A Guide to Rear-End Accidents in Georgia
A rear-end accident occurs when the front end of one vehicle collides with the back end of the vehicle in front of it. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one in every three motor vehicle accidents involve rear-end collisions. Many of these accidents are dangerous events that cause severe injuries or fatalities.
If you were injured in a Georgia rear-end accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The knowledgeable personal injury attorneys of R. Alan Cleveland, LLC can help you establish a strong accident claim and pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
We have a long track record of successful case results, and we will fight for a fair outcome in your case, too. Contact us now to get started with your free case review.
Contents
- 1 Determining Who Is At Fault for a Rear-End Accident in GA
- 2 Common Injuries from Rear-End Accidents
- 3 When Is the Lead Driver at Fault?
- 4 How Can You Prove Negligence in a Georgia Rear-End Car Accident?
- 5 What to Do if You’ve Been in a Rear-End Accident in GA
- 6 How a Georgia Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Determining Who Is At Fault for a Rear-End Accident in GA
Before you file a rear-end accident claim, it’s extremely important to determine who was at fault for the collision. Georgia is a “fault” state when it comes to car accidents, which means that an at-fault driver is financially responsible for any damages they cause. If more than one driver is at fault, they are each responsible for a portion of the damages based on the percentage of fault they contributed.
In many cases, the driver of the rear vehicle is considered at fault for a rear-end crash. This is because even if a lead driver slams on their brakes, rear drivers are expected to follow at a safe distance and maintain control of their own vehicles. Usually, the driver in front can show that if the driver in the rear had maintained enough distance, the driver wouldn’t have been rear-ended.
In other cases, rear drivers cause these types of accidents because of distracted driving. If a motorist is looking down at a phone or otherwise not paying attention and the vehicle in front slows or stops, the vehicle in the rear may not have enough time to stop to avoid a rear-end accident.
However, rear drivers are not responsible for all rear-end crashes. Sometimes, manufacturers of defective auto parts, drivers of other vehicles, or pedestrians who dart into traffic may also be at fault.
An experienced rear-end accident lawyer can help you conduct a thorough investigation to identify all parties that could potentially be liable for a rear-end accident.
Common Injuries from Rear-End Accidents
Even rear-end accidents that occur at low speeds can cause serious injuries. From simple fender benders to high-speed rear collisions, some of the most common rear-end accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Back and neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Partial and total paralysis
- Broken arms and wrists
- Fractured ribs
- Facial scarring and disfigurement
- Crushed limbs and amputations
- Broken legs, knees, and ankles
- Soft tissue injuries
- Strains, sprains, and muscle tears
- Puncture wounds
- Fire, friction, and chemical burns
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
When Is the Lead Driver at Fault?
In some rear-end accident scenarios, the driver of the lead vehicle could be at fault. Some examples of rear-end accidents when the lead driver may be found at fault include when the lead driver:
- Turns or merges into nearby lanes without signaling their intent or making sure there is enough space in front of oncoming vehicles
- Makes unsafe lane changes and cuts off other drivers
- Brakes suddenly without any clear reason
- Reverses suddenly in traffic at stop signs or red lights
- Drives without functioning brake lights
- Is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Intentionally tries to cause accidents
- Fails to pull over or engage their hazard lights if they have mechanical failure
How Can You Prove Negligence in a Georgia Rear-End Car Accident?
Although it may seem obvious to you who was negligent in a rear-end accident, you will still need to provide proof of their negligence to successfully pursue your claim. With the help of a dedicated car accident lawyer, you can use the following types of evidence to demonstrate another driver’s negligence:
- Police accident reports, which typically describe any legal violations that occurred and law enforcement’s official opinion about the cause of an accident
- Photos and video footage of the accident scene, which can show the events leading up to a rear-end collision as well as any effects of the crash
- Statements from other drivers, vehicle occupants, and other eyewitnesses
- Testimony from expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists
- Cell phone records from other drivers, which may prove that they were talking or texting when the accident occurred
What to Do if You’ve Been in a Rear-End Accident in GA
Being involved in a rear-end accident can be frightening and disorienting. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your ability to recover compensation for your accident-related losses, including:
- Seek prompt medical attention
- Follow through on any medical treatments recommended by your doctor
- Take photos of any visible injuries or property damage caused by the crash
- Maintain a record of any expenses you incur as a result of the accident, including medical bills, repair invoices, and receipts from incidental expenses
- Keep track of any income you lose as a result of missed time at work
- Create a “pain journal” to document the suffering you experience as a result of your injuries and the effects they have on your ability to carry out normal tasks
- Avoid apologizing or accepting blame for the accident since your words could later be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt
- Do not post on social media while your accident claim is pending since even innocent photos or comments may be used as damaging evidence against you
- Contact a rear-end accident attorney to discuss your legal options
How a Georgia Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
The respected trial attorneys at R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, have over 75 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of Georgia accident victims. We understand how devastating rear-end accidents can be, and we are committed to tailoring our approach to handle your unique claim.
Our team offers free consultations with no risk and no obligation to you. Unless we win money for your case, you’ll never owe us any legal fees. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 via call, text, and email, so don’t hesitate to contact us now.
An Athens resident Alan Cleveland grew up in Rockdale County. As a founding partner of the personal injury law firm of R. Alan Cleveland, LLC he proudly serves his community and provides skilled representation to injury victims and their families all around Georgia. Alan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and went on to graduate, summa cum laude, from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. He is also a graduate of Gerry Spence’s renowned Trial Lawyers College (TLC) in Wyoming. In his free time, Alan frequently speaks at continuing legal education seminars. He also volunteered as a youth baseball coach and assists with Georgia’s high school moot court competition held annually. Alan serves as a Trustee of Historic Athens and is a member of the Development Authority of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County.
