A rear-end collision is an accident in which a driver strikes or crashes into the rear of another vehicle. This can often cause emotional distress, physical injuries, and costly medical bills for the individual who was hit.
If you were injured in a rear-end car accident in Walterboro, an experienced car crash attorney could help you hold the responsible party liable and pursue the compensation you need to recover for your losses. Contact Whetstone Perkins & Fulda today to schedule a consultation.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end car accidents in Walterboro can happen due to a number of circumstances. Some of the most common occurrences include:
- When traffic is stopped or backed up on a roadway
- Following too closely to another vehicle
- Distracted driving by the rear driver, such as talking on a phone or texting
- Driving too fast, especially when the road conditions are bad, such as at night or during a rainstorm
- Driving while under the influence
- Failure to heed road signs or traffic signals
- Road rage incidents
It is important to seek any needed medical care following an auto collision. Once health and safety have been addressed, a skilled attorney could examine the crash scene and collect the necessary evidence to determine what caused the incident and who might be at fault.
Considerations When Establishing Liability
One of the methods an attorney could use to establish liability in Walterboro rear-end collision cases would be evaluating whether the rear driver failed to stop within a reasonable time or drove at an acceptable speed. This is based not only on the speed limit but also the road and weather conditions.
Other considerations include whether the driver was ignoring the road and failing to look out for traffic cues. For example, if someone is texting while driving, they are likely to miss changing traffic signals or an important road sign.
Evidence Required
This information is typically gathered by getting independent witness statements, taking photos of the accident scene, getting first impressions from the investigating officer, and obtaining their notes about the accident. Getting an attorney involved early after an accident is vital to preserving critical evidence that may not be available in the days following.
The case may also need outside resources involved from the start. For example, if the injuries are permanent, the guidance of a life care planning expert could provide helpful information on how much future treatment will cost.
Comparative Negligence in a Rear-End Crash
In many cases, the assumption is that the car behind is always faulted in rear-end collisions. However, in South Carolina, comparative negligence plays a role in who is held liable and to what extent. A comparative negligence situation can arise when multiple vehicles are involved in a rear-end wreck in Walterboro. For example, the car that crashed into an individual could have been pushed into them by another vehicle that struck it. Typically, in that situation, the car that struck first is most likely to be the one found at fault for the accident.
Comparative negligence can also come into play if the individual who was hit was not following the rules of the road. Not having brake lights in working order or stopping short due to distracted driving could result in an injured party being partially responsible for their injuries.
Retain the Services of an Attorney if You Were Injured in a Walterboro Rear-End Car Accident
If you were injured in a Walterboro rear-end car accident, do not delay seeking qualified legal representation. A detailed attorney could work quickly to preserve evidence, obtain witness statements, and gather any additional documentation needed to maximize your potential compensation.
Reach out to Whetstone Perkins & Fulda today to learn more about how our firm could be of service to you.
