A rear-end collision occurs when a vehicle strikes the back of one in front of it. Rear-end car accidents often occur due to tailgating – when one driver follows another driver too closely – but could also be caused by a distracted driver who fails to see stopped vehicles ahead, inclement weather and slick road collisions causing one vehicle to slide into another, or a driver applying their brakes suddenly without giving the motorist in the rear a chance to stop.
If you were injured in a rear-end collision in Gainesville, Georgia, you could be owed compensation if someone else’s negligence caused the crash. The Gainesville rear-end accident lawyers at Weaver Law Firm have the knowledge and skills to help you hold the driver who hit you accountable for their negligence.
Our Gainesville car accident lawyers have extensive experience representing clients who have been injured in rear-end accidents. We have the resources to handle every element of your case while you focus on your recovery.
Reach out to us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can advocate for you.
How Gainesville Rear-End Collisions Happen
Rear-end accidents often occur due to driver negligence. While tailgating is one of the most common reasons why these collisions occur, other common causes include:
- Distracted driving, including texting while driving
- Fatigued driving
- Drunk driving
- Merging into another lane without sufficient space
If a motorist is not focused on the road ahead, they may fail to notice when traffic suddenly slows or stops. By the time the driver notices the potential hazards, it may be too late to stop safely.
When rear-end accidents occur in heavy traffic, they can lead to a pileup incident. A pileup is a chain-reaction crash where the first rear-end collision triggers a series of subsequent collisions.
Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?
Determining liability for a rear-end collision is usually straightforward, but you will still need to prove that the driver who hit you was responsible for the car accident. You can usually do this by showing that the at-fault driver failed to exercise adequate care and caution and caused the motor vehicle accident.
Georgia is a modified comparative negligence state. That means you could still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. For example, if a jury finds that you are 30% at fault for an accident, you would still be able to collect up to 70% of all your expenses and losses. An experienced car accident lawyer can stand up to the insurance company and fight for your right to full compensation.
Catastrophic Injuries from a Rear-End Collision Car Accident
Rear-end accidents can result in injuries of various types and degrees of severity. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not be immediately apparent and may not show up until days, weeks, or even months after the car crash. If you’ve been in a rear-end collision, it’s recommended to see a medical professional as soon as possible to treat and document any injuries.
Some of the most common serious injuries rear-end collision victims suffer include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and other head injuries
- Facial injuries
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Broken bones
- Knee and joint damage
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Internal injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic amputation
- Burns
- Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
- Wrongful death
If you cannot work due to your injuries, you might lose your source of income. You should not be responsible for accident-related expenses if another person’s negligence caused the crash.
Average Settlement for Rear-End Collision Injuries
Depending on the specifics of your car accident claim, car accident victims could obtain compensation for both economic damages and non-economic damages such as:
- Medical bills for medical treatment of physical injuries
- Physical therapy costs
- Lost wages and future income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
- Punitive damages in exceptional cases
An experienced Gainesville car accident attorney can help you by investigating the accident, securing crucial evidence, and building the strongest possible personal injury case to pursue maximum compensation from the insurance provider.
What to Do After a Rear-End Car Accident
Did another motorist rear-end you in Gainesville? If so, follow these steps to safeguard your rights after the accident:
- Call 911. Pull over to a safe location, if possible, and call law enforcement to the scene. Police officers will draft an accident report. This report typically includes information about the other driver, a description of your injuries, details about the damage to each vehicle, and possibly an initial determination of fault.
- Seek medical attention. You should see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident and get your injuries diagnosed and treated. Accept emergency treatment and ambulance transport at the scene if necessary. Even if emergency medical services don’t take you to the hospital, promptly get a thorough medical exam at an urgent care center or from your doctor.
- Take photos. Take pictures of your injuries, any damage to the vehicles, and the full accident scene from different angles. Having a visual record of the accident can be extremely beneficial to your case.
- Talk to witnesses. If any bystanders witnessed the accident, ask them for their contact information. They could provide valuable corroborating testimony that could strengthen your case.
- Keep a journal about your recovery. Take daily notes about your recovery process. Describe your level of physical pain. Make notes regarding your psychological and emotional state. List activities you are unable to do.
- Avoid social media. Try not to discuss the auto accident on social media or any online public forum. Big insurance companies can use anything you post to reduce or deny your insurance claim.
Get Help from Our Gainesville Rear-End Collision Lawyers
For more the 20 years, the legal team at Weaver Law Firm has advocated for the rights of our friends and neighbors in Gainesville, Hall County, and throughout North Georgia.
If you were injured in a rear-end collision that someone else caused, contact the Gainesville rear-end accident lawyers at Weaver Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. You can expect excellent client service and a compassionate legal team dedicated to your case. Reach out by phone or online today to learn more about how we can help you secure compensation and protect your legal rights.