Nearly every day, Austell residents are getting in rear-end collision accidents. They’re very common, and while some can be minor accidents with minimal injuries and damage, others can lead to serious consequences for the victim(s).
Either way, the aftermath of a rear-end collision can be painful and confusing if you didn’t cause it. If you or a loved was hurt in a rear-end collision, you need a legal professional on your side who can ensure you get the money you’re entitled to for medical bills, time lost from work, and more. Call an Austell rear-end collision accident lawyer today.
At John Foy & Associates, we bring more than two decades of experience in personal injury law to the table. We know how to win cases for our clients who were hurt by the careless decisions of others. We never take the side of insurance companies, and we fight for the financial recovery you actually deserve.
For a FREE consultation to talk about your specific case and your options, call us today at 404-400-4000, or complete the form to the right.
What Should I Do After a Rear-end Accident?
Rear-end accidents are shocking. Many times, you don’t see them coming at all until you feel the impact as the other driver hits you from behind. We know it’s hard to keep a clear head after this type of accident. However, if possible, there are some actions you can take right after the accident to help protect yourself.
First and foremost, if you or anyone in your vehicle have injuries that require immediate medical attention, get it right away. Your well-being is the priority, and severe injuries can worsen with time if not treated.
Second, always call the police. Dial 911 to reach your local police department and report the accident. Officers will come to the scene and create a police report. Give them all the details you remember about the car accident, including if you notice anything suspicious about the other driver (such as suspected drunk driving).
After notifying police, other actions you can take include:
- Taking pictures of the scene. Use your phone to snap photos of your injuries, internal and external damage to your vehicle, the accident scene itself, and any other details you think could be relevant to your case. If the other driver is acting strangely in any way, you might also try to get a video of that.
- Taking to witnesses. If the rear-end accident happened in a busy area, chances are other people saw it happen. Ask for their names, phone numbers, and addresses. If they’re around when police arrive, they can give a statement about what they saw. Your rear-end collision accident lawyer will likely reach out to these people during their research of your case.
- Noting everything you remember. Memory can fade surprisingly quickly if you’re under stress from the accident, so use a piece of paper or your phone to jot down everything you remember about the accident, including the situation and any actions taken by the other driver leading up to the crash. For example; if you saw the other driver driving aggressively, speeding, or swerving on the road before the collision, note this down (and also tell police about it).
- Call a rear-end collision lawyer. After the accident, the insurance company of the driver who hit you will likely reach out. It’s best to speak with a lawyer before you answer any questions or accept anything from them. Whatever you do, don’t give a statement or accept any money from the insurance company until you’ve discussed the situation with your lawyer. Insurers are trained to get information from you and offer a lowball settlement amount upfront to try and prevent how much they pay out.
Car accidents are never fun for anyone involved, but gathering as much information as you can following the collision can help your outcome—and increase your chances of getting the FULL recovery you’re entitled.
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Do I Need to Go to the Doctor If I Have Whiplash?
Yes. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries following a car accident, especially a rear-end accident—and it can be very serious. Whiplash is caused by sudden back-and-forth motions, causing the head and neck to whip forward. When you’re in a rear-end accident, the force from behind causes your neck to extend past its normal motion range, overstretching or tearing muscles and ligaments.
Symptoms of whiplash can include:
- Headaches
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Problems sleeping
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
Many people have avoided getting treatment for whiplash since they don’t immediately realize how bad it is. That’s because the symptoms of whiplash don’t always show up right away. It can sometimes take hours for any pain to manifest as the tissues become inflamed.
For this reason, you should see a doctor very soon if you suspect you could have whiplash—and especially if you were in a rear-end collision. Otherwise, you may report you’re just fine but realize later that you’re actually very injured.
This could prevent you from getting financial recovery for the whiplash injury and leave you paying for those medical bills.
Speak to your doctor about whiplash after an accident, and tell your rear-end collision accident lawyer as well so they can know that’s damage you need to seek recovery for.
Talk to an Austell Rear End Collision Accident Lawyer for Free
Don’t get left paying medical bills and other expenses after a rear-end accident. Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates work exclusively on personal injury cases for a reason: we want to help you get the money you deserve for the damages you suffered.
Whether your case seems minor or major, we’re here to fight for your rights. And working with us is risk-free because we don’t take a dime unless we win you money.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation to talk about your case further. Call 404-400-4000, or complete the form to the right for your free consultation now.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form