North Charleston, SC Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer

Trusted Injury Attorneys for Victims Who Were Rear-Ended in South Carolina

In North Charleston, heavy traffic congestion and driver negligence contribute to thousands of crashes yearly. Rear-end accidents make up a significant percentage of these incidents, leaving injured motorists struggling to recover physically and financially. Even at low speeds, the force of impact can cause whiplash, spinal damage, and other serious conditions that require ongoing treatment. Victims may suffer debilitating injuries, mounting medical expenses, and uncertainty about how to move forward.

At Steinberg Law Firm, LLC, we have spent nearly a century fighting for injured individuals across South Carolina. Our team has secured over $800 million in verdicts and settlements for accident victims, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve. If a negligent driver caused your injuries, we are ready to help you navigate the legal process, build a strong claim, and hold the responsible party accountable.

How Rear-End Collisions Happen in North Charleston

Rear-end accidents happen when one vehicle crashes into the back end of another. While some only result in minor vehicle damage, others leave victims with severe or life-threatening injuries. North Charleston’s roads, particularly high-traffic areas like Rivers Avenue, Ashley Phosphate Road, and I-26, see a high number of these crashes every year. Rear-end collisions can occur due to distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.  

Distracted Driving

Taking attention away from the road for even a few seconds can cause a serious crash. Distractions include texting, adjusting the GPS, eating, talking to passengers, or reaching for objects inside the vehicle. Drivers who look down at their phones while moving at 55 mph can travel the length of a football field without seeing the road ahead. When drivers fail to react in time, they risk slamming into the vehicle in front of them.

South Carolina sees thousands of distracted driving accidents every year, and North Charleston is no exception. Despite public awareness campaigns and legal restrictions, distraction-related crashes remain a leading cause of rear-end collisions in busy areas. Drivers who fail to stay focused put themselves and others at risk of serious harm.

Speeding and Following Too Closely

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, nearly 30% of Charleston County collisions involve excessive speed. Excessive speed and tailgating are two major contributors to rear-end crashes. Drivers who follow too closely have little time to react when traffic slows or stops. The faster a vehicle moves, the longer it takes to come to a complete stop. 

Speeding remains a leading factor in severe crashes across the state, contributing to nearly one-third of all traffic injuries between 2017 and 2021. North Charleston’s congested roadways, including significant arteries like Rivers Avenue, Ashley Phosphate, and I-26, are particularly susceptible to rear-end collisions due to stop-and-go traffic patterns. 

Impaired Driving

Alcohol and drug use significantly impair reaction time, coordination, and decision-making abilities. Drivers under the influence may not recognize slowing traffic in time to stop safely. South Carolina has seen a consistent increase in alcohol-related traffic fatalities, making impaired driving a growing concern.

Rear-end collisions caused by DUI drivers often happen late at night or in the early morning hours when visibility is lower and roads are less congested. However, impaired driving remains a risk at any time of day. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect judgment, increasing the likelihood of misjudging distances or failing to notice traffic signals.

North Charleston Weather Conditions

North Charleston’s climate contributes to hazardous driving conditions throughout the year. Heavy rain, fog, and wet pavement make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or increase their following distance in bad weather put themselves and others in danger.

Rain is particularly problematic on major highways and intersections, where pooling water can lead to hydroplaning. Fog further reduces visibility, making it harder for drivers to see brake lights ahead. When drivers fail to slow down or use caution in adverse weather, the risk of rear-end accidents increases.

Traffic Congestion in North Charleston, SC

North Charleston experiences heavy traffic on major roadways, especially during rush hours. Stop-and-go traffic on highways often leads to many rear-end car crashes when inattentive drivers fail to brake in time. Congested intersections with frequent stops also increase the likelihood of these collisions.

Traffic congestion often leads to impatience, prompting some drivers to engage in risky behaviors like sudden lane changes or aggressive acceleration. However, unpredictable traffic patterns mean drivers must remain alert at all times. Rear-end crashes in congested areas are common but preventable with proper attention and safe driving habits.

Types of Injuries Sustained in North Charleston Rear-End Car Crashes

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, speeding-related crashes account for nearly 30% of Charleston County collisions, and many involve rear-end impacts. The sudden force of impact can violently propel occupants forward, leading to neck, back, and head injuries. North Charleston’s busy roadways, such as Rivers Avenue, Ashley Phosphate Road, and I-26, are hotspots for these types of crashes. 

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in rear-end crashes. When a vehicle is struck from behind, the force causes the neck to snap forward and backward rapidly, stretching and straining soft tissues. Victims often experience severe neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and limited range of motion. Soft tissue injuries in the back and shoulders can also develop, leading to chronic discomfort that may persist for months or even years.

Many victims underestimate whiplash injuries at first, but delayed symptoms can worsen over time. Seeking immediate medical care is critical to diagnosing and treating soft tissue damage before it leads to long-term pain and mobility issues.

Head and Brain Injuries

A sudden jolt from a rear-end impact can cause head concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI), even if there is no direct head impact. The abrupt movement can cause the brain to move and hit the skull, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, mood changes, and persistent headaches.

Concussions can range from mild to severe, with some victims requiring months of rehabilitation. TBIs can be life-altering in high-speed collisions, affecting a person’s ability to work, perform daily tasks, and maintain relationships. South Carolina’s traffic fatality rate is higher than the national average, with 1,198 deaths reported in 2021 alone, many of which were due to severe head trauma following a crash.

Spinal Cord Damage

Rear-end accidents may also result in spinal cord injuries, ranging from herniated discs to fractured vertebrae to nerve damage. The force of impact can compress the spine, leading to chronic pain, numbness, or paralysis. Recovery may involve surgery, extensive physical therapy, and lifelong medical care.

Spinal cord injuries can drastically impact a person’s quality of life, limiting mobility and independence. In severe cases, victims may require assistive devices, home modifications, and ongoing medical treatment, leading to substantial financial burdens.

Broken Bones and Joint Injuries

The impact of a rear-end collision can cause fractures in the wrists, arms, ribs, and collarbones. Victims often instinctively brace for impact, putting their hands and arms at risk of injury. Knees and shoulders are also vulnerable, as the force of the crash can twist or jam joints, leading to ligament damage or dislocations.

Many fractures require surgery, casting, or months of rehabilitation. Joint injuries, particularly those affecting the knees or shoulders, may lead to long-term mobility issues and chronic pain. These injuries can significantly impact a person’s ability to work and carry out daily activities.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Care

Not all injuries are immediately apparent after a rear-end collision. Symptoms can take hours or even days to develop, making it critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delayed treatment can lead to complications and make it more difficult to prove the extent of injuries when pursuing compensation.

Rear-end accidents in North Charleston continue to cause significant harm to victims, often leaving them with lasting physical and financial burdens. Understanding the potential injuries and taking immediate action can help victims protect their health and legal rights.

Establishing Liability in a North Charleston Rear-End Collision

South Carolina law generally holds the rear driver responsible in a rear-end collision, but liability is not always straightforward. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to minimize payouts, and multiple factors can contribute to a crash. Establishing fault requires a detailed investigation of the accident’s circumstances, especially given North Charleston’s high crash rates.

Determining fault relies on substantial evidence, including police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis. South Carolina’s alarming traffic statistics further complicate these cases. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Triennial Highway Safety Plan (2024-2026), the state saw 1,198 traffic fatalities in 2021, representing a 16.96% increase from the previous four-year average and a 21.13% increase compared to 2017. Over the five years from 2017 to 2021, South Carolina recorded 5,295 motor vehicle-related deaths, averaging approximately 1,059 fatalities per year.

Rear-end accidents contribute significantly to these troubling statistics, reinforcing the need for legal representation. Holding the at-fault party accountable is critical for securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can conduct a thorough investigation, build a strong case, and advocate for the full compensation you deserve.

Speak With a North Charleston Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today

A rear-end collision can leave you with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. If a negligent driver caused your accident in North Charleston, you deserve full compensation for your losses. At Steinberg Law Firm, we have spent nearly a century advocating for injury victims across South Carolina, securing the financial recovery they need to move forward. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our experienced attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve, handling the legal process while you focus on healing. Call Steinberg Law Firm today at 843-720-2800 for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.