Albany
Rear-End Collision Accident Lawyer

About half of all two-car accidents involve one car rear-ending another. Fortunately, many rear end accidents in Albany are just fender-benders. But others cause severe and permanent injuries to drivers who could not have anticipated or prevented the accident.

Even a relatively minor rear-end collision can cause painful injuries requiring tens of thousands of dollars in medical treatment. You have a right to recover the costs of your rear end accident, but you need to talk to an Albany rear end collision accident attorney

At John Foy & Associates, we handle rear end accident cases every day. For more than 20 years, we have devoted our law practice to helping people who have been hurt in accidents, and we have built up an impressive track record.

We don’t represent insurance companies or big corporations. Our entire goal is to help you get the money you need to put your life back together. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your rights. Call us at 229-232-8678 and get your free consultation today.

What Counts As a Rear End Collision in Albany?

In a rear end collision, the front of one vehicle hits the back end of another one. Rear end accidents can happen on highways when one car veers in front of another without using a lane change signal. Or they can occur because one car rams into another at stop lights, a stop sign or even in a parking lot.

Even when cars are moving at a slow speed, a rear end accident can cause thousands of dollars in vehicle damage and leave occupants with painful injuries.

In the City of Albany and Dougherty County, most rear end accidents have one or more of these causes:

• Traveling in excess of the speed limit
• Following too closely, or “tailgating”
• Distracted driving
• DUI
• Weather-related issues such as fog or heavy rain
• Weaving in and out of traffic and other aggressive lane changing behavior

What Kinds of Injuries do People Suffer in Rear-End Accidents?

The type of injuries in a rear-end accident depend on a variety of factors, including the rate of speed, the way the cars collide, the positions of the car’s occupants, and their age and health. But there are certain types of injuries that we see more often than others. These include:

• When you’re hit from behind, your body is thrust forward. Your seatbelt keeps you in your seat, but your neck and head will still snap forward and then whip back as the car comes to rest. This sudden motion can tear the delicate tissues and muscles in your neck, leading to a painful condition called whiplash. Whiplash is probably the most common injury from rear end collisions.
• Head injuries. People who are rear-ended often hit their heads on the windshield, steering wheel or seats in front of them. This can lead to head injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe and life changing traumatic brain injuries.
• Broken bones. A rear-end collision can also cause you to hit your hands, faces or arms on hard surfaces, leading to broken wrists, arms or noses. 

Many rear end accident victims think they haven’t been seriously hurt because they aren’t bleeding and can “walk away” from the accident. But injuries like whiplash and concussions often aren’t apparent right away, and they can grow more serious if left untreated. Always get evaluated by a doctor as soon as you can after any car accident. 

Is There a Difference Between Rear End Accidents and Other Car Accidents?

In many ways, all car accidents are the same: the driver who caused the accident is legally responsible for all the damage that occurs. That means that the driver’s insurance company must pay for all your medical expenses, car repairs and other losses. Rear end collisions are a little different than most accident cases because in rear end collisions, it is usually easy to tell which driver was at fault.

Rear end collisions are almost always caused by the driver in back. If the driver had been paying attention or hadn’t been tailgating, you wouldn’t have been hit. This means that rear end accident cases are typically less complicated than other types of accident claims.

However, there are some instances where the collision was NOT caused by the driver in the rear. For example, if a driver suddenly cuts in front of you and you hit them because you didn’t have time to react, the driver in front may be at fault.

What Costs Can I Recover in an Albany Rear End Accident Claim?

In Georgia, accident victims can recover all their costs associated with the accident. We are usually able to recover these types of damages for our clients:

• The cost of doctors, hospitals and other medical bills
• Prescription drug cots
• The cost of therapies such as physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Car repair bills, or the cost of replacing a totaled car
• Lost pay, when you missed work because of the accident

Some people qualify for even larger financial rewards. The local courts may award additional damages for pain and suffering, disabilities, and other losses suffered by people who are severely injured. We know that money will never be enough to compensate for a serious injury, but money can help you continue your treatment, pay your bills, and keep your family on stable financial ground while you recover.

We know that an accident can put you under a financial strain, but insurance companies don’t see it that way. They want to keep their profits up, so they’ll almost never offer you what your claim is really worth. Never sign anything or accept money from an insurance company without talking to a lawyer.

How Soon do I Have to Make My Rear End Accident Claim in Albany?

Both state and federal laws impose deadlines on accident claims. These deadlines, known as the statute of limitations, are important because if you don’t file your claim within the deadline, you give up your right to financial recovery for your injuries. Most of the time, the statute of limitations is two years, but in some cases the time limit is much shorter—sometimes just a few months. This is why it is critical to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

Talk to an Albany Rear End Collision Accident Lawyer for Free

At John Foy & Associates, we want you to get the financial help you need after a rear end accident. We have been helping accident victims for 20 years, and we know how to get the insurance companies to pay you what you deserve. Let us give you a free consultation to discuss your case and help you decide what to do.

Call us at 229-232-8678 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.