Atlanta Rear-end Collision Accident Lawyer

Why is a rear-end collision different than other car accidents?

A “rear-end collision” is any accident where the front end of one vehicle collides with the rear end of another. Rear-end collisions are one of the most common type of accidents, and they can happen almost anywhere—from a busy freeway to a quiet parking lot. Most involve one or more of these factors:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted driving, including cell phone use
• Poor visibility, often due to weather
• Aggressive lane changing

In many ways, rear-end collisions aren’t any different than other types of accidents. The driver who is at fault is legally liable for all the damage that results. However, it’s usually easier to prove fault in a rear-end collision than in other types of accidents. This is because most of the time, the driver in the rear caused the accident by being inattentive or not driving safely. There are cases, however, when the driver in the rear is NOT at fault. For example, if you someone veered into your lane without warning, and you ended up rear-ending them, you are probably not at fault.

What injuries will be covered in a rear-end collision accident claim?

There are many types of injuries that might happen a rear-end collision, and ALL of them are potentially covered, as long as they’re a direct result of the accident. But there are three types of injuries that are especially common after rear-end crashes:

• Whiplashis the classic rear-end collision injury. This painful condition is caused by force of the impact from behind. While your seat belt keeps you anchored in your seat, the impact “whips” your head forward and back again, creating tears in your muscles and neck tissues.
• Head injuriescan happen when you strike your head or face on the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield or seat in front of you. Concussions can cause lasting injury if there is swelling and pressure on your brain. A traumatic brain injury is one of the most serious and life-altering injuries you can have in a car accident.
• Broken bonescommonly happen when you hit your arms, hands or face on the hard surfaces inside the car. Broken bones may require surgery to heal properly.

How much money will I receive?

Georgia law allows accident victims in Atlanta to recover money for all the losses they suffer in a vehicle accident. The exact amount you might receive will depend on the way your accident happened and the injuries you sustained. But most accident victims are eligible for these types of damages:

• Medical costs
• The cost of prescription medications
• Expenses for physical therapy or other rehabilitation
• The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
• Lost pay—money to make up for time you missed from work because of the accident

If you suffered more serious injuries, you may be able to recover a much larger sums of money. This money might be awarded because of physical pain, a long-term disability or the death of a loved one. We don’t believe that money can ever make up for a tragic loss, but we have seen the relief it can bring an accident victim and their family struggling to pay the bills.

I’ve already been offered insurance company money. How can a lawyer help me?

Insurance company money can seem like a godsend, especially if you are unable to work and facing a long recovery. But many people who accept the insurance company’s “quick cash” end up regretting it. The insurance company is motivated by profit, and so it wants to settle your claim as cheaply and quickly as it can. They will offer you money before you’ve gotten a full medical evaluation, and before you know what your injuries will cost or how long your recovery will be. If you take this money, you will probably give up your right to recover anything else.

A lawyer is an experienced professional who deals with accident victims and insurance companies every day. A lawyer can give you an objective view of whether you have a claim and whether the insurance company’s offer is reasonable. A lawyer can refer you to medical professionals who will give you a full evaluation and tell you what your injuries are going to cost, long-term. And a lawyer will investigate your case and present solid evidence to the insurance company of what caused your accident and how much it is going to cost. A lawyer’s help can often mean that you get thousands of dollars more than that original offer from the insurance company.

How can I tell if I have a valid insurance claim for my rear-end accident?

If you were rear-ended through no fault of your own, you probably have a valid claim. Even if you hit another driver, you may have a claim if the other driver was acting recklessly or you had an equipment malfunction. This is because the law holds people responsible for their own carelessness, or “negligence.” When drivers are negligent, their insurance company must pay for your losses. The best way to tell if you have a valid claim is to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Atlanta Georgia.

Talk to an Atlanta Rear-End Accident Lawyer for Free

Our lawyers have decades of experience getting money for accident victims. We’ll never charge you a fee unless we win money for you. Let us give you a FREE consultation to help you understand the right next steps for your case—with no obligation. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.