Attorney Blog

Aiken Man Killed in Bicycle Accident

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Aiken, SC - An Aiken man died after he was hit by a car while riding a tandem bicycle with his wife.

Gerald Hooker, 68, and his wife were traveling north on Banks Mill Road and at around 3:50pm, while attempting to turn left onto Lone Oak Road, they were hit by a car that was trying to pass them.

The driver of the 2009 Ford that struck Hooker has been identified as 23-year-old Whitney Dunan, of Aiken.

Hooker and his wife were transported to Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Hooker was pronounced dead and Hooker’s wife was later released after her minor injuries were treated.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

NHTSA Measures Distraction-Affected Crashes | Cell Phone & Texting Accidents

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has introduced a new measure of fatal accidents that involve distracted driving called “distraction-affected crashes.” The NHTSA started this measure in 2010 as a way to collect better data about accidents where a driver may have been distracted.

This new method focuses more narrowly on the different possible distractions that could lead to an accident, such as texting, dialing a phone number, or receiving an incoming call. Using this more detailed measure, the NHTSA estimated that 3,092 deaths in 2010 were as a result of a distraction-affected crash. This distracted driving statistic translates to one fatal accident related to cell phone or other distractions out of every eleven traffic accident fatalities.

The NHTSA also conducted a survey that revealed drivers' attitudes towards distracted driving and their behavior when it comes to cell phone use. The results of the survey determined that more than three-quarters of drivers would answer calls on all, most or some trips. In addition, drivers do not often take traffic situations into account when choosing whether or not to use their phone. Ironically, despite these reponses from drivers about their personal cell phone use, almost all of these drivers said that they feel very unsafe when riding with a person who is texting while driving.

While this data may seem like a small step in determining the cause and prevention of "distraction-affected crashes," any step taken towards reducing the number of deaths caused by distracted driving is better than none. The NHTSA has also been working on improving the reporting forms that officers use when an accident takes place.

In South Carolina, it is not illegal to talk on your cell phone while driving; however, as evidenced by the startling number of distraction-affected crashes, it is better to wait until you are parked to use your cell phone. Driving on South Carolina roads deserves all of your attention and just a few seconds of distraction could lead to a devastating crash.

If you have been injured in an accident where a driver's distraction contributed to the accident, then you may have a potential personal injury case against that driver. Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm at 1-888-690-0211 to set up a free case evaluation appointment.

Woman Injured in Work Accident in Chester County

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Great Falls, S.C. - A woman was injured on-the-job on Monday, January 30th, and had to be airlifted to a Columbia hospital to be treated for her injuries.

The woman was working at Morcon, Inc., a paper products manufacturer, located on James Baker Boulevard when the accident ocurred. At around 8:30am, the woman's hair became caught in a machine, causing severe injuries to her head.

Chester County EMS and the Great Falls Fire Department arrived on the scene and airlifted the woman to Richland Memorial Hospital.
Morcon, Inc. stayed open after the accident.

The identity of the worker has not been released at this time.

One Killed in Beaufort Ambulance Accident

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Beaufort County, SC - An ambulance accident on Tuesday, January 31st in Beaufort County left one person dead and three others injured.

The ambulance, carrying four people including one patient, was traveling on Old Sheldon Church Road when the wreck occurred. The driver of the ambulance, Eugene Kirkland, 43, allegedly drove off the right side of the road and then overcorrected, causing the ambulance to crash into a tree.

The person riding in the passenger seat of the ambulance, 56-year-old Blandelle Gary, did not survive the accident. Gary was traveling in the ambulance with her husband to their Yemassee home when the accident occurred.

The ambulance driver, a medical worker that was in the back of the vehicle, and Gary's husband, were taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital and a Savannah hospital. Their conditions are currently unknown.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the accident.

Man Killed in Fiery Accident with Tractor Trailer in Greer

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Greer, S.C. - A man died from injuries sustained in an accident with a tractor trailer on the morning of Wednesday, February 1st.

The 20-year-old who was killed in the wreck has been identified as Joseph McCallum Nichols. Nichols was driving a Lexus SUV at the intersection of Hammett Bridge and South Buncombe Roads when his vehicle collided with a tractor trailer. The wreck happened shortly after 3 a.m. and a fire started after the crash.

Nichols was wearing a seat belt, but he died instantly from the collision. The tractor-trailer driver was taken to the hospital and has since been released.

It is unknown at this time what was the cause of the incident, but investigators are looking into whether one of the drivers ran the red light.

Tractor-Trailer Hits Utility Pole on I-526 in West Ashley

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

West Ashley, S.C. - A tractor-trailer collided with a utility pole on Wednesday afternoon causing Interstate 526 eastbound to be shut down.

At around 2:30pm, the 18-wheeler ran off of I-526 just past Westmoreland Bridge and hit the utility pole. Emergency crews have been working to clear the accident, but both eastbound lanes at exit 11A have been shut down. One westbound lane of I-526 has also been closed.

The condition of the driver of the tractor-trailer has not yet been released.

*******UPDATE*******

The driver of the tractor-trailer has been identified as 25-year-old Matthew Middleton. Middleton says that he does not remember the accident because he he was knocked unconscious after he hit a bump while driving.

Witnesses reported that they did not see the tractor-trailer brake before hitting the sign. Middleton received a ticket for careless driving.

The damage to the electronic traffic sign that Middleton hit has been estimated at $150,000.

Bicyclist Dies in Berkeley Collision with School Bus

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Berkeley County, S.C. – A man riding a bicycle was hit and killed by a school bus on Monday, January 30th.

At around 5:30 p.m., Addison Robinson, Jr., 49, was riding his bicycle on Universal Circle in Berkeley County when the accident ocurred. Robinson was in front of the school bus when he changed lanes and was hit by the bus.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and Robinson later died from multiple body trauma.

There were three students riding the school bus at the time of the wreck, but they were not injured.

Charges have not yet been filed and the South Carolina Highway Patrol continue to investigate the incident.

17-Year-Old Girl Dies in Florence SC 327 Accident

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Florence, SC - A teenage girl died in an accident on Thursday, January 26th, at the intersection of SC 327 and Old Marion Highway when her car ran into an 18-wheeler.

The teen has been identified as Amber Michelle Menius, 17, of Chapel Road in Loris.

Menius was traveling east on Old Marion Highway in a Ford Explorer when she collided with an 18-wheeler that was traveling south on Highway 327. The accident caused the north-bound lanes of SC 327 to be shut down while the accident was being tended to and investigated.

The driver of the 18-wheeler carrying woodchips was not injured in the accident.

The is still currently under investigation.

Williamston Head-On Accident Injures Four

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Williamston, SC — An accident on Bowlan Road near Williamston, SC, sent four people to the hospital after two vehicles hit eachother head-on.

A teenage girl, her brother, her father and his girlfriend were traveling in a Toyota Corolla on Bowlan Road at around 5:00pm when the accident occurred. The Toyota collided with a white van just a few miles from Williamston off of U.S. 29.

Belton EMS and Williamston EMS arrived at the scene od the accident. Four people involved in the Williamston accident were taken to a local hospital to be treated for non life-threatening injuries.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident and the names of those injured in the accident have not yet been released.

Three Arrested in Connection with Fatal Hit-and-Run

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Spartanburg, SC - Three people have been arrested who are believed to be involved in the Spartanburg hit-and-run fatal accident on Saturday, January 21st.

At around 12:20 a.m., Stanley Perdomo, 26, was walking along North Blackstock Road whne he was hit and killed by a motor vehicle. The vehicle then fled the scene and police began a search for the hit-and-run driver.

Troopers were able to locate the vehicle involved in the crash on Monday, January 23rd, at a Spartanburg County home. They reported that the damage done to the vehicle were consistent with the details of the accident.

Troopers are currently looking for 28-year-old Domingo Baca Martinez who is suspected to be the driver of the 2002 red Ford F-150 pickup that hit Perdomo.

Troopers have arrested 26-year-old Pedro de Jesus Joy-Cortes, 21-year-old Ausencio Gonzalez-Martinez and 41-year-old Tomasa Martinez in association with the incident. They have been charged with accessory after the fact. Joy-Cortes and Gonzalez-Martinez also received charges for tampering with evidence.

Man Killed in Hit and Run in Spartanburg

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Spartanburg County, S.C. - The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal hit and run accident that occurred in Spartanburg County on Saturday, January 21st.

Twenty-six-year-old Stanley Antonio Perdomo was walking along North Blackstock Road after midnight when the incident occurred. Perdomo was hit by a vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The vehicle fled the scene of the accident and no description of the vehicle was obtained.

Anyone with information related to the accident is asked to contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

UPDATE: Driver & Three Others Arrested in Connection with Fatal Hit-and-Run

Charleston Man Dies From Injuries From 3-Car Accident

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Charleston, S.C. - A Charleston man who was injured in an accident on the North Bridge died of his injuries on Thursday.

David Ardrey, 48, was traveling on the northbound side of the Cosgrove Avenue bridge at around 8:25am on Wednesday, January 18th, when he was involved in a three-car accident. He was taken to MUSC where he was being treated for blunt-force trauma when he passed away at 6:57pm on Thursday.

The two other people involved in the accident were taken to the hospital and their conditions have not yet been released.

Anderson Woman Killed in Accident on S.C. 28

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Anderson County, S.C. — An accident on Thursday, January 19th, in Anderson left one woman dead after she sustained serious injuries.

Twenty-eight-year-old Crystal Cribbs was driving on S.C. 28 Bypass near Charley Drive at around 9:20pm when she was involved in the accident. She was traveling east in her Pontiac vehicle when she crossed the median and struck a Nissan pickup head-on that was traveling west. The driver of the Nissan pickup, 46-year-old Jaime Guevara, was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident and did not sustain any injuries.

Cribbs was not wearing a seatbelt and was trapped in her vehicle. She was taken to the neuro intensive care unit at AnMed Health Medical Center where she died on Saturday at 2:48 p.m. due to head trauma.

Four Killed in Fiery Crash in Columbia

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Columbia, S.C. - Four people have been pronounced dead on the scene after their vehicle crashed into a building and caught fire in Columbia near Williams-Brice Stadium.

At around 5:00am on Wednesday, January 18th, the victims' vehicle ran off of George Rogers Boulevard and hit into the Farm Bureau Insurance Building. The vehicle exploded in flames upon impact with the building.

The 4 passengers in the vehicle were pronounced dead when medical responders arrived at the scene, and police were unable to identify the victims due to their severe burns. Investigators and the coroner's office are currently attempting to identify the victims.

The cause of the incident is still under investigations and it is thought that the rainy weather may have been a possible factor.

***UPDATE: The victims in the fiery accident have been identified as 22-year-old Billings Fuess IV; 23-year-old Kelsey Harris; 22-year-old Brian McGrath, and 24-year-old Melinda Pipp. Three of the victims, Fuess, Harris, and McGrath were students at the University of South Carolina.

After investigation, it was found that McGrath was driving, and Fuess was in the passenger sitting in the front seat. Both Pipp and Harris were sitting in the back seat of the vehicle.

The coroner determined that the victims died prior to the car catching on fire due to multiple trauma.

The cause of the accident is still unknown at this time. Police are investigating why their car missed the sharp curve near the football stadium.

Gaffney Man Pins Teen Between Vehicles

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Gaffney, S.C. - A Gaffney man has been charged with assault and battery with intent to kill after a confrontation with a teen who he wanted to give a "piece of his mind."

Kenneth Gerald Butler, 74, became angered when the teen's vehicle passed him and a passenger in the vehicle made an obscene gesture. Butler then followed the car to let them know how mad he was.

The 17-year-old who was driving the car, was exiting his vehicle to ask Butler why he was following him, when Butler hit him and pinned him between their cars. It was reported that Butler claimed that he tried to avoid hitting the teen, but he could not turn in time.

The name of the teen victim has not yet been released.

SC Accident Attorney Explains: Vehicular Manslaughter & Assault

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A driver is charged with vehicular manslaughter when they drive a motor vehicle in a negligent manner that causes the death of another person. Vehicular assault is similar to vehicular manslaughter; however, the person who was hit does not die, but instead sustains injuries due to the driver’s negligence. For someone to be charged with vehicular manslaughter or assault, the driver must have committed another traffic violation, such as:

Drunk driving
Reckless driving
Speeding
Gross negligence

Other charges may be filed depending on the severity of the accident and other details relating to the crime.

Who can press charges for vehicular manslaughter or assault in South Carolina?

The victim of vehicular manslaughter or assault can be a person in a vehicle that was hit by the negligent driver, a passenger in the same vehicle as the driver, or a pedestrian or bicyclist who was hit by the driver. In relation to vehicular manslaughter, the family of the loved one who was hit can file a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina against the other driver. When vehicular assault occurs, the person who was injured can pursue a personal injury lawsuit. In both of these cases, compensation will be awarded for medical bills, travel costs, emotional distress, and any other expenses relating to the accident.

What do I do if I or a family member was hit by a negligent driver in South Carolina?

If you or a family member has been hit by a negligent driver, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced South Carolina wrongful death and personal injury attorney. Shelly Leeke Law Firm has been representing accident victims for nearly a decade. In order to get the compensation that you deserve, contact personal injury attorney Shelly Leeke at 843.277.6061 today!

Anderson Woman Dies Due to Injuries from Accident

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Anderson County, S.C. — On Saturday, January 14th, an Anderson woman died due to injuries that she sustained in an automobile accident on Thursday, the 12th.

Twenty-eight-year-old Crystal Cribbs was driving on S.C. 28 Bypass in Anderson at around 9:20 p.m, when the head-on accident happened near Charley Drive. Cribbs' vehicle allegedly crossed the median and collided with a pickup truck that was traveling west, driven by Jaime Guevara, 46.

Guevara did not sustain any injuries in the accident and was wearing a seat belt when the accident happened. Cribbs did not have a seat belt on at the time of the accident and was trapped in her vehicle.

Cribbs was taken to AnMed Health Medical Center in Anderson to be treated for head trauma. She later died due to this injury.

Two Men Killed in Georgetown Collision with Logging Truck

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Georgetwon County, S.C. - A Chevrolet Corvette hit into a log truck in Georgetown County on Friday, January 6th, resulting in the death of two men.

At around 9:45pm, the two men were driving the Corvette doen Powell Road when it collided with a log truck that was entering a private driveway.

The two men killed in the accident were 58-year-old Willie Duncan and 57-year-old Willie Deas. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that both men were pronounced dead on the scene due to blunt force trauma.

The log truck driver did not sustain any injuries in the accident.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating the incident.

Common Causes of Medical Malpractice in South Carolina

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

When you put your well-being in the hands of a doctor, you expect that the doctor will do the best job that he or she can do. However, unfortunately, there are times when a doctor acts negligently, causing a mistake that negatively affects your health. So what causes these South Carolina doctors to commit medical malpractice? According to a study conducted of medical malpractice insurance companies, the most common cause of medical malpractice cases is a “failure to diagnose.”

In addition to a failure to diagnose, other causes of medical malpractice lawsuits in South Carolina include:

Performing a procedure incorrectly
Misdiagnosing a condition
Not performing a procedure that needed to be done

While these are all considered to be different causes of medical malpractice lawsuit, they all relate to the doctor not diagnosing the patient. Errors in diagnosing a patient account for almost half of the South Carolina medical malpractice claims that are filed.

The reasoning behind these errors can often be that the doctor was not trained properly or did not dedicate enough time to accurately diagnose the condition. They may have avoided completing a full examination in an attempt to save time in order to see other patients, thus jeopardizing your health.

If a South Carolina doctor misdiagnoses your medical condition, the consequences can be devastating. You may have to have additional procedures in order to correct the mistake that your doctor made and your road to recovery would longer than originally anticipated.

If you believe that a doctor has any committed any of these common causes of medical malpractice, then you should contact a South Carolina medical malpractice attorney. Attorney Shelly Leeke can help you protect your rights and get you the compensation that you deserve. Set up a free consultation with Shelly Leeke Law Firm by calling 843-297-8485 today!

Man Killed in Columbia I-20 Accident

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Columbia, S.C. - A search is currently under way for a vehicle that may be involved in an accident that killed a Columbia man on Saturday, January 7th on I-20.

Fifty-four-year-old Norris Scott was travelling west on I-20 in a GMC Yukon that was driven by his wife, Cathy Norris, when the accident occurred. Cathy Scott, 51, was attempting to avoid a white sedan that pulled into her lane, which caused her to swerve and her vehicle to flip over. The white sedan was allegedly speeding prior to the accident. South Carolina Highway Patrol is still looking for this vehicle.

Norris Scott was thrown from the vehicle, resulting in severe injuries that did not allow him to survive. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident.

Kathy Scott and another passenger in her vehicle, 51-year-old Carol Browder, were wearing seatbelts and were taken to Palmetto Richland Hospital to be treated for minor injuries sustained in the accident.

Anyone with information regarding the accident is asked to notify the South Carolina Highway Patrol as soon as possible.

Darlington County School Bus Hits 18-Wheeler

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Timmonsville, S.C. - A school bus was involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler while traveling on Highway 76 on the morning of Monday, January 9th.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that the accident occurred at around 6:45am at the intersection of Tolson Rd. and Highway 76.

As a result of the accident, 7 students and the driver of the bus suffered minor injuries and were taken to a hospital in the area for treatment.

The driver of the school bus, from Darlington County District, has been charged with failing to yield to the right of way. Additional causes of the accident were heavy fog and darkness.

The accident is still currently under investigation.

Mayor Riley to Instate Bike Ban on James Island Connector

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

It has been announced that a ban will soon be put in place, stating that bicycles are not permitted to be ridden on the James Island Connector in Charleston.

Mayor Joe Riley states that the South Carolina Department of Transportation will be responsible for putting the ban in place. However, the city police will be in charge of enforcing the ban. He estimates that it will be a few weeks before the ban is fully in effect. In addition to bicycles being banned, pedestrians will also not be allowed to cross over the James Island connector.

Mayor Riley reported that signs are currently being made by the SCDOT that will be put up on the connector in order to notify bicyclists of the ban.

While it is apparent that the James Island Connector can be dangerous for bicyclists, many residents, including Tom Bradford, director of Charleston Moves, feel as though the ban is disappointing. Currently, bicyclists believe that the James Island connector is the safest option that they have for commuting from James Island to Charleston.

This ban is possibly being put in place in reaction to the tragic accident in July that killed Dr. Mitchell Hollon while he was riding his bicycle on the connector. He was struck from behind by a vehicle that drifted into the break down lane while he was commuting to work from James Island. Many people were devastated by the loss of Dr. Hollon, which has resulted in an increase in concern for the safety of bicyclists in general who are traveling on Charleston's roads.

Mayor Riley stated that they are trying to make one of the lanes of the bridges over the Ashley River designated for bicyclists and pedestrians, allowing for a safer way to get to the peninsula. However, the funds needed for the project have not yet amounted.

If you are in need of a Charleston bicycle accident attorney, call 843.287.8485 to set up a free consultation appointment!

Belton Bicyclist Riding in Wrong Lane Gets in Accident

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Belton, S.C. — A woman sustained injuries in an accident after she was riding her bicycle in the wrong lane and was hit by a motor vehicle on the morning of Monday, January 2nd.

Brittany James, 22, was heading south in the northbound lane of Dorchester Road near Belton
when she was struck by an SUV, driven by 29-year-old Johnny Cawthon, that was headed north. Cawthon swerved to try to prevent the accident; however, he could not avoid colliding with James.

The bicyclist was transported to AnMed Health Medical Center. Her condition is currently unknown. Cawthon did not experience any injuries in the accident.

Charges have been filed for James because she contributed to causing the accident. Cawthon was not charged.

One Pedestrian Killed, One Injured in Clover Accident

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Clover, S.C. – Two pedestrians were hit by a car while walking down Highway 321 in Clover on the night of Monday, January 2nd, leaving one seriously injured and the other dead.

At around 6:30 p.m., a driver hit a woman and a man who were walking at the intersection of Highway 321 and Jimmy Carter Road. The car was traveling northbound when it hit both of the pedestrians.

The woman was pronounced dead when emergency responders came to the scene. The name of the woman has not yet been released.

Thirty-six-year-old Jerry Rose Jr., of York, S.C., was the man who was walking with the woman who was killed. He was taked to Carolinas Medical Center Main to be treated for serious injuries that he sustained in the accident. He has been listed in critical condition.

Jerry Beverly, 25 of Gastonia, N.C., was identified as the driver who hit the pedestrians.
There have been no charges as of today and the South Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating the incident.

Girl Dies in ATV Accident in Colleton County

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Hendersonville, S.C. - A 12-year-old girl was killed in an accident while riding an ATV at a birthday party.

The girl, Calista Smith of Walterboro, was riding an ATV when it rolled over on top of her, causing multiple injuries that led to her death.

Emergency responders from Colleton County arrived at the house where the party was taking place near Hendersonville at around 1:44 p.m. Smith was taken to Medical University Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

It was reported that a few of the children who were at the birthday party were driving ATVs behind the house, in the woods. The accident occurred when the driver was trying to turn the Polaris Gator 500 on a hill. This caused the vehicle to turn over and fatally injure Smith and injure the leg of a 14-year-old girl from Marietta, G.A. The other child was taken by ambulance to Colleton Medical Center and has been listed as being in stable condition.

6-Year-Old Child Killed in Lexington DUI Accident

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Lexington, S.C. - A DUI accident in Lexington caused the death of a 6-year-old girl on the morning of Sunday, January 1st.

Emma Longstreet was riding in a vehicle with her family on their way to church around 10:40am, when a car driven by Billy Patrick Hutto, Jr. collided with their vehicle.

The accident occurred at U.S. 378 and Old Cherokee Road when Emma's father, David Longstreet, was attempting to make a left turn onto U.S. 378. Their van was hit on the side by Hutto's vehicle, which caused the Longstreet's van to be pushed into Kenneth Sinchak's vehicle.

Emma was wearing a seatbelt when the accident occurred, but she did not survive the crash. The five other members of Emma's family that were in the vehicle and Sinchak were taken to Palmetto Heath Richland to be treated for the injuries that they sustained in the accident. Their conditions are currently unknown.

Hutto was under the influence at the time of the accident and has been charged with both felony driving under the influence causing death and felony driving under the influence causing great bodily injury.

The accident is still currently under investigation and Hutto is currently being held at the Lexington County Detention Center.

SC Woman Sues Bar For Serving Her Alcohol Prior to Accident

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

One headline that has been recurring in the news lately is that of the South Carolina woman who is pursuing a lawsuit against the bar that served her alcohol, while she was underage, prior to the accident that caused her to be paralyzed.

Twenty-two-year-old Chelsea Hess was 20 when she went to Jock’s Sports Grill in Beaumont, S.C. on the night of August 8^th, 2009 and was served alcohol. She claims that she was not asked for identification and was still served alcohol even though the legal drinking age is twenty-one in South Carolina.

After consuming the alcoholic beverages, Hess drove her car from the bar at about 1:05 a.m. and was involved in an accident. Hess was traveling on Alljoy Road, when the wheels of her vehicle allegedly dropped off into a large unmaintained area on the shoulder of the road. This caused her vehicle to roll over off the side of the road. Hess was not wearing a seatbelt and was over the legal limit for drinking while driving. Hess was ejected from the vehicle and sustained injuries that caused her to be paraplegic.

Hess is suing the bar because she feels as though they were being negligent because they did not check her proof of identification, served alcohol to a minor, and served her alcohol even though she was already impaired by the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Not only is Hess suing the bar, but she is also suing the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the town of Bluffton and Beaufort County for neglecting to maintain the shoulder of the road that she had her accident on. Hess stated that the South Carolina Department of Transportation knew the condition of the road and failed to fix it, which made it dangerous for drivers.

The attorneys for both the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the bar deny all allegations and claim that injuries sustained in the accident are the sole responsibility of Hess and her negligent actions. Hess’ negligent actions include driving under the influence, losing control of her vehicle, driving too fast for conditions, and not acting in a reasonable manner.

While the Jock’s Sports Grill should have asked for Hess’ proof of identification, Hess was being far more negligent in her actions involving driving under the influence and choosing to drink underage. The fact of the matter is that if she had not chosen to drink underage and then drive after she had consumed a large amount of alcohol, then she would not be in the situation that she is in now. Thankfully, no other drivers were on the road when this accident occurred because this news story would be about Hess facing charges for felony DUI as opposed to suing the bar.

If you have been involved in an accident where the other driver was driving under the influence, then you should consider speaking with an attorney about your case. Most South Carolina personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate your case. Call Shelly Leeke Law Firm today at 1-888-690-0211 to set up an appointment!

Lexington Teen Killed in Founders Road Accident

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Lexington County, S.C. - A teenager died after sustaining injuries from an accident caused by the man who was driving the pickup truck that he was riding in.

On Tuesday, December, 27th, 17-year-old Jonathan Lee Humphrey, II, was riding in a pickup truck driven by 45-year-old David Onley Lexington when the vehicle crashed on Founders Road in Lexington County.

Onley had been driving under the influence when the accident occurred. Neither Onley nor Humphrey were wearing a seatbelt.

Humphrey was taken to a local hospital, where he later died on Wednesday.
The accident is still currently under investigation and Onley has been charged with felony driving under the influence.

Christmas Hit-and-Run Driver Still on the Run

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Moncks Corner, S.C. - A 21-year-old man is still on the run after he hit a vehicle and failed to stop on Christmas Day.

A family of three were riding in the vehicle that was hit by Steve Johnson, who then fled the scene of the accident. The family was taken to a hospital in Moncks Corner to be treated for the injuries they sustained in the accident.
The incident occurred at around 2:00pm on Christmas Day on Highway 52 in Berkeley County. After the accident happened, Johnson abandoned his truck and ran into the woods.

A warrant has been issued for Johnson for the hit-and-run accident.
If anyone has information regarding the incident, they are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111.

Motorcyclist Dies After Colliding with DUI Driver

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Kershaw County, S.C. - A motorcyclist was riding on Highway 341 in Kershaw County on the night of December 24th, when he collided with a van driven by a woman who was driving under the influence.
The motorcyclist, 49-year-old Michael Gaskins, was traveling south on Hwy 341 at around 11pm, when he hit a van that was coming out of a private driveway. The driver of the van, 30-year-old Michelle Anthony, and four of her six passengers were taken to local hospitals for injuries sustained in the accident.
Gaskins was pronounced dead at the scene and had not been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
Anthony was received multiple charges, including felony DUI, endangerment of a child, driving with a suspended license, violation of a child restrain law and a law pertaining to alcohol.
The accident is still currently being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Former Gov. Sanford's Brother Denies Liability for Drowning Death of Boy

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Beaufort, S.C. - Former Gov. Mark Sanford's brother and his brother's wife have denied liability for the fatal drowning of a 6-year-old boy who was found in a pool during a party that they hosted in August.

John and Julia Sanford claimed that they had not been notified that the boy could not swim and they believe that were supervising the children appropriately.

Camilo Andres Restrepo-Lopez was taken to MUSC in Charleston after he was found at the bottom of the pool during the party that took place at Coosaw Plantation. He was pronounced dead two days after the accident occurred.

Lopez's family decided to file a wrongful death lawsuit in October against the Sanfords in order to recover actual and punitive damages. The Sanford's attorney, Laura Evans, of Charleston, responded to the lawsuit with a denial that the Sanfords failed to properly supervise the children during the pool party and that they were not informed of the boy's inability to swim.

Lopez's death was considered to be accidental, according to the coroner, and as a result, no criminal charges were filed against the Sanfords.

Man Killed in Florence ATV Accident

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Florence, SC - A fatal ATV accident occurred in Florence on the night of Friday, December 16th when an ATV collided with a pickup truck.

Jerry M. Tedder, 43, of Olanta, was driving an ATV illegally on Creek Road when he hit a pickup truck that was travelling on the road. Tedder was also not wearing a helmet when the collision happened. He did not survive the accident.

The driver of the truck, as well as the passenger, did not sustain any injuries in the accident. No charges have been made against the truck driver.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating the incident.

Avoid Injuries This New Year's: Firework Safety Information for SC Residents

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

With the holidays approaching, many South Carolina residents are purchasing fireworks in preparation for their New Year’s celebration. While fireworks provide a great way to celebrate, they can also be very dangerous. Every year, thousands of people are injured in the United States from lighting off fireworks for festivities. That is why, if you are thinking about setting of fireworks this New Year’s, you should educate yourself on how to properly use these devices.

Here are a few safety tips so that you can reduce the risk of injury while using fireworks in South Carolina:

First, check your local laws pertaining to fireworks before setting them off.

Do not set off fireworks indoors.
The majority of injuries related to fireworks happen to children under twelve years of age. Therefore, do not allow children in this age group to handle fireworks.
If you have other people watching the fireworks, make sure that they stand at a safe distance from where you are setting them off.
Keep a bucket of water nearby so that you can readily extinguish any fires.
Wear protective eyewear when you are lighting the firework.
If a firework does not light on the first try, do not light it again. Set it aside and after thirty minutes have passed, put the firework in water so that it does not shoot off unexpectedly.

While you may have insurance that would cover the cost of any injury or damage caused by fireworks, no amount of money could make up for the emotional effects that a serious firework injury could have on someone.

If you have been injured by a firework in South Carolina, you should consider speaking with a personal injury attorney about the possibility of pursuing an injury claim. Contact South Carolina attorney Shelly Leeke at 843-297-8485 to set up a free consultation appointment.

Man Arrested For Fatal Hit-and-Run in Spartanburg County

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Spartanburg County, S.C. - The driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run in Spartanburg County has been arrested.

At around 9:30pm on Thursday, December 15th, two pedestrians were walking on a median along SC-9 near Woodcreek Drive in Boiling Springs when they were hit by an SUV. This caused one of the pedestrians to end up in the northbound lane, where they were then hit by a pickup truck. They did not survive. The other pedestrian was taken to the hospital and is currently being treated.

Forty-five-year-old Richard Crocker, the driver of the SUV, continued driving and did not stop after he hit the pedestrians.

Crocker was arrested and charged with hit-and-run that resulted in death and for no proof of insurance. He is currently being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center.

Man Killed in Three-Car Accident on I-77 in Fort Mill

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Fort Mill, S.C. - A three-car accident on Interstate 77 in Rock Hill on the morning of December 14th left one man dead and others injured.

Seventy-eight-year-old Louis Agurs was driving a friend to work in his minivan when he was hit by a car after that car was struck by a different minivan. It was reported that Brad Birmele, 36, was driving the minivan that hit 29-year-old Natasha Simpson's Toyota. The Toyota then swerved and hit Agurs' minivan. This caused his vehicle to spin around and run up a concrete median under the Sutton Road overpass. The Toyota ran up an embankment and collided with a bridge support, landing on its side.

Simpson was extracted from the vehicle and airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Her condition is unknown at this time. Birmele was not injured in the accident.

Agurs' passenger, 24-year-old Timothy Campbell, was taken to the hospital, but has since been released.

No charges have been made in relation to the incident and the accident is still under investigation.

Driver Involved in Fatal Hit-and-Run in Easley Found

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Easley, S.C. - A hit-and-run accident on the morning of Saturday, December 11th in Easley, left an Anderson man dead.

At around 1:18 a.m., 24-year-old Jeremy Ryan Crain was driving a Chevrolet Cavalier on Pelzer Highway when his vehicle was hit by a Chevrolet truck. The truck crossed the center line, struck Cain head-on, and then fled the scene.

Crain was not wearing a seatbelt and had to be extracted from his vehicle. Emergency responders found that he had sustained severe injuries. He was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The accident is still currently under investigation and police request that persons with information related to the accident should contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

UPDATE: The driver of the truck that struck Crain, 39-year-old Rufus Raiden III, was arrested at 1:30 a.m. on Monday, December 12th. Police received a tip that Raiden was at the Greyhound station in Columbia, attempting to board a bus. Raiden has committed numerous other traffic violations in the past, including speeding, DUI, having open containers in a vehicle, and more. He is currently being held at the Pickens County Detention Center for the accident that killed Crain and will potentially be sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Crossing a Double Yellow Line in South Carolina

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

All too often do we see accidents in the news in South Carolina that involve a vehicle crossing the center line and hit another vehicle head-on. That is why it is important to know what South Carolina’s law is when it comes to crossing a double yellow line and also tips on how to prevent an accident like this from happening.

Oftentimes, drugs, alcohol, driving distracted, or drowsiness are the cause of crossing the yellow line; however, attempting to pass another vehicle is another cause that can be avoided. If there is a vehicle in front of you that you would like to pass, it is best to wait until either the dotted line is on your side or there is a single dotted line on the road. If there is a double yellow line, you should NEVER try to pass a vehicle (You are, however, allowed to cautiously cross a double yellow line in order to make a left turn). The double yellow line is put in place for your safety. It signifies a dangerous condition, such as a bend in the road, that could make it difficult to see oncoming cars in the opposite lane. Also, in South Carolina, it is illegal to cross a double yellow line in order to pass a vehicle, so you can expect a ticket in addition to a potential accident if you choose to make such a move.

If you are not traveling beside a double yellow line and it is legal for you to pass, you should first make sure that there are no other vehicles trying to pass you by looking in your rear and side view mirrors and also checking your blind spot. Then, make sure that the vehicle in front of you is going to remain in the same lane and put on your turn signal. Make sure that you are certain that no other vehicles are travelling in the opposite direction and then quickly pass the vehicle in front of you. It is important to note that if you have to exceed the speed limit in order to pass the vehicle, then you should not be passing them at all.

With these instructions in mind, along with defensive driving techniques, you will be able to reduce the chances of getting into an accident that involves crossing the center line. If you know someone who has been involved in an accident where another driver crossed a double yellow line and struck their vehicle, then you should have them call a South Carolina motor vehicle accident attorney. Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers free case evaluations, which can be scheduled by calling 843.297.8485 today!

Wrong Way NC Driver Dies After Crash on I-85

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Blacksburg, S.C. - On the night of Wednesday, December 8th, a North Carolina man drove the wrong way on Interstate 85 in Blacksburg, causing an accident that fatally injured him.

Eighty-two-year-old Ernest Slade Jr. of McLeansville, NC, was driving a Mercury north on I-85 when the accident happened. His vehicle was hit by a vehicle that was travelling south on I-85. It was suspected that Slade ended up on the wrong side of the road after entering the interstate from the South Carolina Welcome Center entrance.

Emergency responders pronounced Slade dead at the scene. The accident is still currently under investigation and autopsy will be performed.

Man Killed On-the-Job in Honea Path

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Honea Path, S.C. — After arriving at a work site the morning of Monday, November 5th, on North Main Street in Honea Path, a town employee was hit and killed by a car.

Forty-seven-year-old Michael Dean Darby was taken to AnMed Health Medical Center in Anderson after paramedics were unable to resuscitate him. He was later pronounced dead due to the head and chest injuries that he sustained.

The accident occured around 707 N. Main Street where an underground water line was being worked on. Darby had arrived to help the workers when he was hit by William Sherard of Cross Hill, who was driving a Honda.

The accident is still currently under investigation.

Medication Errors in South Carolina Nursing Homes

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

One of the lesser-known forms of nursing home abuse in South Carolina occurs when staff members do not administer the proper dosage of medicine to nursing home residents or make other errors when administering medication. This can have harsh effectson an elder because receiving the right amount of medicine is crucial to keeping them healthy at this point in their life. If a nursing home resident does not receive the correct dosage of medicine, it could result in injuries or even death. Two common causes of medication errors in South Carolina are the fact that multiple doctors may be treating the residents and that some nursing homes are underfunded and cannot afford systems that ensure that the proper dosage is given.

The following are examples of instances where medication errors may take place in South Carolina nursing homes:

Failure to monitor the effects of a medication, including adverse reactions
Failure to continue medication after original dosage
Uneducated staff members
Understaffed nursing homes
Incorrect assessment of the patient’s health
Administering the wrong form of medication
Giving the patient multiple medications that should not be taken together
Staff members switching out medication in order to use the medication for their personal use
Failing to give medications at the proper time
Doubling the dosage of medication after missing a dosage
Giving the wrong medication to a patient

As a result of these errors, South Carolina nursing home patients can experience side effects ranging from confusion and hallucinations to more serious injuries including wrongful death. There are many warning signs of nursing home abuse that you should look out for when you suspect nursing home abuse.

If you feel as though a loved one has not been receiving the correct medication or that medicine was given to them improperly, then you should consider filing a nursing home abuse claim against the nursing home. Contact a South Carolina nursing home abuse attorney today at 843-277-6061 to set up a free consultation.

DUI Driver Crashes Into Trooper in Anderson

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Anderson, S.C. - A man has been charged with driving under the influence after he hit a patrol car on the morning of Tuesday, November 29th, 2011.

At around 1:00 a.m., 29-year-old Michael Bradley Harbin was driving his pick up truck on Greenville Street in Anderson, S.C., when he drove into the path of the trooper.

The trooper suffered minor injuries, but his patrol car was destroyed in the crash.

Harbin experienced injuries in the accident and was treated and released from a local hospital. He is currently being held at the Anderson County Detention Center.

Construction Worker Killed in Accident in Rock Hill

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

ROCK HILL, S.C. — An accident involving a back hoe on Saturday, November 26th, left an 18-year-old construction worker from North Carolina dead.

Eighteen-year-old Maynro Perez of Charlotte, was working on the Giordana Velodrome on Cherry Road in Rock Hill when he was injured by the back hoe. He was immediately taken to Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, where he died soon after from his injuries.

The details of the accident have not yet been released.

Moped Driver Injured, Teenage Passenger Killed in Piedmont County Accident

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Anderson County, S.C. — A man was injured and a teenager was killed in a moped accident that occurred on Friday, November 25th, on U.S. 29 in Anderson County.

Twenty-one-year-old Michael Treadway was driving his moped with a 13-year-old passenger, Harly Jane McNeely, when he failed to stop at a stop sign while attempting to cross U.S. 29. The moped was hit by a 1983 Dodge Rampage pickup that was traveling on U.S. 29.

Neither Treadway nor McNeely were wearing a helmet when they were hit by the truck. McNeely died almost instantly and Treadway has been taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital and is being treated for severe injuries. Ronald Aleshire of Williamston, was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Treadway was staying at a church in Piedmont that is run by McNeely's parents.

No charges have been made at this time and the accident is still under investigation.

Greenville Teen Steals Car, Crashes Into Apartment Building

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Greenville, S.C. - After stealing a car, a 16-year-old boy crashed into an apartment building on Thursday, November 17th.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that police were attempting to stop the vehicle for a traffic violation and began following the car. The boy did not stop and the car ended up going airborne before hitting the apartment building.

The accident occurred on Old Augusta Road, while the boy was trying to turn onto Shemwood Lane. Speed likely caused the boy's stolen vehicle to go up an embankment, airborne, and crash into the apartment. A passenger in the vehicle, 18-year-old Quinton Taylor, sustained injuries in the crash and was taken to Greenville Memorial.

There were three people in the apartment at the time that it was hit by the stolen car. The were not injured and the incident is currently under investigation.

South Carolina Tornado Causes Accidents

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Rock Hill, S.C. - Three people were killed and five people were injured in South Carolina as a result of storms from a tornado that passed through the state on Thursday, November 16th.

The three that were killed in the tornado were in York County near Rock Hill, South Carolina at the time of the storm. The storm also hit North Carolina as well, with the tornado passing through Davidson,Rowan, Cleveland, and additional counties.

Heavy rain led to accidents that left dozens injured accross the south. Luckily, one instance of an accident in Boone, NC did not result in injuries. Chelsea Elizabeth Dufour, of Greenville, SC, was traveling on US 321 when her car hydroplaned and overturned. Emergency workers helped Dufour and her passenger out of the vehicle. The accident only resulted in property damage.

Three Killed in I-85 Accident with Logging Truck

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Dinwiddie County, VA - Three people were killed in an accident that took place on Friday, November 11th, on Interstate 85 in Dinwiddie County.

Brandy Richey, 25, was traveling in her pickup truck with members of her

South Carolina family when she hit into the back of a logging truck

and then struck from behind by a bus. Brandy Richey, as well as her husband, James A. Richey, and father-in-law, James P. Richey, were killed in the accident. Brandy Richey's sister, Rhonda M. Meeks, was injured in the accident and taken to Virginia Commonwealth
University Medical Center, where she has not yet been released.

The bus that struck their pickup from behind was carrying 49 North Carolina A&T State University students and a chaperone to a meeting of the National Society of Black Engineers in Baltimore. The driver of the bus, Malverse L. Vanloan, of Greensboro, N.C., sustained serious injuries in the wreck, but has since been released and charged with reckless driving. State Police are still investigating the accident.

What Do I Do If My Neighbor's Dog Bit Me in South Carolina?

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you were bitten by your neighbor's dog in South Carolina, then your neighbor can be found liable and must account for the damages that their dog has caused. According to South Carolina's dog bite law, a dog owner is strictly held responsible for their dog's actions, which means that your neighbor will be required to compensate you for any medical bills and other expenses related to incident.

If you are worried about filing a dog bite lawsuit against your neighbor, you should know that most of the time, your neighbor will have homeowner's or renter's insurance that will pay for the damages from the dog bite. Try finding out if your neighbor has coverage and then you can contact a dog bite attorney who can assist you with filing a personal injury claim. You may feel bad about filing a lawsuit against your neighbor, but the fact of the matter is that they were being negligent for letting this happen to you.

In order to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries in South Carolina, it is important that you have evidence of the dog bite attack as well as can prove that you did not provoke the dog in any way. If you did provoke your neighbor's dog, then you will not be able to recover anything from the lawsuit. Also, it may be hard to prove a dog bite took place if there are no witnesses or you do not have any substantial injuries. That is why it is important to get the contact information of any witnesses and fully document any injuries that were sustained in the dog bite attack.

If you or your child has been bitten by a neighbor's dog, it is important to consult with an attorney so that a better evaluation of your case can be made. Filing a South Carolina dog bite claim against your neighbor can seem like a daunting task, but with the help of a South Carolina dog bite attorney, you can focus more on your recovery and less on your mounting medical bills.

Construction Worker Hit By DUI Driver in Mt. Pleasant

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Mt. Pleasant, S.C. - On Monday, November 15th, a construction worker was hit by a drunk driver on Highway 17 in Mt. Pleasant.

At around 3:30 a.m., Daniel Hamrick was driving his truck through a construction zone near the entrance to the Park West subdivision when he hit a worker who was laying asphalt. The contstruction worker was taken to a hospital where he is currently being treated for his injuries.

Hambrick was arrested by Mount Pleasant Police when he was unable to pass several field sobriety tests. He has a history of DUI charges with an arrest and conviction in 2002 and an arrest in 2006. Hamrick will be facing felony DUI charges for this incident.

Four Injured in Inman, South Carolina Accident

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Inman, S.C. - A two car accident in Spartanburg County on Friday, November 11th, left four people injured.

The accident occurred around 3:40 p.m. on Highway 9 when 18-year-old Amber Perry was driving her Ford Ranger east on Foster Road in Inman. She did not yield the right of way as she entered the Highway 9 intersection, causing her car to be struck by a sedan. Both vehicles ended up in a parking lot as a result of the crash.

Perry and the passengers of her vehicle, ages 14 and 17, were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the incident, which caused them to be ejected from the vehicle. They were taken to local area hospitals and are currently being treated for their injuries.

The driver of the sedan, 48-year old Patrick Hines of Mills Springs, North Carolina, was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident. However, he was trapped inside of his car and had to be extracted by emergency responders. He was transported by ambulance to Spartanburg Regional Hospital.

Perry was cited with failure to yield the right of way.

Moncks Corner Woman Killed In Wreck Caused By DUI Driver

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Moncks Corner, S.C. - A Moncks Corner woman has been arrested and charged with felony DUI after she caused an accident that killed a Moncks Corner woman on the night of Thursday, November 10th.

While driving under the influence on Broughton Road in Moncks Corner, 33-year-old Shana Robinson crossed the center line and hit Candy Zoll's car head-on. Fourty-seven-year-old Zoll was taken to a local hospital, where she died of injuries from the accident.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that neither driver was wearing a seatbelt when the accident occurred.

Robinson is being treated for her injuiries at Medical University Hospital and her 23-year-old passenger, Brittany Hartley, was also injured in the wreck. It has also been reported that while treating Robinson for her injuries, an EMS employee found marijuana in Robinson's pants and tried to conceal it. The employee has not been charged and an internal investigation is currently taking place.

South Carolina Worker's Compensation Benefits Explained

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

In South Carolina, workers' compensation benefits can potentially cover medical treatment, bills, and death, depending on your particular case and after you have received a medical evaluation. The medical evaluation is important in determining the amount and type of benefits that you willreceive. The following is an explanation of the benefits available under workers' compensation in South Carolina:

Medically, your employer will be required to provide treatment for your injury until you reach a point at which further treatment would no longer help to improve your condition. However, if you require further treatment in order for your condition to stay the same, then your employer's insurance company is responsible for funding that treatment. It is important to note that your employer is able to choose a specific doctor for you to see, but if you feel that the doctor is not providing the best care, then you can request to see a different medical provider. Under workers' compensation, not only will the medical treatment be compensated for, but also any expenses that are incurred as a result of accident. This can include expenses for medicine, transportation to medical appointments, and other medical-related costs. That is why it is important to document all of your expenses with bills, receipts, and notes so that you can insure that you will be entirely reimbursed for expenses related to your injury.

Financially, you will receive compensation every week while you are injured. The amount that you will receive will be lower than what you would normally be paid (2/3 of your normal wage). You cannot receive this compensation if your doctor says that you are physically capable of working. If you held multiple jobs when you became injured, you will be entitled to compensation for both of those jobs. You will not be allowed to receive a higher compensation rate than the determined rate set by the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission.

After an on-the-job accident, you may be confused about what step to take next and worried about how you are going to pay for your bills. That is why it is important to contact an experienced South Carolina workers' compensation attorney, who will able to lead you through the process of obtaining worker's compensation benefits. Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency basis so that you have one less expense to worry about while you are on the road to recovery.

In the unfortunate event that a loved one is killed while on-the-job, then the family of the deceased is entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the employer. Even though this will not bring back the loved one, it will help to compensate the family for their loss. Refer to our South Carolina wrongful death practice area page for more information or call us at 1-888-690-0211 and we will help answer any questions that you may have.

Teen Killed in Pelzer Car Accident

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Anderson County, S.C. - A 14-year-old girl was killed in an accident on the night of Friday, November 4th, in Pelzer when the car she was riding in collided with a tanker truck.

Jaela Kelley of Williamston was riding in a Honda with two others around 9:30 p.m. when the accident occurred at U.S. 29 and Ballard Road. None of the passengers in the vehicle were wearing seat belts when they hit the tanker truck.

Kelley was thrown from the car when the accident happened. She was taken by helicopter to Greenville Memorial Hospital where she later died of multiple trauma. Haley Brett Ragsdale and Cody Bradley Hendrey, the other passengers in the Honda, were injured in the accident and taken to local hospitals.

Witnesses reported that the Honda pulled out in front of the tanker on U.S. 29 after stopping at a stop sign on Ballard Road. The tanker hit the Honda, causing the car to spin several times and then slide down an embankment.

The gas tanker, driven by Christopher Jennings of Pauline, flipped over, causing parts of U.S. 29 to shut down. Jennings was not injured in the accident.

The state patrol is currently investigating the accident and it has not yet been determined who was the driver of the Honda.

North Charleston Pedestrian Hit and Killed By Vehicles

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

North Charleston, S.C. - While attempting to cross Dorchester Road on Wednesday night, a North Charleston pedestrian was hit and killed by a car.

It was reported that 27-year-old Richard McKinzie died of multiple injuries at the accident scene. The accident occurred while McKinzie was walking across Dorchester Road in order to get to a gas station.

Police arrived at the scene around 10:00p.m. and found McKinzie lying in the middle lane. He was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses told police it seemed as though McKinzie was hit by multiple vehicles. No charges have been filed yet against any of the drivers who may have hit him.

Sawmills Accident: Minivan Collides with School Bus

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Sawmills, S.C. - An accident on the morning of Friday, November 4th, where a minivan collided with a school bus, left four adults injured.

At around 9:30 a.m., the minivan was heading south on U.S. 321-A when it crossed over the center line and collided with a school bus.

Luckily, none of the eight South Caldwell High School special needs students who were riding the bus were injured in the accident. They were taken to school following the incident and being checked by paramedics. However, the bus driver and another adult riding the bus were injured and taken to a local hospital.

The driver was trapped in his vehicle due to the front of the minivan being caved in by the impact. The impact caved in the front of the minivan and trapped the driver. Once he was freed from the vehicle, he was taken to Carolinas Medical Center. There was also a passenger in the minivan who was taken to a local hospital.

Investigators are unsure at the moment as to the cause of the accident and the incident is still under investigation. An empty bottle whiskey was found on the van's front seat but it is unknown if excessive speed or alcohol were factors in the accident.

Pedestrian Killed in West Ashley Accident

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Charleston, S.C. - A woman was hit and killed by a car while attempting to cross Savannah Highway on the morning of Monday, October 31st, 2011.

According to police, fifty-one-year-old Maria McIntosh, of West Ashley, experienced blunt-force trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene.The accident allegedly occurred around 7:00am when McIntosh was trying to cross Savannah Highway, near Wantoot Boulevard, when she was hit by a minivan. It is believed that McIntosh was crossing the roadway in an attempt to catch the bus.

Parts of Savannah Highway were shut down while the victim was being tended to and the police were investigating the collision.

Two Children Killed in DUI Accident

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Lexington, S.C. - A ten-year-old girl and her seven-year-old brother were killed in an accident when the car that they were travelling in was hit by a man who was driving under the influence.

Haley and Cameron Upchurch were in their grandparents' vehicle coming home from church with their nine-year-old sister on October 28th when the accident happened.

Robert Craft, 37, was intoxicated when he hit the car of Haley and Cameron on South Lake Dr. as their vehicle was turning into a private driveway.

Cameron died shorty after the accident and Haley passed away Monday night at Palmetto Richland Hospital. The third child survived the incident and their grandparents,Wayne and Teena Rabon, were injured, but have been released from the hospital since the accident.

Craft has been denied bond and been charged with two counts of felony DUI involving death. He was also charged for having an open container of alcohol in his car.

Hilton Head Pedestrian Killed In Bus Accident

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Jasper County, S.C. -A twenty-eight-year-old man was hit and killed by a bus while crossing Highway 462 on the morning of Wednesday, October 27th.

Zachary Scott Holland, of Hilton Head island, reportedly died at the scene of the incident. The SouthCarolina Highway Patrol stated that while trying to pass a vehicle, the motor coach struck Holland who was walking in the roadway. The accident occurred around 6:00am while the motor coach was traveling eastbound on Highway 462.

The fourteen passengers who were riding the bus at the time of the accident were not injured.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

ATV Involved in Accident That Killed One Was Reported Stolen

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Aiken County, SC - One man was killed in an ATV accident on Sunday, October 23rd in Aiken County. According to the Aiken

Near Gregory Road in Aiken, twenty-nine-year-old, Chad Anthony was riding an ATV with his friends, when he lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree.

Anthony was taken to Georgia Health Sciences Trauma Center after he was found to be unconscious. While being treated, they also found that he had sustained severe head and chest trauma. He was pronounced dead later that night.

Anthony had not been wearing a helmet while riding the ATV when the crash happened.

Soon after the incident, it was discovered that the ATV that he was riding had been reported stolen. The incident is still currently under investigation.

New SC ATV Law Protects Kids By Holding Parents Responsible

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new law was passed after 8 years of trying for Steve and Pam Saylor, whose son died in an ATV accident. The law states that any rider 15 or younger driving an ATV must have had training, must wear a helmet, and may not operate an ATV with any passengers. The law also prohibits any child younger than six from operating an ATV.

A few years ago, this law was presented to governor Mark Sanford, only to be vetoed and forgotten. Finally, the Saylor's dilligent, relentless efforts paid off and the law was recently passed.

The law holds parents reponsible for ensuring their child wears a helmet, is properly trained, and illegalizes any violation of the law.

This would prevent accidents such as the one involving 8-year-old Spencer McGee, of Coward, SC, which occurred when Spencer was a passenger on an ATV. A deer ran out in front of the vehicle, causing the ATV to flip over and throw him off. Spencer McGee was pronounced dead at a Florence hospital shortly after the accident. Chandler's Law may have saved the lives of both Chandler and Spencer, which is why we are glad that this law is now in effect.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an ATV accident that was not their fault, then you should consider contacting a South Carolina ATV accident attorney at 1-888-690-0211.

Johnston Woman Killed in Accident

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Aiken, SC - One person was killed and two have been injured in an accident that occurred on Friday, October, 21st, on Highway 19 in Aiken County, South Carolina.

A 70-year-old woman, Dora Jones from Johnston, was driving south when she was hit by 27-year-old Demicka Curry. Jones was hit on the driver's side of the vehicle resulting in her car overturning several times.

It was determined that the accident was caused by Curry failing to stop at a the stop sign. Curry and her 10-year-old son, who was also in the vehicle at the time of the accident, were taken to a nearby hospital. The accident is still currently under investigation.

Warning Signs That a South Carolina Dog May Bite or Act Aggressively

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

It is important to be cautious while approaching a dog for the first time. There is always that possibility that the dog may react aggressively and attack. Therefore, whenever you come in contact with a dog, regardless of whether or not you have been around the dog before, you should gauge its behavior first in order to potentially prevent the dog from biting you.

A dog can feel frightened or threatened by you and will display certain body language or bark in order to warn you that it may bite. The following are some examples of warning signs that a dog may bite:

• The fur on the dog's back is standing on end and the ears and tail are pointing upwards
• The dog growls, barks, or snarles at you while showing its teeth
• The dog licks its lips when you come near it
• The dog stares directly at your face
• The dog turns its head away from you
• The dog yawns while you come close to it
• The dog scratches or licks itself
• The dog's legs are planted stiff into the ground
• The ears of the dog are back and close to its head
• The dog curls its tail in between its legs
• The dog cowers under some type of protection
• The dog is visibly ill or old in age

It is likely that if a dog does bite you and you did not do anything to provoke it, then there may be something medically wrong with the dog and the dog owner should take it to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

By keeping an eye out for these warning signs and looking and listening before you approach a dog, you can greatly decrease the chances of being attacked. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, contact a Charleston dog bite attorney today at 1-888-690-0211 for a free consultation.

Three-Car Wreck Kills One Pedestrian in Aiken County

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Aiken County, SC - A three-car accident on Pine Log Road in Aiken led to the death of a female pedestrian Wednesday afternoon.

The name of the woman who was killed has not yet been released.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the accident happened at about 4:10 p.m. when an SUV driven by 51-year-old Susan Lockhart of Aiken collided with a minivan driven by 42-year-old Ricky Cunningham while they were both travelling northbound.

The minivan then crossed the center line and collided with a pickup truck driven by 36-year-old Carlton Fogg that was travelling southbound. Fogg's vehicle then traveled off of the right side of the roadway, resulting in the death of the pedestrian.

All of the drivers of the vehicles were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident and the incident remains under investigation.

Woman Driving Under The Influence Hits 2 Firefighters in Goose Creek

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Goose Creek, S.C. - On the Tuesday, October 19th, crews were clearing a wreck on St. James Avenue when a car ran through the emergency scene and hit two firefighters.

The driver of the vehicle, 25-year-old Jessica Lanier, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

Firefighters Christopher Harrison and Captain Michael Althoff were taken to Trident Hospital where they were treated and released for their injuries.

The accident that the firefighters were helping to clear occurred around 11:30pm and Lanier drove through the scene shortly after this time. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently undergoing an investigation of the accident.

Greenville County Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Greenville County, S.C. - The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently undergoing an investigation of a motorcycle accident that killed one on Saturday night.

John Michael Mychaskiw was riding on Garlington Road when he hit an SUV head on. The vehicles were driving on opposite sides of the road. The driver of the SUV was not injured in the accident. Mychaskiw was transported to Greenville Memorial where he was pronounced dead.

Columbia Fair Ride Accident Leaves Six Injured

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Columbia, S.C. - At the South Carolina State Fair, six people were injured on the night of Wednesday, October 12th, while riding one of the rides.

The fair's general manager, Gary Goodman, reported that the accident happened when a piece of metal flew off the Banzai ride and hit several people.

The people on the ride suffered minor injuries, including bumps, bruises, and cuts. They were all treated at the first aid stand at the fair and then released.

The ride is currently not in use and will only re-open once state inspectors have deemed it safe to ride.

Rock Hill Man Sitting In Parked Car Killed In Fort Mill Accident

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Fort Mill, S.C. - On the night of Monday, October 10th, a 42-year-old Rock Hill man was sitting in his car in a driveway in Fort Mill when he was hit and killed by another vehicle.

The victim was parked in the driveway of the Loving Group Landscaping Company when, at around 6:30pm, two vehicles traveling north on Harrisburg Road lost control of their vehicles and ran off the road. One of the vehicles, driven by Hector Figueroa, crashed into the victim's parked car. The other vehicle involved in the incident managed to avoid the victim's car and then drove off.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the victim was taken to Carolinas Medical Center-Pineville where he was pronounced dead. Figueroa was taken to Piedmont Medical Center where he is being treated for his injuries. It is unknown whether any charges will be made at this time.

Woman Killed In Greenville Moped Accident

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Taylors woman was killed in an accident in Greenville while riding her moped late Friday night around 1:25 am.

Twenty one-year-old Angela Christine Lococo's moped was rear-ended by a Nissan while driving home from babysitting her cousin. The driver of the car, 21-year-old Christopher Sanchez, left the scene of the incident and was later charged with felony driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a collision.

Lococo was ejected from her moped and pronounced dead at the scene. The accident is currently under investigation.

Pedestrian Killed and Boy Injured in Pickens Crash

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Pickens, S.C.- Michael Cummings was killed and his 12-year-old son, who was riding his bicycle, was injured along Ponder Cemetery Road in Pickens, South Carolina.

On the night of Friday, October 7th, Julie Hammond was driving a Ford Explorer when she hit Cummings and his son. Cummings was pronounced dead at the scene and his son was taken to a nearby hospital.

The boy was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and his condition is currently unknown.The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident by reconstructing the scene of the incident.

DUI Hit and Run Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Injured

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Chester County, SC - A Gastonia man, driving under the influence, fled the scene of an accident on Thursday, October 6th in Chester County.

At around 3:47 pm, thirty-four year-old Earl Burr was intoxicated while driving along Interstate 77 South when he was involved in an accident.

The other vehicle that was involved in the accident was pushed off the road and hit a tree. Twenty-three-year-old Brennon Lee Conklin, the driver of the other vehicle, did not survive the wreck. Twenty-two-year-old Kimberly Sistare, who was also riding in the vehicle that was forced off of the road, was taken to a hospital where she is being treated for injuries.

After hitting into the median, Burr fled the scene and was later stopped by troopers. Burr, who has a history of alcohol, drug, and hit and run charges, was arrested by troopers and charged for felony DUI and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Two Blythewood Students Injured In School Bus Accident

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Columbia, S.C. - On the morning of October 6th, a school bus taking students to Blythwood High School was rear-ended by a car. Two students were injured in the accident and taken to a local hospital.

The school bus, which was carrying 22 Blythewood High School students, was slowing down when it was hit by a car. The two students sustained minor injuries and were taken to Providence Northeast Hospital.

The driver of the vehicle that hit the school bus was not injured in the accident, but was ticketed for driving too fast for conditions.

Protecting South Carolina Adults: The Omnibus Adult Protection Act

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

In the South Carolina Code of Laws, the Omnibus Adult Protection Act was created in order to prevent vulnerable adults from becoming victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation. This act does not apply solely to the elderly; anyone over eighteen years of age who are considered to be vulnerable are covered under the act. Similarly, this applies to not only adults living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, but also private homes.

The different violations of the act are defined below:

Abuse:
This can be any form of physical or psychological abuse. Physical abuse occurs when a person intentionally causes a physical injury on a vulnerable adult. This can be the result of something the person does or fails to do. Hitting, punching, kicking, scratching and pinching are common forms of abuse. Giving a patient more medication than necessary or medication that they do not need in order to control their behavior is another form of physical abuse. Additional physical abuse can occur if a person is restrained or confined in order to alter behavior. Psychological abuse occurs when someone threatened or harasses a vulnerable adult to the point that it causes emotional distress.

Neglect:
An adult living in an assisted living or nursing home may experience neglect if they are not provided the necessary amount of care, goods, or services. Neglect does not have to occur more than once for it to be considered to be in violation of the act. However, it must be able to be proven to have caused serious injury or death for the individual.

Exploitation:
This type of violation occurs when a person forces an adult to do something that they would not normally do if they were not in a vulnerable condition. Exploitation can occur financially as well, which involves a person taking advantage of the vulnerable adult by coercing them to give the person money or assets. This can also be in the form of forcing a vulnerable adult to buy goods or services from a person for that person's benefit.

All of these forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation can be very devastating for the vulnerable adult. The Omnibus Adult Protection Act ensures that anyone violating this statute is dealt with accordingly. If you believe that someone may be abusing, neglecting, or exploiting a vulnerable adult, then you should contact a South Carolina nursing home abuse attorney at 1-888-690-0211 for a free consultation.

17-Year-Old Injured, 19-Year-Old Died in Hanahan Crash

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hanahan, S.C. - On Saturday, October 1st, a collision on Oakley Road left 19-year-old Thomas Mack dead and 17-year-old Blade Scott Kornahrens seriously injured.

At around 1:45pm, Kornahrens was traveling in a Ford pickup and Mack in a Pontiac sedan when they collided on Oakley Road, near Doughty Lane. Mack was pronounced dead at the scene and Kornahrens was taken to MUSC where he has been listed as being in serious condition.

Neither of the drivers was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The incident is under investigation and no charges have yet been made.

Colleton County Accident Left 1 Dead, 2 Injured

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Colleton County, S.C. - On Tuesday, September 27th, a Highway 64 collision occurred that killed a man and injured two others.

Charles Simmons was driving a 2001 Ford pickup when he crossed the center line on Highway 64 and hit a sedan head-on. Sixty-eight year old Simmons did not surivive the accident.

The driver of the sedan, as well as a passenger from the pickup truck, were taken to nearby hospitals. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the incident.

Texas Soldier Dies After Being Hit By Truck

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Aiken County, S.C.- A 48-year-old soldier from Texas was hit and killed by a pickup truck on Friday, September 23rd on Edgefield Highway near Eureka, S.C.

Sgt. 1st Class Maurice J. Collier was directing traffic at a motorcycle rally at Ellen's Bar and Grill, when he was hit by the Ford truck, driven by a 57-year-old man. The man then left the scene, returned, and was confronted by bikers, one of whom stabbed the man. The driver was then taken to the Medical College of Georgia Hospital, where he was treated for his non life-threatening injuries.

Collier was pronounced dead of multiple body trauma at Aiken Regional Medical Center. Collier was dressed in dark clothing with no reflectors at the time that he was killed.

The accident is currently under investigation and no known arrests have been made.

Fatal Pawleys Island Wreck Claims One Life

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Pawleys Island, S.C. - A seventy-four year old man was killed and more were injured in an accident on Highway 17 on Sunday, September 25th on Pawleys Island.

Donald Lacy was turning out of a shopping center and onto Highway 17 when his car was hit by another vehicle, which caused his vehicle to overturn. He was then taken to MUSC where he later died of injuries caused in the accident. A passenger in his vehicle, whose injuries are currently unknown, was taken to Georgetown Hospital.

The Mount Pleasant man who was driving the other vehicle, as well as his passenger, did not need medical attention and were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the accident.

One Dead In I-385 Accident In Greenville County

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Greenville County, S.C. - On Monday, September 26th, one person was killed in an early morning accident on Interstate 385 near West Georgia Road.

Fifty-six year old Susan Lynn Bray, of Irmo, was one of the drivers who was involved in the accident. She was driving a Ford Expedition in the southbound lanes when the collision occurred. She was injured in the wreck and taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital.

The 29-year-old driver of the other vehicle was trapped in the wreckage and pronounced dead at the scene when troopers arrived. His name has not yet been released.

Upstate Pastor Killed In Bicycling Accident

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Spartanburg County, S.C. - On Wednesday, September 21st, a bicyclist was killed in a collision with a car.

At about 4:30pm, Scott Spencer, a pastor in Pacolet, was traveling south on Southport Road in Spartanburg County when he collided with a car driven by Wallace Tucker, of Union. Although he was wearing a helmet, Spencer died from his injuries. Tucker did not suffer any injuries in the accident.

The accident is still currently under investigation.

Man Charged With Felony DUI in I-26 Accident

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Charleston, S.C. - A Moncks Corner man, 60-year-old Samuel Thompson, Jr., was driving under the influence when he lost control of his car and hit into another car, causing an accident on I-26 on Tuesday, September 20th. The woman in the other car, 78-year-old Monica Deas, was taken to MUSC, where she died later that evening.

Thompson has been charged with felony DUI and is being held at Cannon Detention Center without bail. Thompson has a record for public intoxication and disorderly conduct and was previously imprisoned for forgery and receiving stolen goods.

Ridgeland Mother and Two Sons Killed In Crash

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Jasper County, S.C. - A 29-year-old Ridgeland mother and her two sons, ages 2 and 6, were killed in an accident on the night of September 16th on S.C. 462 in Jasper County.

Wendy Orozco Garcia was driving in her car with her two sons when a Ridgeland man drove across the center line and collided with her car. a S.C. Orozco, who was a Department of Health and Environmental Control employee, died along with her son, Frankie. On Monday morning, Orozco's other son, Jacob, died at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah. The accident is still under investigation.

South Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Law: Could It Save Lives?

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

With over 70 deaths of motorcyclists in South Carolina in 2010, we cannot help but draw attention to the fact that South Carolina does not have a motorcycle helmet law. Many motorcycle riders feel as though creating a motorcycle helmet law would take away from their personal freedom. On the otherhand, many have seen the deadly consequences of not wearing a helmet while riding and firmly believe that a law requiring helmet use should be put in place.

So, let's take a look at South Carolina motorcycle accident statistics for 2010:

Accidents Involving Death of a Motorcyclist (By County)
Greenville - 13

Charleston - 8
Lexington - 5
Oconee - 5
Horry - 4
Aiken - 4
Jasper - 4
Other Counties - 30

So far in 2011, Horry, Lexington, and Greenville Counties have the most motorcyclist fatalities, with over 80% of the riders not wearing helmets at the time of the accident. Could these deaths have been prevented if riders were wearing a helmet? We will never know the answer to that question. But, what we do know is that in states where there are helmet laws, like North Carolina, the number of yearly motorcycle accident deaths is extremely small in comparison to the number in South Carolina (there have been only three reported deaths in North Carolina, while South Carolina had 76).

It is important to note that South Carolina does require motorcycle riders under the age of 21 to wear a helmet, unlike Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire, which do not have any helmet use requirements. We hope that these states will soon realize the importance of, at the very least, protecting children who are passengers on motorcycles.

The statistics here show that motorcycle accidents are prevalent in South Carolina and the results of the accidents are devastating. Although we understand the desire for motorcyclists to be able to ride free, we would rather see them safer with helmets. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact a dedicated South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney today for a free consultation at 888-690-0211. We will help you get the compensation that you deserve.

Utility Workers Injured In Rock Hill Accident

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Rock Hill, SC - Three utility workers were injured while on-the-job on September 15, 2011. The workers were near Museum Road and Dockside Drive, when an accident occurred with the electrical equipment that they were working on. They were allegedly performing routine maintenence at the time and the cause of the accident has not yet been determined.

Two of the workers were taken to and released from an area hospital, while one man was airlifted to a hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

Lexington Man Killed In Motorcycle Accident

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Lexington County, SC - 37-year-old Lexington man, David O. Perry, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Thursday night on US 1.

It was reported that Perry was driving his motorcycle north when he collided with an SUV that was headed south, attempting to make a left turn.

Although Perry was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, he was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital.

The driver of the SUV was not injured in the collision. The accident is still under investigation.

Cowpens Man Charged With DUI Involved In Wreck That Critically Injured Bicyclist

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early Thursday at around 12:20am, Michael Alan Woitowitz, 53, was involved in an accident that left an 18-year-old boy critically injured.

Woitowitz was driving north on Highway 29 when he collided into the back of David William Molina, of Spartanburg, who was also heading northbound.

It was reported that Molina was wearing a helmet and Woitowitz was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. Molina was taken to a hospital where he is listed in critical condition and Woitowitz did not sustain any injuries in the accident.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has charged Woitowitz with felony driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury. He is currently at the Spartanburg County Detention Center on a $30,000 bond.

Woman Arrested For Seven Car Accident on I-26

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC - A woman has been arrested who may be involved in causing a seven car accident this morning on Interstate 26 near mile marker 212. Traffic has been at a standstill since the time the accident occurred at 6:00am.

Many of the cars were heavily damaged, making the scene of the accident difficult to clean up. Four people involved in the accident were taken to a hospital in stable condition.

South Carolina troopers put out an alert to find 36-year-old Pamela Habersham, who was driving a stolen car and was involved in causing the accident. The Charleston County Sheriff's Office later was able to locate her and transported her to the Charleston County Detention Center. She was arrested for two outstanding traffic citations and is now under investigation for the carjacking that took place in Port Royal.

Driver in Fatal Bike Accident Pays Fine

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Gregory Rupley, 44, of Ashley Hall Road, was charged with improper lane usage in the accident that killed anesthesiologist Mitchell Hollon July 5 on the James Island connector. Rupley reportedly drifted into the breakdown lane, where he struck Hollon from behind. The morning rush hour collision sent Hollon over the wall of the westbound lane, 40 feet to the marsh below.

Rupley, driver of an AT&T work van that struck and killed the bicyclist, has settled his $113 traffic fine and will not be in court tomorrow as scheduled.

Rupley's attorney, David Aylor of Charleston, said the fee was paid earlier which eliminated the need for the driver to appear in Charleston Municipal Court. Aylor also said his client has returned to work but remains devastated by what happened that day.

The legal procedure is commonly known as "forfeiting a bond" to settle the ticket. Forfeiting the bond also means Rupley is not formally admitting guilt.

Police said the improper lane usage charge against Rupley was the closest applicable under state law involving a car-versus-bike accident. Section 56-5-1900 of the state code states, "A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety."

Man Killed In I-95 Accident, Driver Fled The Scene

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Charleston man fell asleep at the wheel Sunday morning, resulting in an accident and the death of a passenger in his SUV. After fleeing the scene after the accident, he is facing charges.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that 20-year-old Ludvin Andrez-Gonzalez was driving on Interstate 95 in Jasper County, when he fell asleep at the wheel. It was reported that the Expedition he was driving flipped over with his nine passengers in it after he drifted off the side of the road and overcorrected the SUV.

Ernesto Santiz-Lopez, one of the passengers in the vehicle, was rushed to the hospital where he later died.

Thanks to tracking dogs, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office found and arrested Andrez-Gonzalez only a few hours after the crash.

Andrez-Gonzalez will be facing multiple charges, which include leaving the scene involving a death, driving without a SC driver's license, and driving too fast for conditions.

We extend our condolensces to the family of Ernesto Santiz-Lopez and those injured in the I-95 accident.

Goose Creek Pedestrian Hit and Killed By Truck

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Juvenal Lopez of Goose Creek, a 35-year-old man was killed Saturday night while trying to cross the road near Goose Creek High School.

The Berkeley Coroner's Office says Lopez was struck by a truck when he was trying to cross Red Bank Road. Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

This accident is under investigation with the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Berkeley County Coroner's Office.

3-Year-Old Spartanburg County Boy Drowns in Pool

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 3-year-old boy drowned on Saturday, August 27th, 2011 after falling into a swimming pool.

A sheriff who was called to the scene, reported that the boy's foster father was outside working on the yard and his wife was inside the house with their other children. The parents realized the boy was missing and began searching for him, only to find him in face down in their neighboring property's swimming pool.

At Spartanburg Regional Medical Center the boy was pronounced dead. The drowning is thought to be accidental.

The name of the boy has not been released.

South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Explains SC Motorcycle Laws

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The privilege of riding a motorcycle in South Carolina comes with responsibilities that help to keep South Carolina drivers safe. In order to be able to ride a motorcycle in South Carolina there is a process for obtaining a license and laws that you must follow once you obtain that license. First, you must have a driver's license, and then you must also pass a vision scan and a written knowledge test. Then, you will receive a temporary permit, which will let you ride during the day under supervision. Many community colleges and other associations offer motorcycle riding courses, which could make you feel more comfortable and safe while riding. After you have practiced riding your motorcycle, you can take a road skills test.

Once you pass the road skills test and are permitted to ride a motorcycle, there are laws that you must follow that are specifically designed to protect you while on the road and decrease your chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Here is a summary of South Carolina motorcycle laws:

-If you are under 21 years of age, you must wear a motorcycle helmet with reflectors on both sides of the helmet at all times. Although not required, it is highly recommended that riders over the age of 21 wear helmets as well.

-Also, if you are under the age of 21, you must wear eye protection if the vehicle does not have a windscreen. Again, even if you are above the age of 21, it is recommended that you wear anything that would help to protect you if you were to be involved in an accident.

-You must have insurance for your motorcycle and carry it with you at all times.

-As a motorcycle driver, you are entitled to full use of a lane and no other motor vehicle may use part of the lane that you are using.

-While other motor vehicles may not enter your area of the lane, you must not pass another motor vehicle in the same lane as that vehicle (drive alongside a vehicle in order to pass it). Also, you cannot ride in between lanes of traffic. This can prove to be very dangerous since other cars may not be able to see you, resulting in a devastating accident.

If you are involved in an accident, the South Carolina statute of limitations for an injury or wrongful death claim is three years. So drive safely and if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney immediately.

Accident Involving Two Tractor Trailers Closes Lanes On I-26

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Around 4:00 am Wednesday morning, two tractor trailers were involved in an accident that shut down lanes on I-26 eastbound. Allegedly, one of the tractor trailers was slowing down because it was entering a construction zone and the other failed to slow down as well and rear-ended him.

The trucks were heading to the peppermill with wood chips. The roadway is currently being cleared of the resulting debris from the accident and is expected to have lanes shut down for a couple of hours.

According to the South Carolina Highway patrol, both of the drivers, Samuel Rose of Charleston and Robbie Clark of Summerville, have been transported to MUSC.The extent of their injuries is unkown at this time.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a tractor trailer or 18-wheeler accident, please do not hesistate to contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm at 888-690-0211 for a FREE, no obligation consultation.

Woman Charged With DUI After Wreck That Killed Motorcyclist

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 20-year-old North Carolina woman has been charged with felony DUI that contributed to a wreck that killed motorcyclist Lonnie Lee Ewan on Wednesday.

The woman was charged with felony DUI for being in posession of marijuana and an open container.

South Carolina State Troopers say the woman struck and killed 30-year-old Lonnie Lee Ewan while he was riding his Harley Davidson in Berkeley County. Ewan, of Ladson, died at the scene.

The woman is being held on $250,000 bail at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center.

Funeral Services Held for Nicole Miller, 20, Killed by Runaway Truck at Music Festival

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Funeral Services will be held today for 20-year-old Nicole Miller of Mount Pleasant, SC. Miller was a 2010 graduate of Wando High School and had completed two semesters toward an associate of culinary arts degree at Trident Technical College. She was pronounced dead on the scene when a runaway pickup truck careened down a slippery hill and struck her tent at the All Good Music Festival in Masontown, W.V. on the morning of Sunday, July 17th, 2011. Miller and her friends had been sleeping peacefully in their tent before the tragedy.

The other two occupants of the tent, Elizabeth "Rose" Doran, 20, and Yen Ton, 21, both of Mount Pleasant, survived the incident but sustained heavy injuries. They are reported to be in good condition, in spite of such severe injuries as Doran's broken pelvis.

Currently, there have been no charges filed against the driver of the truck. According to some witness reports, festival staff had been directing vehicles to park in wet, hilly areas normally considered to be too close to the campgrounds to be considered safe. Further, there had already been at least three earlier reports of sliding vehicles -- enough to be considered due notice of unsafe conditions.

Police are working to recreate the instances of the accident to gain further insight. Drugs and alcohol have been ruled out as contributing factors.

If a loved one has been killed in South Carolina, you may be entitled to significant compensation under the law. To get outstanding assistance with your wrongful death case, call Shelly Leeke Law Firm now at 843-277-6061 or Toll-Free at 888-690-0211.

Suspect Apprehended at Bar, Detained in Pedestrian Death

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Cayce, SC man has been detained as a suspect in a deadly hit and run which killed pedestrian Brunson Wallace Hendrix, 47, as he was crossing Airport Boulevard on the night of July 16th, 2011. Lexington County Coroner Harry O. Harman avers that Hendrix died on scene and that, most likely, he was killed on initial impact.

Suspect Lance Carl Burt, 43, was later apprehended at a nearby bar after police received a tip from a witness. Burt admitted to police that around 10:50 PM he had "bumped into something."

The witness who observed the hit and run claims that they tailed Burt's white Chevy 2500 to the bar at which he was apprehended. When Burt entered the bar, the witness notified the authorities.

The police report noted that Burt's eyes were glazed and he gave off an aroma of alcohol. Once escorted outside the bar, Burt confessed that he had hit something earlier but was unsure of what. After conducting a field sobriety test, Burt's blood-alcohol content was found to be a 1.7, well over the legal limit. Burt was then placed under arrest on charges of felony DUI and leaving the scene of an accident involving death. He is being held on a $217,000 bond at the Lexington County Detention Center.

A second car in connection with the accident, which is thought to have struck Hendrix after Burt's intial collision, is still being sought by authorities. The vehicle in question is believed to be a gold-toned Mercury Sable with a beige interior, model year between 2000-2007. A red paper dealer tag with white writing was witnessed in place of the vehicle's license plate.

Witnesses informed police that they observed the vehicle pull into the nearby Mobil gas station, and then flee the scene on police arrival. The occupants are thought two be two adults, with a juvenile in the back seat. Authorities are seeking the couple for questioning that may help further the investigation of the accident.

Cayce police and the Highway Patrol say more arrests are possible as the investigation continues. If you know anything about the wreck, call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a South Carolina pedestrian or bicycle accident, the Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help. Call 843-277-6061 or toll free 1-888-690-0211 today to make an appointment for a FREE evaluation with an experienced and dedicated Charleston Injury Lawyer.

Should I Apply For Social Security Disability or SSI? | South Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Many people wonder whether they should apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In reality, you do not have to decide which one to apply for because it will be chosen for you when you interview for disability. The person who reviews your application (otherwise known as the claims representative) will make a decision at the time of your interview as to whether you will apply for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income.

If you have earned enough throughout your work history up to the point of your interview, then you can apply for Social Security Disability. You must have paid enough into the Social Security system to do so, and if you have not, then you will likely have to apply for SSI disability based on your income and other factors.

Applying for disability and waiting for your claim to be evaluated can be a long and arduous process. Even if you are applying for the first time for social security benefits, you may find yourself waiting as long as six months before you find out about your claim. Moreover, if your claim is not approved the first time, the appeals process can be just as long, if not longer. The entire process has been estimated to last, on average, for three months to more than one year. As a result, it is important to apply for disability as soon as possible if you cannot physically work during the time that the claims process takes place. If you would like the assistance of an experienced Social Security Disability attorney, contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm today at 1-888-690-0211!

Goose Creek Woman Faces DUI Charges After Fatal Wreck

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to 911 callers, Evelyn Freeman, 20, of Amy Drive in Goose Creek was swerving and speeding moments before she lost control, struck the median and crossed 4 lanes of traffic landing in a ditch.

The fatal accident occurred between the 210 and 209 mile markers on I26 between the Remount Road and Aviation exits around 2 a.m on July 6, 2011.

Terrall Freeman,28, of North Charleston was a passenger in the vehicle and was ejected onto the roadway and killed when a passing vehicle struck him. Emergency workers transported the driver to MUSC with non life threatening injuries.

South Carolina Highway Patrol is charging Freeman with felony DUI.

Richland County Police Officer in Critical Condition After Fatal Car Accident

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Richland County police officer is in critical condition after he was involved in an automobile accident that killed the other driver.

George Mickens Jr. 36, of Sumter County was airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland with serious injuries and is listed in critical condition after his patrol car collided with another vehicle. The accident happened near Shaw AFB on US 76 at SC 441 on June 30, 2011 at or around 10:20 am.

Philip T. Hawkins,67, of Sumter died instantly from head injuries in the wreck. Officer Mickens was on duty and heading to a court appearance in Richland County.

Cpl. Bryan McDougald stated that the South Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting an accident reconstruction that will block US 76. Traffic will be rerouted to SC 265.

The only information that is being released at the time is that Officer Mickens was traveling westbound in a 2010 Crown Victoria and Hawkins was traveling South on SC 441 in a Cadillac Escalade SUV. The collision took place in he crossing, which is controlled by a traffic signal.

Four People Injured After Shots Fired Into Car

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Three people were taken to Colleton Medical Center and one victim was airlifted to MUSC when the car they were in was involved in the aftermath of a domestic dispute.
The accident occured after the victims witnessed Ervin Sanders, Jr of Round O, SC punching a woman repeatedly in the face in the parking lot of the El Cheap O gas station on Snyders Highway in Walterboro, SC. The victims intervened and the suspect then threatened the victims that he would return. Sanders later returned in his vehicle and began following the victims into town and took fire upon the vehicle. The victims drove the vehicle towards the Colleton County Sheriff's Office Detention Center to get help and shots were fired again. One of the victims was shot in the neck and was airlifted to MUSC. Sanders left the victims at the jail and was stopped by Walterboro Public Safety Officers. A 9mm handgun was retrieved from the car as well as spent shell casings.
The victims are identified as Kewaun Richards, Charkis Richards, James Murdaugh of Walterboro and Sylina Brooks of Batesburg. The victim that was shot in the neck is back home and in good condition. The surgeons could not remove the bullet from his neck for fear of causing further damage.
Sanders is being charged with several charges including 4 counts of attempted murder.

Recycling Employee Dies After On The Job Accident

Thu, 26 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

An employee was killed on Thursday, May 26,2011 at a Myrtle Beach recycling facility. Emergency crews were dispatched to Waccamaw Metal Recycling at 1626 Stockholder Ave around 1pm on Thursday in reference to a person being pinned underneath a dumpster.
Battalion Chief Bruce Arnel, spokesman for the Myrtle Beach Fire Department stated that as the dumpster was being unloaded, it fell on top of the victim, who became pinned beneath the dumpster. The dumpster was removed and the victim was taken to a nearby hospital.
In a statement released after the accident Capt. David Knipes, spokesman for the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the victim was an employee of Waccamaw Metal Recycling and has died.
The victim's name has not been released and is being described as a white male. Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard is currently in the process of notifying the victim's family.
An autopsy is scheduled to be performed at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center on Friday to determine the exact cause of death.

5 Points in Determining Disability for South Carolina Residents

Thu, 26 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have Social Security disability benefits questions, they are best answered by a Charleston, South Carolina attorney who has experience with Social Security disability claims.

In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must be able to prove that you are totally disabled. The entire process can be very complex, which is why you should have the help of an attorney who is well versed in disability claims.

There are 5 points the Social Security Administration (SSA) takes into consideration when determining disability for South Carolina residents which include:

whether or not the claimant is engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA);
if the claimant suffers from severe impairments that restrict mental or physical abilities to work;
if the claimant's medical condition falls under one of SSA's listing of impairments;
if the claimant is able to engage in any previous work from the past 15 years; and
availability of any jobs in the regional or national economy that the claimant would be able to work in.

While this is a general overview, there is much more that's involved in the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits.

If you have any Social Security disability benefits questions such as how the SSA determines total disability, then you should immediately speak with a Charleston, South Carolina attorney.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston, South Carolina Attorney

The South Carolina Social Security disability attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help with the complicated and time-consuming tasks associated with filing a disability claim. Before you file a Social Security disability claim in South Carolina, contact a disability attorney for a consultation 1-888-690-0211.

Johns Island Woman Dies In Moped Accident

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Thirty two year old Elizabeth Parker of Johns Island died on Sunday as a result of a motor vehicle accident that happened on Friday, May 20,2011.
According to Lt. Donnie Quick of Mount Pleasant Police Department the victim was merging onto the Ravenel Bridge at approximately 10:00 pm. As Parker was merging onto the bridge from Coleman Boulevard a vehicle struck the moped that she was driving in the rear. The impact of the vehicle caused her to become ejected from her vehicle.
Ms. Parker was taken to the Medical University of South Carolina for treatment. Ms. Parker passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2011.
William Dennis Hunt of Ridgeville was arrested and charged with felony DUI.

25 Year Old Cyclist Killed In West Ashley

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Twenty five year old Yury Babenko was killed on Friday while riding his bicycle along Old Towne Road in West Ashley. Mr. Babenko was from Russia and residing in West Ashley.
The accident occured at 1325 Old Towne Road in West Ashley at approximately 10:40 pm on May 20, 2011. The victim was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina where he later died.
Charleston Police Department spokesman Charles Francis identified the driver of the vehicle as Steven Keuhner. Keuhner left the scene of the accident and was later found on Folly Road and was charged with felony DUI.

Head On Collision Kills Motorcyclist on Highway 61

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Darrell Smith, 40, of Summerville was pronounced dead after the motorcycle he was driving collided with a sports utility vehicle along South Carolina Highway 61.
The accident occurred at 26409 Augusta Highway near Ridgeville at approximately 9:24 pm on Friday, May 20, 2011.
Colleton County Coroner Richard Harvey stated that Smith died from multiple trauma.
The driver of the SUV, whose name has not been released, was taken to Colleton Medical Center. Harvey states that we do not know the extent of her injuries.

Social Security Disability Paper Checks to Be Phased Out by March 2013

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have been diagnosed with a severe medical condition and wonder if you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you should speak with a Charleston Social Security disability attorney.

Currently payments for Social Security disability benefits are available electronically or through paper checks. However, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA), paper checks will be completely phased out by March 2013.

To help spread the word, a new campaign called "No Check - Go Direct" has been created. The campaign features former Star Trek stars George Takei and Patty Duke. It is to encourage claimants to switch over to direct deposit for their Social Security disability payments.

SSA says there are a number of benefits in the decision to go paperless including:

eliminates paper checks that get lost in the mail;
payment reliability and safety;
will provide taxpayers a savings;
money is available immediately on payment date; and
it's helpful to our environment.

Those who applied for benefits beginning May 1, 2011, and any thereafter will receive their payments for Social Security electronically. Claimants who have been receiving paper checks will need to switch over to direct deposit by March 1, 2013.

If you have questions concerning your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits, consulting with a Charleston Social Security disability attorney should be your next step.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Social Security Disability Attorney

The South Carolina Social Security disability attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help with the complicated and time-consuming tasks associated with filing a disability claim. Before you file a Social Security disability claim in South Carolina, contact a disability attorney for a consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

5 Tips After You've Been in a South Carolina Truck Accident

Sat, 21 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Any Summerville auto accident that results in serious, life-altering injuries is likely to benefit from the assistance of a personal injury lawyer in Summerville, South Carolina. This may be even truer in accidents that involve a large commercial truck, such as a semi- or a tractor-trailer.

Not only does a truck's size typically mean a greater chance for severe injury, but the claims process for a South Carolina truck accident is much more involved than for an accident involving passenger vehicles. Trucking companies and truck drivers have to adhere to a strict set of federal safety mandates, but they also often have the legal right to destroy critical evidence related to the accident, sometimes in a matter of just weeks!

With that in mind, here are 5 steps that you can take after a truck accident to protect your rights:

Keep records of your injuries - This can include a pain journal and medical bills.
Do as your doctor says - Keep all of your appointments and follow your doctor's orders.
Provide evidence to your lawyer quickly - Your injury attorney needs to be able to access critical documents before they are destroyed, so be sure to do your part in getting any required documents or evidence to your legal team in a timely manner.
Watch your words - Don't discuss the South Carolina truck accident with anyone except as instructed by your attorney.
Let your attorney handle the communication with insurers - Your attorney can instruct you in what is and is not appropriate to discuss with an adjuster.

After a truck accident, remember that you have legal options to protect your rights and your future health. Having an attorney on your side will allow you to focus on recovery and moving on with your life.

Seeking the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Summerville, South Carolina

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Summerville personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Empty Gas Tank Contributed to Fatal Accident on I-526 in North Charleston

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

May 12, 2011 - North Charleston, S.C. - A man has died in an accident on I-526 that occurred sometime in the late night on Wednesday, May 11, or in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 12.

A story from the ABC affiliate WCIV-TV says that the victim was a 37-year-old man who succumbed to "blunt force injuries" sustained when his vehicle was struck by a dump truck on the busy interstate.

North Charleston Police Department representatives have said the accident victim was putting gas into an older Lincoln Continental that was parked on the side of I-526. Though the accident victim had turned on the lights on the car, the driver of the dump truck that struck the passenger vehicle has stated that he wasn't able to see the vehicle or the victim.

The fatal accident took place on I-526 close to International Boulevard. The victim died at the scene of the crash site, which had to be closed for some time as police and accident crews worked to clear the scene and investigate the accident.

Authorities continue to investigate the details of the fatal crash. In the wake of the tragedy, safety officials have urged drivers to use extreme caution when faced with a situation in which your car runs out of fuel.

As a service to the residents of Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, West Ashley, Hanahan, McClellanville, Georgetown, and South Carolina in general, Shelly Leeke Law Firm, LLC will frequently publish news stories about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Carolina and can result in serious injuries and/or fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

single-car accidents such as SUV rollovers;
accidents due to hazardous road conditions; and
accidents caused by distracted, aggressive, and/or drunk drivers.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim's family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

Along With The Summer Heat Come The Hot Tempers!

Thu, 19 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

It can get pretty hot in the South during the summer. Tempers of aggressive drivers seem to heat up as well. Your daily commute can turn dangerous very quickly if you come across one of these hot headed drivers.

In an article on AAA Foundation's Aggresive Driving Update found that aggressive driving behaviors are a factor in 56% of fatal crashes. Additionally, nearly 90 % of drivers view aggresive driving as a very serious or somewhat serious threat to their own safety.

What can you do when someone displays aggressive behavior while behind the wheel of a vehicle? A few tips were found in the Road Rage Brochure on how to avoid aggressive drivers:

DON'T OFFEND

Avoid cutting drivers off and apologize if you do.
Avoid tailgating and honking the horn.
Avoid inappropriate or offensive gestures.

DON'T ENGAGE

Steer clear of aggressive drivers.
Don't make eye contact.
If you feel like you are being followed or are in danger, drive to a safe/crowded place or dial 911for help.

ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE

Leave for your destination with enough time to get there safely without having to rush.
Put yourself in the other driver's shoes.
Take a moment to calm yourself, take a deep breath and remember escalating a situation will only make things worse.

If you become a victim of an accident, please contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm for a free consultation.

Woman Dies After Falling From Motorcycle on Interstate 26

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Berkeley County Coroner's Office identifed the victim of a motorcycle accident as Ton-Yeka Williams. Ms. Williams was a passenger on a motorcycle being driven by Walter Lee Mungin Jr.
The bike was traveling on I-26 in the westbound lane near mile marker 193, one mile from the Jedburg exit. Ms. Williams fell from the back of the bike and was airlifted to The Medical University of South Carolina. The reason for the fall is unknown. Ms. Williams died from her injuries on Monday, May, 16, 2011 from injuries sustained in the accident. No further details are available at this time. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is handling the investigation.

Three Year Old Gaffney Girl Dies in Tragic Daycare Accident

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Funeral services were held on May 16, 2011 for 3 year old Alyssa Jade Mayfield of Gaffney, SC.
Authorities state that the toddler died after a 250 lb wooden stage section fell from a cart on top of her.
The accident happened in the gym at West End Baptist Church at approximately 3:20 pm.
Witness' stated that the little girl was retrieving a ball when she bumped into the wheeled cart that was being used to store the wooden stage pieces. Daycare workers performed CPR on the little girl until she was airlifted to a Spartanburg Hospital where she was pronounced dead about an hour later.
The church pastor released a statement that the four stage sections were kept on a wheeled cart that had a metal strap meant to secure the sections to the cart and prevent them from falling.
According to a press release by Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Flower, the official cause of death was blunt force head trauma.
DSS said that 4 violations were found which date back to 2009. The agency is conducting an investigation and will release it's findings within a few weeks.

Lexington Man Killed in Moped Accident

Mon, 09 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported by WISTV.com, authorities are trying to figure out who struck and killed a moped driver in the early hours of Monday, May 9, 2011.
The Lexington County Coroner, Harry O. Harman identified the victim of the accident as 37 year old Hiram Juarez Miller of Lexington, SC.
Mr. Miller was traveling near the busy intersection of South Lake Drive and Industrial Drive at approximately 3:30 a.m. when he was struck and killed by an unknown motorist. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The crash investigation is being handled by South Carolina Highway Patrol MAIT Officers, Lexington Police and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Law enforcement officers are asking for your help in regards to this accident. If you have any information about this accident you may be eligible for a cash reward. Please call Crimestoppers @ 1-888-CRIME-SC.

Lexington Man Killed in Early Morning Accident

Mon, 09 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Columbia Man Dies After John Deere Tractor Accident

Fri, 06 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

John Shirey of Columbia died on Thursday after the 1969 John Deere tractor that he was driving collided with a logging truck. The deadly accident took place on Lodge Highway in Colleton County.

According to reports, Shirey was attempting to make a left hand turn onto Sunflower Lane when a tractor and trailer carrying logs passed on a double yellow line striking the tractor.

The Colleton County Coroner's office reported that Shirey died from bodily injuries sustained in the crash.

The accident is being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team.

Common Injuries on Fair Rides that Malfunction in South Carolina

Fri, 06 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Fair rides at amusement and theme parks are one of the fun activities that families enjoy throughout the summer months. While fair rides are generally quite safe, there have been some incidents where a defect in the design or manufacturing of the fair ride has resulted in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

A Summerville injury lawyer will evaluate your case to determine if you have a valid product liability claim. A lawyer will also determine the types of damages that you may be entitled to receive through your claim.

Some of the common types of injuries that can be sustained on fair rides that malfunction include:

contusions;
lacerations;
facial injuries;
multiple fractures;
closed head injury;
traumatic brain injury;
spinal cord injury;
nerve damage;
psychological trauma; and
death.

These are just some of the devastating injuries that can be suffered from fair rides that malfunction. When this happens you may be able to pursue compensation through a product liability claim and/or a premises liability claim.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or if you have lost a loved one due to a fair ride malfunctioning in South Carolina, you should immediately speak with a Summerville injury lawyer. A lawyer will help determine the legal options that you may have available.

Seeking the Help of a Summerville Injury Lawyer

The Summerville injury lawyer team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a wrongful death. Our firm's focus on wrongful death cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, fair rides, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina wrongful death claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your wrongful death claim, contact a Summerville injury lawyer for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Driver in 2-Car Collision on Dorchester Road Killed

Thu, 05 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

May 5, 2011 - North Charleston, S.C. - According to a report from the Post and Courier, a driver in a 2-car collision on Dorchester Road was killed on April 23.

Donald Guillotte, 43, of Mississippi, was driving his Chrysler on Dorchester Road, Saturday, April 23, when he was struck by another vehicle after he failed to stop at an intersection controlled by a traffic device.

Guillotte had just exited Interstate 526 when the unidentified driver of a Chevrolet struck him. He was taken to Medical University Hospital where he died as a result of the injuries he sustained from the car accident.

The driver of the Chevrolet was also taken to the hospital; however there is no word on the extent of victim's injuries. A third, unoccupied car was struck by debris from the car accident.

Police continue to investigate the fatal car accident.

If you have been seriously injured in a car accident and believe you have grounds to file a claim, you should consult with a South Carolina personal injury lawyer.

As a service to the residents of Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, West Ashley, Hanahan, McClellanville, Georgetown, and South Carolina in general, Shelly Leeke Law Firm, LLC will frequently publish new stories about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Carolina and can result in serious injuries and/or fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

single-car accidents such as SUV rollovers;
accidents due to hazardous road conditions; and
accidents caused by distracted, aggressive, and/or drunk drivers.

A Look at the South Carolina Wrongful Death Act

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have lost your loved one as a result of a fatal accident in South Carolina, you may be wondering if you should seek a legal course of action. Speaking with a Georgetown wrongful death lawyer should be your next step in order to know what legal options are available and if you have a valid South Carolina wrongful death claim.

According to the South Carolina Wrongful Death Act, you may be entitled to compensation for your loved one's death if it was the result of negligence. Proving negligence can be complicated, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. This is why you should seek the help of a Georgetown wrongful death lawyer.

Using the evidence you provide along with details of the accident, your attorney can get an understanding of whether someone else is liable for the fatal accident in South Carolina that claimed the life of your loved one. You don't have to feel alone in the task of gathering this evidence either. Your attorney will aid you in this endeavor.

Before you decide to file a South Carolina wrongful death lawsuit, you must also be able to establish that you are a surviving family member such as a spouse, child, sibling or parent.

Furthermore, you must establish a monetary loss has resulted because of your loved one's death. A Georgetown wrongful death lawyer can help you with all of this.

To understand what types of compensation may be available through a South Carolina wrongful death lawsuit, you should consult with a Georgetown wrongful death lawyer.

Seeking the Help of a Georgetown Wrongful Death Lawyer

The Georgetown wrongful death lawyer team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a wrongful death. Our firm's focus on wrongful death cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina wrongful death claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your wrongful death claim, contact a Georgetown wrongful death lawyer for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

What Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in South Carolina Cover?

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have been seriously injured in a hit and run accident or any other type of accident in South Carolina, you may have a lot of questions about taking legal action against the other driver and what you are going to do about your expenses.

A Charleston injury lawyer will take the time to sit down and discuss all of these important issues with you. Your attorney will also help you determine if your accident in South Carolina was the result of someone else's negligence.

Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage are important types of coverage for any driver in South Carolina. These types of insurnce can help protect you in the event you are injured by an uninsured driver or one who doesn't carry adequate insurance.

However, you should know what these types of coverage will cover. Most uninsured and underinsured coverage includes bodily injury, but does not typically include any property damage.

Bodily injury coverage may include costs associated with medical care, treatment, pain and suffering and other damages related to your injuries.

While having the right kind of coverage is important, it is also important to have the right kind of legal help if you have been injured in an accident in South Carolina. You should immediately consult with a Charleston injury lawyer who will work with you to ensure your legal rights are protected.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Injury Lawyer

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston injury lawyer for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Auto Insurance Coverage Every South Carolina Driver Should Have

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you are a driver, you should know the importance of certain types of auto insurance coverage. Since no one can predict when an accident in South Carolina will happen, whether the driver at fault will have insurance or what types of injuries you might sustain, it is in your best interest to make sure you are carrying enough coverage.

Some of the most devastating types of accidents involve those with an uninsured driver or those caused by a hit and run driver. You may not have much legal recourse in either event.

However, if you carry uninsured motorist coverage in South Carolina or underinsured motorist coverage, you can make up for what is missing with the responsible party.

Uninsured motorist coverage in South Carolina will protect you in the event you are injured by an uninsured driver. Underinsured motorist coverage will protect you in the event you are injured by a driver who doesn't have enough coverage to take care of your injury-related expenses.

If you have been injured in an accident in South Carolina and have questions concerning coverage, consulting with a Charleston injury lawyer should be your next step in order to determine what legal options you have available.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Injury Lawyer

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston injury lawyer for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

What Kind of Compensation Exists in a South Carolina Wrongful Death Claim?

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

If your loved one was killed in a fatal accident in South Carolina, the last thing you may want to do is become involved in a legal process. But when an accident is the result of someone else's carelessness or recklessness and results in death, the most appropriate action may be to file a South Carolina wrongful death claim.

By speaking with a Georgetown wrongful death lawyer after losing a loved one in an accident-whether it was an auto accident, a slip and fall accident or the result of a dangerous prescription drug-you can determine whether filing a wrongful death claim is an appropriate action for your family.

A Georgetown wrongful death lawyer can advise you on the types of compensation you may be able to recover through a South Carolina wrongful death claim.

When you look at the kinds of compensation involved, know that a settlement or award typically won't just include those damages that are easily quantified by numbers, things like: funeral expenses, medical care before death and so on. A lawyer will also talk to you about the non-economic damages involved in a person's death, such as the victim's pain and suffering prior to passing and your own mental anguish. These are very complicated damages to pursue, so it's important to work with an attorney who has strategies in place for how to convey these losses in a compelling manner.

Understanding the types of compensation that you may be entitled to is best done with the help of a Georgetown wrongful death lawyer. A lawyer can help you decide if pursuing a South Carolina wrongful death claim is an appropriate move after the death of your loved one.

Seeking the Help of a Georgetown Wrongful Death Lawyer

The Georgia wrongful death lawyer team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a wrongful death. Our firm's focus on wrongful death cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina wrongful death claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your wrongful death claim, contact a Georgetown wrongful death lawyer for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Ruling on Social Media and Injury Claims that Could Affect your Charleston Case

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a 2010 New York Supreme Court case, Kathleen Romano v. Steelcase Inc., the court granted an order giving the defense access to the plaintiff's private Facebook and MySpace profiles. The defendant believed that the plaintiff's accounts contained information that was inconsistent with her claim that her injuries negatively impacted her enjoyment of life, for which she was seeking damages.

The plaintiff filed a personal injury claim after suffering back and neck injuries because of a chair that collapsed under her. In the claim, she states that these injuries made her unable to engage in certain activities and that she was confined to her home. However, the defendant argued that her Facebook and MySpace pages contained photos and postings that showed she had traveled out of state and still enjoyed an active lifestyle.

The court agreed with the defendant's claim, and stated that any information posted on Facebook and MySpace was public. The New York Court also cited rulings made in other jurisdictions regarding whether social media is protected or may be used in personal injury cases.

While New York courts have not reached a definitive decision regarding a person's right to privacy on social media sites, the court did find that giving the defendant access to these sites did not violate the plaintiff's Fourth Amendment right to privacy.

Learn how your Facebook and other social media accounts could affect your South Carolina personal injury claim.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer

Dealing with a personal injury claim after sustaining serious injuries can be a stressful process. The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Justice The Owl Makes A Visit To The Flowertown Festival In Summerville

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

The staff of Shelly Leeke Law Firm along with Justice The Owl will be out at the Flowertown Festival in beautiful Summerville, SC this weekend. Come visit our booth for the chance to win lots of great prizes and to sign up for your copy of The South Carolina Accident Book written by Shelly Leeke. We hope to see you there!!

Both Drivers Killed in Fatal Head-On Collision in Charleston on Hgwy. 176

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 31, 2011 - Charleston, SC - According to a report from the Herald Online, two drivers died after a fatal head-on collision in Charleston.

The fatal crash occurred in the morning on Friday Mar. 25 in Berkeley County. According to authorities, Ralph Daniels, 48, of Summerville was driving west in his truck on U.S. Highway 176 when he crossed the center line.

Daniels struck a pickup truck head-on. The second vehicle was operated by David Rudd, 38, of Givhans. Neither of the drivers was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident and both were said to have suffered massive body trauma.

Daniels was pronounced dead at the scene of the head-on collision. Rudd was taken to Medical University Hospital, where he later died. There were no other people involved in the fatal crash that caused the road to be closed for almost 3 hours.

If your loved one was killed in a fatal accident that was the result of someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party.

A Charleston wrongful death attorney can evaluate your case to determine if you have a valid claim. Additionally, a Charleston wrongful death attorney can help collect the evidence that will be necessary in order to prove your wrongful death claim.

As a service to the residents of Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, West Ashley, Hanahan, McClellanville, Georgetown, and South Carolina in general, Shelly Leeke Law Firm, LLC will frequently publish news stories about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Carolina and can result in serious injuries and/or fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

-- single-car accidents such as SUV rollovers;
-- accidents due to hazardous road conditions; and
-- accidents caused by distracted, aggressive, and/or drunk drivers.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim's family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

DUI Plays A Role In Weekend Accident

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

One man is killed and two others suffered injuries after an early morning car accident on Sunday just after midnight.

According to the South Carolina Highway patrol, 30 year old Corey Allen Deas was driving his Ford Mustang along River Road between Howard Lane and Toby Road in McClellanville when the vehicle left the roadway and overturned.

The 2 passengers were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected. One of the victims was identified as 19 year old York Maxwell, died at the scene. The other passenger, also 19 years old was transported to a nearby hospital.

The driver of the vehicle Corey Allen Deas is being charged with driving under the influence.

The accident is still under investigation.

How South Carolina's Negligence Laws Impact Claim Value

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you were recently injured by someone else's negligence resulting in a car accident in South Carolina, it's important to understand all of the elements that influence your potential compensation in a South Carolina personal injury claim. Once of these factors is South Carolina's negligence laws.

Negligence laws vary from state to state and are intended to set the standard of who can file an injury claim and how much compensation a victim can recover if they contributed in any way towards the accident and resulting injuries.

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence law known as the 51% rule. This rule allows accident victims who were 50% responsible or less the ability to recover compensation through an injury claim. It also states that any percentage of fault on your behalf up to 50% will be deducted from any compensation you would recover.

For example, if you were offered $100,000 and were also found 10% at fault you would only recover 90% of your compensation, which in this example would be $90,000.

What other factors impact the value of a South Carolina injury claim?

Under South Carolina law, filing a South Carolina personal injury claim allows you to hold the person who injured you responsible for:

past, present, and future estimated medical expenses;
time lost from work (including time for medical treatment or therapy);
property damage;
pain and suffering;
consideration for any permanent disfiguration or disability; and
other costs directly related to your injury.

For more information on South Carolina negligence laws as they pertain to filing a South Carolina personal injury claim, visit our article library.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Early Morning Accident Claims the Lives of 2 Lowcountry Men

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Early Friday morning David Rudd of Givhans and Ralph Daniels of Summerville were killed after being involved in a head on collision. The accident happened in Berkeley County on State Road Hwy 176, about 2 miles past Cooper Store Road near the Wasamasaw Bridge. Ralph Daniels died at the scene and David Rudd was airlifted to MUSC where he was later pronounced dead. Both of the victims died from body trauma.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2009 chevy pickup truck was traveling east on hwy 176 when the second vehicle; a 2000 Chevy pickup truck crossed the center line striking the other vehicle head on. Reports state that neither victim was wearing a safety belt.

The roadway was closed for several hours this morning as crews worked to get the wreckage from the roadway. The accident is currently under investigation with the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Breakdown of Negligence Laws in South Carolina

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you were seriously injured in a car accident in South Carolina you may be thinking about filing a South Carolina personal injury claim to recover damages. However, South Carolina's negligence laws will in part determine both your eligibility to file a claim and what percentage of compensation you'll be able to recover.

Depending on the circumstances of your car accident in South Carolina you may be able to recover damages such as:

pain and suffering caused by the injury;
medical costs (both your current bills and estimated treatment for the future);
missed wages from lost time at work;
lost future earnings from any long-term effects of the injury; and
other financial losses you suffered as a result of the injury.

South Carolina Negligence Laws Compared To Other States

Your ability to recover damages is governed by South Carolina's negligence laws, which is a variation of comparative negligence. South Carolina negligence laws follow what is called the 51% rule. Other states using comparative negligence can follow pure comparative negligence or the 50% rule.

South Carolina's 51% rule simply means you can only recover damages from a South Carolina personal injury claim if your share of fault for the car accident in South Carolina is 50% or less. Another aspect of this law is that any percentage of fault on your part will be deducted from your final compensation amount. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 but were also found 30% at fault for your car accident, your compensation would be reduced by 30% and you would only recover $70,000.

An experienced Georgetown personal injury attorney can help argue any degree of fault on your behalf to help you recover the most compensation possible.

For more information on South Carolina negligence laws as they pertain to filing a South Carolina personal injury claim visit our article library.

Seeking the Help of a Georgetown Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

17-Year-Old Girl Killed in Johns Island Crash

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 23, 2011 - A 17-year-old girl died on Saturday after the car she was riding in crashed in Johns Island. According to a report at Live 5 News, the accident occurred shortly before 3 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Deputies say the victim was a passenger in a 2003 Buick Century driven by her sister, a 19-year-old girl from Johns Island. The car was traveling on Maybank Highway when the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The bulk of the impact occurred on the passenger's side, where the 17-year-old girl was sitting. Neither one was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the car crash. The victim suffered serious head injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after the car accident. The 19-year-old driver suffered personal injuries and is being treated at MUSC in Charleston.

The driver's 1-year-old son was also in the car at the time of the accident. Although the child was sitting in a booster seat, the seat was not latched properly in the car. The child was also transported to MUSC, but the extent of his injuries is currently unknown.

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office is still investigating this fatal crash.

St. Matthews Police Chief Dies in SUV Accident

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 23, 2011 - The St. Matthews police chief died over the weekend in a fatal car crash. As reported at The State, the accident took place shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. St. Matthews is a small city located approximately half way between Charleston and Columbia.

Authorities are still investigating how this fatal crash occurred, but initial reports indicate that the police chief, a 60-year-old man, was driving a Chevrolet SUV on Burke Road when he lost control of the vehicle. He drove off the roadway and overcorrected before crashing into a row of trees on the side of the road. The victim was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, and officials say he suffered a spine fracture, in addition to other serious injuries. The victim was pronounced dead shortly after the accident. It was not immediately clear if the police chief was on duty at the time of the crash.

Officials are investigating to determine what caused the police chief to lose control of his SUV. The victim apparently had a heart condition that could have led to the accident, and one official has also speculated that the police chief may have been distracted by a cell phone.

Gaston Man Killed After Leaving His Car To Check on Another Driver

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Both southbound lanes of Interstate 77 were closed down early Wednesday morning due to a 6 car accident.
The multiple car accident involved 6 cars and happened around 12:03 am approximately one mile south from Bluff Road according to South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The Richland County Coroner stated that Allen V. Garner, 34 of Gaston had gotten out of his vehicle that had been rearended in the accident to check on another driver when he was struck and killed by oncoming traffic.
The accident is currently under investigation.

6 Year Old Killed In Upstate After Train Ride In Amusement Park Crashes

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

It was a beautiful day on Saturday for a children's day trip to the amusement park. This day ended sadly for the congregation of Corinth Baptist Church of Gaffney, SC. The children, along with the pastor, youth pastor, and other members of the church were among the injured when the miniature train ride at the Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, SC overturned. Members of the church that were onboard when the derailment occurred say that they are not sure what caused the accident but the train seemed to be going pretty fast. According to David Britt of Spartanburg County, the train track had been completely reworked a couple of years ago.

Benjamin "Benji" Easler,a 6 year old of Gaffney was killed in the crash. His father Dwight Easler is the pastor of the church. The pastor, his pregnant wife and their 3 children were all onboard the train. Dwight suffered a badly sprained ankle and deep cuts to his head, his wife suffered minor cuts and bruises, the two older boys suffered from broken arms and one of the boys had to have surgery for a bad cut on his face.

Nathan Ellis, youth pastor, spoke very tenderly of the young boy stating that " Benji is the kid that swam across the baptistry when it was his turn to be baptized". The church brought in grief counselors for the families involved and any other members that were affected by this tragedy.

Sixteen of the nearly 30 passengers on the train were all from the Gaffney congregation. The other children that were involved in the accident are between the ages of 3 and 12 years old. The driver was released on Monday from the hospital. The crash happened on Saturday, March 19,2011 at approximately 1pm, within one hour of the park's opening day of the season.

South Carolina officials stated on Monday that the report that was done by the state inspector falsified his report that ok'd the ride. The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation chief Catherine Templeton stated that there was no way that the test was performed on the train because the train had a dead battery, making it inoperable. Templeton went on to state the the worker has been fired.

South Carolina Highway Patrol Looking for Suspect in Deadly Hit & Run Accident

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is on the lookout for a suspect that hit a 51 year old man in Eloree, SC.

The accident happened on Saturday, March 19, 2011 along Highway 47 in Eloree, SC. James Frederick Griffin was riding his 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle when he struck a deer and was thrown from his bike. At some point, the driver of a tan 1993-1995 Toyota Camry struck and killed Griffin as he lay in the roadway. The driver of the Camry left the scene of the accident.

Click here to find out what to do if you are involved in a hit and run accident in SC

Fatal Wreck Kills Goose Creek Teenager

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A three car accident that occurred in Goose Creek last night killed the driver of one of the vehicles. The fatal accident happened around 8:25 pm when a 1991 Honda struck two vehicles that were stopped at the Red Bank Road and Harbour Lake Drive intersection, SC Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins said.

Berkeley County Coroner, Bill Salisbury said the driver of the Honda died at a local hospital from blunt force injuries. The victim was wearing a seatbelt. Salisbury withheld the victim's name until his family could be notified. A passenger that was in the Honda was taken to the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital. The drivers of the other two vehicles were transported to Trident Medical Center.

The accident is under investigation by the Berkeley County Coroner's office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Woman Charged With Attempted Murder, Accused of Hitting Two Women With Car

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Georgetown County Sheriffs Department has charged a woman with attempted murder after she is accused of hitting two women intentionally with her car and then turned around her SUV and hit one of the victim's again.

Police have charged Ivory R. Wilson of two counts of attempted murder. The incident happened this morning at approximately 10:16 am in the area of Ben Horry Trail when officers responded to a call that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle.

According to investigators, the incident stemmed from an early morning dispute that Wilson had with one of the pedestrians.

One of the victims was taken to Waccamaw Hospital and the other was transported to Georgetown Memorial Hospital for their injuries.

While the deputies were responding to this incident, a drive by shooting was called in on Grate Avenue where the suspect's vehicle was involved.

Both of the incident's are under investigation by Georgetown County Sheriff's office and have developed leads that the two incidents are related.

Seeking Treatment for Internal Bleeding after a South Carolina Accident

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

The diagnosis, treatment and recovery from injuries sustained in a serious South Carolina accident can result in medical bills, lost wages, and suffering you should not be left to deal with alone. A Charleston personal injury attorney can help you file a personal injury claim to recover these damages and provide for future needs related to your medical condition.

In cases of mild internal bleeding, treatment can range from simply allowing the blood to be absorbed back into the body, as with the disappearance of a bruise over time, to use of coagulation medications. Time and rest are generally the only treatments necessary for skin bruising as long as the blood clots on its own.

When the bleeding cannot be controlled or blood pools in body cavities or joints to cause pain, more serious treatment methods may be necessary. One non-surgical procedure known as angiography may be used by a radiologist to detect and repair the internal bleeding.

Surgery can be necessary to repair ruptured blood vessels, organ linings, or to remove blood clots. If the internal bleeding was caused by a bone fracture, an orthopedic surgeon may be called in to mend the bones back together and reconnect the blood supplies flowing through the bone marrow.

If left untreated the dangers of internal bleeding from a South Carolina accident can become fatal. Long term consequences of serious internal bleeding, especially in the brain, can cause brain damage possibly leading to cognitive or physical impairment. These complications can be compensated for through an injury claim filed with the help of a Charleston personal injury attorney.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

The Charleston personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Mother of Deadly Folly Road Crash Victim Speaks Out

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

The mother of one of the victims in a deadly wreck that occured on February 15, 2011 speaks out about her daughter's road to recovery.
The horrific accident claimed the life of 19 year old Megan Corbett and left two other teens, Kristen Hunt and Glenn Chris III injured along with Brittany West, who remains in critical condition.
For the past 29 days the devoted mother; Dawn Hancock has not left her daughter's side vowing that she will not leave until her daughter is ready to come home.
Hancock states that "she is not able to walk, talk or feed herself. She stood up for the first time days ago and that was very exciting to see". Ms. Hancock knows that her daughter's journey is far from over and she has no time frame on when she will be able to leave the hospital and return to her home in Ladson. "She shattered her spleen, she has 4 broken ribs, broken nose,cheek bones,broken eye bones,femur and a broken leg." Hancock says.
The police report stated that none of the teens were wearing seatbelts. According to Hancock, this could have lessened her daughter's injuries.

Sheriff Releases Report on Fatal James Island Car Crash

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 16, 2011 - The Charleston County Sheriff's Office has concluded their investigation into a fatal car accident that claimed the life of a young woman in February. As reported at Live 5 News, the car accident injured an additional 4 people who were hospitalized with serious injuries.

The sheriff's report says that the victim, a 19-year-old woman, caused the fatal car accident when she drifted into oncoming traffic in her Ford Explorer. The victim was driving on Folly Road in James Island. The Ford Explorer crashed head-on into a Ford F-250 traveling the opposite direction on Folly Road and then rolled over onto its side. The pickup truck attempted to swerve to avoid the oncoming vehicle and instead crashed into a house in the 1700 block of Folly Road.

Pictures from the scene show the dark blue Ford Explorer resting on its side with severe damage to its front end. There were 4 passengers in the Ford Explorer during the car accident, including the 19-year-old driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The other 3 victims were treated and released at local hospitals. The sheriff's office says that none of the passengers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the James Island car accident.

The driver of the Ford F-250 also suffered personal injuries. The report concludes by saying that no additional circumstances -- such as speed or alcohol -- were involved in this fatal crash.

Warning Signs of Internal Bleeding after a South Carolina Accident

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

While cases of internal bleeding can range from a mild bruise to serious cranial hemorrhaging, the symptoms can also vary from case to case. When you've been injured in a serious South Carolina accident that someone else caused, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and internal bleeding through a personal injury claim. But first, you'll want to seek medical attention for your injuries.

Some of the common warning signs of internal bleeding include:

bruising;
abdominal pain;
shock;
low blood pressure;
rapid heartbeat;
clammy, sweaty skin;
confusion;
dizziness;
vision loss;
blood present in urine, vomit or stool; and
joint pain or immobility.

In cases of internal organ damage where internal bleeding occurs, many patients do not realize the severity of their injuries until a few days after their accident. Damages to the urinary or digestive systems can cause blood to appear in the urine or stool, indicating internal bleeding in the kidneys, bladder, or bowels. Abdominal trauma can cause bleeding in the stomach which can result in blood found in the vomit.

Bleeding after an accident is never normal and should be assessed by a medical professional immediately to prevent the condition from becoming life threatening. The first course of action is to stop the bleeding and stabilize the victim, then treatment can be provided to stop the source of the bleeding.

A traumatic South Carolina accident that results in internal bleeding can be dangerous and lead to life-threatening complications. If you or a loved one has suffered this type of injury you may need to file a personal injury claim with the help of an experienced Charleston personal injury attorney.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

The Charleston personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Mt. Pleasant Man Dies After Crashing Car into Fence

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 15, 2011- A young man was killed on Sunday in a single-vehicle accident in Mt. Pleasant. According to a report at Live 5 News, the fatal car accident occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon as the victim was traveling on a rural road in Charleston County.

Officers say the victim was riding in a car when the driver lost control of the vehicle near the intersection of Main Canal Drive and Rifle Range Road. The car drove off the road onto the shoulder and crashed into a fence. There were two people in the car at the time of the car accident, but no other vehicles were involved. One of the victims, a 20-year-old man from Mt. Pleasant, was pronounced dead
at the scene. Officers have not said if he was the driver or a passenger. Another victim suffered serious personal injuries and is currently receiving treatment at MUSC in Charleston. The name and age of this victim have not yet been released.

Officers with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department are still investigating this fatal car accident, and they have not yet determined what caused the driver to lose control.

Treatment for a Brain Injury after a Pedestrian Accident in South Carolina

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

When a pedestrian accident in South Carolina was the result of someone else's negligence and you have suffered serious harm in the form of a brain injury, you may be able to file a South Carolina personal injury claim.

With the help of a Charleston personal injury lawyer, you can pursue compensation for the losses you have been dealt, including physical, emotional and financial setbacks.

When a traumatic brain injury has occurred as a result of a pedestrian accident, you may face costly treatment. Depending on the severity of the damage and the complications of your brain injury, treatment may include medication to treat seizures, pain or infection.

Some individuals require therapy or counseling for the psychological damages that may accompany a traumatic brain injury. This can sometimes help with coping skills.

When a traumatic brain injury leads to life-threatening complications, treatment may include surgery in order to:

relieve pressure in the brain from fluid buildup;
repair a fractured skull;
restore nerve function; or
repair a leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.

Suffering a brain injury is a traumatic experience that may completely alter your life. If you have experienced a severe injury that is the result of a pedestrian accident in South Carolina, a Charleston personal injury lawyer can assist you with filing your South Carolina personal injury claim.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer

The Charleston personal injury lawyer team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury lawyer for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Complications of a Brain Injury from a South Carolina Pedestrian Accident

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

One of the most serious injuries to sustain in a pedestrian accident is a traumatic brain injury. As with any type of brain injury, there are a number of additional complications that can be suffered.

If you have suffered a brain injury after a pedestrian accident in South Carolina, you may be entitled to receive compensation to address your injuries and resulting medical complications. A Charleston personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case to determine if you have a valid South Carolina personal injury claim and to assess the impact your brain injury complications have had on your life.

Some of the complications from a traumatic brain injury include:

Post-concussion syndrome - symptoms include headache, dizziness and depression, which can last a few weeks or even months.
Hydrocephalus - buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, which puts pressure on the brain.
Cerebrospinal fluid leakage - can occur if a skull fracture causes membranes in the brain to tear.
Seizures - may last a week or turn into post-traumatic epilepsy, which can last for months or years.
Cranial nerve damage - can lead to facial paralysis.
Damaged blood vessels - large blood vessels that are damaged could lead to a stroke or blood clot.
Infection - bacteria may enter the brain's cavity and lead to serious infections, such as meningitis.

In addition to these complications, some brain injury victims experience chronic pain that may be difficult to treat.

If a pedestrian accident in South Carolina has left you suffering from a serious brain injury, a Charleston personal injury lawyer can talk to you about the long-term implications of your injury.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer

The Charleston personal injury lawyer team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury lawyer for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

West Ashley Man Ejected from Dump Truck

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 10, 2011 - A South Carolina man was killed on Wednesday when he was involved in a rollover accident while driving a dump truck. According to a report at Live 5 News, fatal truck accident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

Deputies with the Charleston County Sheriff's Department say the victim was behind the wheel of a dump truck when he lost control of the truck in the 5000 block of County Line Road. The truck accident took place near the intersection with Hyde Park Road. Deputies say the victim was ejected from the truck and was pronounced dead at the scene. He has been identified as a 59-year-old man from West Ashley. County Line Road was shut down for several hours as the Sheriff's Department investigated the fatal truck crash.

Pictures from the scene show the mangled wreckage and indicate that the dump truck rolled over on the side of the road. The truck was carrying sand at the time of the truck accident. No other vehicles were involved and no additional injuries were reported. Investigators have not said if speed played a role in this fatal truck accident.

3 Car Accident in Lexington County Claims One Life

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Billy Joe Thomas, 23, of Gaston was traveling on the 2800 block of Augusta Highway on Monday when his vehicle spun out of control and hit another truck being driven by James Liberty, 37, of West Columbia. The impact from the first crash caused Thomas' vehicle to be forced into an oncoming lane where it was struck by a 2007 10-wheel flatbed truck driven by Jerome Cole, 44, of Columbia.

After the crash Thomas was trapped as was one of his passengers Travis Berry, 23, of Columbia. The second passenger in Thomas' truck was Kendall Shisler, 19, also of Columbia was thrown from the pickup. Both of the passengers were admitted to Palmetto Health Richland Hospital. Thomas was taken to Lexington Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy that was performed on Tuesday showed that Billy Joe Thomas died from multiple body trauma from being thrown around in the cab of the truck.

The 3 car accident blocked the Lexington County intersection of Pinecrest Avenue and Highway 1 near Interstate 26 from 2pm until 6:30pm on Monday, March 8, 2011.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol Accident Reconstruction Team is investigating the accident and may take weeks before a final report is released.

Hit and Run Crash Near Elgin Injures One

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 9, 2011 - The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating an Elgin hit and run accident that caused a vehicle to roll over into a ditch on Tuesday morning. According to a report at Live 5 News, the car accident injured one man, and troopers have yet to locate the driver that caused this crash.

Investigators say the victim was driving on Highway 1 near Elgin when he was run off the road by a Ford Crown Victoria shortly after 8 a.m. The victim's car swerved into a ditch and rolled over several times before coming to a rest on the passenger's side. The victim, a man from Lugoff, suffered minor personal injuries and was treated by paramedics at the scene of the accident. Fortunately, the victim told reporters that he rarely wears a seatbelt, but for some reason, he decided to wear his seatbelt on Tuesday morning.

Authorities later discovered the Ford Crown Victoria abandoned in a wooded area less than 5 miles from the scene of the hit and run accident. It was reported stolen. However, the driver was nowhere to be found and investigators have yet to identify him or her. The investigation continues.

Dump Truck Overturns In Ravenel Killing Driver

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A dump truck carrying sand overturned on County Line Road killing 59 year old, David Rokusek, of Charleston. The accident occured on the morning of Wednesday, March 9,2011. The coroner states that Rokusek was ejected from the vehicle.

The investigation is being handled by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office. The truck overturned at 5091 County Line Road near Hyde Park Road. Witnesses state that the driver was traveling the appropriate speed limit.

Lexington Man Killed in Pedestrian Accident

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

Loren Chamberlain, 65, of Lexington was killed on Friday, March 4th around 11:20pm while crossing a public street in Lexington County.

The pedestrian accident occured along the 5400 block of Augusta Road when the victim was struck and killed by a Ford pick-up truck. The victim was taken to Lexington Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating this fatal accident.

Fatal Wreck Kills Woman In Colleton County

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating an accident that occured in Colleton County at approximately 8:10 am near the intersection of Cayce Road and Willow Swamp Road. According to officials, a woman driving a 1997 Ford Expedition was ejected from her vehicle when she ran off the roadway, striking a ditch and overturned into several trees.

There were 4 children; ages 1,5,6 and 8 in the vehicle that were not wearing seatbelts. Colleton County Coroner, Richard Harvey states that the victim; whose name has yet to be released pending notification of next of kin died as a result of the accident. The children were all conscious and appeared stable after the accident were taken to Colleton County Hospital.

Tragic Death of Cane Bay High School Student in Bicycle Accident

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, seventeen year old Ronny Gallardo, of Summerville was riding his bicycle along SC Hwy 176 when he collided with a car being driven by Cassie Gelzer, also of Summerville.
The bicycle accident occurred along SC Hwy 176 near Alexander Circle shortly before 7pm on Sunday, March 6,2011. Gallardo was airlifted to MUSC and pronounced dead at 8:02 pm. The driver of the 1994 Mazda sedan was identified as Cassie Gelzer. Gelzer left the scene of the accident but returned approximately 1 hour after the accident.
The accident is currently under investigation with the South Carolina Highway Patrol. No charges have been filed at this time.

3 Reasons Why Speeding Can Lead to Serious South Carolina Car Accidents

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you were involved in a South Carolina car accident, there's a strong probability it was one of the state's common types of car accidents. While it may help to know you are not alone in your circumstances, this in no way downplays the seriousness of your accident or resulting injuries.

One serious type of common car accident in South Carolina is a speeding crash. We've all seen it: cars roaring past on the highway, weaving in and out of local traffic and so forth.

In 2009 alone, speeding accounted for 337 of South Carolina's 894 traffic accident fatalities, according to numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That means perhaps a third of the state's traffic accident fatalities may have been avoided, had it not been for the reckless behavior of certain speeding motorists. It's no secret that speeding can lead to serious injuries, even death.

Here are 3 reasons why:

speeding reduces the amount of time in which you're able to avoid an accident;
speeding increases the distance you need to keep your car from hitting another vehicle; and
speeding impairs your ability to judge distances and spot pedestrians and other hazards on the horizon.

Even if you've exercised safe driving habits on South Carolina roadways, there's still the chance that your car accident may have been caused by the negligence of another driver. To be sure, contact a Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyer as soon as possible, to review the circumstances that led to your South Carolina accident and determine if you may be able to file a personal injury claim.

Seeking the Help of a Mt. Pleasant Car Accident Lawyer

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyer for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Car Crash in Charleston County Kills One, Injures Three Others

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 4, 2011 - A car accident near Ravenel claimed the life of one man last Friday night. According to a report at ABC News 4, the accident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on the Savannah Highway in Charleston County.

Deputies with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office say 3 vehicles were involved in the car crash, which injured 3 people in addition to the fatality. A pickup truck slammed into a Cadillac, which then sideswiped a Honda vehicle that was driving southbound. Investigators have not said who was at fault for the Savannah Highway car crash.

The driver of the Cadillac, a 61-year-old man from Hollywood, was pronounced dead shortly after the car accident at MUSC. There were 2 passengers in the Cadillac who suffered serious personal injuries. They are being treated at MUSC, where both are expected to survive. One person in the Honda was also treated for a back injury and broken bones. A young child riding in the Honda was not injured.

Deputies are still investigating this fatal car crash, and they have not issued any charges as of this time. The driver of the pickup truck, who was apparently not injured in the accident, has not been identified.

DUI Crash Near Walterboro Kills 2 People

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 3, 2011 - A Delaware man is facing serious charges after he killed two people in an alcohol-related car accident. According to a report at Live 5 News, the crash occurred shortly before 5 p.m. on Sunday evening near Walterboro.

Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol say the man who caused this crash, a 34-year-old man from Delaware, was driving northbound on Interstate 95 when he swerved into the right-hand lane and crashed into another vehicle, forcing it off the road. That vehicle, an SUV, then crashed into a tree near the side of the interstate.

There were 2 occupants in the SUV, and both victims died shortly after the accident. They have been identified as a 70-year-old woman and a 74-year-old man. Both victims were from Columbia, South Carolina.

An investigation concluded that the 34-year-old driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, although his exact blood-alcohol content has not been released. Troopers have not said if he suffered personal injuries in the crash, but it appears that he was uninjured. He is now facing 2 charges of felony drunk driving that resulted in a death.

The Makings of a Side Impact Crash in South Carolina

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A side impact crash is one of the most common car accidents on South Carolina roadways. Also known as a "t-bone" crash, this type of accident is commonly attributed to at least one driver's carelessness.

There are only a couple other elements that create the likelihood for a side impact crash. This includes another driver (or object); and a traffic signal or sign.

In fact, the most common actions attributed to side impact crashes include:

running a red light;
running a stop sign; and
skidding out of control and hitting another car or object.

Just because you are the one that hit another car, though, doesn't necessarily mean you are at fault for the South Carolina side impact crash.

For instance, if you are traveling straight through a green light at a Mt. Pleasant intersection, and a car on the opposite side of the intersection is in the left-turn lane and turns left before you can stop, you may "t-bone" the passenger side of the vehicle.

Or you could be traveling through a residential neighborhood and approach an intersection in which you do not have a stop sign. Even though the driver on the right has a stop sign, they come raring through without braking, at which the front of your car slams into the driver's side of the other vehicle. In both cases, another driver's recklessness contributed to the makings of a side-impact crash.

Side impact crashes are attributed to thousands of deaths in the United States each year, and a number of crashes in which serious injuries result. If you've been harmed in a side-impact crash or another type of common car accident in South Carolina, you should consult with a Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyer as soon as possible to determine if you may be able to file a South Carolina personal injury claim.

Seeking the Help of a Mt. Pleasant Car Accident Lawyer

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Mt. Pleasant car accident lawyer for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

North Charleston Officer Injured in Rollover Accident

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

March 2, 2011 - An officer with the North Charleston Police Department was injured on Tuesday when she was involved in a rollover accident. According to a report at WCBD TV (News 2 Charleston), the rollover accident occurred during the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating this car accident, but initial reports indicate that the female officer was by herself in her squad car when the crash took place shortly after midnight. The officer was driving on Michaux Parkway in North Charleston when she lost control of the squad car near Dorchester Road. The car rolled over several times before crashing into a utility pole and a tree. Pictures from the scene show that the officer's squad car was severely damaged.

The officer, who has not been identified, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Her condition has not been released, but authorities believe that she will survive her injuries. Weather may have played a role in the rollover accident, as it was raining at the time, but the Highway Patrol has not completed their accident investigation. No other injuries were reported.

Columbia Couple Killed By A Drunk Driver

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A deadly crash occured on Sunday, February 27,2011 when Philip and Elaine Lavoie of Columbia were struck by a drunk driver. The accident happened along Interstate 95 in Colleton County. South Carolina Highway Patrol states that the couple was traveling north near Walterboro when 34 year old Christopher Gregg, of Deleware, swerved into another lane hitting the couple in the SUV that they were driving. The impact forced the vehicle off of the road, causing it to strike a tree.

Philip and Elaine Lavoie were killed in the accident. Christopher Gregg is being charged with 2 counts of felony DUI involving death.

"It is truly a tragedy that they are no longer with us" says daughter Sharon Holley. Just 6 short months ago, Ms. Holley's husband was struck by a drunk driver. She says that it is hard to believe in their small family and their small circle of friends that this could possibly happen to them again.

Third Motorcyclist Dies In The Lowcountry

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 43 year old US Air Force Veteran of Goose Creek dies on Friday morning of injuries caused by a collision that he was involved in on February 19th. According to the Dorchester County Coroner, William Robert Hugo Gillitzer of Lighthouse Drive died at approximately 12:10 am at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital. The cause of death was multi-organ failure and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).

According to the report by the South Carolina Highway Patrol Gillitzer was driving along SC Highway 61 in Ridgeville when another car pulled out in front of him at the Temple Road Intersection to make a left hand turn. As a result, Gillitzer struck the vehicle and was thrown from his bike. Martha Walker Haynes of Ridgeville is being charged with failure to yield the right of way.

This accident marks the third motorcycle crash that has ended in death; all of which were caused by the adverse vehicle. All of the adverse drivers in these accidents were only charged with failure to yield the right of way. Samuel Searles, 68 of North Charleston died on Thursday when his motorcycle collided with a car earlier that week on Dorchester Rd. Devon Autray Jenkins, also of North Charleston died at the scene of a three car wreck on Wednesday on Ashley Phosphate Rd.

10 Questions You Should Ask the Insurance Company Regarding Your South Carolina Personal Injury Claim

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

When it comes to dealing with the insurance company after you have been injured in a South Carolina accident, it is best to have the help of a Goose Creek personal injury attorney.

There are 10 questions that you should ask the insurance adjuster with regard to your South Carolina personal injury claim:

Has any video surveillance been done?
Have you interviewed any of my neighbors?
Will you put in writing that the accident was not my fault?
Can I get a copy of the other party's recorded statement if I provide you with one?
Will I receive a copy of everything you get if I sign this medical release form?
How much money has been set aside in reserve for my claim?
Can I get copies of recorded statements from witnesses?
Can I get a copy of any financial information that you received concerning me?
Is there any umbrella insurance coverage available for my claim?
How much insurance coverage does the other party have?

Of course, the best way to deal with the insurance company in regard to your South Carolina personal injury claim is to leave it in the hands of an experienced Goose Creek personal injury attorney. They know the best way to proceed with the insurance adjuster and how to protect your legal rights.

Seeking the Help of a Goose Creek Personal Injury Attorney

The Goose Creek personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Goose Creek personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Summerville Woman Intentionally Drives Into 4 Schoolchildren

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

February 25, 2011 - A Summerville woman is facing multiple counts of assault and battery after she drove her car into a group of schoolchildren last Thursday. According to a report at the Charleston Post and Courier, the 34-year-old woman was arrested after the incident and held on $40,000 bond.

Officers say the woman was driving a Ford Taurus on Iris Street in Summerville when she approached a group of children walking on the side of the road near the intersection with Tulip Drive. The driver intentionally hit the children after they failed to move out of her way when she honked her horn. Police investigators note that there is no sidewalk on that section of Tulip Drive, so children often walk on the shoulder to get to Alston Middle School, where all of the victims are enrolled as students. The car hit 4 children who range in age from 12 to 14.

Most of the victims were not seriously injured and were treated at the scene, but one child was transported by ambulance to the hospital. The extent of this child's injuries is currently unknown, but he or she was released from the hospital after receiving treatment. The identities of the victims have not been released. If found guilty on all 4 counts of assault and battery, the driver could face up to 10 years in jail for each charge. Police say the driver's own children were in the car when the incident occurred.

21 Year Old Charleston Man Dies After His Motorcycle Collides With Car

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to a statement from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, two motorcycles were traveling West on Ashley Phosphate Road on Wednesday afternoon when a Volvo turned onto the road from Hunters Ridge. The first motorcycle which was driven by 21 year old Devon Jenkins of Charleston, crashed into the side of the Volvo causing his death upon impact. Reports say that Jenkins was not wearing a helmet. The other motorcycle ran into the downed motorcycle. The 19 year old driving that vehicle was not injured.

The 22 year old driver of the car was taken to Trident Regional Hospital for treatment.

Top 5 Tricks an Insurance Company May Use in Your South Carolina Personal Injury Claim

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have been injured in a South Carolina accident you may be entitled to recover compensation through a South Carolina personal injury claim. Consulting with a Goose Creek personal injury attorney is the best way to determine all the legal options you may have available.

When it comes to your claim and dealing with the insurance company you should be aware of tactics and tricks that they may attempt to use against you. An insurance company's ultimate goal is to get you to settle quickly and to settle for a low amount.

The top 5 tricks that an insurance adjuster may use in your South Carolina personal injury claim include:

secretly videotape you in order to catch you doing something that invalidates your claim and the injuries you have sustained;
ask confusing questions and get you to provide a recorded statement that can be used against you;
get you to sign a medical authorization form that releases all of your medical information to them;
deny your injuries are as severe or extensive as they are; and
delay settling your claim in the hopes you will end up settling for a lesser amount.

The best way to proceed with your case is to allow a Goose Creek personal injury attorney to handle negotiations with the insurance company in your South Carolina personal injury claim.

You can learn more about common insurance adjuster tactics by visiting our article library.

Seeking the Help of a Goose Creek Personal Injury Attorney

The Goose Creek personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Goose Creek personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Victim Identified in Williamsburg County Truck Accident

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

February 23, 2011 - Deputies have identified the victim of a truck accident that was killed last Monday. According to a report at Live 5 News, the Williamsburg County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as a 52-year-old man. An autopsy determined that his death was caused by blunt force trauma.

The fatal truck accident occurred near Kingstree. Deputies say the victim was riding in a vehicle on Highway 52 when the driver lost control of the car and slammed into a logging truck that was parked on the side of the road. Investigators say the logging truck was not occupied at the time of the Williamsburg County crash.

The victim was in the passenger seat and suffered severe injuries; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, who has not yet been identified, suffered serious personal injuries and was airlifted to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. He was admitted in critical condition, but his current condition is unknown at this time.

This fatal truck accident remains under investigation. Authorities have not said why the driver lost control of the vehicle or why the logging truck was parked on the side of the road.

66 Year Old Woman Killed After Being Mauled By 2 Rottweilers in Dillon, SC

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Dillon County Sherriff's Office reports that two rottweilers from a neighboring yard are to blame for the horrific attack that led to the death of 66 year old Sirlinda Hayes.

Billy Odom, the victim's nephew, states that he looked for his aunt and didn't see her until he was leaving her property. That is when he saw her "lying on the ground flat-faced". Odom immediately called 911 after discovering her body.

Officials state that the animal attack started in the victim's yard, 1556 West Main Street, and ended in her next door neighbor's yard. The owner of the dogs, Shawn Samuel was also attacked while trying to return the animals to their cages. Mr. Samuels is recovering in a Florence hospital after having to have his leg amputated as a result of the attack.

Dillon County Coroner reports state that the autopsy shows that Ms. Hayes died as a result of the injuries she sustained during the vicious animal attack.

Funeral services are being held at New Spring Hill AME Church in Dillon.

Treatment of an Amputation after a South Carolina Accident

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have suffered a serious injury in a South Carolina accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be able to file a South Carolina personal injury claim. With the help of an experienced Summerville personal injury attorney, you can pursue compensation for the damages you incurred as a result of the accident and subsequent treatment.

One of the most traumatic types of injuries to sustain in a South Carolina accident is a limb amputation. When an individual suffers the loss of a limb it can lead to physical, financial and emotional struggles.

Treatment of an amputation is generally very expensive, but you may be able to recover these costs and others through a South Carolina personal injury claim. Depending on the severity of the injury and the limb affected, treatment naturally will vary.

In some circumstances a limb can be reattached. This will require lengthy rehabilitation. If the limb cannot be reattached, you may be fitted for a prosthetic device. It will take some time before you feel comfortable with the prosthesis.

If the amputation caused additional medical complications such as infection, excessive bleeding or shock, treatment for those injuries will also be necessary. The emotional trauma suffered from the loss of a limb may require an individual to also participate in psychological therapy.

With treatment for the loss of a limb as a result of a South Carolina accident so expensive, it is important to speak with a Summerville personal injury attorney who can discuss with you the legal options you may have available.

Seeking the Help of a Summerville Personal Injury Attorney

The Summerville personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Summerville personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

When a South Carolina Accident Leads to Amputation

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have been seriously injured in a South Carolina accident, such as suffering the loss of a limb, you will likely face a number of difficulties. Not only are there the physical limitations to deal with in the aftermath of an accident, but there may be financial and emotional difficulties as well.

A Summerville personal injury attorney understands that if your amputation was the result of someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages in a South Carolina personal injury claim. A Summerville personal injury attorney can help you determine which party or parties are liable for your injuries and what types of compensation may apply to your case.

Whether the South Carolina accident resulted in crushed limbs, burn injuries or any other traumatic event that led to an amputation, you may be able to hold the responsible party liable for your injuries.

The difficulties awaiting an individual who has suffered the loss of a limb can be severe. The costs of expensive medical bills, lengthy treatment and rehabilitation, and necessary assistive devices are some of the costs that are potentially recoverable in a South Carolina personal injury claim.

Additionally, you may be entitled to recover damages related to lost income, disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering or emotional distress. A Summerville personal injury attorney will take the time to consider all of the devastating effects your amputation has had on your life to determine what a fair settlement should be.

While you focus on recovery after an amputation, a Summerville personal injury attorney will focus on your South Carolina personal injury claim.

Seeking the Help of a Summerville Personal Injury Attorney

The Summerville personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Summerville personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

One Dead, 4 Injured in James Island Crash

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

February 17, 2011 - One person was killed and another 4 people were seriously injured in a car accident in James Island on Tuesday. According to a report at Live 5 News, police say the crash may have been less severe if the victims had been wearing their seatbelts.

Deputies with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office say a Ford Explorer SUV was traveling on Folly Road when the driver swerved into oncoming traffic and crashed into a Ford F-250 pickup truck. The driver of the Explorer SUV, a 19-year-old girl, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. There were 3 other teenagers riding in the SUV, including two 18-year-old girls and an 18-year-old boy from Charleston. At least one of those victims was ejected from the SUV along with the driver. Two remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while the third victim has been upgraded to fair condition. Deputies say all of the teenagers failed to wear their seatbelts.

The driver of the pickup truck, a 57-year-old man from Raleigh, was also injured, although his condition is currently unknown. The Charleston County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate this serious accident, and no charges have been filed yet. A local animal-rescue organization is looking for a white and black dog that was ejected from the SUV.

Hit and Run Driver Assaults Military Officer in Goose Creek

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

February 16, 2011 - A 26-year-old man is facing serious charges after he was involved in a hit-and-run accident while driving under the influence. Once he was caught, the driver assaulted an officer from the Naval Weapons Station in Goose Creek. According to a report at Live 5 News, the incident happened on Friday evening.

Police say the hit and run driver crashed into another vehicle on Harbour Lake Drive and then fled the scene. He then went to the Redbank Club in Goose Creek, where witnesses called police to report the driver's erratic and drunken behavior. When police arrived, two military officers from the nearby Naval Weapons Station were attempting to subdue the increasingly belligerent suspect. The driver, a 26-year-old man, attempted to punch one of the officers and was spitting and biting while the officers tried to apprehend him. He also threatened to kill the officers.

Police say his vehicle was damaged in the hit and run accident, although few details were immediately available from that crash. It was not known if there were any injuries in that incident.

Folly Road Accident Kills One Person

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A portion of Folly Road is closed down due to a fatal accident. Authorities say it will be closed until at least 7pm Tuesday night.

One person is confirmed dead and four others are critically injured. The crash happened in the 1700 block of Folly Road. A helicopter and three ambulances were called to the scene where a collision occured between a Ford Explorer and a truck pulling a horse trailer.

No further details are available at this time.

Worker Dies After Being Trapped Under Vehicle At Boeing Plant

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Charleston County EMS was called to the Boeing Plant on Friday just before noon. A subcontractor for the BE&K Turner joint venture died after being trapped under a vehicle in the plant's parking lot.

Candy Eslinger with Boeing confirmed that the death of this employee is an event unrelated to construction or the overall project on the Boeing site.

No other information is availale at this time.

Side Effects of Ambien

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

When a dangerous drug leads to injuries, you may be able to pursue a South Carolina personal injury claim and hold the manufacturer liable. A Charleston dangerous product lawyer can advise you of the legal options that you may have available.

Additionally, a Charleston dangerous product lawyer will work with you to make sure your complicated paperwork is addressed and that all the damages you have suffered are taken into consideration through your South Carolina personal injury claim.

Injuries that have resulted from taking Ambien could be serious and lead to expensive medical bills. It may help to know that these and other injury-related expenses may be recovered through your claim.

Some of the side effects of Ambien include:

depression;
risk-taking behavior;
agitation/aggression;
hallucinations;
personality changes;
imbalance/lack of coordination;
stomach problems;
appetite changes;
body shakes;
tingling/burning in limbs; and
neck, joint and muscle pain.

Those are just some of the side effects of Ambien that an individual can experience. If you have been injured after taking a dangerous drug, such as Ambien, you should consult with a Charleston dangerous product lawyer. You may be eligible to recover damages for your injuries through a South Carolina personal injury claim.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Dangerous Product Lawyer

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston dangerous product lawyer for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Sumter Sheriff's Deputy Was Speeding in Fatal Crash

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

February 11, 2011 - The South Carolina Highway Patrol released a report on Wednesday concerning a fatal car accident that occurred in December. According to a report at Live 5 News, the Highway Patrol concluded that an off-duty sheriff's deputy was speeding when he crashed into another vehicle.

The deputy, who works for the Sumter County Sheriff's Department, was not on duty at the time of the fatal car accident. He was speeding down Wedgefield Highway in Sumter when he crashed into a car at the intersection with Pitts Road. The driver of the other vehicle, a teenage girl, was pronounced dead the next day.

The Highway Patrol concluded that the deputy was going nearly 60 miles per hour on a street where the posted speed limit is 40 miles per hour. However, the report also states that the teenage driver should not have pulled into the intersection when the deputy's vehicle was so close. The report concludes by stating that the deputy did not have time to stop and should not face criminal charges.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is also advising that the intersection of Pitts Road and Wedgefield Highway be renovated to remove visual obstructions, including a fence and hedge. The Sumter County Sheriff's Department is still conducting their own internal investigation.

Young Child in Critical Condition After Car Accident on James Island

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

February 10, 2011 - A small child is fighting for life after he or she was hit by a van while playing outside. According to a report at Live 5 News, the car accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon on James Island.

Deputies with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office have released few details about this serious pedestrian accident, but initial reports have leaked out to local media outlets. Investigators say the 4-year-old child was playing outside in front of his family's house when he was struck.

It was not immediately clear if the child was on a front lawn or sidewalk, or if he or she was playing in the street in front of the home, which is located on Robert E. Lee Boulevard. The victim was transported by ambulance to MUSC Medical Center in Charleston. Deputies say the child's injuries are severe, and it is not yet known if the child will survive. The victim's identity has not yet been released.

Deputies have also not identified the driver of the van, but have only said that there are no immediate charges forthcoming. It appears that the van was impounded to perhaps provide clues or more information on this serious crash.

Single Car Accident Causes Chain Reaction Accident

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Dante Vann, 44 of Summerville was pronounced dead at the scene of a single car accident that happened along Interstate 26 near milemarker 196. It is being reported that the single car crash occurred when Vann's vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree causing it to burst into flames.

It is being reported that the single car crash involving Vann is what triggered the chain reaction accident that happened just minutes afterwards. While stopped in traffic 3 vehicles were sideswiped by a tractor trailer. The tractor trailer then ran into the median where it struck several trees, one of which fell on another vehicle that was in the roadway. The driver of the tractor trailer; Ernest White, 72, of Wadmalaw Island, was cited for driving too fast for conditions. Five people were taken to local hospitals with injuries. Information on their conditions is unknown at this time.

Why Ambien is a Dangerous Drug

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have been injured after taking Ambien, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a South Carolina personal injury claim. A Charleston dangerous product lawyer will evaluate your case to determine if you qualify.

Ambien has been called a dangerous drug because of some of its serious side effects. One of the more dangerous aspects of taking Ambien is amnesia or memory loss when under the influence of the drug.

Reports have been made of people driving their cars, eating or participating in other activities which they cannot remember. Additionally, since Ambien can cause dizziness and difficulty with balance, some may be injured from falls.

While Ambien has been shown to be helpful in treating insomnia, a sleeping disorder that prevents individuals from falling and/or staying asleep, it has also been linked to other serious side effects.

Dangerous side effects of Ambien have included vision problems, a "drugged" feeling, headache, loss of coordination and psychological difficulties such as depression or suicidal thoughts.

You may be eligible to file a South Carolina personal injury claim if you have been injured after taking Ambien. A Charleston dangerous product lawyer will take the time to sit down and discuss with you all of the legal options you may have available.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Dangerous Product Lawyer

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston dangerous product lawyer for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

One Dead After Early Morning Accident Closes Down Portions of I26

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Highway Patrol closes down part of I-26 after fiery accident kills one. Two accidents that happened within a mile of eachother are being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The accidents occurred on I-26 in the westbound lanes in between milemarkers 197 and 199.

Around 9:30 on Tuesday morning this portion of I-26 was closed down as emergency workers tried to clear the wreckage from the accidents. In the first accident a vehicle caught fire at or around the 196 milemarker and the occupant of the vehicle was killed. Along the same area, a four car collision occured; involving a dump truck. The condidtion of the victims that were involved in the second accident are unknown at this time.

6 Students Injured in Charleston School Bus Crash

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

February 8, 2011 - A number of high school students suffered personal injuries on Saturday when their school bus crashed into a tree near Hollywood. According to a report at the Charleston Post and Courier, the bus driver has been cited for speeding.

The school bus was carrying nearly 30 students from Baptist Hill High School. The students were part of a JTOTC program and were returning from Denmark, where they took part in a military parade. The bus was driving in the eastbound lanes of Old Jacksonboro Road when the driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic while attempting to merge onto U.S. Highway 74.

The driver then overcorrected, which caused the school bus to drive off the road and crash into a row of trees. Six students were injured in the school bus accident, but their identities have not yet been released. They are receiving treatment for their injuries at St. Francis Hospital and Roper Hospital. The bus driver, a man from Walterboro, was not injured.

Deputies say all of the students are expected to survive, although their conditions are currently unknown.

When Trucking Companies Ignore Driver Disqualifications

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Because the vehicles they drive are so huge and have such potential to cause serious damage, it's only fitting that truck drivers are held to a high standard when it comes to their safety and behavior.

As a way to discourage unsafe driving practices, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specified "disqualification" periods for which drivers may not get behind the wheel of a truck. The amount of time drivers are disqualified can vary, depending on the violation.

Some examples of violations and disqualification time frames include:

Leaving the scene of a truck accident - 1 year disqualification for 1^st conviction; lifelong disqualification for 2^nd offense.
Speeding excessively (more than 15 mph) - 60 day disqualification for a 2^nd offense within 3 years.
Following vehicles too closely - 60 day disqualification for a 2^nd offense within 3 years.

When a truck driver should be temporarily disqualified for any of the above offenses but is found behind the wheel at the time of your truck accident in South Carolina, you may be able to hold the trucking company liable in your personal injury claim, since it did not follow federal regulations.

To determine what constitutes trucking company negligence and whether you may file a claim, you'll want to consult with a Charleston truck accident lawyer.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer

The South Carolina truck accident lawyer team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston truck accident lawyer for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Lancaster Child Dies in Fall From Moving Truck

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

February 4, 2011 - A 3-year-old girl was killed on Tuesday when she fell out of a moving truck in Lancaster County. According to a report at the Charleston Post and Courier, the fatal accident occurred on Tuesday evening as the girl's family was in the midst of moving into a new home.

Investigators say the rented truck was being used to assist in the move, and it was parked in the home's driveway. According to the girl's family, the driver's side door was left open and somehow the child climbed up into the truck and put it into drive. Presumably the truck was left idling with the keys in the ignition, but investigators have not confirmed this.

The truck apparently started rolling backwards down the driveway when the child tried to jump out of the truck and fell onto the driveway. Investigators have not said how the child was able to climb into the pickup truck or who was supervising her when the tragic accident occurred.

The child was transported to Springs Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Investigators are currently classifying the death as an accident.

KapStone Employee Taken To Burn Center in Augusta

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A small fire broke out at KapStone late yesterday evening. Firefighters responded to the mill about 11:45 pm. The employee was transported to the burn center in Augusta with burns to his hands. The employee's injuries appear to be not life threatening.

North Charleston Police Chief Addresses Officer's DUI

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

February 3, 2011 - The North Charleston police chief commented on the DUI arrest and subsequent firing of a police officer on Wednesday. According to a report at Live 5 News, the police chief said the 25-year-old officer, who was arrested for drunk driving on Saturday, "made a huge mistake."

The officer was fired on Monday morning after his arrest, not only for the drunk driving charge but also for taking his patrol car well outside city limits. The officer crashed his squad car into a ditch in Colleton County, even though department policy states that patrol cars can't go more than 10 miles outside North Charleston. The officer claimed that he crashed while trying to avoid a deer, but the department released dashboard video that shows no sign of a deer. The car is seen drifting across the median and then the car is shown driving deeper into a wooded area.

The DUI accident was discovered by fellow officers, who presumably went to look for the officer after he would not respond to radio calls. The fired officer has yet to publicly comment on the incident, and his blood-alcohol level has not been released.

When Trucking Companies Fail to Make Their Trucks Safe

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is incredibly detailed when it comes to trucking regulations. Little margin is left for error. The FMCSA regulations lists thousands of safety features trucks must have, so there is no excuse for trucking companies to have unsafe fleets.

When companies skip out on all the required safety features for a truck in efforts to save money, it's a blatant form of trucking company negligence-not to mention, they may be putting others on the road at risk.

Just a few vehicle safety and security features trucking companies must make sure to include on their rigs include:

red or orange warning flags for loads projecting more than 4 inches from the truck;
adjustable tie downs (except for steel strapping);
rear-impact guards and rear impact protection (for all trucks manufactured after January 26, 2008); and
hazard warning signals that operate on their own without the ignition switch.

There are thousands of specifications listed in the FMCSA's regulations that guide trucking companies in safety measures for their rigs. This way, there won't be any question as to what kinds of features are needed. When proper safety components, such as adjustable tie downs, aren't used and a truck or its cargo end up causing your injuries, you may be able to hold the company liable for your condition.

Since the FMCSA's many safety rules can be difficult to find, let alone decipher, if you've been in a truck accident in South Carolina and you suspect trucking company negligence may have negatively affected the truck's safety, you'll want a Charleston truck accident lawyer who is well versed with federal trucking regulations to investigate.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer

The South Carolina truck accident lawyer team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston truck accident lawyer for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

North Charleston Police Officer Arrested for DUI Crash

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

February 2, 2011 - An officer with the North Charleston Police Department was fired on Monday after he was arrested for drunk driving on Saturday. According to a report at The Herald, the officer crashed his squad car shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Saturday morning.

The officer was fired on Monday, according to a spokesman with the North Charleston Police Department. Investigators say the officer was driving his squad car on S.C. Highway 28 when he lost control of the vehicle in Bennetts and drove into a ditch. The DUI crash was discovered by two separate North Charleston officers, who were looking for the officer. The department did not say why the officers were looking for the officer, and whether or not they could not contact him on the radio.

The North Charleston officers arrived at the same time as a trooper with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, and they all discovered the officer attempting to drive his squad car out of the ditch. The officer told them that he had crashed in the ditch while attempting to avoid a deer.

It is not known if the officer was visibly intoxicated or submitted to a breathalyzer, but he was cited for driving under the influence at the scene of the DUI crash.

Who is managing your Charleston personal injury claim?

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

When you need to hire a Charleston accident attorney, be prepared to ask many questions to make sure you're hiring someone appropriate for your personal injury case, with whom you'll have the best attorney-client relationship. Ask about experience, respect in the legal community and exactly who will be in charge of your case, and how a claim progresses.

The lawyer you saw in the TV ad might not be the actual lawyer handling your case. Your South Carolina personal injury claim could fall into the hands of an associate attorney or a paralegal.

If a paralegal or legal assistant is assigned to your case, his or her work must be supervised by an attorney, to make sure things don't go wrong. Your Charleston accident attorney should not delegate any tasks to paralegals or legal assistants beyond their scope of practice. It's the law.

Paralegals and legal assistants are allowed to do the following under their attorney's supervision:

conduct legal research;
perform investigations; and
compose legal documents.

They are not allowed to practice law, and therefore should not handle all aspects of your South Carolina accident case.

The Charleston accident attorney you hire should be willing to keep track of your medical treatment, handle negotiations with insurance companies and review all correspondence pertaining to your case to make sure nothing has been overlooked.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Accident Attorney

The Charleston accident attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston accident attorney for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Driver Impaled in Mount Pleasant Accident Finally Leaves Hospital

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

January 28, 2011 - The bus driver who was seriously injured in a Mount Pleasant truck accident was finally released from the hospital after months of rehabilitation. According to a report at ABC News 4 Charleston, the driver was released last Thursday.

The victim was injured back in November, when the Greyhound bus he was driving crashed into the back of a logging truck on Interstate 95. Pictures from the scene show that the front of the bus was crushed and several logs came through the front windshield. The driver was impaled by a log and trapped in the wreckage for several hours while first responders struggled to free him.

The victim, who was identified as a 60-year-old man, was transported to MUSC in critical condition. He was in the hospital for several months receiving treatment for unspecified injuries. No other people were injured in the Mount Pleasant truck accident.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has not yet completed their investigation into this crash, but they expect to release an initial report in the coming weeks. It is not immediately clear if weather or speed were a factor in this serious truck accident.

4 Things to Consider Before Hiring an Injury Attorney in Charleston

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

After you've been seriously injured in a South Carolina accident caused by someone else's negligence, consider consulting with a Charleston accident attorney about filing a personal injury claim and seeking compensation for your injuries.

Hiring an attorney to handle your personal injury case can be challenging, particularly if you don't know what to look for in an attorney.

Before hiring your legal counsel, there are 4 factors to consider which can significantly impact your attorney client relationship:

Experience - if the attorney has been practicing in the area of personal injury for quite some time, he or she will know more about insurance company tactics and the long-term effects of your injuries.
Respect among peers - before you hire a Charleston accident attorney, ask if he or she is involved in the legal community and up to date in current cases.
Publications - ask if the attorney has had any material published in legal journals, which can indicate respect from the legal community.
Licensing - make certain your Charleston accident attorney is licensed in South Carolina. If your attorney is not licensed in the state where your case will be filed, the insurance company will have the advantage.

It will require some work on your part to find the appropriate attorney for your case, but the decision you make will be critical to your attorney-client relationship and the ultimate resolution of your South Carolina accident case.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Accident Attorney

The Charleston accident attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston accident attorney for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Driver Killed in Fiery Cottageville Truck Accident

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

January 27, 2011 - A truck driver who was involved in an accident last week has died from his injuries. According to a report at Live 5 News, the fatal truck accident occurred on Jan. 12 near Cottageville.

Deputies with the South Carolina Highway Patrol say the victim was driving a log truck southbound on Highway 61 when he lost control negotiating a curve in the road. The truck drove off the road and rolled several times, trapping the driver inside. Witnesses to the Cottageville truck accident were able to extricate the victim shortly before the truck caught on fire.

The victim was transported to MUSC in critical condition, where he died on Saturday, more than a week after the accident. Investigators have not released a cause of death.

The victim has been identified as a 77-year-old man. His funeral was held on Tuesday at the Brice W. Hernon and Sons funeral home. There were no other vehicles involved in this fatal truck accident, and no additional injuries were reported. Investigators have not said if weather was a factor in this fatal truck crash.

Fatal Dog Attack on South Carolina Child | Girl Mauled by Japanese Akita

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

A child of McCormick County South Carolina was mauled and killed in a dog bite attack caused by a Japanese Akita on Saturday according to the McCormick County Sheriff's department. The dog was purchased just 3 short weeks ago by the grandfather as a gift to his grandchildren. The animal was meant to be a family pet.

Nine year old Kristen Lee Dutton was alone outside when the attack occurred. Her brother saw her lying in the sand and alerted the grandfather. Little Kristen suffered puncture wounds to her neck and was pronounced dead at a local hospital in McCormick South Carolina.

The dog was picked up on Monday by authorities. The animal was put to death and tested for rabies, said Crawford-Rivers. The picture shown below is an image of a 98 pound Akita.

The Japanese Akita was originally developed as a guard dog, then as a hunting dog and finally as a police dog. Today the dog is used as a family dog and a companion. While this dog is used as a family dog, there are precautions experts advise. This dog requires a lot of attention and cannot be ignored otherwise they will become resentful and even problematic with children. The article goes on to say that the dog should always be supervised around small animals and children.

In a related story a 2 year old toddler in the UK was left scarred for life after the family dog; a Japanese Akita attacked the child in their home in January 2011.

It is important that before purchasing a new family dog that you research the breed and how they will react around children and other pets.

For information on protecting children from dog attacks, click here.

Consequences of Nerve Damage after a South Carolina Car Accident

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Nerve damage is a serious condition that often carries lifelong consequences. If you were in a South Carolina car accident and have been diagnosed with nerve damage, you will want to seriously consider filing a South Carolina personal injury claim.

Consequences of Nerve Damage

Nerve damage can be either slightly annoying, such as when your arm falls asleep, or completely life changing, such as with paralysis. Nerves can repair themselves to some degree, but serious nerve damage like that from a South Carolina car accident may require surgery and may not be reversible.

Nerves are involved with everything your body does so nerve damage can show itself in many ways.

After being injured in a South Carolina car accident you may be faced with some of the following consequences of nerve damage:

numbness;
weakness;
pain;
sensitivity;
muscle atrophy;
bladder and bowel dysfunction; and
inability to regulate body temperature.

Because the medical consequences of nerve damage often include ongoing care and therapy, if you are planning to file a personal injury claim after a South Carolina car accident you will want to do so with the help of a qualified and experienced Charleston car accident attorney.

An attorney will protect your rights in efforts to keep the insurance companies from using the complexity of nerve damage to avoid paying your South Carolina personal injury claim and leave you covering the costs of lifelong treatment yourself.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Car Accident Attorney

The South Carolina car accident attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston car accident attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Police Chase on I-26 Ends in Crash

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

January 21, 2011 - A Charleston man is under arrest after he led police and sheriff's deputies on a lengthy chase that ended with a car accident. According to a report at ABC 4 News Charleston, the chase started shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.

Deputies with the Charleston County Sheriff's Department attempted to pull over a 2001 Lincoln Continental on Ashley Phosphate Road. The Sheriff's Department has not said what sort of traffic violation initially caught their attention. The driver of the car took off and fled onto Interstate 26 while deputies pursued with their sirens blaring.

The suspect drove down Interstate 26 for several miles through North Charleston before he lost control of his car and crashed on the Morrison Drive off ramp. The suspect attempted to flee on foot, but he was apprehended by sheriff's deputies and officers with the Charleston Police Department who had been called in to assist. It was not immediately clear if the suspect was injured in the car crash.

The suspect is facing a number of charges in connection with this chase, including driving with a suspended license, unlawful possession of a gun, and failure to stop for police.

Two Confirmed Dead After A Tragic Plane Crash in North Myrtle Beach

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Just after 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, a single engine plane attempting to land at Grand Strand Airport when something went terribly wrong. As explained by 2 nurses that were traveling along Hwy 17 near the Briarcliffe RV resort on Iris Street, "We were on our way to lunch, and I saw the plane come across the top of the trees, across Hwy 17, and it was at a very odd angle, and I thought 'Hey, something's not quite right here'". The two nurses; Amy Frazier and Melinda McDaniel immediately did a u-turn after they saw a cloud of black smoke fill the air.
Amy Frazier explains the scene as they pull into the Briarcliffe RV Resort. "We pulled into the RV park; there was a lot of black smoke, flames. We could tell one of the RVs was destroyed at that point, and at that point a gentleman was walking from the rubble and looked very confused and disoriented and he was crying." replays Frazier.
The Horry County Coroner Robert Edge has confirmed 2 deaths, one of which was the pilot. The other victim was a woman who has been identified as 70 year old Eve Sullivan of New Hampshire. Her husband was taken to the hospital for burns. Another victim was treated on the scene.
The black rudder and the tail of the plane are the only pieces of debris left from the crash. The entire front of the plane was destroyed.
An investigation will take place and will conduct a complete history of the pilot, including hours flown and experience as part of their investigation.
After the investigation, the wreckage will be taken to a secure location. A report will be compiled based on the information from the investigation. The report will then be reviewed by the lead investigator from the FAA in Atlanta, then a review from the board of the NTSB in Washington. On average, a plane crash investigation takes nine months to one year to complete.

Summerville School Guard Charged with DUI

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

January 19, 2011 - A security guard for a local high school was arrested for drunk driving after a single-vehicle car accident in Summerville. According to a report at ABC News 4 Charleston, the driver is employed as a security guard for Summerville High School.

Police say the driver was arrested shortly after 8 p.m. on Monday night after he crashed his pickup truck. The man was driving on Mentor Street when he lost control of the truck and crashed down an embankment into a ditch. Police responding to the scene noticed that the victim appeared to be under the influence and they noticed open containers of alcohol in his truck. He was arrested for drunk driving. It was not immediately clear if the officers gave the man a breathalyzer test; if so, his blood-alcohol content was not released.

Officials at Summerville High School say the guard has been suspended until the criminal case is resolved. There were no other passengers in the car, and no other injuries were reported. The driver himself escaped serious injury. No other vehicles were involved in this crash.

Causes of Nerve Damage

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Nerves can be thought of as the anatomical wires that carry electrical signals from the brain throughout the human body. Everything your body does, from breathing to sweating, occurs because of an electronic signal sent by the brain through your nerves.

Nerves and the tissue surrounding nerves (think of this tissue like insulation around a wire) can easily be damaged. If you were involved in a car accident in South Carolina, injuries such as broken bones can often cause nerve damage. Traumas like crush injuries can also commonly lead to compression of the nerves, which causes damage.

How does nerve damage occur?

Nerve damage, or peripheral neuropathy, means the signals coming from the brain are disrupted. Nerve damage can occur when nerves are injured by pressure, stretching, or cutting. The most serious cause of nerve damage, when a nerve and the surrounding tissue insulating the nerve are cut, requires surgery because it's unlikely the nerve will heal itself.

If the nerve damage was caused by pressure or stretching, and whatever caused the pressure or stretching has been removed, generally speaking, this kind of nerve damage has a better chance of recovery.

Nerve damage is an extremely complex area of medical science so if you are filing a South Carolina personal injury claim because of nerve damage it is highly recommended to do so with a qualified Charleston car accident attorney.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Car Accident Attorney

The South Carolina car accident attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of nerve damage. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston car accident attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Technology and the Risk for Distracted Driving

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

It seems with every step forward technology takes us toward safer lives-seatbelts, airbags, and GPS systems-we find another way to take several steps back.

As more drivers are driving distracted while talking on their cell phones, using GPS devices or because of a myriad other reasons, driving is becoming increasingly dangerous.

Driving distracted is easily a huge cause of South Carolina car accidents. The practice has become so common place that cell phone use accounts for 18% of all fatalities in distracted driving accidents, according to 2009 numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

When you include all the other ways we can be distracted while driving, it's clear that all this new technology is creating dangerous roadways. All it takes is a quick turn of the head at the wrong moment.

Until the population of drivers drastically changes its habits and the number of distracted drivers severely drops, South Carolina car accidents are going to continue to be caused in large part by distracted driving.

With so many distracted drivers on the road, it's now extremely common for an accident to be caused by more than one negligent driver. In such cases where there are multiple negligent drivers, South Carolina has a special formula to help determine how damages will be paid and if they will be paid at all. If you have recently been involved in an accident where distracted driving played a part, make sure to contact a Charleston personal injury attorney to help you understand how South Carolina car accident laws will affect your claim.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Highway Patrol Responds to 2,600 Accidents Due to Storm

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

January 14, 2011 - The huge winter storm that battered South Carolina is responsible for a number of traffic accidents, including the death of a Greenwood man on Monday. According to a report at the Charleston Post and Courier, there were thousands of car accidents reported around the state earlier this week. Some areas of South Carolina got up to 9 inches of snow, which was accompanied by ice and frozen roads.

Police say the victim was attempting to navigate an icy road when his car slid down an embankment and crashed. According to the Greenwood County Coroner's Office, the victim has been identified as a 49-year-old man from Greenwood. The coroner says he died from massive internal injuries and chest trauma.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, officers received reports of more than 2,600 accidents since Sunday. Residents were frustrated about the slow pace of plowing and salting, which made some roads impassable. The government defended its response to the storm, saying that the state deployed 700 pieces of equipment and 1,300 workers. Many residents were also without electricity on Tuesday due to the storm.

Sheriff's Deputy Crashes Pickup Truck in Moncks Corner

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

January 14, 2011 - A deputy with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department is recovering after a serious car accident on Tuesday night. According to a report at the Charleston Post and Courier, the deputy crashed his car shortly before 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening.

Police believe the deputy had a medical emergency in the moments before the accident, which caused him to lose control of his pickup truck. The deputy was driving southbound on U.S. Highway 17A when he lost control near Airport Road. The pickup truck drove off the road before crashing head-on into a tree. The Sheriff's department has named the deputy, but his age was not released.

Authorities have also not released any information on what type of medical emergency the deputy suffered. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and released for non-life-threatening personal injuries.

Deputies are still investigating this crash. It does not appear that the deputy was on duty when the accident occurred. No other vehicles were involved and no additional injuries were reported.

When Hands-Free Devices Lead to Distracted Driving

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Driving distracted is an extremely dangerous activity that is statistically on par with driving drunk. Unfortunately, most people don't realize that distracted drivers are so dangerous.

Even if you're aware of the risks, what you may not know is that the dangers of driving distracted are not necessarily reduced by using hands-free devices. Hands-free devices may seem safer, but in fact they are just as likely to cause an accident, as you still are driving distracted when you take your attention away from the road to dial the phone or listen.

In fact, because people feel safer when using a hands-free device, they may end up driving even more dangerously. Economists call this "moral hazard," which basically means in situations where people feel safe, they tend to behave differently. This tendency is why people with bike helmets and seatbelts may tend to travel faster than those without and why hands-free devices may not entirely prevent distracted driving.

Distracted drivers are a persistent risk and if you're in a South Carolina car accident, it's very likely the distracted driver will play a large part in determining who was at fault for the accident and who can recover damages.

Different states use different methods to determine who the negligent drivers were after a car accident. If you were involved in a South Carolina car accident and you would like more information on determining fault with distracted drivers, you'll want to contact a Charleston personal injury attorney to protect your interests.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Man Charged with DUI in Fatal Charleston Crash

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

January 12, 2011 - The man who killed two Charleston students in a car accident has formally been charged with felony drunk driving. According to a report at Live 5 News, the driver was under the influence of alcohol when he crashed head-on into the couple's car.

The soon-to-be-engaged couple was driving home from a family dinner on the night of Dec. 29. On Highway 302, their car was hit head-on by a Pathfinder SUV that drove into their lane. The driver was apparently trying to pass a car in front of him when he drove into oncoming traffic. A 22-year-old woman who attended the College of Charleston and her 24-year-old boyfriend were killed in the crash. The male victim was a student at the Charleston School of Law.

Police now say the driver who caused this fatal accident was drunk at the time of the crash. His exact blood-alcohol content has not been released. The driver was also speeding. Investigators estimate that he was traveling nearly 90 miles per hour when he hit the couple's car. His next court date was not immediately available.

Determining If You Have a South Carolina Personal Injury Case

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Determining if you have a South Carolina personal injury case depends on a variety of factors. An injury attorney in North Charleston can advise you of your legal options after you have discussed the specifics of your accident, as well as the evidence you have already obtained.

The first factor in determining if you have a valid South Carolina personal injury case is that you must have been significantly injured. For instance, if you were on someone else's property and a wet floor caused you to fall but you only suffered a few minor bruises, you do not have a valid personal injury claim. If your fall led to a traumatic brain injury, then you may be able to pursue damages through a South Carolina personal injury claim.

In addition to sustaining injuries, you'll also have to prove that your injuries were the direct result of someone else's negligence or carelessness. In the same example, if the floor was wet because it had just been mopped but no warnings were posted about the wet floor, then you may have grounds for a personal injury case. If the wet floor was clearly marked but you ignored the warnings, then you would not have cause for an injury claim.

While these are just general examples, they are meant to illustrate that there are several important factors you'll need to prove in order to have valid grounds for a South Carolina personal injury claim. There are also other important factors that must be taken into consideration as well, which is why it is important to speak with an experienced injury attorney when you are thinking about filing a claim.

An injury attorney in North Charleston can advise you of your options and explain the stages of a South Carolina personal injury case. Contact an injury attorney in North Charleston today if you have questions about a potential personal injury case.

Seeking the Help of an Injury Attorney in North Charleston

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a North Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Charleston Woman Hit by Semi-Truck

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

January 7, 2011 - A Charleston woman died on Monday after she was hit by a semi-truck while crossing the street. According to a report at WMBF News, the fatal accident occurred shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Monday morning in downtown Columbia.

Investigators with the Columbia Police Department say the victim was crossing Carlisle Street when she was hit by the truck. It was not immediately clear if she was in a crosswalk or if she had the right of way at the time of the accident. The victim suffered massive injuries, including internal trauma, and she was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.

According to the Richland County Coroner, the victim has been identified as a 29-year-old woman from Charleston. As stated in her obituary, the victim is survived by 2 children and numerous brothers and sisters. Funeral arrangements are still pending.

The driver of the semi-truck has not been identified, and police have not said if he or she will face any charges. The Columbia Police Department continues to investigate this fatal accident. More information about this tragic accident will be added if and when it becomes available.

Mother and Daughter Killed in Wreck on SC Interstate 85

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to authorities Shawna Geraldine Zamora & Lillyana Zamora of California were killed in an automobile accident on interstate 85 near Blacksburg. The accident happened shortly after 2am Wednesday morning.

Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler says the woman was driving a sports utility vehicle towards Charlotte, NC when it ran off the road and then crossed back into the median where it overturned.

Neither victim was wearing a safety belt and were thrown from the vehicle. Zamora's other 2 children and one other adult were in the vehicle as well. The other passengers in the vehicle were treated for injuries.

One Person Killed in I-26 Truck Accident

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

January 6, 2011 - A serious truck accident on Interstate 26 near Charleston killed at least one person last week. According to a report at ABC News 4 Charleston, one person was killed and another victim suffered serious personal injuries in the crash, which happened in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Deputies with the South Carolina Highway Patrol say a semi-truck was driving eastbound on Interstate 26 when it overturned near Exit 172. Investigators have not said why the semi-truck overturned or if any other vehicles were involved. It was also not immediately clear if speed or inclement weather may have played a role in the truck crash.

The driver of the truck suffered personal injuries and is receiving treatment at Trident Medical Center, where his condition is unknown at this time. A passenger in the semi-truck, who was asleep in a sleeping compartment, died in the accident. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

The overturned truck tied up traffic on Interstate 26 for several hours as it took some time for the truck to be towed from the scene. More information about this fatal crash will be added if and when it becomes available.

Overview of a South Carolina Personal Injury Case

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you have been injured because of someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a South Carolina personal injury claim. Understanding your rights during this process is pivotal to recovering a fair settlement. If you are unsure of how to handle a personal injury case on your own or if you even have a valid claim, you should consult with an experienced injury attorney in North Charleston.

An injury attorney in North Charleston will explain the process of a South Carolina personal injury claim, which will include:

determining all the liable parties;
analyzing insurance policies to understand the scope of your potential compensation;
gathering and organizing evidence to support your claim;
negotiating with the insurance company; and
taking your case to trial (if necessary).

The basis for any personal injury claim is negligence, so before you can even begin to file a claim, you'll need to work with an attorney to determine if you can prove that the party you are attempting to sue was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your accident and resulting injuries.

Once this can be established through the evidence you and your attorney are able to obtain, you can then work to determine the types of damages to which you may be entitled, which will be specific to your situation.

If the insurance company offers a settlement, your attorney can help you determine if the offer is fair or if negotiations need to take place. Only after negotiations fail should you consider taking your personal injury case to court in the form of a lawsuit.

The stages of a South Carolina personal injury case will depend on a number of factors. An injury attorney in North Charleston can advise you on your legal options and what should be expected if you proceed with a claim.

Seeking the Help of an Injury Attorney in North Charleston

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a North Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Two Charleston Students Killed by Reckless Driver

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

January 5, 2011 - Two Charleston families are mourning the loss of a soon-to-be-engaged couple after they were killed by a reckless driver last week. According to a report at ABC 4 News Charleston, the college students died when their car was hit head-on by a speeding driver who crossed into oncoming traffic. The fatal accident occurred late on Wednesday night.

Charleston police say the man who caused this crash was driving a Pathfinder SUV on Highway 302 when he crossed the center line to pass a car in front of him. Investigators say he was driving nearly 90 miles per hour when he slammed into the students' car.

The victims, a 22-year-old woman and her 24-year-old boyfriend, were returning from a family dinner. Both suffered massive injuries and were killed in the accident. The female victim was a student at the College of Charleston, while her boyfriend was enrolled at the Charleston School of Law. Their families say the couple was planning to become engaged in the near future, and an engagement ring had already been purchased.

The driver who caused this fatal crash suffered personal injuries and is receiving treatment at Aiken Hospital. No charges have been filed, but the investigation is still ongoing. It was not immediately clear if alcohol played a role in this tragic accident.

Overturned 18 Wheeler on I26 Claims The Life of One and Injures Another

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

At around 12:30 am on December 30, 2010, an 18 wheeler went off the road and overturned killing the passenger and injuring the driver. The accident occurred on I26 at mile marker 172.

The driver, Richard Eugene Bath, 51, of Ellaville, GA is being treated at Trident Medical Center. The passenger was a 54 year old man whose identity has not been released. The passenger is believed to have been in the sleeper section of the truck and was ejected and killed when the truck overturned.

The wreck is under investigation and no charges have been filed.

Charleston School of Law Student Killed After Head On Collision

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A head on collision kills Alexander Bush, 24, of Aiken on Wednesday night. Mr. Bush was visiting family and friends in Aiken on Christmas break. Mr. Bush and his passenger, Katie Scott, 22, of Couchton, both attended Charleston School of Law.

Katie Scott was taken to Medical College of Georgia Hospital and is listed as in critical condition. The driver of the adverse vehicle is Steven Corley, of Salley, and was also taken to Medical College of Georgia Hospital for treatment with non life threatening injuries.

In statements taken by witness' of the accident it was noted that Corley was driving "erratically and speeding". Corley struck Bush's vehicle when he tried to pass another vehicle.

SC Woman Charged in Fatal Wreck

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A group of women traveling on Harris Blvd near I-85 on December 26, 2010 were involved in a deadly accident. Hannah Floyd, 24, of Chester, SC was a front seat passenger in the car driven by Meagan Dacus that was killed when the car hit a telephone pole. Ms. Floyd was wearing a seatbelt. Ashley Hinson was injured in the crash as well. Ms. Hinson was treated and has been released from the hospital.
Icy road conditions may or may not have played a role in this horrible crash. In some reports it is said that the driver lost control of the vehicle and caused her to go off the road and hit the utility pole.
The driver of the car is in serious condition at Carolina Medical Center. Ms. Dacus is being charged with DWI in the fatal wreck.

Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries in a South Carolina Accident

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you have been injured in an accident that has left you with a serious spinal cord injury, you may be facing expensive treatment and long-term recovery. All of this can be extremely costly, particularly when coupled with lost income.

A South Carolina personal injury attorney can advise you not only on what type of claim to file but what type of compensation you may be entitled to received after suffering a spinal cord injury.

Treatment of spinal cord injuries will depend not only on the extent of damage to the spinal cord but any additional medical complications that arise.

Some of the types of treatment that may be administered after a spinal cord injury in a South Carolina accident include:

steroid drugs to reduce swelling;
immobilization;
medication for pain and to improve certain functioning;
surgery;
experimental treatments;
physical therapy;
medical devices (wheelchair, computer adaptations, electronic aids, etc.);
occupational therapy; and
rehabilitation.

When you have received a spinal cord injury in a South Carolina accident that was the result of someone else's negligence, you may be able to recover damages in a claim. Consulting with a South Carolina personal injury attorney can help you determine if you should proceed with filing a personal injury claim.

Seeking the Help of a South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a South Carolina personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Overview of Spinal Cord Injuries from a South Carolina Accident

Sat, 25 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

One of the most devastating types of injuries to suffer in a South Carolina accident is a spinal cord injury. The effects of this type of injury can last a lifetime. When you are injured because of someone else's negligence, a South Carolina personal injury attorney can help protect your legal rights.

Spinal cord injuries can happen in a traffic accident involving a motorcycle, truck or car. They can also happen when an individual is injured in other types of accidents such as a slip and fall or a sports-related activity.

Spinal cord injuries are serious because of the loss of function that can accompany it. Sometimes an individual will be able to make a full and complete recovery. However other times a spinal cord injury may lead to permanent paralysis.

A spinal cord injury is the result of either direct injury or impact to the spinal cord or it can be the result of vertebrae being fractured. When vertebrae are damaged, it can cause the spinal cord tissue to be torn or bruised.

The most serious type of injury to the spinal cord, however, is when it is completely severed. This will lead to a permanent loss of function.

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in a South Carolina accident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries. A South Carolina personal injury attorney can advise you on what your next steps should be.

Seeking the Help of a South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a South Carolina personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Charleston Bridge Accident Leads to Fines

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

December 23, 2010 - The truck driver who crashed his truck on the Eagle Drive overpass near Interstate 26 on Sunday has been fined for his role in the accident. According to a report at the Charleston Post and Courier, the truck exceeded the height limit for the bridge.

The truck accident caused a huge mess on the Eagle Drive overpass and caused $75,000 in damage. Six additional vehicles were damaged by falling concrete, but fortunately no one was hurt. Investigators say the driver was behind the wheel of a flatbed truck loaded with a forklift when he crashed shortly before 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. The truck itself was under the bridge's height limit, but the forklift was not. The driver has been fined $237 for his role in the crash.

The bridge is still structurally sound, according to inspectors with the South Carolina Department of Transportation. However, it will have to be repaired when the I-26 widening project is complete. At least one lane was closed for more than 5 hours as crews inspected the damage.

South Carolina Has Decrease in Highway Fatalities for 2010

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

December 23, 2010 - There were fewer deaths on South Carolinian highways this year than last, according to a new report from the South Carolina Highway Patrol. As reported at ABC News 4, the number of highway fatalities has decreased rather dramatically compared to 2009.

Although there is still a chance for more highway deaths in the remaining days of 2010, the South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that there have been 755 fatal accidents so far this year. That's much less than the 873 fatal accidents reported in 2009. In fact, in the past 47 years, there have only been 2 years when the highway fatality rate was less than 800. Even so, the head of the South Carolina Highway Patrol says drivers should exercise caution in the next few weeks, as the state's highways will be clogged with holiday traffic.

While it is good news that highway deaths are decreasing, these statistics do not include fatalities that may have occurred on smaller non-highway roads. It's also not yet known if the total number of traffic deaths is also going down. Either way, please drive carefully this holiday season.

Andrews Man Killed in Two-Vehicle Collision

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

December 21, 2010 - An Andrews resident was killed on Monday morning when his SUV was hit by a pickup truck. According to ABC 4 News, the accident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. in Georgetown.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating this fatal accident. The victim was pulling a trailer with his Chevy Tahoe SUV and attempting to back the trailer into a driveway. In trying to turn the trailer, the driver drove the SUV back into the roadway, where it was broadsided by a Ford pickup truck near the intersection of Johnson and Brick Chimney Roads.

The victim has been identified by the Georgetown Coroner as a 52-year-old man from Andrews. It is not known if he was pronounced dead at the scene or if he was taken to a local hospital. The man's wife was also in the SUV at the time of the crash and suffered personal injuries, as did the driver of the pickup truck. Both of the injured victims are expected to survive, but the extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.

Deputies say the crash was an accident and no charges are expected to be filed.

Semi-Truck Crashes on Eagle Drive Overpass

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

December 21, 2010 - A semi-truck crashed on Interstate 26 on Sunday, causing thousands of dollars in damage to the Eagle Drive overpass in Charleston. According to a report at ABC 4 News, the truck accident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

It is not yet clear what caused the accident, but we do know that a semi-truck crashed into support beams on the Eagle Drive overpass. Investigators have not yet said if other vehicles were involved or if this was a single-truck accident. Debris from the overpass landed on the road below, causing damage to 6 cars and an unknown number of injuries. The truck driver's identity has not been released, and it is not known if he or she suffered personal injuries.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation inspected the overpass and declared that it is still structurally sound. However, the truck accident caused at least $75,000 worth of damage. The Department of Transportation is not expected to make those repairs until it finishes widening Interstate 26. Most of the lanes on westbound I-26 were closed for 3 hours on Monday afternoon.

10 Ways to Protect the Value of Your South Carolina Personal Injury Claim

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

After being injured in a South Carolina accident, a Summerville personal injury attorney can help you with the process of filing your South Carolina personal injury claim, including estimating what damages to ask for.

The value of any injury claim will be specific to that claim. That's because each injury claim involves unique circumstances such as the injuries sustained, who is at fault, the insurance policy limits involved, and the long-term effects of the injuries themselves.

Since insurance companies make it their business to reduce or deny injury claim compensation as much as possible, you and your Summerville personal injury attorney will need to work together to protect the integrity of your claim and fight for fair compensation.

That being said, there are things you can do to help protect the value of your South Carolina personal injury claim, including:

don't discuss the details of your accident with anyone other than your doctor and attorney;
seek immediate medical attention after your accident;
collect all evidence that is necessary to your case such as contact information for witnesses, police reports and medical records;
take photographs of the accident scene and your property damage;
don't sign a medical records release for the insurance company until you speak with your lawyer;
when talking with an insurance adjuster discuss only the basic facts of your accident;
never agree to settle your case or sign any documentation from the insurance company before you show it to your attorney;
keep documentation of all of your economic and non-economic damages;
keep a pain journal detailing your injuries and recovery, including how your injuries affect you on a daily basis; and
follow all of your doctor's instructions and keep all medical appointments.

You can learn more about what goes into determining the value of your South Carolina personal injury claim by visiting our article library.

Seeking the Help of a Summerville Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Summerville personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Roadways Turn Deadly Before The Holidays

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that around 8:30 pm on December 16, 2010 a car accident ended tragically; killing 2 people and injuring 3. Early reports state that alcohol did not play a factor in the accident.
The wreck happened at mile marker 188 on I26 in the west bound lane. The accident was a single car accident. The collision occurred when the 1999 Honda Civic that was driven by Ismael Hill of Summerville went off of the road and struck a tree causing all 5 of the occupants to be ejected from the vehicle. None of the victims were wearing seat belts. Upon impact of the vehicle hitting the tree, the vehicle split in half..killing the driver Ismael Hill and a passenger Kimone Walters of Ladson. The other 3 passengers were taken to MUSC for further treatment; their condition is unknown at this time.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol are urging drivers to please take your time, slow down, buckle up and obviously don't drink and drive.

Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents in South Carolina

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Because of the sheer size of a commercial tractor trailer or semi truck, a passenger vehicle is at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to a South Carolina truck crash. A passenger car is simply no match for a tractor trailer.

While there are many types of fatal truck accidents that can occur in South Carolina and each incident is unique, there are also some common causes. If your loved one has died in a South Carolina truck crash or suffered severe injuries in such a crash, a Charleston personal injury attorney can talk to you about your options for seeking legal recourse.

Truck drivers and/or trucking companies who are shown to have been negligent can be held liable for injuries and death in the case of a serious truck accident. A Charleston personal injury attorney can work with you to figure out who is liable for damages.

Some of the common causes of fatal truck accidents in South Carolina include:

poor weather conditions (negligence comes into play when a truck driver operates at speeds that are unsafe for road conditions);
truck driver fatigue;
tire blowout;
speeding
brake failure;
tailgating; and
reckless driving.

Any of these causes can lead to a fatal truck accident, such as an underride or a rollover. When driver or trucking company negligence is to blame for your injuries or loss, an attorney can help you to determine an appropriate course of legal action.

Seeking The Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

South Carolina residents can take comfort knowing that the attorneys at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm are there to help them settle their personal injury claims and wrongful death claims. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our free consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

5 Things that Will Affect the Worth of Your South Carolina Personal Injury Claim

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

One of the first questions many accident victims ask when they are considering filing a South Carolina personal injury claim is: how much is my claim worth?

An experienced Summerville personal injury attorney will discuss not only your legal options but what type of compensation you may be able to receive for the injuries you have incurred. Since each case is unique and will have varying factors that will determine the claim's overall worth, it's not as simple as just plugging some numbers into a formula. However, there are certain general factors that will be considered when beginning to determine the validity and estimated value of a personal injury claim.

The 5 major factors that will affect the worth of your South Carolina personal injury claim include:

Evidence - the strength of the evidence, which is why items such as police reports, medical records and photographs can be vital;
Expenses - not only are your current medical bills considered but so are any future medical expenses along with lost wages, and any other injury-related expenses;
Fault - determining who was at fault for the accident, including any amount of fault in your part, are considered;
Injuries - the extent of your injuries, if surgery is/was required and what your future outlook is (for instance if you are deemed permanently disabled); and
Property Damage - the amount of property damage there was.

The value of your South Carolina personal injury claim will depend on a number of other factors specific to your accident, injuries, and circumstances. A Summerville personal injury attorney can discuss these with you and explain your options for seeking accident compensation.

Seeking the Help of a Summerville Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Summerville personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Preventing Fatal Underride Truck Accidents in South Carolina

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

One of the most fatal types of truck accidents to be involved in is an underride. This occurs when a passenger vehicle collides with a truck and then slides underneath it. This type of South Carolina truck crash can happen when a vehicle hits the side or rear of a truck.

Whatever side the impact occurs on, the trailer will either crush or rip off the top of the vehicle. This, understandably, can lead to severe or likely fatal accident injuries. Most of these types of fatal truck accidents occur when a vehicle goes underneath the rear corner of a truck.

Safety Requirements to Prevent an Underride Truck Accident

All new tractor trailers are required to have some type of guard that prevents underride accidents from occurring. In addition, new tractor trailers must also have reflective tape along the rear and side of the trailer. This makes the truck more visible to other drivers.

If a truck driver or trucking company fails to meet these safety requirements, they may be held liable for negligence in a fatal South Carolina truck crash.

Underrides are just one type of fatal truck accident that can occur in South Carolina. If you or a loved one were seriously injured or if you lost a family member in a truck underride accident with a vehicle that failed to adhere to proper safety protocol, an attorney may be able to help you prove negligence on behalf of the trucking company.

Seeking The Help of a South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney

South Carolina residents can take comfort knowing that the attorneys at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm are there to help them settle their personal injury claims. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and worker's compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our free consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Seven Vehicles Involved in Huge Crash on I-526

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

December 15, 2010 - Seven vehicles were involved in a serious car crash in Charleston last Thursday. According to a report at Live 5 News, the accident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on Thursday evening.

Investigators with the Charleston Police Department say the vehicles were traveling on Interstate 526 when the pile-up happened near Ashley River Road.

Pictures from the scene show a light-colored SUV flipped up on its front tires with a red sedan wedged completely underneath the vehicle. Photos also show a Silver Toyota Camry with minor back-end damage.

It's not clear how many people were involved in the crash, but 2 victims suffered personal injuries. One of those injuries was minor and only required treatment from paramedics. The second victim was transported by ambulance to a Charleston hospital. The injuries are described as non-life-threatening and the victim is expected to survive. Their identities have not been released.

The accident snarled traffic on I-526 for several hours as fire and police officials cared for the injured and cleared the wreckage from the scene. Numerous tow trucks were enlisted to clear the damaged vehicles.

Buccaneers Baseball Player Killed in Car Crash

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

December 14, 2010 - A young man who played baseball for Charleston Southern University was killed on Saturday night in a car crash. According to a report at the Charleston Post and Courier, the victim has been identified as a 19-year-old freshman student who played his first season with the Buccaneers in 2010. The accident occurred shortly before midnight on Saturday night in Prosperity.

Police say the victim was alone in his Dodge Charger when he lost control of the vehicle on Mt. Pleasant Road. The car veered off the road, crashed into a row of trees, and burst into flames, according to WISTV.com. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Newberry County Coroner believes he died instantly. No other vehicles were involved in this fatal accident. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the crash to determine what caused the victim to lose control of his vehicle.

According to his Facebook profile, the victim graduated from Mid-Carolina High School before attending Charleston Southern University. He played catcher and pitcher for the Buccaneers before his season ended with an injury. Funeral services will be held this Wednesday at Zion United Methodist Church in Prosperity. The family has created a fund in the victim's name.

One Killed in Orangeburg SUV Rollover Accident

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

December 13, 2010 - A young woman was killed on Friday in a rollover accident near Orangeburg. According to a report at the Charleston Post and Courier, the fatal car accident occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening.

Deputies say the victim was driving an SUV on Interstate 26 when she lost control of her vehicle near mile marker 164, which is just outside Bowman. The SUV rolled repeatedly after the driver overcorrected. The victim was identified as a 19-year-old woman who attended Benedict College in Columbia. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was not ejected. Unfortunately, her injuries were too severe and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating this fatal rollover crash to determine what caused the driver to lose control of the SUV. No other vehicles were involved and the victim was the only occupant in the vehicle. Her family has been notified and funeral arrangements are pending. According to her obituary, the victim was originally from North Charleston and leaves behind her parents as well as 2 sisters and a brother.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Protect Your Injury Claim

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you have recently been injured because of the actions or negligence of another party, you may wonder if you need a Charleston personal injury attorney. After all, the insurance company will probably offer you a fair settlement, right? Sadly, this is not usually the case.

The insurance company is a for-profit business that doesn't have injury victims' best interests at heart. For this reason, you may need to hire an experienced Charleston personal injury attorney to help defend your claim.

A few of the things a Charleston personal injury attorney can do to help you defend your personal injury claim include:

helping you understand your legal rights;
looking over any and all insurance paperwork before you sign it;
communicating with the insurance companies on your behalf;
helping you understand how to talk to the insurance adjusters;
helping you estimate the value of your claim;
negotiating with the insurance companies to fight for a settlement that offers fair compensation for your immediate and long-term needs; and
taking your case to court (if necessary).

These are just a few of the benefits a personal injury attorney can provide. It's important to know that not all attorneys are the same and you'll need to do your own homework to find the attorney that can best represent you and protect your South Carolina personal injury claim

Take advantage of free consultations when they are offered to learn more about your potential attorney and be sure to ask questions about their experience with claims similar to yours, their fee structure and their trial experience.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

Hiring an attorney can be an intimidating process. Fortunately, the South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

North Charleston Police Release More Details on Nov. Hit-and-Run

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

December 8, 2010 - Police say the driver in a November hit-and-run accident in North Charleston intentionally hit the victim before fleeing the scene. According to a report at the Charleston Post and Courier, the driver got into a fight with the victim in the moments before the accident, which occurred on Nov. 20.

Police say the driver and victim were outside a home in North Charleston when a fight broke out. The driver has been identified as a 29-year-old man. After the fight broke up, the driver apparently got into his car, intentionally hit the victim in the leg, and then drove over the home's chain-link fence. The victim, a 20-year-old male, was not seriously injured.

Police believe the fight stemmed from the fact that the victim's sister has previously been involved with the driver. The driver fled the scene in his car after hitting the victim and was already gone by the time police officers arrived on the scene.

The driver has been charged with aggravated assault, and he may be facing additional charges for destruction of property.

How is a personal injury settlement determined?

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

In a South Carolina personal injury claim, your settlement may be comprised of several different types of damages. Compensatory damages are meant to help you recover what you lost in an accident, such as compensation for medical bills or lost income from missed time at work.

After an accident that results in serious or permanent injuries, you will have to work with the insurance company in order to recover any compensation for your accident. Hiring a Charleston personal injury attorney to negotiate with the insurance company is strongly advised.

An attorney is familiar with your rights as well as the negligence laws in South Carolina. If your attorney cannot negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company, they may take your personal injury claim to trial in the form of a lawsuit.

To defend the validity of your claim, your Charleston personal injury attorney may also work with different specialists. For example, your attorney may work with a financial expert to calculate your potential future damages related to lost wages if you are permanently disabled.

A medical specialist may also be called on to estimate the future cost of your medical treatments and/or rehabilitation. Any compensation you recover through a South Carolina personal injury claim will be specific to your accident and how it affected your life.

General compensation categories include:

medical bills;
lost wages;
loss of future earning ability; and
loss of quality of life.

If the liable party acted in an extremely malicious manner, the court may even award punitive damages that are larger than the compensatory settlement. This is intended to deter the party from acting in a similar way in the future.

You can visit our article library to learn more about how to preserve your South Carolina personal injury claim.

Seeking the Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in an accident, the South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help you. Our firm focuses on personal injury cases, including injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Bus Driver Impaled By Log During I-95 Accident

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

December 7, 2010 - A serious accident involving a Greyhound bus and a logging truck on Interstate 95 left one man seriously injured and another 20 people with minor personal injuries. According to a report at ABC News 4, the accident occurred outside of Orangeburg during the late night hours of Nov. 30.

Deputies say the victim was driving a Greyhound bus on I-95 when it rear-ended the logging truck, which did not have functioning brake lights. The bus driver was impaled by a log that crashed through the windshield, and police say it took more than 2 hours to extricate him from the mangled wreck. Due to the severity of his injuries, first responders wanted to airlift him to the nearest trauma hospital, but the weather did not cooperate and he was transported by ambulance instead. The victim has been identified as a 60-year-old man, but his current condition is not known.

More than 20 passengers on the bus also suffered personal injuries, and they were transported to various local hospitals, including Trident Medical Center in North Charleston. All of those injuries are considered to be non-life-threatening. The driver of the logging truck was not injured.

Drunk Driver Causes Head-On Crash South of Charleston

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

December 7, 2010 - The driver who caused a head-on collision in late November was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, police say. According to a report at TheSunNews.com, the accident injured four people when a drunk driver lost control of his car shortly after 7 p.m. on Nov. 23.

Police say the drunk driver, a 35-year-old man from James Island, was behind the wheel of a Land Rover. He was driving northbound on U.S. 17 when he crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed head-on into a Hyundai that was driving in the opposite direction. The Land Rover rolled over and a dog was ejected from the vehicle before it came to a stop. There were 4 people in the Hyundai, all of whom suffered personal injuries. They were transported to local hospitals, but all have been released.

The driver who caused this crash has been charged with felony drunk driving and grand larceny related to a previous incident. He is currently awaiting bail at Charleston County jail. The dog, a pit bull that belonged to the driver's father, was eventually found more than a week after the crash and returned to his owner.

Treatment of Burn Injuries from a South Carolina Accident

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

When an individual has been in a South Carolina accident that has caused severe burn injuries, they may face not only painful but very expensive medical treatment. The financial, physical and emotional burden can feel overwhelming.

A burn injury victim is also facing the possibility of a change in their quality of life, especially if they are disfigured or scarred from their burn injuries. The long-term treatment and recovery can add up to thousands of dollars in medical expenses. A West Ashley personal injury attorney will fight to help you recover the damages that you may be entitled to.

Here are some of the types of treatment for burn injuries that a sufferer may have to undergo:

Medication - to alleviate pain and swelling, a number of medications may be administered. This includes topical antibiotics, other antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics;
Surgery - to repair the skin, a dermabrasion or skin graft may be done;
Pressure Garments - using counter pressure, these garments are placed on the damaged skin, which helps to reduce hypertrophic scarring; and
Skin Substitution - damaged skin may be substituted with cultured skin or artificial skin if other types of skin transplants are not available.

Many times treatment will also include therapy or rehabilitation. All of this can really add up, only furthering the distress of the burn injuries received after a South Carolina accident. A personal injury claim may help a victim to fight for the compensation that they need to move on with their lives.

Seeking the Help of a West Ashley Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a West Ashley personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Complications of a Burn Injury After a South Carolina Accident

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Burn injuries are some of the most traumatic types of injuries for an individual to suffer. If you have been involved in a South Carolina accident that has caused severe burn injuries, you may be able to recover damages for your expensive medical treatment.

A West Ashley personal injury lawyer can help you determine if your burn injuries were the result of someone else's negligence. If so, they can assist you with filing a personal injury claim to pursue recovery of damages. A West Ashley personal injury lawyer will take care of the paperwork and collection of evidence while you focus on healing and recovery.

Depending on the type of South Carolina accident you have been involved in, complications from a burn injury will vary. Not only is the burn itself a concern but other medical issues can also arise.

Some of the complications of a South Carolina burn injury may include:

loss of fluid;
respiratory difficulties;
imbalance in electrolytes;
lowered blood pressure;
swelling;
infections; and
shock.

These are only the physical complications. Oftentimes there are also emotional complications, especially if the burn injuries are severe. If there is disfigurement or permanent scarring this can emotionally traumatize an individual.

When you have suffered serious burn injuries in a South Carolina accident, a West Ashley personal injury lawyer can talk to you about your options for seeking compensation to address your medical bills.

Seeking the Help of a West Ashley Personal Injury Attorney

The South Carolina personal injury attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a West Ashley personal injury lawyer for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211.

Train Accident Kills One in Georgetown County

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

November 22, 2010 - A Florida woman was killed on Monday after the RV she was riding in was hit by a train in Georgetown County. According to a report at CarolinaLive.com, the accident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. on Monday morning.

The RV was driving on Highway 521 in Georgetown County when the driver encountered a train crossing near Nine Mile Curve. Troopers are still investigating this fatal crash, but they believe that the RV drove around or through the crossing arms and was then hit by a train. Pictures from the scene show that the brown RV was crushed on the passenger's side and then pushed a short distance from the train tracks. A woman sitting on the passenger's side in the RV was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her husband, who was driving the RV at the time of the accident, was initially transported to Georgetown Hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, the driver has been moved to Medical University of South Carolina. Troopers are still trying to notify the next of kin, so the identities of the victims have not been released. However, the couple was believed to be traveling in the area from their home in Florida.

Top 10 Counties for 2009 South Carolina Fatalities

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

In every state there are certain counties that may be at a higher risk for traffic accidents and resulting fatalities. In South Carolina, those counties are Horry, Greenville and Charleston.

No matter what type of accident you have been involved in, if you have suffered injuries the first call you should make is for medical help. Then, you should consult with an experienced Hanahan car accident attorney.

A Hanahan car accident attorney will take the time and attention necessary to evaluate your case and determine whether you have a valid car accident claim. In addition, a Hanahan car accident attorney knows how to collect the best type of evidence to prove your claim.

Top 10 Counties for 2009 South Carolina Fatalities

According to 2009 South Carolina traffic accident statistics, the top 10 counties for fatalities include:

Horry County - 64 fatalities.
Greenville County - 54 fatalities.
Charleston County - 50 fatalities.
Berkeley County - 42 fatalities.
Richland County - 42 fatalities.
Orangeburg County - 41 fatalities.
Lexington County - 38 fatalities.
Anderson County - 36 fatalities.
Spartanburg County - 34 fatalities.
Aiken County - 33 fatalities.

Although 2009 South Carolina traffic accident statistics may show that one county has a higher incidence of fatalities than another, the risk of injury in a South Carolina car accident is legitimate just about anywhere. Contact a Hanahan car accident attorney today if someone else's negligence was the cause of your injuries.

Seeking the Help of a Hanahan Car Accident Attorney

The South Carolina car accident attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina car accident claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Hanahan car accident attorney for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Pedestrian Hit and Killed Near Northwoods Mall

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

November 18, 2010 - A pedestrian was killed on Tuesday when he was hit by a car while crossing the street near Northwoods Mall in Charleston. According to a report at Live 5 News, the fatal accident occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday evening.

Police say the victim was crossing Rivers Avenue near the mall when he was hit by a Jeep Cherokee. The victim has been identified as a 56-year-old man from Charleston. He was unconscious and lying in the middle of Rivers Avenue when first responders arrived on the scene. Sadly, his injuries were too severe and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Jeep Cherokee, who suffered no injuries in the crash, has not been identified.

The Charleston Police Department is still investigating this fatal pedestrian accident, and no charges have been filed against the driver as of this time. It is not currently known if the victim was in a crosswalk when the accident occurred. Poor lighting conditions may also have been a contributing factor, as it had just gotten dark when the victim happened to be crossing the street.

Jamestown Man Killed in SUV Rollover Accident

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

November 18, 2010 - A Jamestown resident was killed on Wednesday in a rollover accident. According to a report in the Charleston Post and Courier, the fatal car accident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol has not completed their investigation into this fatal crash, but initial reports indicate that the victim was driving a Jeep Cherokee eastbound on French Santee Road. Although they are not sure if speed was involved in the rollover accident, deputies say the victim lost control of his vehicle, which then crashed on the side of the road and rolled several times.

The victim, who was not buckled in, suffered massive injuries due to being ejected from the vehicle. First responders transported him by ambulance to Moncks Corner Hospital, but his injuries were too severe and he could not be revived. The Berkeley County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as a 49-year-old man from Jamestown.

The investigation into this crash is ongoing, and it has not yet been determined if there were any factors that contributed to the rollover. There were no other passengers in the SUV.

2009 vs. 2010 Traffic Fatalities in South Carolina

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Although many car accidents in South Carolina don't result in deadly consequences, the risk of serious injury is legitimate. A Hanahan car accident lawyer can assist you with your car accident claim if you have been injured because of someone else's negligence.

2009 vs. 2010 Traffic Fatalities in South Carolina

When looking at traffic fatalities from 2009 and 2010 (through November 15), the following comparisons can be made. With regard to fatal crashes, there were 730 in 2009 and year to date, there have been 639 in 2010.

With regard to the number of individuals killed, 796 fatalities occurred from January through November 15 in 2009 and 687 fatalities occurred from January through November 15, 2010.

Statistics for 2010 also show that of the 687 fatalities, (which includes passengers, cyclists, pedestrians, etc.), 510 had access to seat belts and 278 were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

When comparing this year's statistics to 2009 South Carolina traffic accident statistics, it appears that 2010 may show a reduction in deadly accidents. Yet the fact remains that many individuals are seriously injured in South Carolina car accidents. If you have been injured and need to learn more about your eligibility to seek compensation, contact a Hanahan car accident lawyer today.

Seeking the Help of a Hanahan Car Accident Lawyer

The South Carolina car accident attorney team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to help accident victims cope with the legal implications of a serious injury. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina car accident claim, request a free copy of our South Carolina injury book. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Hanahan car accident lawyer for a free information packet and consultation - 1-888-690-0211.

Charleston Fire Department Provides Help After Fatal Car Accident

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

November 17, 2010 - The Charleston Fire Department is assisting fellow firefighters in Columbia after a tragic car accident on Interstate 20. The accident killed a 23-year-old firefighter from Columbia and seriously injured another, according to a report at MidlandsConnect.com.

The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon, when the Columbia Fire Department was clearing a brush fire near Interstate 20 and Clemson Road. Investigators with the South Carolina Highway Patrol determined that a driver behind the wheel of a van was speeding down the interstate when she rear-ended a SUV, which then crashed into 2 firefighters.

A 23-year-old firefighter was pronounced dead at nearby hospital. He was planning to get married in April. His partner, a 30-year-old firefighter, is currently recovering from serious injuries, but doctors believe he will survive. The driver who caused the crash has been charged with speeding and driving without a valid driver's license.

Firefighters from Charleston made their way to Columbia shortly after the car accident. These firefighters have been trained as grief counselors and will provide support to those affected by the crash. Firefighters from Charleston will also work in Columbia on Wednesday so that Columbia's firefighters can attend a memorial service.

Treatment of Whiplash after a South Carolina Accident

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Depending on the severity of a neck injury, recovery time can last just a few days or span several weeks. Whiplash oftentimes results in further damage to other areas such as the spine, back and shoulders. In these instances, recovery time may be prolonged.

Since a neck injury can be unpredictable as far as treatment and recovery time, you should consult with a Summerville car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. It is never a good idea to attempt to settle a personal injury case on your own when you could be facing a prolonged recovery and future medical expenses.

Treatment of Whiplash after a South Carolina Accident

While there is no one type of treatment that will alleviate the pain of whiplash, there are some treatment options that may help.

Treatment can include any of the following:

pain relieving medication;
anti-inflammatory medication;
muscle relaxants;
physical therapy traction;
gentle range of motion exercises;
local anesthetic injections;
heat therapy;
massage;
immobilization (using a cervical collar);
physical therapy; and
surgery.

Whiplash can lead to expensive treatments. If your neck injuries are the result of someone else's negligence from a South Carolina accident, contact a Summerville car accident lawyer today.

Contacting a Summerville Car Accident Lawyer

South Carolina residents can take comfort knowing that the attorneys at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm are there to help them settle their personal injury claims. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our complimentary consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you're ready to get started on settling your car accident claim, contact a Summerville car accident lawyer for a complimentary information packet and consultation - 888-690-0211.

Drunk Driver Crashes Car on Johns Island

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

November 12, 2010 - The Charleston County Sheriff's Office believes that alcohol played a role in a single-vehicle car accident at the end of the October. According to a report at the Charleston Post and Courier, Sheriff's deputies have just completed their report into the accident, which occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on the morning of Oct. 27.

Deputies say the unidentified man was driving a pickup truck on Johns Island when a witness called 911 to report the driver's erratic behavior. When Charleston County deputies arrived at the scene, the pickup truck had crashed on the side of the road. The driver, who escaped serious injuries, was asleep in the truck. Deputies reported that empty beer cans were visible in the wreckage, and they said the driver failed a field sobriety test. Further investigation determined that the man was driving with a suspended license.

As a result of the accident, the man was arrested and held at a local detention center. He is facing multiple charges, including driving without a valid license and reckless driving. The Sheriff's Office has not released the driver's identity.

Additional Injuries from Whiplash in a South Carolina Accident

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A neck injury that results from a South Carolina accident could take the form of severe whiplash. While many cases of whiplash have a recovery time that ranges from a few days to a few weeks, if there is more significant damage, it could be the result of other injuries related to severe whiplash.

Consulting with a Summerville car accident lawyer should be a priority if you have been injured in a South Carolina accident. An attorney will have the vast knowledge and experience to provide you with legal counsel and explain the process of filing your personal injury claim.

Additional Injuries from Whiplash in a South Carolina Accident

Severe whiplash often results in damage to the back and spine in addition to the neck.

Some of the other injuries that may be sustained from severe whiplash include damage to:

ligaments;
joints;
discs;
cervical muscles; and
nerve roots.

Those types of injuries could result in the need for surgery, which can prolong your recovery time.

Although whiplash is not always severe, it can still result in lost time at work and unplanned medical expenses. Contact a Summerville car accident lawyer today if you have been injured in a South Carolina accident and sustained a neck injury or any other serious injuries.

Contacting a Summerville Car Accident Lawyer

South Carolina residents can take comfort knowing that the attorneys at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm are there to help them settle their personal injury claims. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our complimentary consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you're ready to get started on settling your car accident claim, contact a Summerville car accident lawyer for a complimentary information packet and consultation - 888-690-0211.

Horry County Man Killed in Single-Vehicle Accident

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

November 11, 2010 - A man from Longs was killed over the weekend when he lost control of his vehicle while driving in Horry County. According to Carolina Live, the accident victim crashed his car shortly after 1:30 a.m. in the early hours of Saturday morning.

South Carolina State Troopers responded to the scene, and their report indicates that the victim was driving on Dogwood Road when he lost control of his car near the intersection of Dogwood and Highway 90. His car veered onto the side of the road before crashing into a brick wall.

First responders attempted to revive the victim, but he was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The Horry County Coroner has identified the victim as a 45-year-old man from Longs. Deputies say the victim was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

No other vehicles were involved in this fatal crash, so no additional injuries were reported. Funeral details have not been released. More information about this accident will be added if and when it becomes available.

Motorcyclist Dies in Charleston One Month After Crash

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

November 9, 2010 - A motorcyclist who was hit by a car more than a month ago died from his injuries on Saturday at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. According to a report at The Sun News, the victim had been hospitalized since the accident took place, which occurred on Oct. 2 in Horry County.

The victim, a 64-year-old man from Hamer, was taking part in the Grand Strand motorcycle rally shortly after 11 a.m. Police say the victim was stopped at a light at the intersection of S.C. 544 and U.S. 17 when he was rear-ended by a car. The victim was airlifted to Medical University of South Carolina, where he received treatment for his injuries for more than a month. The hospital has not said what ultimately led to his death and a cause of death has not been released.

Another motorcyclist was also injured in this incident. This victim has not been identified but was treated and released from Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. The driver who caused this fatal accident has also not been identified. Police have not said if the driver will face any charges in connection with this now fatal motorcycle accident.

Deciding Whether You Have Grounds for a South Carolina Injury Claim

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Not every accident in South Carolina will result in grounds for a personal injury claim. Likewise, not every personal injury claim in South Carolina will require the help of an attorney.

Some cases can be easily settled without legal counsel and a good lawyer will be the first one to tell you so. Unless you are well-acquainted with South Carolina personal injury law, seeking the guidance of a Charleston personal injury lawyer after an injury accident may be an important step in protecting your rights. An attorney can help you determine whether you have a case and whether that case necessitates legal counsel.

There are situations where an attorney will not be necessary for your South Carolina personal injury claim. If you are involved in a case where the injury is very small or there was very little property damage, you likely won't need an attorney.

If your injuries were severe or there was a large amount of property damage, then a Charleston personal injury lawyer may be necessary.

At the same time, don't be too quick to dismiss what might appear to be a minor injury. Sometimes, injuries are slow to manifest and can have long-term consequences.

This is why at the very least you should speak with a Charleston personal injury lawyer before deciding to settle on your own. Keep in mind that individuals who seek legal counsel generally receive a larger settlement than if they had worked on their own.

To learn more about the necessary components of a South Carolina personal injury claim, please visit our article library.

The Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

South Carolina residents can take comfort knowing that the attorneys at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm are available to help guide their personal injury claims. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our free consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211

Proof Needed in a South Carolina Personal Injury Claim

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A personal injury claim in South Carolina is not always cut and dry. Just because the circumstances exist that an injury took place isn't enough. You must be able to show adequate proof.

Attempting to prove your South Carolina personal injury claim on your own is no easy task. An experienced Charleston personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and will know what type of evidence is needed and how to acquire it. A Charleston personal injury lawyer can do the investigational work that will help build a solid case.

Proof Needed in a South Carolina Personal Injury Claim

There must be direct evidence that the careless or negligent actions or inactions of another were the reason your injuries occurred. This is why having solid evidence and enough of it will significantly impact your claim.

For instance, if you were injured in a car accident, pictures of the accident scene or the damaged vehicles will be needed. In addition, medical records will be necessary to prove the extent of your injuries.

If you were injured by a defective product, the best evidence is the product itself. These are just some examples of the types of evidence that your Charleston personal injury lawyer will use to build your case.

To learn more about the necessary components of a South Carolina personal injury claim, please visit our article library.

The Help of a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

South Carolina residents can take comfort knowing that the attorneys at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm are available to help guide their personal injury claims. Our firm's focus on personal injury cases includes injury from auto accidents including pedestrian and bicycle injuries, work-related injuries and Workers' Compensation claims, and injuries resulting from dangerous prescription drugs.

Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our free consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you're ready to get started on settling your accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation, 1-888-690-0211

Car Accident on U.S. 278 Kills Bluffton Man

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

November 5, 2010 - A resident of Bluffton was killed last week when he was hit by a pickup truck while riding a motorcycle. According to a report the Island Packet, the accident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. last Tuesday as the motorcyclist was driving on U.S. 278 in Bluffton.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol investigated the fatal accident. Their report indicates that the victim was approaching the intersection of Sawmill Creek Road and U.S. 278 when he was hit by a Ford F-150 pickup truck that was attempting to turn left onto Sawmill Creek Road. The truck drove directly into the path of the motorcycle, and the motorcyclist crashed into the truck's right side.

The victim has been identified as a 41-year-old man. He was riding a Suzuki GSX-R6 motorcycle and was not wearing a helmet at the time of the motorcycle crash. The victim was taken to Hilton Head Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after the accident.

The driver of the pickup truck, a 48-year-old man from Adams Run, was not charged. He was not injured in the crash, but an unidentified passenger in his truck was taken to Hilton Head Hospital for treatment. Those injuries were not life threatening.