How Do Police Determine Fault in an Accident?

When a crash happens in Conway, police determine fault by gathering evidence at the scene and then preparing a collision report that assigns contributing factors. That report usually shapes the first version of what happened. However, it isn’t the final word.

At Kinon Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys in Conway, SC, look beyond the initial police narrative to build a fuller picture of why the collision occurred and what the law really supports. This ensures that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under the law.

How Officers Determine Fault in Conway, SC, Car Accidents

When Conway Police, Horry County deputies, or South Carolina Highway Patrol respond to a crash, they follow investigative steps rooted in state protocol. They start with the obvious things, including where the vehicles came to rest, the angle of impact, and visible injuries. Then they collect eyewitness statements.

Most South Carolina collision reports include:

• Driver statements
• Eyewitness accounts
• Roadway and weather observations
• Location of debris and skid marks
• Any suspected violations, such as speeding or failure to yield

These elements help officers assign contributing factors, such as “too fast for conditions,” “disregarded traffic signal,” or “failed to yield right of way.” SC tracks these factors statewide through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Recent DPS data shows tens of thousands of collisions each year, with human error listed as a primary factor, confirming that driver behavior is the leading cause of crashes in the state.

Examples Showing How Fault is Determined and How a Conway, SC, Personal Injury Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Case

A Left-Turn Collision on Highway 501

You’re driving toward downtown Conway. A driver turning left across your lane claims you came out of nowhere. Police see front-end damage to your car and side damage to theirs, and the turning driver insists they had time to clear the intersection. Officers initially mark them at fault for failing to yield, but insurance later tries to argue you were speeding.

In this scenario, a Conway, SC, personal injury lawyer can review camera footage from nearby businesses, measure sight lines, and match the physical damage with the turning angle. Left-turn cases usually hinge on visibility and timing, which are critical details the initial report may not capture.

A Rear-End Crash Near Coastal Carolina University

Traffic slows suddenly at University Boulevard. You stop in time, but the driver behind you doesn’t. Police usually assign fault to the rear driver for following too closely, but some officers may likewise mark the lead driver at fault if brake lights malfunction or if the stop was unsafe. In this case, your attorney can look at maintenance records, photos of the lighting, and traffic-pattern data to clarify what actually occurred.

A Multi-Vehicle Chain Reaction on Church Street

A driver swerves to avoid a turning vehicle, causing a three-car pileup. Officers must piece together movement in a matter of minutes. These scenes typically produce conflicting stories because each driver only sees their portion of the event. When a personal injury attorney in Conway, SC, reconstructs these crashes, they’ll study debris fields, impact angles, and dash-cam or traffic-camera footage (if applicable) to show how the chain reaction started.

Seek Legal Advice From Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Conway, SC

You don’t have to navigate fault determinations or sneaky insurance tactics by yourself. Connect with Kinon Law Firm at 843-488-9191 or online to set up your free case assessment with our Conway, SC, personal injury attorneys.