Out of the six million car accidents that occur on U.S. roads each year, more than 40 percent of them are rear-end collisions. Being part of a rear-end accident in Fayetteville can be lead to serious injury, frustration, and up to tens of thousands of dollars in cost. If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you may qualify for a settlement. Working with a Fayetteville rear-end collision lawyer can help you know how to proceed in the way that’s best for you—and gets you the financial recovery you deserve.
At John Foy & Associates, we know the rear-end collision laws from front to back. We’ve been working with victims of rear-end accidents in the Fayetteville area for over 20 years—and our lawyers know how to communicate with insurance companies so they pay what you deserve. We’re always in your corner and never take their side. If you’ve been in a rear-end collision, we offer a free consultation to discuss how we can help. Give us a call at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to the right to get your FREE consultation today.
What Should I Do After a Rear-end Accident?
Here’s what you should do right after a rear-end collision occurs:
- Remain calm. Take a deep breath, and try not to panic. Stay where you are unless you or someone else in the vehicle requires immediate medical attention. If your vehicle is in the middle of the road, move onto the side to avoid further collisions.
- Take note of the situation, and gather information. Was it the other driver’s fault? If so, they should report the car accident to their insurance company. But don’t assume they will definitely do this. Gather their name, address, phone number, and the name and policy number of their insurance number, and their license plate number. If you can, take a picture of the scene.
- Calling the police if anyone involved in the rear-end collision was physically injured or either vehicle was damaged. In many cases, calling the police is required by law. And if you qualify for a settlement, the police report will help.
But there are also steps you can take after you get home from the accident. For example:
- Record any injuries that were sustained in the accident, including pictures and detailed notes (including ongoing details about your injury).
- Call your insurance company. No matter how the rear-end collision happened or who’s at fault, your insurance company will need to know. In some situations, even if the other driver was at fault, their insurer may deny responsibility and yours may need to challenge them. In any case, letting your insurance company know what’s going on is a good act of faith with them.
- Contact an attorney. Don’t try to recover damages all on your own. Rear-end collisions have high injury and damage rates compared to other accidents. Working with a rear-end collision accident lawyer can help you determine if you have a solid case and how best to move forward.
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How do I Prove Fault in a Rear-end Accident Case?
Most of us were told from an early age that any rear-end collision is automatically the rear driver’s fault. Under Georgia state law, it’s true that the rear driver is presumed liable in most cases—unless proven otherwise.
If the lead driver was at fault for the accident, or both drivers were partially responsible, sufficient evidence can help prove this. Some ways lead drivers can be at fault for a rear-end accident include:
- Slamming on their brakes unexpectedly, for no reason
- Making sudden lane changes in front of another vehicle
- Driving in reverse without warning
- Driving with broken brake lights
- Failing to use turn signals as required
- Stopping in the road without indicating the stop to other drivers
Working with a lawyer who understands rear-end collision cases may help you prove fault if you weren’t personally liable.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Rear-End Accident?
Whiplash and neck injury reports make up about one in five of rear-end collision insurance claims.
Other common automobile accident injuries include spinal cord injuries, leg and knee injuries, facial lacerations, or brain injuries from the airbag deploying.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is when your head and neck are suddenly whipped backward and then forward, a common occurrence in rear-end accidents. Because the movement is so fast, whiplash puts extreme stress on your spine, causing many potential problems.
Symptoms of whiplash can include a stiff neck, jaw pain, headache, dizziness, shoulder, arm, or back pain, ringing ears, or fatigue. It can lead to more serious effects in some cases, and even chronic pain that prevents you from working or sleeping.
It’s easy to dismiss any injury that only seems like a minor pain or ache, but whiplash is a real condition that requires proper medical attention. Thankfully, most cases are treatable if you see the right doctors.
Can I Recover Money if I Suffered Whiplash in Fayetteville?
The value of a claim related to whiplash can depend on the severity of treatment needed. Without other conditions, a claim’s value related to whiplash is usually low. However, it’s still enough to be worth your time.
For example:
- A whiplash case involving diagnosis from a doctor and chiropractic treatments may win $2,000-$3,000 or more in medical bill costs.
- If the whiplash requires serious treatment or procedures, the total claim could total $20,000 or more.
- In any personal claim injury like whiplash, damages like full medical treatment, income lost due to the accident, and pain and suffering are sought to recover costs. If you suffered injuries other than whiplash, you may qualify for more.
What If I Suffered a Serious Injury in a Rear-End Crash?
Any injury that requires surgery or involves organ damage, such as head injuries or broken bones, is likely considered a severe injury.
Although amount varies based on the injuries and your legal representation, injuries of this nature may bring in claims of $100,000 or more—and they often include extra money for pain and suffering.
Talk to a Fayetteville Rear-End Accident Lawyer for Free
A rear-end collision can leave you feeling alone and robbed of your money and work time—and in pain. At John Foy & Associates, we’re here to help you. We know how to navigate and win cases for the rights of Injury victims. Plus, contacting us is risk free; you don’t pay anything unless you get money. Let us give you a free consultation.
Call 404-400-4000 today or fill out the form to your right to start your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
