Rear-end car accidents frequently result in serious injuries. They are often caused by inattentiveness on the part of the rear driver. Cell phones and other distracting technology such as GPS systems, of course, can lead to a driver’s distraction.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a rear-end collision, it will be important to get legal assistance immediately. The Jebaily Law Firm is available to help. Call or contact us online today.
Our firm has represented victims of many types of car wrecks in Myrtle Beach and throughout South Carolina for Over 50 Years. Our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyers can review your case in a free consultation and help you to explore your options for seeking a recovery.
Why Do Rear-End Car Accidents Occur in Myrtle Beach?
Drivers who careless or recklessly “tailgate” the drivers ahead of them are often to blame for rear-end accidents. Tailgating is a serious problem because it does not allow a driver enough time to stop when the car in front slows down for a stop light or other reasons.
People often tailgate because they are distracted by cell phones or by interacting with other passengers, or because they are looking at directions, changing the radio or eating or drinking. Due to inattention, they may fail to recognize they are dangerously close to the car in front.
However, distraction is not the only cause of rear-end crashes. As our law firm looks into your case, we may discover other reasons for the accident, including:
- Driver intoxication
- Fatigue
- Speeding
- Defective automotive parts (such as brakes that failed to operate properly).
If you have been injured by a driver who was behind your vehicle, you may be eligible to seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy, your own coverage or from the manufacturer of a defective automotive part.
Many people assume that the driver behind is always at fault in a rear-end accident. However, this is simply not always the case. In many instances, the driver in front may be to blame.
For instance, the driver in front may:
- Suddenly hit the brakes
- Swerve into another lane without signaling
- Fail to pull completely off the road when car trouble arises.
In some cases, a driver’s sudden reduction in speed may go unnoticed because the driver’s brake lights fail to work. This may be a vehicle defect or a matter of the driver failing to properly inspect and maintain his or her vehicle.
In some cases, both drivers may be partially at fault. Under South Carolina law, if your own negligence contributed to an auto accident, your compensation would be reduced in proportion to the amount of fault attributed to you. You would be barred from a recovery only if your negligence exceeded that of the other driver. This is sometimes called the “51 percent” rule.
Seeking Compensation After a Rear-End Car Accident
If you have been involved in a rear-end accident that was caused by another driver, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.
One’s losses must be proven through documentation of injuries and expenses. An attorney from our firm may also call upon medical experts, financial experts and other professionals in order to establish the extent of your losses.
Recovering full compensation is extremely important in any type of car accident as they can lead to long term, expensive medical care.
Common injuries from rear end collisions include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Facial scarring
- Arm injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Torso injuries
- Seatbelt-related injuries.
Rear-end accident cases can be extremely complex and involve many factors. Hiring a Myrtle Beach personal injury attorney to deal with the documentation and establishment of liability in your case can greatly improve your chances of recovering fair compensation.
Contact a Rear-End Collision Attorney Serving Myrtle Beach!
Jebaily Law Firm has more than 100 years of combined legal experience. When you need a lawyer at your side with the determination and knowledge to fight for the outcome you deserve, you can rely on an experienced car accident attorney from our firm. To get started, call or reach us online today.
Sources / More Information
- Driver distraction and crashes, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute
- Analyses of Rear-End Crashes and Near-Crashes in the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study to Support Rear-Signaling Countermeasure Development, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Driver Attributes and Rear-End Crash Involvement Propensity, NHTSA
