[Transcript]
What should you do if you've been hit in a rear-end collision? My name is Kenneth Berger. I am a personal injury attorney here in Columbia, and I help people injured in car accidents across South Carolina. I made this video to answer any questions that you may have surrounding these rear-end crashes. Now, as you probably know, getting hit from behind is the most common type of car crash, not only in South Carolina but across the country. In fact, about 40 percent of all car wrecks are these rear-end collisions. People in both cars can get hurt in one of these crashes, but as you know, it's usually the folks in that front car that get hurt the worst because they're vulnerable, they're sitting there, and then all of a sudden, boom, they get hit. That can lead to concussions, it can result in spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and, of course, neck and back pain. So, if you're dealing with any of these pains, any of these issues, first thing first: focus on your health. Get checked out medically, and make sure that you're getting the proper medical care. And I also want you to think back because we're going to look at what happened at the crash scene itself. Why did this happen? Did the person hit you from behind because they were texting? Was there alcohol involved? Was the other driver acting abnormally to indicate that there may, again, have been some degree of intoxication? What do you remember about how the responding officer dealt with that at-fault driver? Any information we can get about how the crash happened will go further in establishing why they're responsible and potentially lead to what are known as punitive damages. Bottom line, if you've been involved in a rear-end crash, you know a lot of times you're hurting, a lot of times you're asking that question of "Why in the world did this person hit me from behind?" Why is it potentially that the insurance company isn't responding in a timely, appropriate manner to your questions and concerns? Well, one of the things that we're so used to doing is dealing with these insurance companies, making sure that these clients get the absolute best medical care and making sure that any questions that you have, not only about why the crash happened but about what steps are next, get answered. If you want, we've got free copies of my books that are available right here on the website; we've got a live chat feature that you can engage to begin getting help and answers immediately, or you can simply call our office for a free consultation. No matter what you choose, know that if you've been involved in one of these rear-end crashes in South Carolina, we're here to help you, and we're here to provide whatever answers and guidance we possibly can.
What Should You Do When Someone Hits Your Car From Behind?
- Prioritize your health. The first thing you need to do is focus on the health and safety of everyone in the car. According to the National Safety Commission, the people in the front car often endure the worst injuries in rear-end collisions because they are unable to brace themselves for the impact. With that in mind, the first step is ensuring everyone is okay. If there are any injuries, seek medical attention.
- Make a mental note of anything that may help prove the cause of the accident. Did you see the at-fault driver texting and driving before the accident? Was he or she eating, putting on makeup, or taking part in any activities that would cause them to take their eyes off the road? Likewise, did the other driver show any signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, stumbling, or popping in a piece of chewing gum? These types of details can be useful when determining the cause of the accident and searching for evidence to support your case.
-
Get the accident report. Whenever you are involved in a car accident, call the police so that an official accident report is created. Although the accident report is not admissible in court, it can be helpful in determining fault with the insurance companies.
-
Contact a personal injury attorney for a free consultation to see if you have a case. You don’t always need a lawyer after an accident, but if you have injuries that won’t seem to heal or you are being stonewalled by the insurance company, a personal injury lawyer can help you seek justice. It never hurts to call an attorney and tell them your story. At our firm, if we believe you are able to handle your case on your own, we will still provide you a free copy of my books, which are filled with easy-to-understand tips on handling an auto accident injury claim in South Carolina.
Common Injuries You Can Suffer From Rear-End Crashes
The severity of your injuries can depend on many factors, such as the speed at which the at-fault driver hit you and what kind of vehicles (cars, semi-trucks, buses, etc.) were involved. Some of the most common injuries that occur in rear-end accidents include:
- Brain injury (concussions, hematomas, etc.)
- Soft tissue damage
- Neck and back pain
- Whiplash
- Torn ligaments
- Spinal cord injury
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents
- Distracted Driving. Applying makeup while driving, eating while driving, listening/dancing to loud music, and tending to rowdy children are all dangerous forms of distracted driving that can lead to rear-end accidents.
- Speeding. The NHTSA data shows that 361 people were killed in South Carolina due to speed-related crashes, causing over one-third of traffic-related deaths.
- Driving Under the Influence. South Carolina has the 3rd highest rate of people killed in crashes involving a drunk driver. SC also has the 6th highest rate of drunk drivers under the age of 21
- Poor Weather Conditions. Unsafe weather conditions like ice, snow (though we rarely have to worry about that in South Carolina), and rain can cause drivers to hydroplane or lose control of their vehicles.
- Tailgating. When drivers follow too closely behind another car, they increase the likelihood of crashing into the vehicle in front of them.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Rear-End Accident in South Carolina?
While not everyone needs to hire a car accident lawyer after a wreck, scheduling a free consultation can help ensure that you maximize your recovery. If you have serious injuries or are having trouble dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, you should consider at least speaking with an attorney.