Causes of Rear-End Accidents

Getting rear-ended at a stoplight or during rush hour can lead to more than just vehicle damage. It can also result in weeks or months of pain, time off work, and a lengthy recovery. While most rear-end crashes are caused by careless drivers, proving that and getting full compensation isn’t guaranteed.

At Douglas Jennings Law Firm, LLC, our Bennettsville, SC, car accident lawyers can help you gather evidence, hold the right party accountable, and fight back when insurers try to minimize your compensation and what you’ve been through.

How Rear-End Accidents Happen in Bennettsville, SC

Rear-end crashes typically occur at intersections, in stop-and-go traffic, and in busy streets. They’re especially common near construction zones and school drop-offs, places where distraction or impatience can have real and catastrophic consequences. Rear-end collisions happen every day on SC roads, often due to the following preventable and negligent driver actions:

Distracted Driving

Phones, GPS screens, drive-thru snacks, or anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can lead to a rear-end crash. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), distracted driving contributed to over 19,000 crashes statewide in a single year.

Tailgating

South Carolina law requires drivers to leave a reasonable and prudent distance between vehicles. However, many drivers still choose to tailgate aggressively, leaving no room to stop if traffic suddenly slows.

Speeding

The faster someone drives, the longer it takes to stop. When traffic backs up unexpectedly, as it often does on highways, speeding drivers can’t react in time to avoid a crash.

Driving Under The Influence

Impaired drivers react more slowly and make poor decisions behind the wheel. Alcohol or drug-related crashes tend to be more severe, and rear-end wrecks are no exception.

Sudden Stops

It’s not always true that the rear driver is usually at fault in rear-end accidents. If the lead driver slammed on the brakes unnecessarily or had broken brake lights, they may share responsibility for the crash.

Rear-End Crashes Are Not Always Open-and-Shut Cases

You may think rear-end accidents are easy to resolve. After all, the rear driver is usually presumed to be at fault. However, insurers will try to cast doubt by claiming you stopped too quickly, failed to signal, or even caused the crash yourself. That’s why gathering evidence quickly matters.

Dashcam footage, traffic camera video, witness statements, and vehicle data can all strengthen your case. From the moment your Bennettsville, SC, car accident attorney gets involved in your case, they’ll work quickly to secure the proof you need. They will secure and review cell phone records, track down surveillance footage before it’s deleted, and consult accident reconstruction experts when needed.

Rear-end collisions can cause whiplash, concussions, herniated discs, and other injuries that aren’t visible right away. Your lawyer can help make sure the insurance provider takes your injuries seriously and that you aren’t pressured into accepting a quick settlement that doesn’t cover all your damages. If the insurer won’t offer you a fair settlement, your Bennettsville, SC, car accident lawyer won’t hesitate to take your case to court if it’s the only way to get every cent you’re owed.

Obtain Legal Guidance From Our Bennettsville, SC, Car Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been rear-ended and suffered injuries and vehicle damage, don’t wait and hope the insurance company will do the right thing. We also represent clients in Williamsburg, Horry, Florence, Marlboro, Darlington, Dillon, Chesterfield, Lee, Clarendon, Kershaw, and Marion Counties.  Complete our online contact form or call Douglas Jennings Law Firm, LLC, at 843-479-2865 to arrange your free case evaluation with our Bennettsville, SC, car accident lawyers.