Rear end collisions are some of the most common accidents we see in Johns Creek. These accidents range anywhere from parking lot fender-benders to major highway crashes. What they all have in common is that the injuries are often much more serious than they feel at first—including neck pain, headaches and stiffness that shows up hours or days later.
That means many victims say that they’re not injured at the scene, only to regret it later—and find the insurance company using their words against them. If you’ve been injured in a rear end collision of any kind, don’t face your claim alone. Get a Johns Creek rear end collision accident lawyer.
John Foy & Associates is your ally in the legal business. We have spent over 20 years fighting for one thing: to help those who have been injured or wronged. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to underpay claims, and we have a long history of successfully taking them on—and getting clients paid.
Let us give you a free, no obligation consultation to help you with your claim. Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
What Should I Know About Rear End Collision Claims in Johns Creek?
From a legal perspective, rear end collisions are both very simple and incredibly complicated. Here’s why.
They’re simple because the fault is usually obvious. In the City of Johns Creek, car accident claims always depend on who’s at fault (who caused the accident). That person and their insurance company is liable for the victims’ costs. In many accidents, it’s hard to determine fault and doing so requires an extensive investigation.
In rear end cases, the fault is easy: in most cases, it’s the person in back. (There are exceptions, especially when someone changed lanes without warning). That means it’s fairly easy for an insurer to know whether you have a legitimate claim or not.
But rear end claims are complicated, too. That’s because of the types of injuries they most commonly produced. While a variety of injuries are possible, there is often serious damage to the neck (“whiplash”). Whiplash happens when a jolt from behind throws your head forward, tearing muscles or other tissues throughout the neck.
These injuries are notorious because they show few symptoms at first, but get worse over time. As a result, insurance companies try to deny them wherever possible—even though you have a right to a financial recovery. Thus, just forcing the insurance company to pay a fair amount for your injury will require evidence, bargaining and—in most cases—the help of a skilled lawyer.
Never try to bargain with an insurance company on your own, and don’t talk to them without legal representation if you can help it. The best way to get a fair recovery in a rear end collision case is to get a professional on your side.
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How do I Know If the Insurance Company’s Offer Is Fair?
The only way to know if an offer is fair is to know the total, long-term costs that will come from your injury. That means that, by default, you cannot be sure whether an offer is fair in the first days or weeks after your injury.
So how do you find out? The short answer is to know your rights. You may already know what the doctor appointment cost, and you may already have an estimate for your car repairs. But those are not the only costs you’re entitled to.
You claim should cover, at a minimum, all of these costs:
- Scans, X-rays and medication
- Physical therapy or chiropractic care
- Cost of long-term treatment if needed
- Wages for the time you missed at work
- Any other costs you wouldn’t have incurred if you had not been injured
- Money for pain and suffering if your injury is severe
Insurance companies know that you haven’t figured out all of these costs yet, which is why they make you an offer as quickly as possible after the accident. They want you to snap up what seems like a “generous” payment and sign away your rights. The problem is, if your pain doesn’t go away and you need additional treatment, it’s too late to go back and get a bigger recovery.
This is why you should always sit down with a lawyer who can evaluate your case and help you understand how much you are truly owed.
If I Have Neck Pain, Will My Accident Claim Pay for That?
Yes, if the neck pain was caused by the accident, it should be covered. This is your right under Georgia state law. Do not believe anyone who says whiplash is “not a real injury”—anyone who has ever lived with the constant pain and neck stiffness knows how real it is.
Of course, that doesn’t mean the insurance will pay for it if they can avoid it. They will often use one of these tactics:
- Claiming your neck pain was a pre-existing condition unrelated to the accident
- Saying you didn’t go to the doctor soon enough
- Using your words against you if you initially said you weren’t hurt
- Not offering enough money to pay for the treatment that will actually help you get better
Insurance companies aren’t evil. But they do have a motive to look for profit, even if it means you don’t get paid. Never give a recorded statement to an insurance company unless your lawyer tells you to, and never sign paperwork until a lawyer has reviewed it. In some cases this can be a difference of tens of thousands of dollars—or much more.
Talk to a Johns Creek Rear End Collision Accident Lawyer for Free
John Foy & Associates puts your case in the hands of some of the best car accident lawyers in the state. We listen, we care, and we always fight for the victim—never the insurance company. Let us give you a FREE consultation to help you get started.
Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
