Rear-end collisions are the most common crash type in Rock Hill, South Carolina. In fact, according to one study, 49% of the state’s total crashes occur when the front of a vehicle strikes the rear of the car ahead of it. And even outside of SC, rear-end crashes are still responsible for roughly 40% of U.S. car accident injuries altogether.
Fortunately, a Rock Hill rear-end accident lawyer from Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys has the skill and knowledge to help you pursue injury compensation by establishing who caused the car accident and the damages you’ve sustained.
Contact us today at (803) 324-7574 for a free consultation.
How Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Rear-End Accident in Rock Hill, SC
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys was established more than four decades ago with the mission of assisting car crash victims throughout Rock Hill, South Carolina. Our lawyers have over 150 years of combined experience and have successfully recovered over $100 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
In the event that you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligent driving, turn to our team of rear-end car accident attorneys for the following services:
- A thorough review of your situation and legal options
- Assembling your case using crash reports, medical records, and witness testimony
- Negotiations with the other driver’s insurer to resolve your case
- Taking the other driver to court if their insurance company refuses to settle
Your rear-end collision injuries can result in significant medical costs and related income losses. Do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Rock Hill car accident lawyer.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Rock Hill
Rear-end collisions result from too little space between two vehicles for the trailing driver to stop safely. However, what causes that lack of space to begin with is often just as important.
To that end, the following behaviors often lead to rear-end crashes:
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Inattentive or distracted driving
- Cutting off other vehicles
Understanding the root causes of rear-end collisions can help establish fault and strengthen your claim if you’ve been injured in a crash in Rock Hill.
Common Injuries From Rear-End Crashes in Rock Hill
The injuries vehicle occupants typically sustain in a rear-end collision are inflicted when they are forcibly whipped back and forth due to their momentum. Specifically, front vehicle occupants are pushed backward into their seats by the impact. Their heads may tilt backward, straining their neck muscles, and the impact of their heads on the headrest may jolt their brains..
The occupants of the rear vehicle experience the same forces, just in the opposite sequence. They will whip forward into their seat belts, and as the vehicle stops, they’ll be thrown back into their seats, causing their necks, chests, and brains to experience damaging forces.
Some common injuries from rear-end collisions include the following:
- Whiplash—the common name for hyperextended neck tissues
- Concussions—mild brain injuries caused by a jolt
- Chest bruises
- Wrist injuries from gripping the steering wheel
The severity of these injuries often depends on the collision speed. Rear-end crashes at highway speeds will cause more serious injuries than a fender-bender in a parking lot.
Liability for Rear-End Accidents in South Carolina
Determining liability for car accidents in South Carolina comes down to the use of negligence principles. Negligence occurs when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care. For example, a driver who tailgates another vehicle creates an unreasonable risk of injury or death to the other vehicle’s occupants.
The same analysis determines whether the driver of the leading vehicle bears some or all of the blame. A driver who cuts off or brake-checks another vehicle might bear the liability for the resulting rear-end crash.
What Damages Are Available to Rear-End Crash Victims?
Rear-end crash victims may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages depending on the severity of the accident and their injuries. These typically include economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future medical costs related to ongoing treatment or rehabilitation.
Victims may also recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where the at-fault driver’s conduct was especially reckless—such as texting while driving or excessive speeding—punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Each case is unique, and a detailed investigation is essential to determine the full scope of damages.
Contact Our Rock Hill Rear-End Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Even a minor rear-end crash can cause long-term head and spine trauma. If you’ve been injured, contact Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys for a free consultation with an experienced Rock Hill rear-end accident attorney today.
