October 15, 2024 | Car Accidents
Rear-end crashes happen more often in South Carolina than we’d like to admit. These types of accidents can result from sudden or unexpected braking, following too closely, or distracted driving. They cause damage to vehicles and can lead to injuries that take time, effort, and money to recover.
Understanding Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle crashes into the car in front of it. They can happen anywhere – at stoplights, in heavy traffic, or on highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end collisions are among the most common types of accidents, comprising nearly 30% of all traffic accidents in the U.S.
The reasons behind these car accidents vary. Sometimes, it’s due to distracted driving, where the driver is more focused on a phone or the radio than on the road. Other times, it’s due to tailgating, where drivers don’t leave enough distance between themselves and the car in front. Bad weather conditions can also make it hard to stop quickly.
Common Injuries Resulting from Rear-End Crashes
The impact of a rear-end collision can lead to various injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. Here are a few common ones:
Whiplash
Whiplash is perhaps the most well-known injury associated with rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly jolted backward and then forward, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms vary from mild discomfort to severe pain and can last for days, weeks, or months.
Back Injuries
The sudden impact can injure the back and spine, leading to herniated discs or muscle strains. These injuries can be debilitating, limiting your ability to perform daily tasks.
Head Injuries
Even if you don’t hit your head directly, the jarring motion can cause concussions or other traumatic brain injuries. These are serious and can have long-term effects if not treated promptly.
Broken Bones
Depending on the collision’s severity, you may suffer from broken bones, particularly in the hands or feet, as they often absorb some of the impacts.
Psychological Injuries
Physical injuries may not be your only concern. Experiencing a car accident can also lead to emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Immediate Steps to Take After a Rear-End Collision in South Carolina
Experiencing a rear-end collision can be shocking and unsettling. However, taking the proper steps immediately after the accident can help keep you safe and make the recovery process smoother.
Below, we break down what you should do right after a rear-end crash:
Check for Injuries
First things first: ensure the safety of everyone in your vehicle. Look for visible injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or swelling. Ask your passengers if they feel any pain or discomfort. If anyone, including yourself, is injured, don’t hesitate—call 911 right away. Emergency services can provide immediate medical help and ensure that everyone gets the necessary care.
Move to Safety
If your car is drivable and you’re in a busy area, try to move it to the side of the road or a safe spot nearby. This helps prevent additional accidents and makes the area safer for you and other drivers. Once you’ve moved your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights. These blinking lights will alert other drivers to your presence and tell them to be cautious.
Document the Scene
If it’s safe, take out your phone or camera and document everything. Capture multiple angles of the damage to both vehicles. Also, photograph any visible injuries—these images might be needed for insurance claims or legal purposes later. If possible, jot down the time and location of the accident and any details you remember about how it occurred.
Exchange Information
It’s important to collect contact details and insurance information from the other driver involved in the accident. Make sure to get their name, phone number, address, and insurance company details.
If witnesses are around, politely ask for their contact information as well. Their accounts may support your version of the events later on.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think you’re okay, it’s wise to see a doctor soon after the accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, might not show immediate symptoms but can still be severe.
A medical professional can identify any hidden injuries and start treatment right away. Getting a medical check-up serves two purposes: it ensures your health. It also provides documentation that may be important for your insurance claim.
Taking these steps after a rear-end collision protects your well-being. It also lays the groundwork for any financial or legal processes that follow. Remember, staying calm and focused is critical in this stressful situation.
Legal Steps and How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury attorney can be invaluable; they will:
- Evaluate Your Case: A lawyer can help determine the value of your case, considering medical bills, lost wages, and any pain and suffering.
- Negotiate with Insurers: Insurance companies might offer low settlements. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
- File a Lawsuit: If an agreeable settlement isn’t reached, an attorney can take your case to court.
- Give You Peace of Mind: Having a dedicated professional allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of legal and financial issues.
Navigating the aftermath of a rear-end collision can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies. A car accident lawyer can help alleviate these burdens.
Rear-end collisions can be a frightening experience, but understanding the common injuries and how to recover can make the process a bit smoother. With the right medical care, emotional support, and legal guidance, you can move past this hurdle and focus on your health and well-being.
Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer at Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the car accident law firm of Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. We have five convenient locations in South Carolina: Columbia, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Blythewood.
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Columbia, SC
1333 Main St #510,
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 573-0869
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Columbia, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.0036663,-81.0346429
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Lexington, SC
5465 Sunset Blvd Suite B,
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 721-4241
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Lexington, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.9981412,-81.2202483
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Orangeburg, SC
161 Elliott St SE Suite B,
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 884-2053
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Orangeburg, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.4913915,-80.8608485
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Blythewood, SC
749-2 University Village Dr,
Blythewood, SC 29016
(803) 866-5190
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Blythewood, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.2165616,-80.9866654
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Columbiana Dr
380 Columbiana Dr
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 866-5522
Our firm is located near you. We have a secondary office in Columbia, SC.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.0857948,-81.1613165
