What are the common causes of accidents on U.S. Highway 17? Collisions along this busy corridor are often linked to speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, heavy truck traffic, roadway design flaws, and hazardous weather conditions.
If you are involved in an accident on this busy highway, seeking legal guidance from a South Carolina car accident lawyer is crucial.
Shelly Leeke Law Firm Is on Your Side After an Accident on U.S. Highway 17
U.S. Highway 17 is one of the most dangerous highways in South Carolina. If you have been in an accident on Highway 17 because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve support, guidance, and skilled legal representation. Shelly Leeke Law Firm will guide you through this difficult time with proficiency and compassion.
For over a decade, our attorneys have delivered individualized, hands-on support tailored to each client’s unique needs, from navigating mounting medical bills to helping you rebuild your life. We have a no-fee-unless-we-win policy that prioritizes your interests.
Our case results speak volumes. We have secured six- and seven-figure recoveries for clients, including over $1 million recovered in an auto accident and $750,000 in a rear-end crash, demonstrating our dedication and ability to achieve significant results. When you work with our South Carolina car accident attorneys, you get proven advocates who will fight on your behalf throughout the complex legal process.
Speeding Is a Leading Cause of Accidents on Highway 17
One of the most common causes of accidents on Highway 17 is speeding. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s (SCDPS) Traffic Collision Fact Book, driving too fast for conditions or exceeding the authorized speed limit caused 38,298 collisions in 2023, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and injuries. Many of these accidents occurred on dangerous corridors like Highway 17.
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance, especially on Highway 17’s two-lane stretches with curves and wildlife crossings, potentially causing head-on or multi-vehicle crashes. If your accident involved a driver who was going too fast, call Shelly now! Our team has experience holding dangerous drivers accountable.
Distracted Driving is Another Major Cause of Accidents on U.S. Highway 17
Distracted driving is another common cause of accidents on U.S. Highway 17. In South Carolina, inattentive or distracted driving is a contributing factor in more than 20,000 accidents each year. If a distracted driver caused your injury, know that Shelly fights for you and will meticulously gather proof of negligence so you can seek full compensation.
Under South Carolina’s new Hands Free SC law, drivers may not hold a mobile device with any part of their body, text, email, interact with apps, browse websites, or watch videos while driving. Although law enforcement will issue only warnings for the first 180 days, violations after that may result in fines and points against your license. This law highlights the dangers of distracted driving on roads like Highway 17.
Impaired Driving Is a Persistent Cause of Accidents on U.S. Highway 17
Unfortunately, drunk driving remains a significant cause of accidents on U.S. Highway 17. Bars, restaurants, and nightlife along the South Carolina coast make this highway particularly vulnerable to impaired driving crashes, especially during weekends and holidays.
According to the SCDPS, impaired drivers in South Carolina were responsible for 39% of traffic fatalities in 2023, compared to a 30% national average. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time, impair judgment, and make it harder for drivers to stay in their lane. On a highway that already has stretches of limited lighting and challenging curves, impaired drivers create an increased risk of serious collisions.
If a crash caused by intoxication injures you or a loved one, your damages can quickly become financially overwhelming and may include medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. If you get hit by a drunk driver, a Shelly Leeke law firm car accident lawyer can fight aggressively to recover your damages through a civil claim or insurance demand.
Roadway Design Flaws Are an Underlying Cause of Highway 17 Accidents
Sometimes, the road itself is an underlying cause of accidents on Highway 17. Some portions of Highway 17, especially between Charleston and Georgetown, have sharp curves and lack sufficient lighting, making nighttime driving risky and creating dangerous conditions for drivers unfamiliar with the area. Rural intersections lack traffic signals, forcing drivers to take risks when crossing the highway.
When roadway conditions contribute to an accident, you may have legal options beyond pursuing another driver. In some cases, you can hold government entities or contractors responsible for maintaining the highway accountable. Shelly Leeke is highly experienced in identifying every liable party to maximize your compensation.
Inclement Weather Is a Common Cause of Highway 17 Accidents
South Carolina’s coastal weather often contributes to accidents on U.S. Highway 17. Heavy summer downpours, thick fog near marshlands, and hurricane-related conditions make this already dangerous roadway even riskier. Pooling rain on low-lying stretches near Charleston or Myrtle Beach can cause hydroplaning if drivers fail to adjust speed.
If a careless driver caused the accident, you deserve to be compensated for your damages. “Insurers may blame the weather, but we can demonstrate that the other driver failed to adapt, proving you are not at fault. We gather evidence to show that negligence, not just inclement weather, led to the crash and your injuries.
Shelly Leeke Law Firm Is on Your Side if You Suffer Injuries in an Accident on U.S. Highway 17
If you or your family has been affected by one of the common causes of accidents on Highway 17, contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.
Our car accident lawyers in South Carolina are experienced in handling accident claims. We can guide you through the complex process of dealing with insurance companies and pursuing fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
