Rear end collisions are probably the most common type of car accident in Dalton. Roughly half of all multi-vehicle accidents involve a rear end collision. While some of these accidents are minor, others will cause severe injuries or have consequences that last for years.
And the medical bills for even a simple rear end collision can add up quickly. Don’t let yourself get stuck paying for an accident that someone else caused. Talk to a Dalton rear end collision accident lawyer as soon as possible.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have dedicated ourselves to helping accident victims for over 20 years, and we have a strong history of success winning financial recoveries in rear end cases.
Our firm always sides with the accident victim, never the insurance company. Sit down with our attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Contact us at 706-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
How does the Law Define Rear End Collisions in Dalton?
Rear end collisions are a broad category of accidents, and they are not strictly defined by the law. Generally, any accident where the front of one car hits the back of another is a rear ending.
In some cases this means minor fender benders in a parking lot. In other cases it involves one vehicle slamming into the back of a stopped vehicle, or even high speed accidents on the freeway when someone changes lanes. All of these accidents can potentially cause injuries.
In most cases, rear end accidents will involve one or several of these factors:
- “Tailgating” or following too close
- Cell phone use or “distracted driving
- Speeding
- Illegal lane change
- DUI involving alcohol or drugs
- Fog or visibility issues
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What Are the Most Common Injuries in Rear End Accidents?
Because rear end collisions are such a broad category, there are a wide variety of injuries that can happen. But there are definitely some that we see most often. Common injuries in rear end accidents include:
- Neck injuries or “whiplash.” Whiplash is a very real, very serious condition that’s common with rear end collisions. When another vehicle hits you from behind, the force of the impact throws your head and neck forward. This sudden motion can rip the sensitive soft tissue in the neck, causing stiffness and incredible pain that can last weeks, months or longer.
- Head injuries. If the head hits the dashboard, steering wheel or (for passengers) the back of the front seat, it can cause a concussion or other head injuries. A concussion is a form of brain injury that is usually mild and temporary, but can develop into much more serious brain damage or have long-term effects. In other cases we have seen rear end collision victims who suffered serious traumatic brain injury during the accident itself.
- Bone fractures. When your body is thrown forward, it’s natural to put out your hands to catch yourself. This can mean suffering a broken arm or wrist as you hit the dashboard or steering wheel. We have also seen broken bones ranging from cracked ribs to a broken nose, depending on the accident.
What Makes Rear End Collisions Different from Other Accidents?
The City of Dalton treats all accidents the same: the driver who caused the accident, or their insurance company, must pay for the damages of everyone involved. This is the same in a rear end accident as it is in any other collision. However, rear end accidents tend to be much simpler, because it’s usually easy to see who is at fault in a rear end accident.
In most rear end cases, the driver in back is considered to be at fault. This is because the rear driver controls how much space they leave between themselves and the car in front of them. In theory, if they hadn’t been following so close (or driving so fast), the accident would never have happened—even if the driver in front braked very suddenly.
There are some exceptions. The driver in front may have been responsible if they changed lanes illegally or aggressively, for example. They may also be found to be at fault if they stopped in the roadway in low visibility conditions.
What Damages Can I Recover Money for in a Rear End Collision in Dalton?
State law gives the victim the right to recover all costs related to the accident. You can also be awarded substantial money to offset the damages you’ve suffered. This can include:
- Your doctor visits, hospital bills and other medical costs
- Medication
- Any occupational therapy, physical therapy or other rehabilitation you require
- The cost of car repairs
- Any wages you lose because you missed work due to the accident
- Large financial awards for physical pain and suffering or other serious losses.
The exact amount that the local courts will award depends on the specifics of the accident, but many rear end collision claims are worth $50,000 or more. Clearly, this money cannot undo a serious injury or its effects on your life. But they can help you and your family remain financially stable while you deal with the aftermath.
Why Should I Talk to a Lawyer? Why Not Just Take the Insurance Money?
Sometimes insurance companies will offer you money quickly after an accident. Be careful. Insurers are in the business of making money, not helping victims. Anything they offer you has been calculated to maximize their bottom line—even if it won’t be enough to cover all of your costs long term.
When you call John Foy & Associates, the first thing we will do is try to figure out the total, long term cost of your accident. This includes not just treatment you’ve already received, but estimated future medical expenses to get you back to the best possible health. We will also consider money you’ve lost because of missing work, or even lost earning potential because of a disability. Then we work backward from that total to make sure we get you every cent you need.
Don’t sign away your rights. Talk to a good lawyer as soon as possible.
Talk to a Dalton Rear End Collision Accident Lawyer for Free
John Foy & Associates exist to make it as easy as possible for you to get professional legal help. Let us sit down with you for a FREE consultation and discuss your case. We can help you understand your options and decide on the right next steps for you—with no pressure.
Call us at 706-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
