through the entire legal process.

FAQ

Who Is Responsible for an Accident on a Dangerous Roadway in South Carolina?

Typically, the driver who negligently broke traffic laws is responsible. While the many intersections that run through Highway 20 may make accidents more likely, it is still, ultimately, the person who ignored the right-of-way laws at the intersection that is responsible for the accident.

Can I Sue the State or Local Government for an Accident?

In some cases, the state or local government may be responsible for an accident as opposed to an individual driver. For example, if the road was in a state of disrepair, and it was such conditions that caused your accident, the government may be responsible. We can help you navigate such circumstances.

Are Interstate Highways Safe?

Compared to the number of vehicles that travel on them, interstates are usually quite safe. Nevertheless, they become more dangerous at exchanges, and given the fact that they are used so much more than other types of highways, the total number of car accidents that do occur on these routes is still higher than that of state or county highways.

Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident on a South Carolina road or highway, you may be eligible to get compensation for those injuries. An experienced South Carolina car accident lawyer at Clore Law will investigate dangerous roadway accidents to determine your legal options.

Don’t wait to act. Contact our law firm as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation.