Rear end collisions are among the most common car accidents in Gainesville. About half of all two-vehicle accidents involve rear ending. Although some of these accidents are just fender benders, many will cause serious injuries to people in one or both vehicles.
The victim of even a minor rear end collision can end up facing tens of thousands of dollars of medical treatment—and you have a right to recover your costs. You should speak to a good Gainesville rear end collision accident attorney.
That’s why John Foy & Associates is here. For over 20 years, our attorneys have helped the victims of car accidents in the Gainesville area, and we have one of the best track records of any law firm in the state. We focus our entire practice on helping those who were injured, never siding with big insurance companies.
Let us offer you a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options—with no obligation. Contact us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
What Counts As a Rear End Collision in Gainesville?
Rear end accidents are a very broad category. Any time the front of one vehicle hit the back of another vehicle, it can be called a rear end accident—regardless of what other factors were involved.
We’ve seen rear end accidents that happened at highway speeds, when one car pulled in front of another with nor warning. We’ve also seen rear end accidents that happened at stop lights or in parking lots, where the cars were hardly moving at all.
Even these seemingly small accidents can cause substantial vehicle damage and painful injuries.
Most rear end collisions in the City of Gainesville involve one or more of the following:
- Speeding
- One car “tailgating” another
- Cell phones or distracted driving
- A drunk driver or a driver under the influence of drugs
- Fog, rain or other visibility problems
- Aggressive lane changing
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What Kinds of Injuries Are Most Common in Rear End Accidents?
Depending on the accident, there are dozens of kinds of injuries that could happen. But there are some that are more common than others. The injuries we see most frequently in rear end accidents include:
- When another car hits you from behind, you are thrown suddenly forward—often with great force. Although your seatbelt will restrain you, your head and neck still “whip” forward, potentially causing tears in the muscles and soft tissue of the neck itself. This in turn develops into a painful condition known as whiplash. This is probably the single most common rear end collision injury.
- Head injuries. If your head hits the steering wheel, the dashboard, or the seat in front of you, you can end up a concussion or a serious brain injury. Even minor concussions can cause swelling that puts pressure on the brain, potentially leading to lasting injury. Brain injuries are among the most serious car accident injuries.
- Broken bones. Many accident victims will hit their hands, arms or heads on something in front of them, potentially breaking a wrist or a nose.
All injuries should be considered potentially serious, even if they appear minor at first. Always see a doctor after your car accident.
How Are Rear End Collisions Different from Other Types of Car Accidents?
Under state law, rear end collisions are not treated any differently from other accidents. But in practice they do play out differently. The key factor is that rear end collisions make it very easy to figure out who is at fault for the accident. In Georgia, all injuries or damages are paid by the insurance company of the driver who is at fault. Determining fault is thus a big part of any case.
The reason rear end collisions make this easy is because they’re usually the fault of the driver in back. If that driver had allowed more room or not followed so closely, the accident may never have happened. This makes many rear end accidents fairly straightforward.
There are exceptions, however. For example, the driver in front may be at fault if they suddenly changed lanes or didn’t use a signal.
What Costs Will Be Covered By My Rear End Collision Claim in Gainesville?
As the victim of the accident, the law allows you to recover 100% of your costs from the accident. This typically means:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medication
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Car repairs or the cost of replacing your car
- Making up for any lost wages caused by missing work because of the accident
In some cases you will also qualify for large financial awards. The local courts typically award this money for physical pain, a permanent disability, or other major losses. We don’t believe that this money can ever make up for your injury, but it can go a long way toward helping you and your family stay financially stable after a devastating accident.
Be aware that insurance companies will almost never offer you the full amount your claim is worth. Their main interest is in keeping their costs down and their profit margin high. We urge you never to sign anything from an insurance company until you have discussed your claim with a lawyer.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Rear End Accident Claim in Gainesville?
Yes. Deadlines are set by both state and federal law, and are known as statutes of limitations. The statute of limitations for many car accidents is as long as two years—but not always. In some circumstances you may have much less time, just a few months. If you miss the deadline you lose all claim to the money you would otherwise receive. This is why it’s so important to speak to a lawyer right away after your accident.
Speak to a Gainesville Rear End Collision Accident Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates our only mission is to help accident victims. Let us show you what we can do for you. Sit down with us and receive a free consultation to discuss your case, your legal options, and how best to proceed.
Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
