Columbus
Rear-End Collision Lawyer

Rear-end auto collisions are among the most common types of accidents. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make them any less serious.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s special investigation report, nearly half of all two-vehicle crashes are rear-end collisions, and many of these accidents involve severe damages.

At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping rear-end accident victims for over 20 years. We employ some of the best rear-end collision lawyers in Columbus, GA.

We believe in helping victims make a recovery and move forward with their lives. Contact us at (404) 400-4000 and get a free case evaluation today.

Why You Need a Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Columbus, GA 

Rear-end collision lawyers can help you recover a rear-end accident settlement for your claim by: 

• Investigating your accident and consulting with experts to determine who was at fault 
• Gathering evidence and essential documents to support your claim 
• Talking to any witnesses to get their statements 
• Handling all your communications with other parties 
• Handling the insurance company during negotiations 
• Taking your claim to court if a settlement can’t be reached 
• Representing you and your best interests 

The Official Code Of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 9-3-33 only gives you two years to file your claim from the date of your accident. However, the statute of limitations can go by very quickly, so don’t procrastinate. After getting medical treatment, get in touch with one of our rear-end collision lawyers in Columbus, GA, as soon as possible. 

What Constitutes a Rear-End Collision in Columbus, GA?

There are a wide variety of circumstances that count as rear-end accidents. Generally speaking, any time the front of one car hits the back of another, it’s a rear-end collision. This is true regardless of the speeds involved. A car can be stopped entirely, such as at a red light, and the car behind it taps the bumper. This would still be a rear-end accident.  

High-speed rear-end accidents can be devastating. In the city of Columbus, we often see these on a highway, in poor visibility conditions, or when a car gets pulled over on a busy road. These accidents can total both vehicles and may lead to lifelong severe injuries. 

Causes of rear-end collisions include:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Unsafe lane change
• DUI
• Distracted driving
• Fog, rain, or sun glare

Generally, low-speed rear-end incidents involve damage to the bumper, tail lights, trunk, and rear crumple zone. They may also trigger an airbag release which can be expensive and cause injuries. And even a low-speed accident can result in neck injuries that last months or years.

Do Rear-End Collisions Cause Serious Injuries?

Many people believe the effects of being rear-ended are relatively harmless and don’t cause any serious injuries. This isn’t true. Any injury sustained in a car accident is serious. Unfortunately, many accident victims tend to insist they’re “fine” even if they can already feel pain, dizziness, or other symptoms setting in. 

Don’t try to shrug it off—see a doctor as soon after your accident as possible. Having medical records will also help your rear-end collision lawyer in Columbus prove the severity of your injuries. 

The most common injuries from a rear-end collision are neck injuries, especially neck strain or “whiplash.” Whiplash is an injury that occurs when the head is suddenly thrown forward by the impact at the car’s back. This causes damage to the muscles and tendons in the neck, which typically leads to pain that sets in immediately. 

Other common injuries include neck sprains, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, knee and leg injuries, and wrist injuries. In addition, if the airbag deploys, there may also be head injuries, brain injuries, a broken nose, and lacerations or bruising on the face. 

Proving Fault in Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents happen every day. These types of accidents can happen to people who are very safe and careful drivers. But, considering how common they are, they also stand out as having exceptionally high injury rates and property damage costs. 

But perhaps what makes rear-end accidents most unique is that it’s very easy to determine who is at fault. In most car accident cases, the insurance companies can argue for months over what happened and who caused the accident. Then, they can try to blame you, the victim, and say that you were negligent. In a rear-end collision, this is uncommon.  

The majority of rear-end collisions happen due to the rear motorist. Of course, there are circumstances where this is not true, and the accident is the fault of the front motorists or a third party. But even in these cases, it’s straightforward to determine who is at fault. Generally, rear-end collisions are very winnable cases as long as you have solid legal assistance.  

What do I Do After I Get in a Rear-End Collision?

There are three things you should do after any rear-end collision:

1. Call the police: It is challenging to move your case forward if there is no official police report, although there are circumstances where it is possible. 
2. Gather information: Get the name and contact information of the other driver. Ask to see their driver’s license and write down their license plate numbers. Speak to witnesses and ask for their names and contact info. Take pictures of what happened.
3. Keep cool: Sometimes, the other driver may scream at you, blame you or get insulting and offensive. Do your best to remain calm. It’s impossible to win an argument in the street. Gather the info you need and speak to a lawyer. They will make a case for you based on evidence, not feelings. 

Our Columbus, GA, rear-end collision attorneys believe that every victim of a rear-impact crash should have legal representation. That’s why we offer free consultations. The insurance company will come armed with an entire office full of lawyers, and you need to have a knowledgeable legal professional on your side. 

What Damages Can I Recover After a Rear-End Collision?

By law, you are entitled to make a full recovery for all damages caused by the accident. “Damages” in this case is a legal term that refers to any cost or loss. There is no way to completely undo a car accident, so the Columbus courts seek to repay the damages and set things back the way they were before the accident or as close as possible.  

The damages you can recover compensation for typically include:

• The cost of all doctor visits, hospital stays, and medical tests
• Medication
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other rehabilitation, for the full length of time you need it
• Repairs to your car or a new car
• Full reimbursement of lost wages caused by missing work due to the accident

We seek to help each of our clients achieve “maximum possible health.” In other words, the fullest recovery possible, both physically and financially. We will make sure you see doctors who understand your injuries and get long-term rehabilitation, not just short-term treatment.

Compensation for Your Non-Economic Damages

Outside of the economic damages listed above, we can also help you recover from your non-economic damages in your settlement. Non-economic damages have no fixed value and usually includes: 

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional trauma
• Psychological injuries
• Disfigurement and disability 
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death 

We use various formulas to accurately assess the values of each of your non-economic damages. Rest assured that our rear-end collision lawyers won’t leave a single penny out of the final total. We want to see you get the maximum amount of compensation possible. 

How Much does It Cost to Hire a Rear-End Collision Attorney?

Our Columbus, GA, rear-end collision attorneys follow a very simple pricing model:

• You pay nothing to come see us about your accident
• You pay nothing out of pocket
• You pay nothing unless we win money for you

If we are successful in your case, we take our fee out of the financial recovery you won. However, if we cannot get you financial recovery, you owe us nothing, ever. 

Talk to a Columbus, GA, Rear-End Collision Accident Lawyer for Free

At John Foy & Associates, we believe in helping accident victims, and we have the experience and results to back it up. So, come in for a free consultation with some of the most experienced rear-end collision lawyers in Columbus, GA. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or fill out the form to your right to schedule an appointment today. We are available 24/7 to assist.