You believe the party responsible for your rear-end collision will take accountability for their actions. However, the liable party blames you for the incident in spite of the fact that they were negligent. At this point, get help from a Columbia rear-end collision lawyer to seek damages from the at-fault party.
The Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward have helped our clients receive millions of dollars in damages to date. We will pursue maximum compensation in your rear-end collision lawsuit. Contact us to discuss your case with our car accident lawyers in Columbia.
Who Is Responsible for a Rear-End Collision
In many rear-end crashes, the driver in the back is liable. For example, a motorist is traveling faster than the posted speed limit when you stop your car in front of them. If this driver cannot stop quickly enough, they will crash the front of their car into the back of yours, and you can request compensation to cover the costs of treating your injuries and other losses.
Rarely, there are times when the motorist in the vehicle in front is responsible for a rear-end collision. If a driver frequently slams on their brakes while another motorist travels behind them, they are violating the law. In this scenario, the motorist in the front car is brake checking and may be at fault if the rear driver crashes into them.
If you are not sure about who is responsible for your accident, consult with the Columbia rear-end collision attorneys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward. The Thumbs Up Guys will examine your case in depth and determine who is liable for your accident. Get in touch with our personal injury lawyers in Columbia.
Cost of a Rear-End Accident
A rear-end collision lawyer serving Columbia will calculate your non-economic and economic damages. They will encourage you to pursue compensation for your subjective and quantifiable losses. Damages you could recover after your rear-end accident include:
- Car repairs or replacement
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
If a family member dies in a rear-end collision, a Columbia wrongful death lawyer can assist you during this incredibly challenging time. Your attorney can request damages for burial and funeral expenses and other losses. Meanwhile, you and members of your family can focus on taking care of yourselves in the aftermath of your loved one’s death.
What to Expect if You File a Rear-End Collision Claim
If you expect a rear-end collision claim to go smoothly, think again. To start the legal process, tell your insurance company about your accident. From here, your insurer will notify the other driver’s insurance carrier, and the companies will figure out who is liable.
You can provide accident scene photos and videos, police reports, and other evidence to show you are not at fault. Regardless, the liable driver’s insurance company may contest your claim in the hopes that you will give up on it or approve a lowball settlement. Fortunately, an attorney from our team will help you avoid these and similar issues.
Throughout the claims process, your lawyer works diligently to help you get reasonable compensation. If your attorney feels an insurance company is treating you unfairly or offers you less than what you deserve, they will let you know. They can also file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Tips to Help You Get Damages in a Columbia Rear-End Collision Lawsuit
Take your legal proceedings seriously to maximize your car accident settlement. Choose a lawyer who prioritizes your case. In addition, you and your attorney can do several things to boost your chances of getting the damages you want, such as:
Build a Body of Evidence
To achieve your desired case results, gather evidence that proves an at-fault party was negligent. Your proof should show a judge or jury that the liable party had a duty of care to avoid any acts that could put you and others in danger. It should also highlight how this party violated their duty of care, resulting in your rear-end collision and leaving you with losses.
Receive Medical Care
Go to a doctor, treat your injuries, and attend follow-up medical appointments. It is extremely difficult to sue for a car accident if you are not hurt. Alternatively, if you follow your doctor’s orders and track your medical treatments and bills, you are well-equipped to explain to a judge or jury why you should be awarded full damages.
File Your Lawsuit Immediately
Submit your request for compensation as soon as you can after your rear-end collision. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years, per South Carolina Code of Laws § 15-3-530(5). Beyond three years, you risk losing the right to ask for damages from anyone who caused your accident.
Your lawyer pays attention to the details, committing plenty of time and resources to prepare your argument. No matter what happens during your litigation, your attorney remains accessible. They will answer your legal questions, helping you secure damages as quickly as possible.
Select Columbia Rear-End Collision Lawyers Who Always Earn a Thumbs Up
Proving you deserve damages in a rear-end collision lawsuit is often easier said than done. The defendant in your case can make it sound like you are in some way responsible for your crash. A Columbia rear-end collision lawyer understands how to deal with this and other legal issues you could face throughout your litigation.
The Thumbs Up Guys make it easy to get results that matter in personal injury lawsuits. Let our lawyers represent you in your rear-end collision lawsuit. Reach out to us to request a consultation with our attorneys.