Rear End Collision Accident & Injury Lawyer in Augusta, GA

Rear end car accidents are extremely common, and they can be serious.  Nationwide, almost half of all two-vehicle car accidents are rear end collisions, with many leading to neck injuries, whiplash, broken bones, head injuries and more.  The hospital bills for these types of injuries can easily reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars—and you should not be left with the bill. 

John Foy & Associates has been helping the victims of rear end car accidents in Augusta for over 20 years.  We understand that the months after an accident can be filled with pain, stress, anger and financial strain.  We believe that you have a right to a full financial recovery, and we can help you get the money you need.  Let us sit down with you and give you a free, in-depth consultation on your case.  Contact us at 706-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.

How is a rear end collision defined in Augusta?

Anytime the front of one car hits the back of another car, it’s a rear end collision. 

Many people think that the definition of a rear end accident depends on the speeds involved.  This simply is not true.  We’ve seen very low-speed rear end accidents in parking lots or at stop lights, and some of these accidents cause the airbag to release, leading to serious injuries.  We’ve also seen high speed rear end accidents on freeways, especially those involving lane changes or poor visibility conditions.  High speed rear end accidents can destroy the vehicles involved and cause severe injuries or even death. 

In the City of Augusta, the most common causes of rear end accidents include:

• Tailgating
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• DUI
• Unsafe lane changes
• Fog

What kinds of injuries are most common with rear end collisions?

Many kinds of injuries can be caused by a rear end accident.  However, some of the most common include:

• Whiplash injuries. Whiplash is a painful condition caused by the head being thrown suddenly forward by an impact from behind.  The sudden movement can tear the tendons in the neck, causing pain that lasts for weeks, months or years.  Whiplash is not always painful at first—many people don’t feel the effects until a day or two after the accident. 
• Injuries caused by airbags. Airbags are lifesaving devices.  However, they can also cause injuries in their own right.  When an airbag deploys, you can end up with bruises and lacerations, a concussion, or even a broken nose. 

Never insist you’re “fine” after an accident.  The reality is that all injuries, no matter how seemingly small, should be seen by a doctor. 

How much money can I recover for a rear end accident?

You are entitled to recover the full cost of the accident.  This can include many types of costs, such as:

• Medical bills
• The cost of medication
• The cost of physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Wages lost due to missed work time
• Car repairs

In many cases the cost of a car accident can run over $100,000.  However, insurance companies will offer you far less.  You should always speak to a car accident lawyer and get a professional opinion on whether the amount you’re being offered is fair. 

How are rear end accidents different than other car accidents?

Rear end accidents are extremely common, and also have a high rate of injuries.  This alone makes them stand out from other types of accidents.  However, perhaps the biggest difference is determining who’s at fault. 

In a rear end accident, the fault almost always lies with the driver of the car in back.  There are exceptions to this rule, such as when the driver in front changed lanes illegally or without warning, but for the most part the liability is easy to determine.  This means a good car accident lawyer can build a strong case for you and help you get the full amount you deserve from the insurance company—often far more than you were initially offered. 

What should I do if I’ve been in a rear end collision in Augusta?

We urge all accident victims to be your own best advocate.  This means taking simple, common-sense steps to protect yourself and your rights.  These include:

1. Always call the police. Often the other driver will say you can work it out among yourselves, without police and lawyers.  Don’t fall for it.  You need a police report to make a strong claim, and you cannot risk the other driver refusing to pay.  Call the police for any car accident. 
2. Talk to witnesses. Did anyone else see what happened? Ask what they saw and then see if they will give you their name and contact information.  Their testimony could be invaluable later. 
3. Take pictures. The more pictures you can take, the better.  Get shots of the damage to the car, any injuries you have, and zoomed-out pictures of the accident scene and what happened. 
4. Avoid apologizing or taking blame. It’s human nature to want to apologize after an accident.  But this can be interpreted as admitting you are at fault.  Stay firm and don’t say anything that could be twisted and used against you. 

Remember, the law guarantees you a financial recovery to pay for your injuries and costs—but the insurance company will do everything possible to prevent you from getting it.  Talk to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. 

Talk to an Augusta Rear End Collision Accident Lawyer for Free

At John Foy & Associates we have the experience, knowledge and dedication to help you get the full amount you’re owed.  We don’t charge our clients anything up front, or anything ever unless we win money for you.  And your consultation with us is always 100% free.  Don’t risk missing out on your financial recovery.  Call us at 706-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.