Savannah
Rear-End Collision Accident Lawyer

Rear-end collisions can be minor, but they can also cause serious, lasting injuries.  And they happen nearly every day in Savannah. About 50 percent of all two car accidents are rear-end collisions, and victims may find themselves facing painful injuries, months of medical treatment and doctor bills in the tens of thousands of dollars.

But you can recover your costs from the driver who caused the accident. You need to talk to a Savannah rear-end collision accident lawyer.

For the past 20 years, John Foy & Associates has been fighting for the rights of accident victims. Our law practice is focused only on helping people who have been injured, and we never take the side of the insurance companies. We’ve built an impressive track record for success.

We’d like to sit down with you for a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about your case and explain your options. Call us at 912-574-2287 and get your free consultation today.

What Counts As a Rear-end Collision in Savannah?

There are many types of accidents that can be classified as “rear-end collisions.” That’s because a rear-end collision happens any time the front of one car strikes the back of another, even if there were other causes or circumstances involved. The classic rear-end accident happens when a car plows into the back of a vehicle stopped at a stoplight or stop sign, but we also see rear-end collisions where one car pulls suddenly in front of another on the highway, or where two cars collide in a parking lot. Even when the vehicles are moving slowly, a rear-end collision can cause a surprising amount of damage.

Most of the rear-end collisions in the City of Savannah involve at least one of these factors:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Cell phone use or other distracted driving behavior
• A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Visibility issues such as fog or rain
• Aggressive lane changing

What Are Some Typical Rear-end Accident Injuries?

Many types of injuries are possible in a rear-end accident, but there are a few that seem to occur more commonly than others. These include:

• Whiplash. The force of a car hitting you from behind pushes your body suddenly forward. Your seat belt keeps you in your seat, but it doesn’t prevent your head and neck from snapping forward. This sudden motion can tear muscles and soft tissues in your neck. The painful condition that results is known as whiplash.
• Head injuries. When your car is rear ended, you and your passengers may hit your heads on objects in front of you, including the seat backs, dashboard, steering wheel and windshield. Even a minor bump can lead to a concussion that places pressure on your brain. A more severe impact can cause a traumatic brain injury that may impair you for the rest of your life.
• Bone fractures. If you hit any part of your body on a hard object inside the car, you could break a bone. Face, hand and arm fractures are especially common in rear-end collisions.

Always take injuries seriously and see a doctor right away. An injury that seems minor can easily develop into a more serious condition if you don’t get prompt treatment.

What Makes Rear-end Collisions Different than Other Accidents?

Georgia law treats all accidents the same. The insurance company for the driver who caused the accident must pay for all injuries and vehicle damage.

But rear-end accidents do tend to be simpler than most when it comes to figuring out who caused the accident. The reason is that rear-end accidents are usually caused by the driver in the back. Most of the time, it’s the driver in the back that wasn’t paying attention, was following too closely, or was breaking traffic laws. When a driver’s carelessness causes an accident, the driver is legally liable.

But there are also times when the driver in the rear did nothing wrong, and it’s the driver in front who’s to blame. For example, the accident might have been caused by the driver in front changing lanes suddenly and cutting you off.  

How Much Money Can I Receive for My Savannah Rear-end Collision Claim?

The exact amount you’ll receive will vary, but in general, if you have a cost that’s directly related to your accident, you should be able to recover it. Most accident victims can recover money for:

• Hospital, doctor and other medical bills
• Prescription medicine
• Physical therapy and other types of rehabilitation
• Car repair bills, or the cost of replacing a totaled car
• Lost wages—the pay you lost if you missed work time because of the accident

Some people receive far more than this. The local courts may award you additional money for a serious loss such as a disability, severe pain, or the death of a loved one. We don’t believe that money can ever make up for what you’ve lost in a tragic accident, but we also know that medical treatment is expensive, and the money you receive can help you provide for your family while continuing to get the care you need.

We want to caution you that insurance companies will try to settle your claim for far less than it is really worth. They are trying to make a profit, even if it means you won’t have nearly enough money to pay for your basic medical treatment. Never accept money or sign insurance company paperwork until you’ve talked to a good personal injury lawyer.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing My Rear-end Accident Claim in Savannah?

There are strict time limits under both state and federal law. These deadlines, known as the “statutes of limitations,” can be as long as two years—or only a few months. It depends on the circumstances of your accident.

If you don’t file your claim before the statute of limitations expires, you will probably lose your right to recover anything at all. This is why we strongly urge you to get advice from a lawyer as soon as you can.

Talk to a Savannah Rear-End Accident Lawyer for Free

At John Foy & Associates, we have one goal: to get accident victims the money they need to remain financially stable while getting all the treatment they need. If you have been in injured in a rear-end accident, we’d like to help you. We’ll give you a free consultation to go over the facts of your accident and discuss your options.

Call us at 912-574-2287 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.