Rear-end collision accidents in Bainbridge might not sound too serious, but they can have large and lasting outcomes that change the victim’s life. Around 50% of two-car accidents are rear-end collisions, and they make up about 28 percent of all collisions.
If you were injured in one of these accidents, you don’t need to face your costs alone. Medical bills and vehicle damage costs can easily add up, but if you weren’t at fault for the accident, you shouldn’t have to pay. It’s time to contact a Bainbridge car accident lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20+ years of experience working personal injury cases like rear-end collisions. We have a solid history of success and have grown to be one of the largest and most respected law firms in the state.
Our main goal is helping accident victims recover what they deserve so they can find peace of mind and move on from the experience. To get started with a FREE consultation, contact us today by calling 404-400-4000, or filling out the form to the right.
Who Is At Fault in a Rear-end Accident in Bainbridge?
In Bainbridge and the State of Georgia, the “at-fault” refers to the person who caused the rear end accident. Georgia is also a “fault state,” meaning the driver who caused the accident is liable for ALL of the associated costs, usually paid for by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
A rear-end collision happens when the car in back collides with the back in front. Many times, a rear-end collision happens because the at-fault driver is engaging in careless or reckless behavior like:
- Tailgating (driving too closely behind the vehicle in front)
- Driving while distracted, such as texting and driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding or driving aggressively without paying enough attention to the car in front
- Changing lanes too quickly
Sometimes, weather or road conditions like heavy rain or fog can decrease visibility and contribute a rear end collision. However, even when this happens, it’s the responsibility of each driver to be careful in these types of conditions.
In most cases, the back car is considered to be at fault, although there are exceptions. Regardless, the fault is determined by who caused the accident to happen.
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Can I Recover Money If I Suffered Whiplash?
Yes, rear-end collision accident victims are entitled to financial recovery for ALL injuries from the collision, and that includes whiplash.
In fact, whiplash is a very common injury resulting from rear-end accidents. Although whiplash is sometimes treated with skepticism by insurance companies and the courts, it is a legitimate condition that can cause a lot of pain.
Generally, whiplash refers to a number of neck and upper back injuries. It’s caused by the neck being whipped suddenly back-and-forth during the impact of a car accident. Whiplash pushes the neck past its normal range of motion, which can tear or over-stretch muscles and ligaments in the neck and back. Whiplash can cause symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Sleep problems
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
After a rear-end accident, it’s important to get checked for whiplash because the symptoms don’t always show up right away. You might feel okay right after the rear end collision but start to feel pain a few hours later once your issues have become inflamed.
Not reporting whiplash soon after the accident could impact your ability to recover money for the injury, so never rule out whiplash as a possibility after an accident—and keep track of any changes in how you feel in the hours, days, and months after the accident.
In addition, whiplash is harder to demonstrate than other injuries because it doesn’t involve visible signs of injury like broken bones. Insurance companies may try to claim your injury isn’t real or results from something other than the accident. But the pain is real, and whiplash is serious.
This is all the more reason to keep detailed records of your symptoms and see a doctor for them. The more evidence you have, the better chance the local courts will take your whiplash claims seriously so you can recover for the injury.
The Other Driver Is Claiming I Stopped Too Suddenly. What do I Do?
The driver who rear-ended you may try to say the accident was your fault. Claiming you hit your brakes without enough warning is a common way to try and put the blame on you on the front driver.
Sometimes, this argument may hold up. But in most cases, it’s still clear the other driver wasn’t exercising the best care and caution that they could. All Georgia drivers have a duty to use reasonable care on the road by keeping a safe distance between the front of their car and the back of the car in front of them. This allows enough time and space to break even if the rear-ended driver brakes too fast.
If the other driver is trying to claim you caused the rear-end collision, even though they were the ones who hit you, a rear-end collision accident lawyer can help you build a case with evidence to prove fault in the collision.
Talk to a Bainbridge Rear End Collision Accident Lawyer for Free
Rear end collisions can leave you with a lot of pain and stress. But pursuing a fair and full financial recovery can help you cover your costs, get the treatment necessary, and start getting back to life and moving on from this accident.
At John Foy & Associates, we’re here to help you do that as fully as possible. We’ve been working with rear-end collision victims for over two decades, and we’re not stopping any time soon. As one of the most respected law firms in Georgia, we have a strong history of winning what our clients deserve.
For a FREE consultation with one of our attorneys, contact us today and we’ll discuss your case options. Call us at 404-400-4000, or simply fill out the form to the right of this page.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form