Rear end accidents happen frequently in Alpharetta. Fifty percent of accidents involving two cars can be classified as rear end collisions. While some cause only minor dents or scrapes, others result in severe injuries to both drivers and passengers.
Even where there are no visible wounds, rear end accident victims may need expensive, long-term medical treatment because of soft tissue injuries. If you are injured in a rear end accident, you can recover your costs, but you need advice from a good Alpharetta rear end collision accident attorney.
At John Foy & Associates, our law practice is devoted to getting accident victims the money they need to get treatment and move forward with their lives. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and we’ve built an impressive track record.
We never take the side of insurance companies, allowing us to focus 100 percent of our energy on helping people who are injured. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about your accident and help you understand your options.
Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
What does “Rear End Collision” Mean in Alpharetta?
There are many types of accidents that can be described as “rear end accidents.” Basically, whenever one vehicle hits another from the rear, we consider it a rear end collision, even if there were other circumstances that contributed to the accident.
Rear end accidents can happen anywhere—at stoplights, in parking lots, and on busy highways when drivers change lanes with little warning. High speed accidents tend to cause more serious harm, but we have seen significant injures and damage even at slow speeds.
The most common causes of rear end accidents in the City of Alpharetta are:
- Speeding
- Following too closely, or “tailgating”
- Cell phones, texting and other distracted driving issues
- Drivers under the influence
- Weather and visibility related issues
- Aggressive lane changing
Get the strong arm
What Are Some Common Rear End Collision Injuries?
The type of injury you’ll suffer in a rear end accident depends on the circumstances. But there are certain types of injuries that we tend to see more than others. These include:
- Whiplash. Whiplash is the classic rear end collision injury. It occurs when the impact of the car coming from behind propels your body forward. Seat belts keep you restrained in your seat, but they don’t prevent your neck from whipping abruptly forward and then back. This can cause tears in the muscles and delicate soft tissues. Whiplash can be extremely painful.
- Head injuries. Rear end collisions can also cause you to hit your head on hard surfaces in the car’s interior. This might lead to a concussion that can cause swelling and pressure on your brain. A more serious accident might cause a traumatic brain injury—one of the most devastating types of car accident injuries.
- Broken bones. Many people hit their faces, hands or arms on dashboards, steering wheels or the seats in front of them, leading to bone fractures.
Many rear end accident injuries are more serious than they seem at first. With many conditions, the sooner you start treatment, the better your chances for a full recovery. We recommend that you check in with a doctor as soon as possible after your accident, even if you think your injuries are minor.
Are Rear End Collisions Different Than Other Car Accidents?
In many ways, no. In all accidents in Georgia, the person at fault is legally liable for the cost of your injuries. The difference between rear end accidents and other types of accidents is that it is usually easy to tell who is at fault in a rear end collision.
Most of the time, the accident was caused by the driver in the back. In other words, if the driver in back had behaved differently, perhaps by not following so closely, the accident would never have happened. This makes rear end accident claims easier to prove than some other types of accident claims.
However, there are some instances where the driver in back wasn’t at fault. A common example is an accident that occurs because another driver suddenly changes lanes, giving you no time to react. In that case, the accident is the fault of the lane-changing driver, whether they were in front or back.
What Costs Can I Get in a Rear End Collision Claim in Alpharetta?
Accident victims in Georgia can recover all the costs and damage that result from the accident. Our clients usually can recover these types of costs:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and physical therapy
- Replacing a totaled car or repairing a damaged one
- Lost wages—the pay you didn’t get if you missed work because of the accident
You may also be entitled to additional large amounts of money. The local courts may make these awards if you have significant pain, a permanent disability or another serious loss. We know that money can’t undo the accident or truly compensate you for a traumatic injury. But a financial award can make it easier for you to continue treatment and pay your bills as you rebuild your life.
It is important to understand that insurance companies do not want to pay you what your claim is really worth. Unfortunately, they are more interested in making a profit than in making sure you get the care you need. Please, never sign anything or accept money from an insurance company without talking to a lawyer who has your best interests in mind.
Is There a Time Limit for Rear End Accident Claims in Alpharetta?
Yes. Both federal and state law impose very strict deadlines for filing accident claims. In many cases the time limit is two years, but in certain cases it is much shorter, possibly only a matter of weeks. There are harsh consequences for missing a deadline—you will probably be unable to recover ANY money to pay for your injuries. It’s important to talk to a qualified personal injury lawyer right away.
Talk to an Alpharetta Rear End Accident Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates, we help accident victims get the money they deserve. It’s all we do. Come sit down with us for a free consultation where we’ll talk about your case, explain your options, and help you decide on the next steps—with no obligation.
Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
