Did you know that nearly 2.5 million rear-end collisions occur across the US every single year, causing approximately 950,000 injuries? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pre-incident maneuvers, distracted driving, and following too closely are the main contributing factors. These auto accidents represent nearly a quarter of all crashes in the U.S. and they can have serious legal repercussions.
If you’ve been in a rear-end collision, make sure you speak to a Camden car accident lawyer as soon as possible to understand what the next steps are and how you can receive compensation for your injuries and losses.
What You Need to Do after a Rear-End Collision
Whether someone hits you from behind or you hit another car, it’s essential to undertake the correct steps in the aftermath of the accident.
Some of the most important things you’ll need to do as a Camden driver or passenger include:
- Prioritize health and well-being first: See a doctor, even if you feel ok after the crash. Minor injuries will also need to be checked out – depending on the area they affect; these kinds of trauma can contribute to long-term complications.
- Write down everything you remember about the accident: The more information you have, the easier it will be to build a legal case upon necessity. Write down all important facts – how you were driving, what you noticed about the other vehicle, and the driver’s behavior. The weather and road conditions will also matter.
- Get the accident report: Get in touch with the police and have an accident report created. A police report isn’t admissible in court during a civil case. Still, it can provide important details and help your legal representative collect additional information needed to establish responsibility.
- Contact an experienced Camden car accident lawyer: It doesn’t matter if you are at fault or if you’ve been hit from behind by another driver – get in touch with an attorney. A team that specializes in car crashes and personal injury claims will give you a better idea about where you stand and what the possible outcomes are.
How Fault Is Established in South Carolina Rear-End Collisions
South Carolina is a comparative negligence state. This means fault doesn’t automatically get assigned to the rear vehicle driver. Depending on behavior and situational specifics, both drivers could be established as responsible for the rear-end collision.
Some of the most common causes of rear-end crashes include:
- Not maintaining enough distance between the two cars
- Driving very slowly, especially if the traffic doesn’t call for a reduction in speed
- Making sudden, unexpected maneuvers like lane changes
- Distracted driving (texting, eating while behind the wheel)
- Being sleepy while driving
- Operating a vehicle that has faulty systems (taillights not working, for example)
- Low visibility conditions
Some of these causes pertain to the behavior of the front vehicle driver, others are specific to the driving of the rear vehicle. Causes like low visibility impact both of the drivers involved in the crash.
Most of the time, the driver who rear-ended the other car will be at fault. Drivers in the back have to maintain enough space. A failure to do so creates conditions conducive to an accident.
A court, however, will also look at the behavior of the driver and the condition of the vehicle in front. In some instances, negligence or irresponsible road behavior can be established. In such instances, the compensation that the rear-ended driver is entitled to may be reduced.
Recovering Compensation
If you’ve been rear-ended, you could have sustained some serious injuries. A few common types of trauma include whiplash and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, concussion, and back injuries.
You may be capable of obtaining compensation for medical expenses, lost income, a reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, as well as a permanent reduction in life quality.
The first method of recovering compensation is always an insurance claim. The insurance will help you cover some or all of the medical expenses. If your injuries are extensive, however, the coverage will prove insufficient.
Reach Out to a Camden Car Crash Attorney
Contacting a reputable Camden legal team like the Connell Law Firm attorneys will give you a good idea about the best options and how to pursue those. Contact us now at (803)-310-5700 to get a free injury case evaluation and some personalized suggestions to help you build a strong legal case!