A rear-end collision is a frequent type of car accident, occurring when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we connect victims of these accidents with a South Carolina rear-end collisions attorney. Our experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyers are well-versed in the laws governing these types of accidents and will not rest until you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions are the most frequently occurring type of car accident, accounting for nearly 30% of all crashes in the U.S. Rear-end collisions can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving is more likely to cause a rear-end collision because they are not paying attention to the road.
- Following too closely: Drivers who follow the vehicle in front of them too closely (also known as tailgating) don’t leave enough room to stop, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision.
- Speeding: Those driving at excessive speeds have less time to react to the vehicle in front of them, which can increase the likelihood of a rear-end collision.
- Poor weather or road conditions: Rain, snow, ice, or other hazardous road conditions can make it difficult for drivers to stop their vehicles, increasing the likelihood of a rear-end collision.
- Mechanical issues: If a vehicle’s brakes or other critical components are not functioning properly, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision.
- Driver impairment: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol may have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making it more likely that they will cause a rear-end collision.
Steps to Take After Being in a South Carolina Rear-End Collision
Data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety shows that rear-end collisions are the second-most common type of collision, accounting for nearly 23% of all collisions in the state. Take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Check for injuries: Check yourself and those around you for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 and request medical assistance.
- Move to a safe location: Move your vehicle to a safe location to help prevent additional accidents from occurring.
- Exchange information: Exchange details with the other driver, so you have each other’s name, contact information, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers.
- Document the accident: Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. This can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
- Contact the police: Call the police and report the accident. Make sure to ask for a copy of the report, so you have it when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately after the accident but can manifest days or weeks later.
- Contact an experienced attorney: If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, it’s important to seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal process and recover the compensation you deserve.
Remember that insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line, not with ensuring that you receive the compensation you need to cover your expenses.
Recoverable Damages for South Carolina Rear-End Collisions
You may be entitled to receive compensation for the damages below:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgery, prescription medication, physical therapy, and other medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: You may be entitled to recover compensation for lost wages, including future lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you have suffered as a result of the accident.
- Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property that was damaged in the accident.
- Other related expenses: This includes expenses such as transportation costs to and from medical appointments, the cost of hiring a caregiver or housekeeper, and any other expenses related to your injuries.
An experienced attorney can help you assess the value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.
How a South Carolina Rear-End Collisions Attorney Can Help
A skilled South Carolina rear-end collisions lawyer can provide crucial assistance in several ways. First, they can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to determine who was at fault and to what extent. This can include reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
A rear-end collisions lawyer in South Carolina can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their bottom line than with ensuring that you receive the compensation you need and may try to deny or minimize your claim. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex claims process and advocate for your rights.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a rear-end collisions attorney in South Carolina can help you pursue legal action. This may involve filing a lawsuit and representing you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve. With a skilled attorney by your side, you can protect your legal rights and work towards a positive outcome after a rear-end collision.
Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm for a South Carolina Rear-End Collisions Attorney
Regardless of the cause of the accident, if you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, it’s important to seek legal counsel from an experienced South Carolina rear-end collisions attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm. We can help you navigate the legal process and secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us so we can learn more about your case.
