Rangeley Bailey | Car Accidents |
Heavy accident, Modern car accident involving many cars

South Carolina law requires motorists to purchase auto liability insurance. If you sustain injuries in a car accident in the state, you can seek compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering by filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.

But before you can pursue compensation, you need to identify who is responsible for the crash—something that becomes increasingly challenging as the number of involved drivers increases. An experienced auto accident attorney can determine who is at fault in a chain-reaction car accident if you have been hurt. 

What is a Chain-Reaction Car Accident?

A chain-reaction car accident happens when one collision leads to multiple subsequent crashes. For example, a driver may rear-end one vehicle, causing that car to strike the one ahead of them, and so on.

Figuring out the cause of a chain-reaction wreck is essential to identify who is liable for its consequences. Common causes include: 

However, determining liability for chain-reaction crashes is often complex. It’s not uncommon for several careless parties to contribute to a multi-vehicle accident.

How Do You Determine Fault in a Chain-Reaction Car Accident?

Taking the following steps after a crash can help identify who is responsible in a chain-reaction car accident. You should:  

  • Report the accident to the police and get a copy of their accident report.
  • Limit your statements to the police. Say nothing that could suggest the wreck was your fault. 
  • Collect as much evidence as possible, including photos from the accident scene, contact information for any witnesses, and all drivers’ insurance information.
  • Keep copies of all accident-related medical bills and other expenses. 
  • Consult a car accident lawyer in South Carolina right away. It’s best to speak to an attorney before contacting your insurance company. But check your auto insurance policy first. Some insurers have deadlines to inform them of an accident.  

How South Carolina’s Modified Comparative Negligence Law May Apply in a Chain-Reaction Crash Case

South Carolina law allows injured parties to collect compensation for injuries from an accident, even when more than one driver is to blame. Let’s say a chain reaction car crash occurred partly because one driver was texting while driving and partially because a nearby motorist was driving aggressively. Both parties bear some fault for the collision. So, how do you figure out who gets paid, and from whom? South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence applies here. 

Under the comparative negligence system, you can recover money as long as you are less than 51 percent responsible for a crash. Your portion of fault will be assigned by the insurance company(s) or the court, depending on how your case progresses. With chain-reaction crashes, you may need to file multiple claims to recover full compensation from each liable party. An experienced car accident lawyer can gather evidence so you are not unfairly blamed for a crash and barred from collecting the money you deserve.  

Why You Need Legal Help After a Multi-Vehicle Crash

Do you need help determining who is responsible for a chain-reaction car accident? Turn to Jebaily Law Firm today. Our South Carolina car accident attorneys can review your case and explain your legal options. Call or contact us now for a free case evaluation.

Rangeley Bailey
Rangeley C. Bailey, Esq.

Partner Rangeley Bailey

Rangeley Bailey is a South Carolina attorney with a heart for people and a passion for justice. A partner at Jebaily Law Firm in Florence, she represents individuals in Personal Injury and Social Security Disability cases—clients who are often facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. Rangeley brings not just legal experience, but empathy, grit, and a belief that everyone deserves to be heard.

Dillon Native, Lifelong Florence Resident, South Carolina Law School Graduate

Born in Dillon and raised in Florence, Rangeley is a proud product of small-town roots and strong community values. She graduated cum laude from Columbia College with a degree in history and a minor in Leadership. She went on to earn her law degree from the University of South Carolina. After law school, she began her legal career clerking for Circuit Court Judge John Milling before moving into civil litigation and ultimately dedicating her practice to helping injured individuals and those denied the benefits they deserve.

Rangeley is a former municipal judge for the City of Florence. She also served as President of the Florence County Bar and was appointed to the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, reflecting her commitment to making the legal system more accessible to all.  She also recently completed the McLeod Fellows program, where she learned in depth about how McLeod Hospital is run.

Outside of work, Rangeley is a mom to two college students at USC and dog mom to Lexie and Sandy. She enjoys strong coffee, Gamecock football, and a good laugh with friends. Her approach to law—and life—is grounded in compassion, common sense, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing.

Volunteer Awards from the American Heart Association

Representing injured workers means that Rangeley must keep up to date on medical developments. That is a requirement she particularly enjoys. Her legal work has also sparked her interest in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and led to extensive involvement in the American Heart Association. That association has bestowed numerous volunteer fundraising awards on her.

She’s active in the Florence County Bar Association and has held several offices, culminating in the presidency in 2010. She was a Commissioner for the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission.

 

Admitted to South Carolina Bar: 2002

Years of Legal Experience: 24

Connect on LinkedIn