Award Winning
A rear-end collision may look simple on the surface but the injuries, medical bills, and insurance headaches that follow often are anything but. If you were struck from behind in Columbia, SC, whether on I-20, Two Notch Road, or any local street, you deserve an advocate who understands both the law and what your life’s become.
At Ted Law Firm, our Columbia rear-end accident attorneys help victims across Richland County, Lexington County, and the Midlands recover full compensation, and stand up to insurance companies that want to minimize your case.
What Causes Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents are often caused by:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone, navigation)
- Tailgating / following too closely
- Speeding or failing to reduce speed
- Sudden braking by lead vehicle
- Brake failure or poor vehicle maintenance
- Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs)
- Weather or road conditions (wet roads, debris)
- Malfunctioning brake lights
We dive into police reports, crash scene data, vehicle diagnostics, and witness statements to prove exactly who is at fault.
Common Injuries from Rear-End Crashes
Even low-speed rear-end collisions can cause serious harm. Victims frequently experience:
- Whiplash, neck strain, and cervical injuries
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Concussions or traumatic brain injury
- Lower back and spinal injuries
- Shoulder, arm, and joint injuries
- Internal trauma / organ injuries
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, PTSD
Many symptoms emerge only over time, another reason to never delay medical care or legal consultation.
Who Is Liable in a Rear-End Crash
Insurance companies will often try to shift blame. But South Carolina law generally presumes the rear driver is at fault unless they can convincingly prove otherwise.
Liable parties may include:
- The rear driver (most common)
- The lead vehicle driver, in rare cases (e.g., reversing, brake failure)
- Vehicle manufacturer / parts supplier, if a defect caused failure
- Vehicle maintenance provider, in cases of poor brake servicing
We assemble a fault narrative using data, expert input, and local crash patterns to protect your recovery.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
In a successful rear-end collision case, you may receive:
- Medical bills, surgeries, therapy
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- In severe cases, punitive damages
We back your claim with evidence, expert valuation, and insight into local verdicts or settlement trends.
Columbia & Richland County Crash Data
We can extend that:
- Pull the latest Richland County / SCDPS rear-end crash rates
- Cite “High Crash Collision Corridors” (Two Notch, Broad River Road, etc.)
- Use this data in an infographic or table to show rear-end risk in Columbia
What to Do Immediately After a Rear-End Accident
- Call 911 / get a police report
- Seek medical evaluation (even if pain comes later)
- Photograph the crash scene, damage, skid marks, injuries
- Collect driver, insurance, and witness info
- Do not give recorded statements to insurers
- Contact an attorney right away we move quickly to preserve evidence
Why Ted Law Firm Is the Right Choice for Columbia
- Local understanding of Midlands traffic, courts, judges
- Proven track record in South Carolina injury law
- Deep knowledge of crash factors, diagnostics, expert testimony
- Free consultation + no fees unless we win
- Personal attention: You’re not a case file you’re a person
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is usually at fault in a rear-end crash?
Under South Carolina practice, the driver who hits another from behind is presumed at fault unless there’s compelling evidence to the contrary.
2. How long do I have to file a rear-end accident claim in SC?
You generally have three years from the crash date under SC Code § 15-3-530.
3. What if I was partially at fault?
Your compensation may be reduced proportionally under comparative negligence rules in South Carolina.
4. Does it cost anything to hire a rear-end accident lawyer?
No upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
5. How is the value of my case calculated?
We consider medical bills, lost income, pain & suffering, future care, and use expert testimony + local verdict trends.
6. Can I still file if I delayed medical treatment?
Possibly — but delays can hurt your claim. Always document your medical history and explain delays with credible reasons.
7. What if the insurance company offers me a fast settlement?
Never accept early offers without legal review. We negotiate from a position of power or take your case to trial if needed.
Talk to a Columbia Rear-End Accident Lawyer Today
If you were rear-ended in Columbia, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Ted Law Firm is ready to fight for your rights , and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Call (803) [Columbia Office Number] now for a free consultation. We serve Columbia, Lexington County, Richland County, and the Midlands. You pay nothing unless we win.
Let us bring clarity, strength, and recovery when you need it most.
