A secondary car accident is when an accident results from another accident. They are called secondary car accidents because they come second after the initial car accident. Consider the following example. Someone driving in front of you turns left and cuts off an oncoming car, and there’s an impact. You cannot react fast enough to avoid the wreck and crash into it instead. This would be a secondary car accident. These types of accidents are especially common on freeways when poor weather limits visibility, such as when there’s a multi-car pile-up on a foggy stretch of road.

If you or a loved one were injured in a secondary car accident, reach out to a member of our team to find out whether you may have a case and who may be able to be held liable. You can schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Who Determines Fault in a Secondary Car Accident?

Fault in any car accident is determined by the insurance companies. However, who the police decide to give tickets to can also be a large factor. This is because the insurance company looks at the police report as part of its investigation. If you were ticketed for failure to keep an assured clear distance between you and the car in front of you, the insurance company is likely to find that at least some of the fault lies with you. Determining fault in secondary car accidents can be more complex and take more time than when there is only one accident.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for car accidents matches that of most other personal injury cases, which is three years. This means that you have three years from the date of the accident itself to decide to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Once the three years have passed, you are usually no longer able to file a lawsuit or seek compensation through a civil case. This is why it’s important to talk with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident, even if you’re not sure who is at fault or whether you want to pursue a case.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?

A personal injury attorney can be your advocate in the civil courts. They represent your interests, which means they can provide counsel on who you may be able to sue and what a reasonable settlement is from an insurance company. They are also prepared to take your case to court if you cannot reach a settlement and want to go forward with a trial.

If you’re interested in learning more about your options for pursuing compensation through the courts, call our office at (803) 888-2200. You can start with a free consultation to learn more about our services and options and then partner with our firm to move forward with your case.