There are many different types of auto accidents that are common on South Carolina roadways. They involve all different types of motor vehicles, including family cars, sports cars, pickup trucks and SUVs, commercial vehicles and large trucks, public transportation vehicles, motorcycles, city service vehicles, and more. Yet, all of these vehicles are at risk for the same common types of auto accidents in South Carolina.
Head-On Collision Accidents
In a head-on collision accident, the drivers hit each other in front while traveling in opposite directions. These can occur because one driver is distracted or has fallen asleep, or is mistakenly traveling the wrong way on a one-way road.
Rear-End Collision Accidents
In a rear-end collision accident, a driver is struck from behind. In most cases, the rear driver is legally responsible for the accident because he or she is responsible for maintaining a safe following distance and stopping in time to prevent a collision. Yet, there are times where the front driver’s negligence is largely responsible for the resulting accident. Contact Elrod Pope Law Firm to learn more about what we can do to help you prove negligence.
Sideswipe and Encroachment Collision Accidents
In a sideswipe collision accident, one driver errs by swerving, suddenly changing lanes, or attempting to turn in a way that is irresponsible or illegal, and strikes another vehicle from the side. In such cases, whoever acted negligently is liable for the other driver’s damages.
Right Angle Collision Accidents
In a right angle collision, also known as a T-Bone, one vehicle is broadsided by another. The majority of these accidents occur because one driver failed to yield the right of way to another. Whoever failed to yield is responsible for the accident. This is a common result of drivers running a stop light or stop sign. However, it is also possible for a responsible driver to stop as expected, only to collide with another vehicle that was speeding.
Parked Vehicle and Fixed Object Collision Accidents
In a parked vehicle accident, a driver strikes a vehicle that is not in motion. This usually happens because the driver is distracted, has lost control of the vehicle, or has swerved to avoid hitting something (or someone) in the road. The same can be said for accidents involving a collision with a stationary or fixed object, such as a mailbox, tree, or post.
Depending on why the driver impacted the parked vehicle or stationary object, it may be the fault of the driver or it may be the fault of another vehicle which forced the driver to swerve.
U Turn and Left Turn Collision Accidents
In U Turn collision auto accidents, one driver makes a U Turn without realizing that another vehicle is approaching. The driver making the U Turn is legally responsible for the damages. In a left turn collision auto accident, one driver is generally making an illegal left turn, without yielding the right of way to oncoming traffic.
Reverse/Back Up Collision Accidents
In a reverse or back up collision accident, one vehicle is backing up, perhaps out of a parking space or out of a driveway, and fails to notice oncoming traffic, due to distraction, causing an accident. This can also happen in situations where a driver is backing out of a driveway onto a road with limited visibility of oncoming traffic, due to obstacles (like trees) or hills.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Collision Accidents
In a bicycle or pedestrian collision accident, a driver strikes someone who is walking or riding a bike. The driver or the pedestrian/cyclist could be legally responsible for the accident. While pedestrians have the right of way in many situations, there cases where the pedestrian or cyclist carelessly darted in front of traffic, failed to obey signals, or just wasn’t paying attention. Unfortunately, these types of accidents often cause significant bodily harm to the pedestrian or cyclist.
Animal Collision Accidents
In an animal collision accident, a driver strikes an animal in the road. This is extremely common with deer, which tend to jump out in front of vehicles suddenly. It is also common for a driver to accidentally hit a dog that runs out into the road. Sometimes, these accidents cannot be avoided, and there is often nobody to be held responsible. In such cases, you will have to turn to your own auto insurance to cover any damages. However, in cases where an animal wandered out in the road due to someone’s negligence—perhaps in failing to build a proper fence—you may have a claim against that peson.
Other Types of Auto Accidents in South Carolina
In other types of auto accidents, vehicles may roll over, be struck by a train, or be damaged by debris or potholes in the road. Liability, as always, is determined on a case by case basis, depending on the circumstances.
Establishing Fault in Any South Carolina Auto Accident
In order to seek compensation after an accident, you must determine who is legally at fault. Contact the dedicated South Carolina auto accident attorneys at Elrod Pope Law Firm for a free consultation to find out if you have an auto accident liability claim against another driver.
