When three or more vehicles collide on South Carolina roads, the injuries can be severe, and the resulting personal injury claims can be complex. Chain-reaction crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, complex liability disputes, and battles with multiple insurance companies.
People injured in multi-vehicle crashes in South Carolina often find themselves facing a difficult recovery while trying to navigate legal claims involving numerous parties who may all be pointing fingers at each other.
The confusion surrounding fault and liability in multi-car accidents makes it very difficult for injured individuals to handle personal injury claims on their own. Without proper legal representation, you risk accepting inadequate settlements or missing critical deadlines that could jeopardize your right to compensation.
The multi-vehicle accident attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm have the experience and resources to investigate complex crashes and hold all responsible parties accountable. We are ready to stand up for your interests and seek maximum compensation from every available source of insurance coverage.
Contact us now for a free consultation with an experienced multi-vehicle accident attorney.
Why You Should Choose Our Law Firm for Your Multi-Vehicle Accident Case
The car accident attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm understand what it feels like to face confusion, pain, and uncertainty after a serious crash. We are committed to helping people deal with the aftermath and lay the foundation for a better future by pursuing maximum compensation for related losses.
Founded by attorneys who grew up in South Carolina, we are deeply connected to the local communities we serve, and we bring decades of experience handling complex personal injury claims like those involving chain-reaction collisions. Our team frequently works closely with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and investigators to uncover exactly how crashes happened and who is at fault.
Our commitment goes beyond legal skill. We value compassion, honesty, and clear communication. We invite you to read some of our many positive client testimonials to get a better idea of what it is like to work with our law firm. For example, one past client shared:
“I have nothing but good things to say about the Jebaily Law Firm! Kayla Adams is reliable, compassionate, and I can safely say I trust her wholeheartedly when I need a personal injury lawyer! Highly recommend this firm!” – Skylar Cressey
We handle everything from investigations and filing claims to insurance negotiations and litigation, so our clients can focus on recovery. Operating on a contingency fee basis ensures that dedicated legal support is accessible without upfront costs. Families across South Carolina trust us to fight for justice, and we treat every case with the same dedication and care we would give our own family.
Causes and Contributing Factors in Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Chain-reaction crashes rarely have a single cause. Multiple factors often combine, triggering several collisions in rapid succession. Here are some examples of the many factors that can contribute to a multi-vehicle crash:
- Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents in South Carolina, as drivers who look at their phones or adjust the radio may not notice slowing traffic until it is too late.
- Speeding increases crash severity, as faster vehicles need more distance to stop and can push cars into adjacent lanes.
- Tailgating or following too closely limits drivers’ reaction times and can lead to a pile-up when traffic slows or stops.
- Impaired or drowsy drivers react slowly, drifting between lanes or failing to brake.
- Weather conditions, including rain, fog, ice, and snow, reduce traction and visibility, making crashes more likely.
- Road debris and poor maintenance, such as potholes and uneven pavement, can force sudden swerves or stops, causing multiple collisions.
Common Locations for Multi-Vehicle Crashes in South Carolina
Certain roadways and intersections in South Carolina have higher rates of multiple-vehicle accidents due to traffic, road design, and environmental factors.
Interstates like I-95 and I-20, and major highways like U.S. 501, U.S. 301, U.S. 17, and U.S. 52, see frequent pileups, especially during rush hour, when high speeds leave little room for error.
Urban intersections in Florence and Myrtle Beach also pose risks, with heavy traffic, complex signals, and red-light violations causing chain-reaction collisions. Highway work zones pose hazards, with reduced lanes, uneven pavement, and distracted drivers leading to crashes that can injure motorists and construction workers.
Even parking lots and shopping centers experience multi-vehicle accidents during busy times, where congested areas and the proximity of vehicles and pedestrians increase the likelihood of injuries.
Determining Fault in a South Carolina Multi-Car Collision
Establishing liability for car accident injuries in a crash involving multiple vehicles requires a thorough investigation and careful review of evidence.
Multi-car pileups may involve several negligent parties. The driver who caused the initial collision may bear primary liability, but others who contributed, such as a tailgating driver, could also share fault.
Police reports, witness statements, and security footage can provide initial insights, while accident reconstruction experts can analyze skid marks, damage, and accident scene debris to determine impact sequences. Black box data can show speeds, braking, and steering, helping identify driver errors that led to the crash.
South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence rule, allowing injured parties to recover compensation if they are not more than 50 percent at fault. However, their recovery is reduced by their share of responsibility.
What Are Common Injuries in Multi-Vehicle Accidents?
Pile-up crashes often generate forces greater than those of two-vehicle accidents, exposing victims to impacts from multiple directions. Some examples of potential injuries in multi-car crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries occur when occupants strike their heads or when the brain jolts inside the skull, causing cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and permanent disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, or lifelong medical dependence.
- Back and neck injuries cause chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Broken bones and fractures may require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, and some never heal fully, causing arthritis and ongoing pain.
- Internal injuries like organ damage or internal bleeding may appear hours later, making prompt medical evaluation essential.
- Burns can cause immediate pain, require invasive treatments, and result in lasting disfigurement.
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, also commonly affects survivors.
Medical and Emotional Recovery After a Pileup Accident in South Carolina
The road to recovery after a serious multi-vehicle crash extends beyond emergency treatment. Many victims need months or years of medical care, including surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling.
The cost of care can be overwhelming, especially when injuries prevent returning to work. Physical rehabilitation helps victims regain strength, mobility, and function. Therapists guide patients to improve the range of motion, build muscle, and relearn daily tasks.
Psychological support is vital, as survivors often face fear of driving, nightmares, and intrusive memories. Family members frequently take on caregiving duties, adding emotional and financial strain. Support groups connect survivors, offering shared experiences, advice, and encouragement during recovery and the legal process.
How Our South Carolina Multi-Vehicle Car Accident Attorney Can Help
If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle crash, Jebaily Law Firm is here to help. Founded in Florence in 1969 by Ronald Jebaily, our team of multi-vehicle accident attorneys has over 100 years of combined experience fighting for injured people in South Carolina. We want to put our expertise, resources, and resolve to work for you now.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer who can provide legal help after a multi-vehicle collision.