Columbia Rear-End Collision Lawyer

Columbia Rear-End Collision Attorney

Accidents can happen for many reasons around Columbia, from speeding on highways like I-26 and I-77 to distraction on busy downtown roads. Rear-end collisions are one of the most commonly reported types of accidents in the area and one of the most common types of vehicle collisions nationwide. If you have been injured in this type of accident, it’s vital to speak with a Columbia rear-end collision lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options

Representing Victims of Rear-End Collision Accidents in Columbia, SC

The team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help you make sense of your recovery options after another driver has injured you or a loved one in a rear-end collision. Since 1996, our firm has been representing injured clients in the Columbia area, helping them prove fault for their accidents and recover compensation for their damages. We are confident we can guide you to a positive outcome in your case.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported 145,761 vehicle crashes statewide in 2023. Of these accidents, 976 were fatal, 2,041 resulted in serious injuries, and 32,616 caused other injuries. The National Safety Council reported in 2023 that rear-end collisions accounted for 17% of accident deaths and nearly 40% of all vehicle accident injuries nationwide. These accidents can easily cause traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and more.

Our firm will work closely with you through every stage of your recovery efforts, from proving fault for the accident to determining the full extent of the damages you are eligible to claim from the at-fault driver. In most rear-end collisions, the rear driver is to blame, but even if liability seems clear in your case, it’s possible to encounter various challenges in your legal proceedings that you will need an attorney’s help to resolve.

Building Your Claim After a Rear-End Collision in Columbia, SC

South Carolina follows the fault rule for vehicle accidents. This means that whoever is at fault for causing an accident is liable for the resulting damages, and proving fault will be essential before you can claim any compensation from another driver. Drivers in South Carolina are expected to leave adequate room between their vehicle and the one in front of them. Following too closely or other negligence can easily cause a rear-end collision.

Your Columbia rear-end collision lawyer can gather evidence to show exactly how the accident happened and firmly establish fault. Once you have proven fault, filing an auto insurance claim is typically your first option for recovering compensation for a vehicle accident in South Carolina. However, it is important to hire a rear-end collision lawyer to help you with your claim, as most insurers will try to settle for as little as possible.

If you must file a personal injury case to recover your losses, you have a much greater chance of winning your case with a skilled attorney’s help. Success with any personal injury case requires proving how the accident happened, identifying who is at fault, and then showing the full extent of the economic and non-economic damages you suffered because of the defendant’s actions. Your attorney can assist you with accurately calculating the full scope of your damages.

Ultimately, a rear-end collision could cause serious injuries, leading to medical expenses and other losses. When you choose the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III to represent you, our firm will work diligently to establish fault for the accident, accurately determine the full scope of your claimable damages, and resolve your case efficiently. Reach out to our firm at your first opportunity to learn more about our legal services in Columbia.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Rear-End Collision Laws

How Do You Prove Fault for a Rear-End Collision?

To prove fault for a rear-end collision, you will need evidence showing that the accident happened because of the defendant’s negligence. Your Columbia rear-end collision lawyer can gather evidence like cell phone data, traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports to help establish liability. Generally, the rear driver is at fault in a rear-end collision, because they should leave space to slow down or stop if necessary.

What Happens if I Share Fault for a Rear-End Collision?

If you share fault for a rear-end collision, South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence law comes into play in your case. It’s still possible for you to claim compensation for your damages as long as you are found less at fault than the defendant. Whatever fault percentage is assigned to you will be subtracted from your settlement or case award. However, if a plaintiff is found more at fault than the defendant, the plaintiff is barred from claiming damages.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Rear-End Collision in Columbia?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a rear-end collision in Columbia largely depends on the severity of your injuries. Once you prove fault for the accident, your Columbia rear-end collision lawyer can help you claim compensation for vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. You’re more likely to maximize your recovery if you hire a rear-end collision lawyer to build your case.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Columbia?

You need to hire a rear-end collision lawyer in Columbia to have a better chance of reaching a positive outcome in your case. Fault for your accident may seem clear, but the process of holding the at-fault driver accountable for the damages they caused will be more challenging than you expect. A skilled attorney can prove liability, accurately determine the full extent of your claimable damages, and determine the most efficient way to resolve your case.

The team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III is ready to help you build a comprehensive personal injury case after another driver has injured you in a rear-end collision. We have successfully helped many past clients resolve difficult accident cases, and we are ready to leverage this experience on your behalf. If you are prepared to speak with a Columbia rear-end collision attorney about your case, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.