Many people don’t realize how serious a rear-end collision can be until it happens to them. In Brookhaven, rear-end collisions are not only one of the most common types of car accidents, they also consistently produce severe injuries that can involve months or years of pain. Insurers tend to underpay on these claims, or to minimize the amount of treatment that will be needed. Don’t allow yourself or your loved ones to miss out on the money that’s your right. Talk to a Brookhaven rear-end collision accident lawyer.
The attorneys of John Foy & Associates are ready to help you. Our firm was built on the simple idea of helping accident victims and those who were injured. We don’t do any other kind of law, and we never take the side of the big insurance companies. Give us a call and let us show you why John Foy & Associates has become a top car accident law firm not just in Brookhaven, but statewide. Call us at 404-400-4000 and get a FREE consultation today.
What makes rear-end accidents so serious?
Rear-end accidents seem like they should be safer than other accidents, at least for the people in the front vehicle, because there is so much space between themselves and the impact site. Shouldn’t it absorb most of the blow?
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. When an impact comes from behind, it throws your body forward. But your seatbelt stops you, allowing only your head to keep moving. The head tends to “whip” forward, overextending the neck and causing painful tears in the muscles. This is known as whiplash. The same thing can happen to the driver in the rear vehicle. Their body is also thrown forward as their vehicle comes to a sudden stop.
Of course, whiplash is not the only injury that can be caused by rear-end accidents—only the most common. Other common injuries include head injuries, sprained or broken wrists, cuts and contusions, back pain and more. Many of these injuries can occur even if the accident happens at relatively low speed.
Is whiplash a valid claim?
Yes. In the past, people have been skeptical of whiplash because there are few external signs of injury. And the symptoms of whiplash don’t always show up right away—they set in as the injured tissue stiffens. But that doesn’t make whiplash any less real or any less serious. In fact, it’s an incredibly painful neck injury that doctors treat with a combination of medication, physical therapy or massage, and even in some cases with chiropractic treatment.
In terms of your accident claim, whiplash is treated like any other condition in Brookhaven and statewide. You are entitled to recover all of your costs, such as medical costs and ongoing treatment. You may also be eligible for additional money for pain and suffering. It just depends on how severe your case is and how much it has impacted your life.
Brookhaven Rear-End Collision Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
Who is at fault for a rear-end accident?
There are two main ways that rear-end accidents happen. Each one involves a different person at fault. They are:
- Driver in back is following too close (or is distracted). “Too close” can include several car lengths back, and even farther on a freeway. These are the most common rear-end collisions. In these cases, the rear driver is always the one at fault. They are the ones who controlled how much distance they had, and/or who failed to pay attention to the car in front of them. Usually, the front car shares no fault in the accident.
- Erratic movement by the front car. These accidents are less common but still happen. Sometimes a car attempts a lane change that is way too aggressive or where there isn’t enough room. Or, they change lanes without signaling. In these cases, the rear driver does not have time to react and does not control the amount of space available. As a result, the front driver is the one at fault.
Unfortunately, accounts often differ about exactly how an accident happened. Do not let the other driver—or their insurance company—blame you for an accident you didn’t cause. Witnesses, evidence at the scene, and simple logic can all help reveal what really happened and prove your case. Our attorneys have professional investigators who know how to reconstruct accident scenes.
Should I take the money the insurance company is offering?
Be cautious. There’s nothing wrong with taking an insurance offer if it’s fair. The problem is that insurers often start with a lower offer in the hopes that you’ll accept it quickly. This offer may not seem low at first, and may even seem generous—but will it cover all of your long term costs? What if the initial treatment doesn’t get results, or you still have pain a year from now?
Here are some of the ways insurer lowball accident victims:
- They may not include money for pain and suffering, which is money you’re legally entitled to.
- They may not include any money at all for your missed work time.
- They seldom consider the way the accident has impacted your life and whether you’ll make a full recovery.
- They may rush to get you an offer before you’ve had much treatment, so that you sign away your rights before you know how extensive your medical needs will really be.
Even if the insurer has already made you an offer, take the time to talk to a lawyer. An initial consultation is free, and a good attorney can tell you whether the offer is fair for your claim. A single half-hour chat could make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars—or more.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collision accidents lawyer serving Brookhaven, call 404-400-4000
Talk to a Brookhaven Rear-End Collision Accident Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates, we don’t charge you anything unless we get you money. And your consultation with us is always free, whether you hire us or not. Don’t lose the money you’re entitled to. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
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