Rear-End Collision Car Accidents
Have you recently been in a rear-end collision in Atlanta, GA? You could be entitled to monetary damages to help cover the costs of your medical bills, make up for lost income, and compensate for your pain and suffering. Hasner Law PC can help you fight to maximize your recovery.
Give our car accident attorneys in Atlanta a call today at 678-888-4878 or contact us online to arrange a free initial case assessment to learn more.
Why Should I Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer After a Rear-End Car Accident?
While rear-end accidents don’t tend to be the most serious type of collision, they can still cause quite a bit of damage. Between repairing your vehicle and medical bills, the costs can be quite high.
At Hasner Law PC, our personal injury attorneys in Atlanta have been advocating on behalf of car accident victims for more than 80 years. We’ve seen the consequences of rear-end collisions and know what a difference money can make as you get back on your feet. That’s why we’ll go above and beyond to help you get every last penny that you deserve.
As we navigate your case, we will:
- Investigate the circumstances of your rear-end car accident in Atlanta
- Gather and analyze relevant evidence, including photographs, video footage, police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Determine, based on that evidence, what caused your accident
- Establish liability and seek compensation from everyone involved
- Downplay your role in the crash, if and when you’re blamed by others, and
- Negotiate with at-fault parties and insurance companies on your behalf.
While our team will work hard to negotiate a settlement, we will prepare your case as if we’re going to trial. If insurers don’t cooperate and extend a fair offer, our Atlanta trial lawyers will be ready to bring your case to a jury.
Contact our Atlanta, Georgia law office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.
How Common Are Rear-End Car Accidents in Atlanta?
There are different classifications of car accidents, based on the type of impact. These include frontal impact, side-impact, rollover, and rear-end collisions. Rear-end collisions occur when one car is struck from behind by another vehicle. The vehicle in front is literally “rear-ended” by another.
Rear-end crashes are the most common type of car accident in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), 29 percent of all car accidents are classified as rear-end collisions.
In 2017, there were a total of 58,581 car accidents reported across Fulton County. Based on the NHTSA’s statistics, that means that there were 16,988 rear-end collisions in the county that year. So, every day in and around Atlanta, there are between 46 and 47 rear-end car accidents.
Other common types of car crashes in Atlanta include:
- Head-on crashes
- Highway collisions
- Hit & run crashes
- Lane-change crashes
- Left-turn collisions
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Parking lot crashes
- U-turn crashes
- Single-vehicle wrecks
What Causes Most Rear-End Collisions in Atlanta?
Common causes of rear-end collisions include:
Distracted Driving: Distractions are a leading cause of rear-end collisions. Today, many drivers are distracted by their phones. This is especially true when sitting at a red light or sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. When the driver is paying attention to their phone, they’re unable to see that the traffic pattern around them has changed. Rear-end collisions can occur when the driver of the front vehicle, the driver of the rear vehicle, or both drivers are distracted.
Speeding: Atlanta has posted speed limits for a reason. Speed limits are reduced in construction and work zones for a reason. However, many drivers are in a rush and simply ignore the law. That can cause serious issues when, out of nowhere, traffic stops. A driver who is speeding might not be able to stop their vehicle in time before crashing into the rear of stopped traffic in front of them.
Fatigued or Drunk Driving: When a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or overly tired, their reaction times suffer. If the car in front of them stops suddenly, the drunk driver or drowsy driver might not be able to react in time and stop.
Trying to Beat a Red Light: When a traffic signal turns yellow, drivers can do one of two things. First, continue through the intersection if you can make it through before the light changes, or if it would be unsafe for you to stop. Second, begin to slow down and prepare to stop at the red light. Some drivers do neither of these things. Rather, they speed up and attempt to “beat” the yellow light before it turns red. However, that can lead to a rear-end collision if there are other vehicles in front of that driver. Those vehicles might stop, causing the aggressive driver to crash right into them.
Is the Rear Driver Always At Fault?
There’s a common belief that the rear driver in a rear-end collision is always fully responsible for the crash. However, that’s not necessarily true. While it is true that the rear driver tends to be at fault, it’s not always the case. Anyone who contributes to the collision – including the driver of the car that’s struck from behind – can share responsibility (and fault).
Fault for an accident can only be established after a thorough investigation has been completed. That’s why, following a rear-end collision, it’s important to:
- Reserve any apologies or comments that you might want to make
- Refuse to provide a statement – recorded or otherwise – to an insurance company, and
- Seek the help of a qualified Atlanta car accident lawyer.
At Hasner Law PC, our attorneys will carefully investigate the circumstances of your rear-end collision. We’ll look at the crash from every possible angle and gather any evidence that might be relevant. Our goal is to identify every cause of your crash.
If you were the driver of the rear vehicle, we’ll attempt to determine if the driver of the car you struck was distracted, drunk, fatigued, or negligent in some other way. We’ll have a mechanic take a look at your car to see if your brakes were defective or failed in some way. These are factors that could seriously affect your personal injury case.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Contributed to the Rear End Accident?
Georgia is a modified comparative fault state. This means that, under Georgia state law, you could be entitled to compensation even if you contribute to an accident. That’s because a financial recovery is only barred when you share more than 50 percent of the blame. So, by proving that others share responsibility for your crash, you can potentially secure a monetary award.
Let’s say you rear-ended someone else at an intersection in Atlanta. You’re adamant that while you might share some of the blame for the crash, you’re not solely responsible. During an investigation, your attorney secures phone records that show the driver was sending text messages at the time of the collision.
They weren’t paying attention. You’re each allocated half of the responsibility for the crash. This won’t bar you from recovering compensation. However, your award will be reduced by half. At the same time, you might also be on the hook for half of the other driver’s damages.
Whiplash Is the Most Common Rear-End Car Accident Injury
Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is accelerated back and forth (or side to side) rapidly. Imagine that you’re sitting in a car at a traffic light. Suddenly, another car slams into the back of yours. What happens? The force of impact causes your body to move forward violently.
However, your torso is restrained by the seatbelt, so it’s really just your head that moves. Then, once you’ve accelerated forward, your head snaps back into the seat. This multi-directional hyperextension – called whiplash -can cause serious damage.
Symptoms of whiplash don’t always appear right away. It could be hours, days, or even weeks after an accident until you begin to notice:
- Headaches
- Stiffness in the neck
- Limited range of motion in the shoulders, arms, and neck,
- Blurred vision
- Mental distress, and other side effects.
In some cases, a whiplash injury will heal over time with rest. Other times, the injury might require more intense medical treatment. In either case, whiplash can cause extensive physical distress, limit your ability to work and earn an income, and interfere with your ability to enjoy your life.
If someone else is even remotely responsible, you can potentially hold them financially accountable. But first, seek medical attention so that you minimize the complications of your injury.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Atlanta Car Crash Lawyers
Were you recently injured in a rear-end car accident in Atlanta? Contact Hasner Law PC to discuss your legal rights and options. If you’re entitled to compensation, our car accident attorneys will fight to help you maximize your recovery. Give our law firm a call today to arrange a free case assessment to learn more.
