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There are many types of car accidents in Decatur, but rear-end collisions are especially common, accounting for about half of all two-car crashes. In some of these accidents, nobody gets hurt—it’s the classic “fender bender.” But other collisions cause severe and ongoing injuries and pain as well as extensive damage to the vehicles involved. Victims of serious rear-end collisions often end up with tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident, you are legally entitled to get your costs back. To get the best financial recovery possible, talk to a Decatur rear-end collision accident attorney.
At John Foy & Associates, we are here to help. We’ve been assisting accident victims in the Decatur area for the past 20 years, and we’ve built a reputation as one of the top personal injury law firms in Georgia. In fact, we don’t even take other types of cases. Our entire focus is on helping victims of accidents and injuries get the money they need. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about your case and explain your rights. Contact us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
What counts as a rear-end collision in Decatur?
It’s pretty straightforward: if the front of one vehicle hits the rear end of another vehicle, we consider it a rear-end collision, even if other things also caused or contributed to the accident. Rear-end accidents can happen almost anywhere, from parking lots where the cars are traveling at low speeds, to interstates where high speed impacts can cause devastating injuries. Even a seemingly minor rear-end collision can cause significant damage and major injuries that tend to worsen over time.
In the City of Decatur, rear-end accidents usually involve at least one of these factors:
- Excessive speed
- Tailgating
- Inattentive drivers, including drivers distracted by cell phones
- DUI
- Poor visibility, often due to bad weather
- A driver changing lanes aggressively or without signaling
What are the most common rear-end accident injuries?
Rear end accidents can cause all sorts of injuries, ranging from minor bruises to a tragic death. Some of the most common rear-end injuries are:
- Whiplash is a painful neck injury that’s especially common in rear-end collisions. When you’re struck from behind, the car moves violently forward. Your seatbelt keeps you in the vehicle, but it doesn’t prevent your head from whipping forward with the impact. The sudden motion can tear muscles, tendons and soft tissues.
- Head injuries. Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are among the most serious consequences of rear-end collisions. Many accident victims hit their heads on dashboards, steering wheels or the seat in front of them. Even a seemingly minor concussion can lead to swelling that places pressure on the brain, causing long-term damage.
- Broken bones. The force of a rear-end collision can cause passengers to hit their arms, legs, hands, faces or torsos on the interior of the car, leading to broken bones that sometimes require surgery.
Many rear-end accident injuries, including whiplash and concussions, can be more serious than they seem at first. Always get checked out by a doctor if you’ve been in an accident.
Are rear-end accidents different than other accidents?
Legally, no. Rear end accidents are treated exactly the same as other types of car accidents. But when it comes to proving your case, it is usually much easier to tell who caused a rear-end accident. This is important because in Georgia, the insurance company for the driver who’s at fault must pay for all the damage the accident causes.
Rear end collisions are usually caused by the driver who “rear-ended” you. The driver in back may not have been paying attention or may have followed you too closely, or at the very least had a chance to react and avoid the collision. In most rear-end cases, it’s pretty clear who was at fault.
In some cases, though, the driver in back is not at fault. For example, if you rear-end someone on the freeway because they suddenly swerved in front of you with no turn signal, the accident may be their fault, not yours.
What costs can I receive in a rear-end collision claim in Decatur?
If you’re the victim of a rear-end accident, you have a right to recover all of the expenses you’ll have to bear because of the collision. That might include:
- Your doctor and hospital bills
- The cost of medication
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Money charged by mechanics and body shops, or the cost of a replacement vehicle if your car was totaled
- Lost wages if you had to miss work because of the accident
Some accident victims are entitled to additional money. The local courts may award money, or “damages” to make up for pain and suffering, disabilities or other serious losses. Of course, money can’t undo the accident, nor can it erase pain or restore your health—but it can keep you and your family financially stable while you recover.
How soon do I have to file a rear-end collision claim in Decatur?
It depends on the exact circumstances of your accident. Georgia does impose a deadline, also known as the statute of limitations. If you don’t file your claim before your deadline, you probably won’t be able to recover any money. In many car accident cases, the deadline is two years, but for some claims it’s only a few months. To avoid missing this deadline, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Speak with a Decatur Rear End Collision Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates, our goal is to give accident victims quality legal help. We’d like to show you how our experienced rear-end collision accident lawyers can aid you in getting the best financial recovery possible. Schedule a free consultation and we’ll discuss your case. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
