Auto Accidents Involving Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are common and cause injuries that range from cervical strain to herniated disks and subdural hematomas. The difference in the type of injury is due to the force of impact and the person’s position when hit. Nonetheless, drivers feel vulnerable to this type of car accident, mainly when the vehicle behind them is too close and going too fast. take a look at the incidence of rear-end accidents, their cause, who is responsible and what sort of injuries they precipitate. For more specific information about regarding your potential claim contact our Myrtle Beach car accident lawyers today.
Jeff Morris - A Myrtle Beach Auto Accident Attorney
Jeff Morris always tells you how it is during your free case review. He is up-front and gives you an honest appraisal of your accident. He provides you with your options going forward and answers your questions - every one of them. His is a compassionate law firm from the lawyers to the staff. You can rely on their taking care of everything that needs to be done once you retain them from talking to the insurance company in your place to ensuring that all documents are filed in a timely and appropriate manner. Call him at (843) 232-0944 to schedule a free case review.
Incidence of Rear-End Collisions
Every year there are approximately six million car accidents nationwide. Of this number, 40 percent or 2.4 million are rear-ended collisions. This represents a rear-end accident every eight seconds, and the numbers are increasing, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition, 81 percent of all rear-end collisions occur when the lead vehicle is at a standstill and the driver behind them is both distracted and aggressively tailgating.
Unlike many types of accidents, rear-end collisions happen most frequently during daylight hours and are often seen on a straight road. Men have more rear-end accidents than women, and texting is a primary reason they happen.
Who Is at Fault?
In most cases, it is the driver to the rear who bears liability for the crash. However, there can be extenuating circumstances. For instance, if a vehicle lacks functioning brake lights, other drivers will find it hard to tell if the driver applied the brakes or stopped. This is worse at night, and the car might not be visible at all.
How Can Rear-End Collisions Be Stopped?
The driver to the rear should keep a proper distance from the car ahead of them. In inclement weather, space should be greater. Big rigs, because of their difficulty in stopping quickly, should leave even more room.
How to Determine Fault in Rear-End Collisions
In South Carolina, drivers who share fault in an accident can still receive compensation for damages. Under the state’s modified comparative negligence law, the driver who is partly at fault sees their compensation reduced by the extent of their liability as long as it is not greater than 50 percent.
If an auto part, such as the brakes, is defective, you can lodge a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. Yet, elements like the speed of the vehicle and the distance from the lead vehicle need to factor into the division of damages.
Injuries in a Rear-End Collision
The most common injury is cervical sprain and strain, usually called whiplash. It causes a rapid back and forth movement of the head similar to that of a whip upon impact. The condition usually resolves with rest and analgesia within a month. Symptoms are often delayed and can take up to 72 hours or longer to appear. In some cases, individuals may be symptomatic for more than a year.
A subdural hematoma can also occur when the impact is significant. This condition is an accumulation of blood between the dura (membrane around the brain) and the brain. It can lead to a fatal occurrence if it is not treated correctly.
Concussions and herniated disks are both possible after a rear-end collision. It is essential to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident.
The Morris Law Firm
The Morris Law Firm is here to help after a rear-end collision in South Carolina. We are located in the Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet areas. Just give us a call at (843) 232-0944. You can also reach out to us online.
