50% of two-car accidents involve rear-ending, making rear-end collisions one of Duluth’s most common types of accidents. You may think of rear-ending as just a fender bender, but rear-end collisions at highway speeds often cause severe injuries. You can recover money for your injuries. You need to talk to a rear-end collision accident attorney in Duluth, GA.
At John Foy & Associates, we know how to get you the money you need to put your life back together. We’d like to give you a free consultation to explain your rights and show you how we can help you. Call us to schedule an appointment today.
What Counts As a Rear-End Collision in Duluth?
A rear-end accident happens any time the front of one car runs into the back of another, even if there are other circumstances or vehicles involved. Rear-end accidents are common in parking lots and at stoplights, but they can also happen on busy highways when one car veers suddenly in front of another. Even when a rear-end accident seems minor, it can cause serious injuries.
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What Are the Main Causes for a Rear-End Collision?
Rear-end accidents in the City of Duluth usually happen for one of the following reasons:
- A car was speeding.
- A car was tailgating.
- A driver was talking on the phone or was otherwise distracted.
- A driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The weather was bad.
- A driver was aggressively changing lanes.
Regardless of how your rear-end collision happened, our lawyers in Duluth will help you. The reason why your accident happened is irrelevant. As long as negligence is involved, under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-6, you have the legal right to file a claim.
What Kinds of Injuries Can a Rear-End Accident Cause?
The injuries you sustain in a rear-end accident depend on how the accident happened and your own vulnerabilities. But there are a few injuries that we often see when dealing with rear-end collisions. These include:
- Whiplash, which is a painful condition caused by the impact of a collision. When you get hit from behind, you and your car get propelled forward, and while your seat belt keeps you from flying out of your seat, your neck is unrestrained and will “whip” forward.
- The impact from a rear-end collision can also cause you to hit your head on the steering wheel, windshield, or other hard surfaces inside the car. This could cause a minor concussion or a severe and permanent traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Fractured bones. It’s not unusual to strike your hands, arms or face on the interior of the car, causing broken bones that may need surgery or physical therapy.
Never assume your injuries are minor and will heal on their own. Many rear-end accident injuries grow worse if they don’t get properly treated.
Always see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. If you delay seeing a doctor, the insurance company may see that as proof that your injuries weren’t as severe as you’re claiming them to be.
What Makes Rear-End Accidents Different from Other Types of Car Accidents?
No matter what kind of accident you are involved in, Georgia law makes the driver who caused the accident responsible or liable for all the damages and injuries that occur. Rear-end accidents are different from other types of accidents only because it is usually easy to tell who is at fault.
A typical rear-end collision usually happens due to the driver in the rear. If the rear driver had been paying better attention or using a safe following distance, the accident never would have happened. That makes proving fault easy in this kind of accident.
But some accidents don’t follow this usual pattern, and the driver in front is sometimes the one at fault. A typical example is a driver who cuts suddenly in front of another driver with no signal, giving the rear driver no time to react.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer to Help Me?
When you hire a lawyer, you can enjoy many benefits, including:
- Assistance in gathering evidence and building a strong case for your claim
- Expert testimony that can support your case
- Help to understand the law and the legal options available to you
- Strong legal representation that is always acting in your best interests
- Protection from the insurance company’s tactics
- Handling all of your communications with other parties
- Reviewing any deals to ensure that they’re in your favor
Your injuries take priority above anything else. So while you let your body heal and recover from your accident, our lawyers will be hard at work to ensure that you get the settlement you rightfully deserve. Don’t underestimate how much our lawyers in Duluth can help you.
Even though you don’t explicitly need a rear-end collision lawyer to assist you or to file a claim, it’s still best to retain one. Not getting solid legal representation will put you at an extreme disadvantage against the insurance company. Hiring a lawyer is an investment you make that allows you to pursue the maximum amount of compensation possible for your claim.
How Much Money Can I Recover for a Rear-End Accident in Duluth?
You can recover the entire cost of your accident from the party who was at fault. Most accident victims are eligible for:
- Medical expenses
- The cost of prescriptions
- The cost of physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Car repair expenses
- Money to make up for the wages you lost if you missed work because of the accident
Some accident victims receive much larger financial awards. The local courts may award you this money if you have ongoing pain and suffering, a disability, or lost a loved one. We know this money can’t begin to make up for the losses you might suffer in a significant accident. Still, we also know that money can ease your financial struggles after a severe injury, letting you focus on treatment and healing.
You should know that insurance companies will try to avoid giving you what your claim is really worth. Insurance companies try to pay out as little as possible so they can make more profit for themselves. So don’t take an insurance company check or sign any paperwork until you’ve talked to an attorney.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Rear-End Accident Claim in Duluth?
Both state and federal laws establish deadlines for filing accident claims. For example, many accident victims have two years to file a claim under OCGA §9-3-33, but some have much less time, potentially only a few weeks.
It all depends on the circumstances of your accident. But if you miss the deadline, you will give up your right to recover money. That’s why you need to talk to a lawyer right away. Don’t sit on your claim and do nothing. It’s best to get started as soon as possible.
How Can I Trust Your Lawyers?
Our Duluth rear-end collision lawyers have more than 20 years of experience. We know what it takes to get the job done and handle the insurance companies. We won’t let them bully you into accepting a lowball settlement.
We never charge any fees upfront, and we will never ask you to pay for any hidden or unjust fees. We only get paid if we win a settlement for you.
If you don’t get financial compensation with our assistance, you owe us absolutely nothing in return. We have zero risks or obligations when you reach out to us for help.
Talk to a Duluth Rear-End Accident Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates, we have a 20-year history of getting accident victims the money they need to continue their recovery. We’d like to help you, too, with a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. Call us or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form