Rear-end accidents are very common in Valdosta. Their effects can range from minor to severe, impacting victims in many ways. Costly medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering are common effects of a rear-end collision.
If you or a loved one were victims, there is hope. Our Valdosta car accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates can help you seek compensation for your damages. You should not have to pay for the costs of an accident you didn’t cause.
We do not charge a fee unless we win you money. That way, you can get started today at no cost. We only get paid if we get your compensation. To learn more during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Common Injuries from Rear-End Collisions
Most rear-end accidents happen because someone was following too closely. Unfortunately, a sudden rear-end impact can cause a variety of injuries. Some of the most common injuries our team sees include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Arm and wrist injuries
- Facial injuries
- Internal organ damage
People often consider rear-end accidents less severe than other collisions. But that’s not always true. Many rear-end collisions cause debilitating injuries. Victims can face disfigurement, amputations, scarring, and disabilities.
Rear-end accidents have mental effects, too. Victims can suffer emotional “injuries” like:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Fear or embarrassment
Get Prompt Treatment for Your Injuries
Don’t ignore any of your injuries after a rear-end accident. Some take time to manifest, and they might be more severe than they seem at first. See a doctor as soon as possible after the crash, even if you feel okay.
Delaying treatment is harmful to your case. If you wait to see a doctor, the other driver’s insurance company can use it against you.
Insurance companies will be looking for proof that you received prompt treatment. If you waited a while, the insurer will question why there was a delay. They might argue that:
- You weren’t hurt as badly as you’re claiming.
- Your injuries were from something other than the accident.
- You are trying to get more compensation than you deserve.
You can protect your rights by documenting your injuries and other costs from the beginning.
Rear-End Collisions Can Happen in Many Ways
Many rear-end accidents happen because the rear driver was following too closely. But a rear-end accident might also occur because of:
- Excessive speeding
- Texting while driving
- Stopping abruptly
- Trying to run a red light
- Sudden lane changes
- Failure to yield
Distracted driving routinely leads to accidents. For example, if a driver is on their phone, they’re more likely to rear-end another vehicle. The front car could have to stop quickly. If the rear driver isn’t paying attention, they might not stop in time.
Knowing Who’s at Fault for a Rear-End Accident
Determining fault in a rear-end collision can be challenging. Many times, the law assumes the rear driver is responsible. However, there are exceptions.
Georgia is a fault state, which means the responsible party must pay for the damages. Valdosta also follows modified comparative fault laws under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-33, which state that:
- A victim can recover damages as long as they were less than 50% at fault.
- If a victim is partially at fault, the law will reduce their compensation by their percentage of fault.
Let’s look at an example. Say you were 5% at fault for a rear-end collision, and the driver behind you was 95% at fault.
If your damages are $100,000, you would deserve $95,000 in compensation and be responsible for only $5,000 of your damages. The other driver (and their insurance company) would need to pay for the other 95%.
Talk to a Lawyer About Determining Fault
Partial fault is rare, but still possible, with rear-end accident cases. If you’re worried about being at fault, contact our Valdosta rear-end collision lawyers. Don’t assume the blame without talking to a lawyer first.
Our team can help. We know how to investigate cases and determine fault. We’ll make sure you don’t get blamed for an accident you didn’t cause. Our goal is always 100% compensation for what you’ve lost.
Contact John Foy & Associates today for a free, no-risk consultation. We do not collect a fee unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
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Damages You Can Recover
If you did not cause your injuries, you shouldn’t have to cover the costs. As the victim of an accident, the law is on your side. Our lawyers can help calculate your total damages as we build your claim.
It’s easy to forget about individual costs from your accident. You’ll also need to consider the emotional effects of the crash. Here are some losses we evaluate when working with our clients:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Disability accommodations at home
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We’ll help outline each loss from your accident and back it up with evidence. These are essential steps in building a successful claim.
Wrongful Death Damages
Tragically, some accidents result in death. If you lost a loved one in a rear-end accident, you might have a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death damages can include:
- Medical costs of the loved one’s last treatment
- Income the loved one would have earned if they’d lived
- Pain and suffering the loved one experienced before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of consortium or companionship
Every case is unique. To understand what you deserve and how to fight for it, contact an experienced lawyer today.
Talk to a Valdosta Rear-End Collision Lawyer for Free
If you suffered injuries from a rear-end collision, John Foy & Associates can help you build a strong claim. We have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims. We’re not afraid to fight for your rights.
Contact us today to learn your legal options during a free consultation. We’ll review your case and determine your rights. If you have a case, we won’t collect a fee unless we win you money.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.
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