300+ Google Reviews
Rear-end accidents are unfortunately common and can cause the occupants of either car to suffer severe injuries. If you were hurt in an accident due to another party’s carelessness, get in touch with a dedicated car accident attorney from the Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm. A diligent Rock Hill rear-end car accident lawyer might be able to help you pursue negligent parties for monetary reimbursement on your behalf.
What are the Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents?
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of rear-end collisions. Motorists who take their eyes off the road to text, change the radio station, or even talk to another person in the car may not notice other vehicles or pedestrians in front of them. Other common causes of back-end accidents include:
- Speeding
- Inclement weather
- Night driving
- Aggressive driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
Anyone who has been rear-ended should speak with a skilled lawyer about the possible causes of the accident.
What is the Deadline to File a Claim in Rock Hill?
Those involved in rear-end car collisions should be aware of the state’s statute of limitations. The legal time frame for car crash victims to file a claim for compensation is generally three years from the date of the accident under South Carolina Code §15-3-530. An injured claimant who waits and attempts to file a lawsuit outside of this deadline may be barred from recovering damages.
This statute applies whether an injured person files a suit themselves or hires a skilled rear-end car accident attorney in Rock Hill to do so for them. The sooner a potential plaintiff can retain legal representation, the better their chances are of preserving valuable evidence to cite during court proceedings.
Compensable Damages in a Back-End Collision Case
A party who is responsible for causing losses or damages to another person could be ordered to pay for any expenses they incur as a result of the accident. Plaintiffs in a civil suit could claim both economic and non-economic damages. The former are those which have an easily discernable value, such as:
- Past and future lost wages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation
The value of an injured person’s non-economic damages can be more difficult to calculate or predict. Depending on a plaintiff’s injuries, non-economic damages might cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of society
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of a bodily function or appendage
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
Often, these types of damages can be proven through witness testimony about the accident victim’s decreased quality of life.
When are Punitive Damages Available?
Punitive damages are only awarded in cases of gross negligence. These damages are used to punish the defendant and discourage them from engaging in similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are often awarded in drunk driving accident cases. Speaking with an experienced rear-end car accident lawyer in Rock Hill may be able to help a potential plaintiff determine which types of damages would be available to them, as well as the potential value of their case.
Call a Rock Hill Rear-End Car Accident Attorney Today
You deserve compensation for the suffering that other negligent drivers cause you, so you should call a lawyer who focuses on rear-end accident cases. A Rock Hill rear-end car accident lawyer could help build a case that gives you the best chances for obtaining fair compensation for your injuries, whether the case settles or continues to a trial. Call today to retain a qualified legal representative who can help you establish another driver’s negligence in court. To be one step closer to receiving the compensation that you deserve, reach out to the legal team at the Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm.