Determining Fault for Rear-End Car Accidents

When a rear-end accident happens, many people think the driver in the back caused the crash. While that’s usually true, the law doesn’t make it automatic. Fault depends on the specific details of the crash, including speed, traffic signals, road conditions, and whether the front driver contributed to the crash. If you were hit from behind, you may be entitled to compensation, but you’ll need proper evidence to prove it.

At Parker & Bain, our car accident lawyers in Union, SC, can help you build that case, counter arguments from insurers, and ensure you recover the damages you deserve.

Decide Fault in Rear-End Car Crashes in Union, SC

While the rear driver is usually presumed negligent, other circumstances can shift responsibility:

• Sudden, unexpected stops: Fault may be shared if the front driver stopped for no reason in the middle of the road.
• Faulty brake lights: A driver without working lights may bear part of the blame.
• Third-party involvement: A driver forced to slam brakes due to another car cutting in may not hold all responsibility.
• Distracted or impaired driving: If either driver was texting, under the influence, or otherwise negligent, that evidence likewise shapes fault.

These details are rarely clear-cut at the scene. Insurance providers commonly exploit ambiguity to shift blame onto victims, thereby reducing the amount they pay out to claimants. Additionally, proving fault requires more than pointing fingers. Our car accident attorneys in Union, SC, typically use crash reports, eyewitness testimony, vehicle damage analysis, and even traffic camera footage to establish what happened and who should be held accountable.

Compensation You Can Recover

Rear-end collisions may leave you dealing with far more than a dented bumper. Even low-speed impacts can cause personal injuries that can drastically change your daily life. Compensation in these cases can include:

• Medical expenses: These include follow-up visits, physical therapy, pain management, prescription costs, and future treatments, such as surgery. For instance, whiplash can require months of rehabilitation, while spinal cord trauma may result in years of medical care.
• Lost income: Many people can’t return to work right away, while others are forced to accept lower-paying jobs because of physical limitations. Damages here can include not only missed paychecks but also reduced earning capacity if you are unable to perform the same work as before.
• Pain and suffering: The law recognizes emotional harm, such as anxiety about driving again or depression from no longer being able to enjoy hobbies. These damages address the toll an injury takes on your quality of life.
• Property damage: Repairing or replacing your vehicle is part of your claim.

A seasoned Union car accident lawyer ensures these damages are appropriately valued and included in settlement negotiations or trial.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Union, SC

Fault in a rear-end accident may look straightforward; however, it’s usually not. Insurers may claim you braked too suddenly, weren’t wearing a seatbelt, or already had preexisting injuries. A car accident attorney in Union, SC, can investigate the crash scene, gather police reports, and obtain witness statements. They can likewise work with accident reconstruction experts to show how the crash unfolded.

Your lawyer can also push back against insurance company tactics that undervalue injuries or deny claims and present a clear and persuasive story of what happened and how it changed your life during settlement negotiations or in court.

Connect With Our Union Car Accident Attorneys

Discover how our accident lawyers at Parker & Bain can assist you by calling 864-252-2650 or contacting us online to schedule your appointment.