Rear-end collisions in Alpharetta often happen because someone was following too closely. Drivers must keep a safe and reasonable distance to avoid accidents. If you or a loved one were injured from another driver’s actions, you’ll need advice from a good Alpharetta rear-end collisions lawyer.

Our car accident lawyers can help you investigate the accident and fight for compensation. To get a FREE consultation today, call (404) 341-6555 or contact us online.

Common Factors in Rear-End Collisions

Following too closely is a violation of Georgia Code § 40-6-49(a). It’s also the most common cause of rear-end accidents. Drivers must drive at a safe distance and be mindful of traffic conditions.

Tailgating and not paying attention can easily lead to a rear-end collision. Distracted driving is also a significant factor in accidents that happen from behind. The at-fault driver might be on their phone or distracted in some other way.

The most common causes or rear-end collisions in Alpharetta include:

Tailgating or following too closely
Texting and driving
Distracted driving
Speeding
Changing lanes too quickly
Aggressive driving
Poor weather or visibility

How Fault Works in Rear-End Collisions

Georgia is a “fault state.” The negligent driver in an accident is responsible for the costs. Sometimes, more than one driver is partially at fault, but that’s rare with rear-end accidents.

The rear driver is usually at-fault in a rear-end collision. There are exceptions, but it’s very rare for the front driver to be responsible. Still, you might have to fight for your rights if you were the front driver.

The other driver’s insurance company might try to blame you or another factor, such as the weather or an animal in the road. If partial fault is a possibility in your accident, talk to a lawyer.

Determining Who Is Responsible for the Accident

Your lawyer will look at the details of your accident, including the police report. Police will often determine that the rear driver was at fault. If you were the front driver, the evidence should help your case.

You will need to file a personal injury claim proving the other driver’s fault to recover your damages. Talk to an Alpharetta rear-end collisions lawyer about how to build your case best.

To get a FREE consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer, call (404) 341-6555 today. There is no charge unless we win your case.

Some Common Rear-End Collision Injuries

Rear-end accident injuries can range from minor to severe. Your injuries will depend on the details of your crash. Here are some injuries that happen most often with rear-end accidents.

Whiplash

Whiplash happens incredibly often with rear-end crashes. When the rear car crashes into your vehicle, the impact moves your body forward. Your seat belt restrains your body, but not your head. Your neck can whip suddenly forward and backward.

Whiplash can stretch and tear your sensitive neck muscles. It can cause a lot of pain, but you might not feel it until hours or days later. If you might have whiplash, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Head Injuries

Many people hit their heads on something during a rear-end accident. For example, your head might collide with the dashboard or another object in the car. You could suffer a concussion or some other traumatic brain injury.

Back Injuries

Even low-speed rear-end accidents can cause severe back injuries. The crash can compress your spine and discs in your spinal column. For these reasons, many victims have terrible back pain after an accident.

Broken Bones

Bone fractures are common after rear-end accidents. You could hit any part of your body on something in the car.

Accident injuries often worsen with time. You might feel okay right after the crash, but the pain sets in later. Your body is full of adrenaline as you handle the aftermath. When those hormones wear off, you’ll feel the full force of your injuries.

See a doctor as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. You could have more severe damage than you realize. The sooner you get treatment, the better it is for your case.

Costs You Can Claim After a Rear-End Collision

Injury victims in Alpharetta can recover all of the costs from an accident they didn’t cause. If you were not at fault, you can probably recover:

Medical bills
Prescription medication costs
Physical therapy or rehabilitation costs
Lost wages
Vehicle repairs or replacement
Pain and suffering

Of course, money can never make up for what you’ve lost. But we find that full compensation makes it easier for clients to pay for their costs and start to move on.

Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t play fair. The other driver’s insurer will look for ways to pay less than your claim is worth. They care most about making a profit.

Protect your rights. Do not accept money or sign anything from the insurance company without a lawyer. Make sure any offer is actually a good deal first.

The Time Limit for Alpharetta Accident Cases

Georgia has strict deadlines for filing rear-end accident claims. Most of the time, you have two years from the accident date. (In some cases, the timeline is even shorter.)

If you miss the deadline, you probably won’t recover any money for your accident costs. So, don’t wait. Things you should do soon as soon as possible include:

Saving any evidence from your accident
Keeping track of your costs
Seeing a doctor
Getting a copy of the police report
Talking to an experienced lawyer

Get Help from an Alpharetta Rear-End Collisions Lawyer

Fast action is important after a rear-end collision. As time passes, it’s easy for evidence to get lost or memories to fade. Protect your rights by talking to a lawyer sooner rather than later.

Our car accident lawyers can help you make informed decisions. We have been helping injury victims for over 20 years, and our goal is a full recovery for you and your family. Plus, we do not charge you a fee unless we win you compensation.