Who Is at Fault in an Intersection Car Accident in Florence?

Intersections are among the most common places for car accidents in Florence, South Carolina. Where major routes such as US-52, US-76, and SC-51 meet other roads, drivers must judge gaps, yield, and respond to signals, often in heavy traffic. When two drivers reach the same point at the same time, the result can be a serious collision, and one of the first questions afterward is who was responsible.

This page explains how fault is evaluated in intersection crashes under South Carolina law and what to do if you were injured. The Florence car accident attorneys at Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers are available to help.

Why Are Intersection Crashes So Common in Florence?

Florence's busiest intersections bring together commuter, commercial, and local traffic, sometimes with drivers unfamiliar with the area. Turning across oncoming traffic, misjudging a gap, running a red light, and failing to yield are frequent contributing factors. Our blog explains several reasons to stop on red and help prevent accidents.

Who Has the Right of Way at an Intersection?

Right of way depends on the type of intersection and the traffic controls in place. At a signalized intersection, the driver with a green light generally has the right of way, while a driver turning left usually must yield to oncoming traffic. At a stop sign or a four-way stop, the order of arrival and yielding rules apply. Every driver also has a duty to keep a proper lookout for other drivers, even when they have the right of way.

How Is Fault Determined in an Intersection Crash?

Fault turns on the specific facts, such as who had the right of way, whether a driver ran a light or stop sign, and whether either driver was speeding or distracted. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, under which an injured person may recover if they are no more than 50% at fault, with any award reduced by their share. Because more than one driver can share responsibility, evidence often plays a central role.

What Evidence Helps Establish Fault?

• The law enforcement crash report.
• Traffic-signal and intersection camera footage, where available.
• Witness statements from other drivers and pedestrians.
• Photographs of vehicle damage and final positions.
• Vehicle data, where available.

What Types of Intersection Collisions Happen Most Often?

• Left-turn collisions when a turning driver misjudges an oncoming gap.
• Angle or "T-bone" collisions when a driver fails to yield or runs a light.
• Rear-end collisions at signals and in stop-and-go traffic.
• Pedestrian-involved crashes near crosswalks.

What Injuries Result From Intersection Crashes?

Side-impact collisions in particular can cause serious harm because the sides of a vehicle offer less protection than the front and rear. Injuries can include whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Passengers can be hurt as well; our blog reviews the responsibilities of a passenger in a car.

What Should You Do After an Intersection Crash?

1. Call 911 and report the crash.
2. Photograph the vehicles, the intersection, and the traffic signals or signs involved.
3. Look for witnesses and nearby cameras.
4. Exchange insurance and contact details.
5. Seek medical care.
6. Notify your insurer and keep copies of your records.

How Can Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers Help?

Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers represents injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from its Florence office. Our attorneys can investigate how the collision occurred, work to obtain evidence such as signal-timing information and camera footage, evaluate questions of fault, and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. Every case is different, and speaking with an attorney can help you understand what options may be available under South Carolina law.