Injured in a Rear-End Collision in North or South Carolina? Our Car Accident Attorney Can Help
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorists reported more than 7.2 million vehicle accidents in a single year in the United States, and approximately 28 percent of those accidents involved a rear-end collision. Crashes caused more than 2.1 million injuries, which means about 588,000 injuries may stem from rear-end crashes each year. While most people refer to this type of crash as a “fender-bender,” rear-end accidents have the potential to cause serious and even fatal injuries.
There are many possible causes of rear-end crashes, many of which involve the negligence of another driver, company, or agency. If you sustained serious injuries in a rear-end accident caused by a negligent party, you have important legal rights. Bice Law LLC represents car accident victims throughout both North Carolina and South Carolina, including rear-end accident victims. Please contact us online to learn more about your rights and options as a crash victim today.
Who Causes Rear-End Accidents?
Many different parties can be at fault for rear-end accidents, and they are not always other drivers. In some states, however, the rear driver is presumed to be responsible for hitting the car in front of them. If you were the rear driver and believed someone else was at fault, you should seek assistance from a skilled South Carolina personal injury lawyer who knows how to rebut that presumption and demonstrate who was truly at fault. The following parties may be liable in rear-end crashes:
Rear drivers – The presumption of fault exists because rear drivers are often – but not always – to blame for a rear-end collision. There are many negligent acts on the part of rear drivers that can lead them to crash into the vehicle in front of them, including:
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving or drugged driving
- Speeding, especially in adverse weather conditions
- Improper lane changes
Distracted driving is a particularly common cause of rear-end collisions. When someone is looking down at a smartphone or otherwise looking away from the road, it is all too easy to miss traffic slowing in front of them. Often, distracted drivers are unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid a rear-end crash.
Front drivers – Sometimes, front drivers can be negligent in a manner that causes the car behind them to crash. Some dangerous acts by front drivers can include:
- Suddenly slamming on the brakes
- Distracted driving
- Failing to signal for a turn
- Cutting off other drivers
When a front driver is distracted, they can also miss obstacles or slowing traffic in front of them. If they suddenly notice they need to stop immediately, the driver may hit the brakes without warning, causing a rear-end accident with the car behind them. This is only one of many ways the front driver may be at fault and liable for your losses.
Government agencies – Departments of Transportation and other government agencies have the duty to design and maintain safe roads and highways. However, many road hazards persist and lead to a rear-end collision. Potholes, large cracks in the pavement, inadequate shoulders, improper lane markings, excessive speed limits, poorly-timed traffic signals, and more can all result in rear-end accidents.
Auto manufacturers – Imagine driving along, trying to slow down with traffic, and your brakes do not work. Unexpected brake failure often causes a driver to crash – often, with the car in front of them. If your brakes were defective, the manufacturer that sold the defective brakes should be held responsible. The same goes for tire blowouts or any other malfunction due to defective auto parts.
It is important to remember that just because you were the rear driver does not mean you cannot hold another party liable for your losses. No matter how your accident occurred, you should discuss a possible case with an experienced car accident attorney who can advise you of the best course of action and represent your rights every step of the way.
Recovering for Your Losses
Determining liability is critical because the losses arising after a rear-end collision can be surprisingly extensive. While many people think a “fender-bender” will not result in serious injuries, many rear-end accident victims sustain the following:
- Concussions
- Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns on the arms and face
- Facial fractures
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Soft tissue injuries
The above all require medical treatment, which can include emergency treatment, hospitalization, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, and more. Accident victims can face a variety of losses for serious injuries, and we regularly help clients recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses for past and future care
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma
- Permanent disfigurement or disabilities
- Wrongful death
Many rear-end accident cases begin with an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with and regularly try to get injured accident victims to accept far less than they deserve for their losses. You should always have the help of a car accident lawyer during the entire claim process. Our law firm regularly handles auto insurance claims for our clients and fights for the full value of each claim. We do not hesitate to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court when an insurance company refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer.
Consult with a North Carolina and South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer For Free Today
After a rear-end accident, your first priority should be to receive the medical care you need for your injuries. When you can, you should then contact a personal injury attorney with the knowledge and experience to seek the compensation you deserve. Bice Law LLC handles all types of injury cases involving a wide range of accidents and injuries. If you would like a free consultation about your options, please call 877-BICE-877. You can also contact us online. We’re ready to help you.