29% of national car accidents are rear-end crashes, making them the most common type of motor vehicle collision. But just because rear-end collisions are common does not mean that they aren’t serious.
Although these crashes have a lower fatality rate than other types of accidents, you can still suffer significant injuries in rear-end collisions. If you are injured, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation for a rear-end car accident. Call our Greenville car accident lawyer today to learn more.
It does not necessarily matter what speed you are traveling at the time of the rear-end crash. You can be injured even if you are stopped or barely moving. What makes a rear-end accident so dangerous is the physics of the collision. The difference in speed between the rear and front car unleashes a tremendous amount of force on the car that is hit. This force can cause an accident victim’s head to snap forward, and then the seat belt can cause the victim’s head to snap back. This movement can cause people to suffer serious whiplash, “coup-contrecoup” brain injuries, or worse.
The attorneys at David R. Price, Jr., P.A. wield considerable experience pursuing compensation claims for Greenville injury victims in rear-end car accidents. Request a free consultation today at 864-271-2636 to discuss how we can help manage your case.
Common Injuries From a Rear-End Car Accident
The most common rear-end car accident injury is whiplash. You may not even know that you have suffered an injury at first. Some of these accident symptoms can take days to show up after the crash.
Some potential whiplash-related injuries in a rear-end car crash include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the force of the impact causes your head to snap back and forth. It can damage muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck, and symptoms might not appear immediately.
- Back Injuries: The spine takes a lot of the shock in a rear-end collision. From herniated discs to lower back muscle sprains, the range of back injuries is broad. These injuries can limit mobility and cause chronic pain, sometimes requiring long-term treatment and therapy.
- Head Injuries: In more severe rear-end crashes, drivers and passengers might hit their heads against steering wheels, dashboards, or headrests. Even if a person does not hit their head, the force of the impact can cause the brain to rebound or bounce against the front and then the back of the inner skull. This can lead to concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have subtle but long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and behavior.
- Wrist and Arm Injuries: Drivers often brace for impact by gripping the steering wheel tightly, which can lead to wrist sprains or fractures. Similarly, passengers may injure their arms or shoulders as they brace against the dashboard or seats.
Other potential injuries include face injuries, shoulder injuries, burn injuries, neck injuries, chest injuries, or internal injuries.
Steps to Take After a Rear-End Car Accident
If you’ve been rear-ended, here are a few important steps to take.
1. Check for Injuries
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, even slightly, call 911 immediately. It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible.
2. Call the Police
Regardless of the accident’s severity, it is essential to call the police. A police report is a valuable document when filing an insurance claim and dealing with legal matters. It officially documents the accident and the details involved.
3. Document Everything
While waiting for the police, take photos of the scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any injuries.
4. Exchange Information
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Be sure to get their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details. Keep the conversation polite and do not discuss fault or liability.
5. Gather Witness Information
If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Witness statements can help verify the details of the accident.
6. Notify Your Insurance
Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Providing them with accurate information and police reports can help speed up the claims process.
7. Consult a Lawyer
Before making any statements to insurance companies or agreeing to settlements, consult with a rear-end car accident lawyer. They can offer you advice tailored to your situation and help ensure that you receive fair treatment and compensation.
How Our Greenville Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
When we are hired to help somebody who has been injured in a car wreck, one of the first things we do is investigate the accident scene. That means looking beyond the basics and digging into the details — skid marks, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic patterns, and any available surveillance or dashcam footage. These pieces of the puzzle can help show exactly how the crash happened and who was at fault.
Next, we gather all available evidence and track down witness statements. Time is often critical here — the sooner we can speak to witnesses, the better their memories will be. We also collect your medical records, police reports, and any other documentation that can support your claim and help demonstrate the impact the accident has had on your life.
Once insurance adjusters get involved, we’re ready. Insurance companies often reach out to injured persons quickly, hoping to get a statement they can use to reduce or deny your claim. We know their tactics, and we won’t let them take advantage of you. We handle all communications on your behalf to protect your rights and keep your case moving in the right direction.
Finally, we work hard to negotiate a settlement that truly reflects what you’ve lost —the cost of your medical bills or car repairs, the pain, stress, and disruptions the accident caused. If the insurance company refuses to resolve your claim for a fair amount, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for what you’re owed.
What Kind of Compensation Is Available After a Rear-End Car Accident?
After a rear-end car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. The type of compensation available typically covers a range of losses, which are generally categorized into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the tangible losses you incur as a direct result of the accident. These include medical expenses, from emergency room visits right up to rehabilitative therapy. If your injuries prevent you from working, lost wages also fall under this category.
In severe cases where injuries impact your ability to earn a living in the future, you might be eligible for compensation for loss of earning capacity. Additionally, any costs related to repairing or replacing your vehicle and other property damages are recoverable economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are less tangible but equally important. They compensate for the pain and suffering you endure because of the accident. This can include physical discomfort and emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression, following the incident.
In more severe cases, you might experience a loss of enjoyment of life if the injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies or other activities you once loved.
In certain circumstances, if the behavior of the person who hit you was particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages might also be awarded. These aren’t meant to compensate you for any specific loss but are instead aimed at punishing the wrongdoer and deterring similar reckless behavior in the future.
Call a Greenville Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer
The attorneys at David R. Price Jr., P.A., will fight for you to receive the most financial compensation that you are entitled to when someone else has injured you in a car accident. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible to begin the legal process.
To schedule your initial consultation, call us at 864-271-2636 or message us online. You owe us nothing unless we help you win your case.
Rear-End Car Accident Case FAQs
+ What is the time limit for filing a car accident claim?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is three years from the crash date. But it’s always better to act sooner — evidence can fade, and insurance companies move fast. The earlier you call us, the stronger your case can be.
+ Will I have to go to court?
Not always. Most rear-end accident cases settle without going to trial. But if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to take your case to court. We’ll walk you through the process and only make decisions together based on what’s best for you.
+ How do I know if I have a case?
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident, you likely have grounds for a claim if another party’s negligence caused the collision. This could include another driver’s reckless or distracted driving. Consulting with a rear-end car accident lawyer can help you understand the strength of your case based on the specific details.
+ How long does a rear-end accident claim take to settle?
The duration of a rear-end accident claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to settle. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or more, especially if they go to trial.
