Rear-End Collisions vs. T-Bone Accidents: Whose Fault Is Determined in South Carolina

Anthony-Burts-Burts Law

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Not all car accidents are the same. Two of the most common types—rear-end collisions and T-bone accidents—can both cause serious injuries, but how fault is determined can vary dramatically. If you’ve been hurt in one of these accidents in South Carolina, here’s what you need to know. ⚖️

At Burts Law, PLLC, we help clients across the state get the compensation they deserve—no matter the crash type.


🔄 What Is a Rear-End Collision?

A rear-end collision happens when one car crashes into the back of another. These are often caused by:

  • Following too closely 🚗💥🚗

  • Distracted driving 📱

  • Sudden stops or brake failures

In most cases, the rear driver is at fault, but not always.

🛑 Exceptions:

  • If the front driver suddenly reverses

  • If the brake lights weren’t working

  • If the lead driver “brake checks” intentionally


🛑 What Is a T-Bone Accident?

Also called a side-impact collision, a T-bone occurs when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, usually at intersections. 🚦

Causes include:

  • Running red lights 🚨

  • Failing to yield

  • Misjudging oncoming traffic when turning left

Fault in a T-bone accident is often more complex and may involve:

  • Traffic light camera footage

  • Eyewitness accounts 👀

  • Intersection design issues


🧠 Whose Fault Is Determined in SC

South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

✅ You can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault.
❌ If you’re 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover anything.

This makes evidence gathering critical:

  • Police reports 👮

  • Photos of the scene

  • Medical records

  • Witness testimony

  • Accident reconstruction experts


🏥 Why These Accidents Are So Dangerous

  • Rear-end collisions often cause whiplash, back injuries, and concussions.

  • T-bone crashes can be fatal, especially for occupants on the impacted side.

If you’ve been injured in either type of crash, do not delay medical treatment. Insurance companies may use any delay to argue your injuries weren’t serious.


🧾 What Can You Recover?

With a successful personal injury claim, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills 💵

  • Lost wages 🧑‍💼

  • Pain and suffering 😣

  • Property damage 🚙


👨‍⚖️ Call a South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer

Whether it was a tap on the bumper or a devastating side impact, the attorneys at Burts Law, PLLC are here to help. We’ll investigate fault, gather evidence, and fight to maximize your recovery.

📞 Call us now at (866) BURTS-LAW or visit 🌐 www.burtslaw-sc.com