In the Athens, GA area, one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents are rear-end collisions. According to the National Transportation Safety Board nearly 50% of all two-car accidents involve one vehicle rear-ending another. Accidents can result in serious injuries to drivers and passengers of both vehicles.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a rear-end collision, your first call after notifying the authorities should be a call to Larrison Law Firm Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys.
A knowledgeable and experienced car accident lawyer in Athens can help guide you through the process of recovering from whiplash injuries, neck or back injuries, or serious head injuries.
Typical Causes of Rear-End Accidents
Most rear-end collisions occur as a result of one or both vehicle drivers making a mistake on the road. For instance, if the trailing vehicle is speeding and is unable to stop in time, that can cause a collision with the car in front. Tailgating is another common cause of rear-end accidents, where the driver is too close to the vehicle ahead, and does not have adequate room to stop their vehicle in time.
In recent years, distracted driving has become a common cause of rear-end accidents, with many vehicle operators texting or making phone calls. Weather may also play a role in some rear-end accidents, such as wind, rain or snow on the road. Lastly, a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs may have impaired reaction times.
Common Rear-End Accident Injuries
Here are some of the most common types of injuries sustained in rear-end accidents:
- Broken or fractured bones: It’s common for either passengers or drivers to suffer broken arms, legs, wrists or noses from being thrown forward by the impact of a rear-end collision.
- Head injuries: Head injuries occur frequently because there is no support for the head when a violent collision takes place. Often, one or more occupants of either vehicle will be thrust forward abruptly. This unexpected action can cause the head to hit the windshield, the steering wheel, or the rear view mirror.
- Whiplash or neck injuries: Many people suffer whiplash or neck injuries after being involved in a rear-end collision. The sudden, violent lurching forward of the head or neck can cause muscles and ligaments to be strained. Some injuries are not immediately identifiable. They can take days or weeks to appear after the shock of the accident subsides.
Who’s at Fault for a Rear-End Collision?
While it is possible for the lead car to be at fault in a rear-end collision, it’s the trailing car that is often to blame. That’s because most of these accidents would not occur if the trailing car had allowed more space between their vehicle and the one in front.
Since Georgia is an at-fault state for car accidents, the driver at fault, or their insurance company, will have to pay damages for the accident. By consulting with a rear-end accident lawyer at The Larrison Law Firm Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys, you’ll be able to determine who was at fault, so you can proceed with your insurance claim.
Compensation for a Rear-End Accident in Athens
If both drivers are found to equally share responsibility for the accident, no compensation will be awarded. However, if one driver is determined to be more responsible than the other, or if they are totally responsible for the accident, the other driver will be entitled to fair compensation.
The amount of compensation awarded to the less responsible driver will be directly tied to the percentage of guilt which is found. For example, if the trailing car driver was found to be tailgating, they are likely to be found 100% responsible, and would have to pay all claims for damages in the collision.
We Can Help After a Rear-End Collision
If you or a loved one are involved in a rear-end collision, you may sustain a serious injury. It’s important to determine who was at fault for the accident, because fault determines compensation. We invite you to contact us at our Athens, GA office or Loganville, GA offices. We can go to work on your behalf and ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Most insurance companies try to offer the lowest amount possible when their client is identified as being at fault. We can negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you don’t have to settle for a low amount, and that you receive adequate compensation for your injuries. We can also address late-developing injuries (like whiplash) that you need to be compensated for.
When you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, contact us at Larrison Law Firm Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney, and let us represent you so you can be properly compensated.
FAQs About Rear-End Accidents
What must be established to show that another driver was at fault in a rear-end collision?
It must be proven that the other driver was negligent in their driving. For example, that they did not maintain a safe distance between the two vehicles, and that this shortened distance caused the accident.
What kind of compensation can an injured driver receive from the at-fault party?
In a rear-end collision, the injured party can be compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
What types of tactics might the at-fault party’s insurance company use in a rear-end collision?
The insurance company might try to demonstrate that the injured party was partially at fault, or they might try to show that the driver in front stopped suddenly or changed lanes abruptly.