Many people think of rear-end collisions as simple “fender benders” that don’t do much damage. But that couldn’t be further than the truth. In fact, rear-end collisions in Brunswick can be just as serious as other types of car accidents—sometimes, even worse.
Rear-end accident victims can be left with serious injuries from which it takes months or even years to fully recover. Insurance companies are known for trying to downplay the damages of rear-end collisions, but the consequences (and associated pains) are real. If you or a family member has been a victim of a rear-end collision, it’s time to call a Brunswick personal injury accident lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, our compassionate and experienced attorneys are here to help you. We have 20+ years in the personal injury field, and we know what it takes to win cases for accident victims.
We never take the side of the insurance companies. To get started, let us give you a FREE consultation to look at your case and discuss your best options for recovery. Contact us today at 404-400-4000, or fill out the online form to your right for your free consultation.
How Much Money Can I Recover for a Brunswick Whiplash Claim?
The exact amount of monetary recovery in Brunswick depends on specific details of your case, such as how severe your injuries are, what vehicle damage you suffered, and whether or not the other driver is fully at fault. However, if the driver is fully to blame for the accident, you can seek damages for ALL costs associated with the accident, including injuries like whiplash.
What Kinds of Injuries Can You Get From a Rear-End Collision?
Whiplash is a neck- and upper back-related injury that’s very common in rear-end collision accidents. It’s a tricky condition because 1) it’s not always taken seriously by insurance companies and 2) it doesn’t always manifest right away, making it harder to demonstrate as a damage in your accident.
Whiplash is very real, however. It’s caused by the neck being suddenly whipped in a back-and-forth motion. When one vehicle is rear-ended by another from behind, the impact throws the victim’s head and neck abruptly forward. This causes soft tissues in the body, like ligaments and muscles, to stretch beyond their limits and sometimes even tear.
When looking at a whiplash case and how much you can recover, your car accident lawyer will consider how much suffering it’s caused you. Whiplash can lead to symptoms like:
- Pain and stiffness in your neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sleep problems
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- And more
Your lawyer will also encourage you to see a doctor right away after your accident—and then again a day later. Since whiplash isn’t always obvious right away (it takes a while for the inflammation to set in), you’ll need to pay close attention to your pain and other symptoms in the hours and days following the accident. This will ensure you have a record of seeing a doctor and getting treated for whiplash symptoms, which helps you claim.
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Four Things Most People don’t Know About Rear-End Accident Claims
After getting into a rear-end accident, there are several important things to know:
1. There Are Two Main Causes of Rear-End Collisions
The most common reason for rear-end collisions is when the driver in the back is at fault. Typically, they will be following too closely behind the front car or driving while distracted. When the front car applies their brakes, the rear car fails to stop quickly enough, causing the rear-end collision accident.
In most rear-end accidents, the rear driver is at fault because they failed to control their distance behind the front car or to pay attention closely enough to stop in time. In this situation, the front driver bears no fault in the accident.
The second type of rear-end collision is caused by the front driver driving carelessly. They could be trying to change lanes too quickly or aggressively, changing lanes without signaling, or doing something else to not give the rear driver enough time to react and apply their brakes. In this situation, the front driver could be determined to be at fault. However, this type of rear-end collision is less common.
Accounts about how the rear-end collision happened can vary if each driver thinks the other caused the accident. But if you were a victim of a rear-end collision, don’t let the other driver or their insurance company place the blame on you. Gather evidence from the accident, such as witness accounts, to help demonstrate what really happened. Your rear-end collision accident lawyer can also help prove your case.
2. Whiplash Is Not the Only Possible Injury
While whiplash is the most common injury resulting from rear-end accidents, there are a number of injuries that can result. Other common injuries include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones or sprained wrists
- Back pain
- And more
This is why it’s so important to see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. Even if you feel fine in the moment, your adrenaline and overwhelm with the incident can temporarily dull pain that might come on later (this is very common with whiplash, for example).
Have a medical professional check you out, and go back to the doctor if you notice new pain hours or days later. This will help ensure every injury is accounted for (and documented) in your insurance claim.
3. The Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Unfortunately, this means they will look for ways to decrease what they pay out for your damages. If the other driver’s insurer contacts you after the accident and tries to offer you money, never take the first offer – and contact your attorney before accepting anything.
Insurers will hope you take an upfront offer because it will settle your case and mean they don’t have to deal with negotiations. This leaves you at a huge disadvantage because the first offer is never truly enough to cover your full costs. Before you sign or accept anything, speak with a rear-end collision accident lawyer.
4. The Sooner You Contact a Lawyer, the Better
Even if your accident costs seem pretty straight-forward, there are almost always details you might not think of where you can increase your financial recovery. Injuries can worsen over time, for example, increasing your medical costs too much more than you initially thought.
A rear-end collision accident lawyer knows everything that must be considered in a car accident case. They can make the process as smooth as possible for you and also help you seek the fullest financial recovery possible.
Talk to a Brunswick Rear End Collision Accident Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates, our attorneys have 20+ years of experience in personal injury law, helping accident victims get the money they need and deserve. For a FREE consultation with one of our experienced lawyers, contact us today.
Call 404-400-4000, or complete the form to your right for your free consultation.
912-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form