Unsafe speed is a leading contributing factor in many of South Carolina’s auto accidents each year, resulting in serious injuries and devastating losses for victims and their families. But just how common are accidents caused by speeding in South Carolina? The Spartanburg car accident lawyers at McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie & Clardy dig into the latest statistics to shed light on this critical road safety issue.
The Prevalence of Speeding Crashes in South Carolina
According to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), there were over 140,000 vehicle collisions reported statewide in 2024. Of those, nearly 36,000 resulted in injury or death. When broken down by contributing factors, the SCDPS reports that accidents caused by speeding were 19,000 crashes that year.
To put that into perspective, in 2024, a speeding-related accident happened every 27.4 minutes in South Carolina on average. All told, 55 people were killed and another 8,075 were injured in speeding crashes statewide. These sobering statistics highlight the severe consequences that often result from drivers disregarding posted speed limits and operating their vehicles recklessly.
While speeding continues to be a pervasive problem year after year, 2024 saw a 4% decrease compared to 2023. Motorists must remain vigilant and prioritize safe driving practices to help prevent future speed-related tragedies.
Where Speeding Crashes Are Most Common
Predictably, the majority of South Carolina’s speeding-related wrecks tend to happen in the most populous counties. In 2024, the top five counties for speeding accidents were:
- Greenville County – 2,262 crashes
- Charleston County – 2,158 crashes
- Richland County – 2,045 crashes
- Horry County – 1,706 crashes
- Spartanburg County – 1,486 crashes
Together, these five counties accounted for over 50% of the state’s total speed-related collisions for the year. The high concentration of speeding accidents in these areas can be attributed to factors such as heavy traffic congestion, large populations, and the presence of major highways and interstates that encourage faster driving.
However, when adjusted for vehicle miles traveled, several rural counties also emerge as speeding hotspots. McCormick County, for instance, had the highest speed-related crash rate per 100 million vehicle miles driven in 2024. This suggests that while total crash numbers may be lower in less populated areas, the risk of being involved in a speeding accident can still be significant on rural roads where drivers may be more inclined to exceed posted limits.
Breaking Down the Riskiest Road Types
Highways, interstates, and other high-speed thoroughfares are naturally prone to more severe crashes due to vehicles traveling at faster speeds. While accounting for only 26% of total collisions last year, speeding was a factor in 34% of crashes that occurred on interstates.
The combination of higher speed limits, heavy traffic volume, and drivers pushing their vehicles to unsafe speeds creates a perfect storm for serious accidents on these types of roads.
Two-lane rural roads also tend to be especially hazardous when it comes to speeders. Secondary routes like SC Highway 9 in Horry County and US 76 in Newberry County have some of the highest speed-related crash rates in the state outside of the interstate system.
These types of roads often have narrow shoulders, sharp curves, and limited visibility that can make it difficult for drivers to react in time if they are traveling too fast.
But do not overlook surface streets and local roads either. Even at lower speeds, collisions that occur in densely populated areas with heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic can result in severe injuries, particularly when drivers fail to obey posted limits and adjust their speed for conditions.
The High Cost and Dangers of Speeding Accidents
For crash victims and their families, the consequences of speeding accidents can be immense.
Hospital bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and other damages can easily stretch into the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of injuries. In cases where a victim suffers catastrophic harm such as brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, or amputation, the lifetime cost of care can reach millions.
When seeking justice, one of the most common questions is: how much should I ask for in a personal injury settlement? The answer depends on many unique factors, but understanding the full extent of your losses is key to valuing your claim appropriately. This includes not only tallying up current medical expenses and lost wages but also projecting future costs such as ongoing rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and diminished quality of life.
At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie & Clardy, we work closely with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, economists, and other specialists to accurately assess the short and long-term impacts a speeding crash has had on our client’s life. This allows us to build a strong case and pursue maximum compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. We also explore all potential avenues of recovery, including the at-fault driver’s personal assets and our client’s own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage if applicable.
While every case is different, historically we have recovered substantial settlements for clients seriously injured by speeders, including:
- $4,500,000 for a motorcyclist hit by a speeding driver
- $1,700,000 for a woman seriously injured when a speeding truck rear-ended her vehicle
- $800,000 for the surviving family of a 19-year-old killed by a speeding drunk driver
These results illustrate the tremendous harm and liability that can arise from a single act of negligent speeding. They also demonstrate our firm’s commitment to fighting for the maximum compensation our clients need to reclaim their lives after a devastating wreck.
Holding Speeding Drivers Accountable
If you have sustained injuries in a crash caused by a speeding driver in South Carolina, the Spartanburg car accident attorneys at McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie & Clardy are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
For over 30 years, our law firm has been fighting for the rights of crash victims across the state. We know how much to ask for in a personal injury settlement and will work tirelessly to maximize your financial recovery.
Learn more about how we can help during a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact us to speak with a member of our team today.