St. Matthews SUV Accident Lawyer

SUV Attorneys in St. Matthews SC

The St. Matthews SUV Accident Lawyers at the  Strom Law Firm is here to assist you if you have been injured in an accident involving an SUV.

St. Matthews SUV Accident LawyerSUVs are hefty vehicles with high centers of gravity. Often, SUVs have large blind spots due to their size, and drivers are unable to see people and other cars. These large vehicles often block the line of vision of other drivers and pedestrians. This creates a significant risk of flipping over when swerving to avoid potential wrecks.

What Are the Different Types of SUVs?

SUV is an acronym, meaning “sport utility vehicle.” Definitions range from a requirement of off-road capabilities to a vehicle that is built on a truck chassis. While SUVs were very dangerous when they first arrived on the market, technological and design advances have added many safety features to make them safer for drivers.

There are three main categories of SUV:

  • Full-size: Usually containing larger, high-horsepower engines and lots of seats. Full-size SUVs are more likely to roll over due to their size.
  • Mid-size: Exactly as the name indicates. SUVs of this size fall between the sizes, fuel-efficiency, and power of full-size and compact.
  • Compact: These are the smallest SUVs. They sit lower to the ground and have higher fuel efficiency.

The Perils of SUVs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officially connected the dots in their 2015 report, determining that SUVs were deadlier for pedestrians than cars. Pedestrians struck by SUVs are twice as likely or more to die when struck by an SUV or a pick-up truck than when struck by an ordinary car.

The study explains that, while the majority of pedestrian fatalities are caused by light vehicles, a deeper look at the numbers shows that SUVs and Trucks are more likely to cause fatalities when striking pedestrians. While one-third of injuries to pedestrians are caused by SUVs and pick-ups, closer to 40 percent of pedestrian deaths are caused by such vehicles. The study further indicates that children and seniors are the most at risk for such fates.

Size matters when it comes to these statistics. The fact that SUVs sit higher off the ground means that, when striking a pedestrian, it is far more likely to strike the person’s vital organs and head. The front of SUVs tends to be flatter than cars, as well, which creates a much blunter force when striking a pedestrian.

Additional perils of driving SUVs include:

  • Top-heavy: The structure of SUVs makes them far more likely to roll over when sudden shifts in the movement are required.
  • Higher horsepower and false security. These two factors are related because many drivers of SUVs feel too safe and have too much power. Their false sense of security leads them to drive their SUV at speeds that are unsafe, not only for pedestrians and other cars but for themselves. Teenagers are often the culprits of such behavior, but adults are known to drive this way too.
  • High clearance: As terrible as it sounds, the higher clearance of SUVs sometimes leads to a tragic and disturbing event. Cyclists and pedestrians can be pulled under the vehicle after being struck, and sometimes dragged along the road. Clearly, such an incident leads to severe injuries.
  • Blind spots: The size and height of SUVs create more and larger blind spots. Sometimes, SUV drivers cannot see cars right next to them let alone pedestrians, resulting in accidents.

How Do You Avoid Accidents in SUVs?

The risks associated with SUVs will never be fully avoided, but through experience and technological upgrades, progress has been made in recent decades. Keep these tips in mind while driving an SUV or shopping for one:

  • The later the model, usually the safer. Automakers have been forced to address the safety concerns of older SUVs by adding features that enhance safety. Such safety features include: backup cameras, parking assist, stabilizing technology, and the list goes on. Such features have helped make SUVs safer for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. Even with all of these safety features, accidents still happen. Technological safety advances will continue to be made with every new model of SUV, but it is unlikely such advances will ever completely rid the world of SUV accidents. It is imperative upon the driver of each vehicle to operate the vehicle as safely as possible, and not use these safety features as a crutch.
  • Practice extreme caution in keeping an eye out for other vehicles and pedestrians. Do not use the above-described safety features as a crutch. Use your own senses to keep an eye out for other cars and pedestrians. The size of an SUV can cause massive blind spots, leading to accidents with unseen cars and pedestrians. Be sure your rearview and side-view mirrors are positioned in a way that minimizes blind spots, and always check behind and beside you for any motorists or pedestrians.
  • Drive an SUV like you understand the size and power of it. SUVs should not be driven like coupes and sedans. SUVs need to be driven with care. Sharp turns, that might not be any problem for a low-riding car, can cause an SUV to roll over, causing injuries.
  • Keep your tires in good condition. A flat tire can cause your SUV to flip. Reduce this risk by ensuring that your tires are in good condition at all times. Replace your tires when necessary.
  • Full-size and mid-size SUVs are heavy and take longer to stop. Do not tailgate the car in front of you. If that car is forced to slam on brakes, you will not be able to stop in time. You could cause significant damage.
  • Slow down. Again, do not drive your SUV like it’s a coupe or sedan. These vehicles were not intended to be race cars; they are working vehicles that should be driven with caution. Speed kills, which is increasingly true when looking at SUV accidents. When possible, avoid sudden turns and swerves.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Proposes SUV Safety Measures

The NHTSA has proposed requiring automakers to equip certain vehicles with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems. According to the NHTSA, it “estimates ESC will reduce single-vehicle crashes of passenger cars by 34% and single-vehicle crashes of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) by 59%, with a much greater reduction of rollover crashes. NHTSA estimates ESC would save 5,300 to 9,600 lives and prevent 156,000 to 238,000 injuries in all types of crashes annually once all light vehicles on the road are equipped with ESC.”

Contact A St. Matthews SUV Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured by an SUV wreck or accident, you contact aSt. Matthews SUV Accident Lawyer today to determine if you are entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other damages. Our experienced St. Matthews SUV Accident Lawyers will provide legal assistance. Call Strom Law Firm today at 803-252-4800 or contact a St. Matthews SUV accident lawyer online.

St. Matthews SUV Accident Lawyer

How this works

Step 1 - Welcome
In this step, you'll experience a warm welcome as you enter the Strom Law Firm.
1
Step 2 - Initial Meeting
You'll meet with professionals. They will go through the facts of your case, explain the entire process.
2
Step 3 - Preparations
We builds your case by interviewing witnesses, conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, and hiring experts.
3
Step 4 - Trial
You'll learn that the firm is trial-ready. They've been preparing since day one and will guide you through the process.
4
Step 5 - Resolution
your case concludes with the firm hoping for a positive outcome. They assure enduring friendships and a commitment to being there for you, regardless of future legal needs.
5
No obligations & no credit card required

STROM LAW IS...

years combined
legal experience
0 +
awards &
accredetations
0 +
Founded
in
0
years
in business
0

What Our Clients Say

They truly care
Mrs Vallery, who answered the phone took more care and attention to detail than any other law office, that I have called, in 2 years+. She diligently took notes to give to the lawyers and cared about my situation and let me actually tell everything without cutting me short. Out of over 100 law offices, this is rare treatment. Care. Consideration. That means more than anything going through this…
Anonymous
google-logo
Professional Representation, Satisfying Legal Outcome!
My wife and I retained Bakari Sellers to represent our son in a case in Richland County. We found Mr. Sellers, his assistant Stephanie, and the rest of the staff at Strom, extremely courteous and professional. We really appreciated Mr. Sellers’ straightforward and honest approach. We believe this is a very competent law firm, and are satisfied with the legal outcome they achieved. We would highly recommend them!
Bryan B.
google-logo
Exceptional Legal Team After Our Car Accident!
We retained Atty Jessica Fickling to help us after a terrible car accident. She and her paralegal Mallory were wonderful! Professional, skilled, savvy – we couldn’t have asked for a better legal team. Many thanks!!
Jocelyn C.
google-logo
Strom Law Firm's Consistent Excellence
I have been a client with The Strom Law Firm for thirty years and have been incredibly blessed to have the assurance that they will do everything possible to provide excellent service to my needs. Ally Benevento is exceptional and represents the firm in a professional manner.
Timothy O.
google-logo
From Self-Representation to Victory in SSDI Case!
My experience with Mario and his staff was outstanding. When everyone said to give up my case with SSDI and after being poorly represented and losing. I had to file my own appeals and represent myself. I literally called every attorney in the book. Then I called Mario cold – I expected one more no! Well, this gentleman took my case and won. He knows the law and cares a lot. I am proud to call him my friend. If you need a professional to help you, call these guys.
Robert L.
google-logo
A Pleasure to Work With, Outstanding Case Outcome!
Thanks Olivia, It was a pleasure working with you. You were well prepared and presented our case in a very professional manner. I could not have ask for a better outcome. Working with everyone at the Strom Law Firm has always been a pleasure and I will be happy to recommend your Law Firm to anyone.
Nancy G.
google-logo
A Lifesaver in the Courtroom, Ensuring Freedom with A1 Professionalism
Needed a lifesaver. I had gotten myself into a bad situation and the possibility of going to prison. Through the diligence and hard work done by attorney Alley B., I was able to walk out of that courtroom a free man. No tricks just hard down attorney work. She was an A1 professional and knew every inch of the Law pertaining to my case. For that, I am forever grateful.
Anonymous
google-logo
A Winning Team at Strom Law Firm!
John Alphin was great. We basically worked together for 22 months. Bakari Sellers was also on the team and together those 2 guys were fabulous. Won the case and I’m still a client of Strom law firm. Thank you and awesome law firm.
Steve T.
google-logo
Excellence in Action for Workman's Comp Case!
Strom Law Firm was really great and professional. I had a great experience with Mario as my attorney and his paralegal, Brian. These two are amazing, they worked very hard on my husband’s workman’s comp case and we were very pleased with the services and results 👍. Brian was so prompt at returning phone calls and getting things ready for the case. I strongly recommend this firm for any of your legal matters. If I had to use you guys again, I would be happy to do so.
Mary W.
google-logo
Mastering Complex Legal Issues with Care and Compassion
Mario Pacella at Strom Law Firm LLC in Brunswick, Georgia, is a masterful, no-nonsense lawyer. His caring and compassionate approach, along with prompt responsiveness, sets him apart. Mario and the firm exhibit exceptional professionalism and attention to detail, emphasizing genuine care for every client.
L. Gilder
google-logo
No obligations & no credit card required

Contact Us For A Free Case Evaluation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

No obligations & no credit card required

*A consultation fee applies to employment matters