Cumming
Rear-End Collision Lawyer

Out of all the car accidents we see in Cumming, Georgia, rear-end accidents are perhaps the most common. Roughly half of all two-vehicle collisions are rear-end accidents, and while some are fender-benders, many lead to broken bones, head injuries, whiplash, and more. 

Many victims of rear-end accidents will end up facing medical bills worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. You do not have to face these bills alone. Our team includes some of the most experienced rear-end collision accident lawyers in Cumming.

What Exactly Counts As a Rear-End Collision in Cumming?

Any accident where the front of one car touches the back of another car is a rear-end accident.

It does not matter how fast or slow the vehicles were traveling, or what other factors were in play. We have seen rear-end accidents where one vehicle was literally stopped at a stoplight and the other vehicle tapped into it. 

We’ve also seen accidents that took place at highway speeds of 65 mph or greater. Any rear-end accident can lead to neck injuries, and high-speed accidents can be devastating.

In the City of Cumming, the most common causes for rear-end accidents that we’ve seen include:

• One car tailgating the other
• Speeding and not having time to stop
• Distracted driving including cell phones, texting, etc.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Changing lanes without signaling, or in an aggressive way
• Fog, rain, and other visibility issues

Rear-end accidents get special treatment not only because they’re common, but because it’s easy to find out who was responsible for the accident. While not 100% true, the at-fault driver in a rear-end accident is the one with front-end damage on their car.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Most Common in Rear-End Accidents?

Rear-end accidents can cause many types of injuries, but there are several that are most common. These include:

• Neck injuries. When your car is hit from behind, your head and upper body are thrown forward. When the seatbelt catches you, your head then tends to snap back toward the seat. This sudden whipping and snapping motion can cause serious damage to the muscles of the neck, including whiplash, which is a painful injury that can last for months or in some cases years. 
• Head injuries. The same forward motion of your body can cause head injuries if your head hits the steering wheel, the dashboard, or (for a passenger) the seat in front of you. This can include a concussion or a much more serious brain injury, and all head injuries – even seemingly minor concussions – require immediate treatment. 
• Injuries caused by airbags. Although airbags exist to keep us safe, they can also cause injuries when they deploy. The force of the airbag hitting the front of your case can cause bruises, lacerations, or even a broken nose. 

It’s important to see a doctor for your injuries right away after an accident. Even if it seems minor, it may develop into a more serious condition with time. Plus, you need a record of your injury for your case. 

Seeing a doctor after your accident also shows that you had a worry about your health and had it addressed. If you wait too long after your accident to see a doctor, an insurer will use this against you. See one even if you feel like you’re okay at the time.

How Are Rear-End Collisions Different from Other Types of Car Accidents?

Georgia is a fault state, meaning that insurance companies first determine who is at fault in the accident, and then that person’s insurance pays for everyone’s claims.

In many cases, it’s very difficult to assign fault, but in a rear-end collision it’s easy. Almost all rear-end accidents are considered to be caused by the driver in the back. 

There are exceptions. For example, if someone suddenly changes lanes in front of you and then taps their brakes, you may rear-end them but the accident is their fault, not yours.

Similarly, if someone stops inappropriately on a highway with poor visibility conditions, they are at fault if their car is rear-ended. 

No matter what the conditions of your accident, it’s important to talk to a Cumming rear-end collision attorney and make sure that you are not being blamed for an accident you didn’t cause. If you haven’t considered it, you may want to use a dashcam in your car to catch the exceptions.

What Costs Will a Rear-End Accident Claim Cover in Cumming?

If you are the victim of an accident in Cumming, the law says you can have 100% of your costs covered, unless you were also partially at fault for the accident. This includes:

• Medical bills
• Drugs and medication
• Physical therapy or long term rehabilitation
• Car repairs
• The cost of any missed wages

Additionally, the law provides for substantial financial awards for any accident victims who suffered serious losses such as a disability, pain, or the tragic loss of a loved one. This money cannot possibly make up for a life-changing injury or a wrongful death. But it can help you and your family remain intact financially as you go through a difficult time.

We recommend that anyone involved in an accident speak to a good rear-end collision attorney in Cumming to find out what kind of financial recovery you are truly entitled to.

Every case is unique, so it’s impossible to give estimates. But we can show you the results we’ve achieved for previous clients.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Rear-End Collision Claim in Cumming, GA?

In Cumming, the courts follow deadlines known as statutes of limitations set by both Georgia state law and US federal law. You have to file your claim before the deadline or you risk losing your right to financial recovery. The exact length of the deadline varies from as much as two years to as little as just a few weeks. 

This is why we urge you to speak to a lawyer immediately after you’ve received medical care. Once you have a rear-end collision lawyer in Cumming, they can stop the clock on the statute of limitations. If further injuries appear later, your lawyer can fold them into their negotiations. You don’t have to wait for the final bill to act.

Will I Need to Go to Trial?

Odds are low that your case will need to go to trial. Only about 10% of all car accident cases end up before a judge. Insurers want to save as much money as they can, and it costs them a lot to go to trial. Furthermore, if you win, you could get much more than the policy limit.

Instead, they will try to settle. Part of our role as personal injury lawyers is negotiating with insurance companies based on the evidence of your injury, the law, and the insurance policy. Since insurance companies can’t pull their usual tricks with experienced lawyers, they’ll often bump their offer as soon as they know you have one.

In the event your case does need to go to trial, we can appear on your behalf. Quite likely, if you’re going to trial then your injuries are severe and will keep you out of a courtroom. Let us represent you instead.

What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?

If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, there may still be ways to get compensation. First, if they have enough assets, you could sue them directly. A more common route to take is to use your own uninsured motorist coverage.

Your lawyer can look over your policy to see if you’re covered and open the claim with your insurance company. Sadly, even though you’re paying into your own insurance, they have no obligation to give you what you’re truly owed unless a lawyer or judge convinces them otherwise.

Contact a Cumming Rear-End Collision Accident Lawyer Today

At John Foy & Associates, we can help you if you’ve been rear-ended. For over 20 years we’ve worked to protect the rights of car accident victims. We can help you get the money you need to pay for medical bills, car repairs, and other costs. 

Come sit down with us for a free consultation to discuss your claim. We can help you understand your legal options and make an informed choice on how to proceed. Contact us and get your free consultation today.