Rear-End Car Accidents in Goose Creek

Rear-end car crashes, or fender benders, occur when one vehicle hits another from behind. It is the most typical type of auto collision and often occurs during times with higher rates of stop-and-go traffic. Fender benders can also lead to a chain reaction involving two or more vehicles, particularly during poor weather conditions.

While many incidents are minor, when factors such as speed are involved, the consequences can be severe. If you have been involved in a rear-end car accident in Goose Creek, a well-practiced attorney at Miller|Conway can answer your questions and help with your case.

At-Fault Insurance State

South Carolina is an at-fault insurance state, which means that the person responsible for causing the accident must cover both their own damages and those of the other parties involved. All motorists with registered vehicles in the state are required to carry the minimum liability insurance to cover them in the event of accidents. The required minimum liability insurance coverage for drivers is:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident
• $25,000 per collision for property damage

The statute also requires that all policies provide uninsured motorist coverage with the same minimum amounts. A Goose Creek lawyer experienced in handling cases resulting from rear-end automobile crashes can help you obtain a fair settlement by providing sound legal advice and guiding you through the recovery claims process.

Duty To Report

Knowing and following state traffic and safety regulations is crucial after road and highway traffic events in Goose Creek, including rear-end car accidents. According to the instructions of the South Carolina Code Annotated § 56-5-1210, all drivers involved in collisions must stop at the accident scene when injuries or property damage occur. However, unless unavoidable, they must pull over and stop in a location where they do not obstruct the flow of traffic.

The law requires that motorists give reasonable first aid to anyone who has suffered injuries. It also requires all drivers to exchange their license, registration, and auto insurance information. When severe and life-threatening or fatal injuries occur, vehicles must stop immediately and remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives to conduct an investigation.

Common Causes of Fender Benders

Rear-end vehicle collisions often occur in Goose Creek when the roadways are more congested, such as during rush hour. Some of the typical causes include the following:

• Motorist distractions, such as adjusting the temperature or radio station, using a smartphone, or any action causing you to take your focus off the road
• Following too closely, also called “tailgating,” which significantly reduces reaction times
• Sudden and abrupt braking
• Careless lane changing or merging, such as forgetting to check blind spots or use turn signals
• Failing to carefully check the surroundings in areas with poor visibility, such as parking lots
• Reversing out of a parking spot or driveway without carefully checking to ensure no cars are approaching behind you
• Inclement weather, such as fog, low visibility, rain, ice, or snow, which causes dangerous road conditions

All car crashes, regardless of severity, are frustrating and inconvenient, but understanding the common causes of fender benders can help you avoid them.

Call a Qualified Goose Creek Attorney for Help After a Rear-End Car Crash

If you were involved in a wreck because of another driver’s negligence, you have the right to pursue monetary damages. Even crashes resulting in relatively minor damages can be expensive, and you should not have to cover the cost of another party’s carelessness.

A hard-working lawyer, experienced with cases resulting from rear-end car accidents in Goose Creek, can answer your questions and support you throughout the process. Call Miller|Conway to schedule an appointment to review your case and available options at a time convenient for you.