Rear-End Collision Attorney in Canton, GA

Rear-end collisions are some of the most common car accidents in Georgia. While some rear-end collisions are only minor fender benders, many rear-end accidents cause serious injuries that can leave victims with long and painful recoveries.

If you were injured in a Georgia rear-end collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your accident-related losses in a personal injury claim. The skilled attorneys of Geiger Legal Group, LLC, have decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims in Canton and surrounding regions of Georgia.

How Rear-End Collisions Happen

To avoid accidents, drivers are expected to maintain a reasonable following distance behind the vehicles in front of them. That is so they will have enough time to slow or stop as needed. They are also required to keep their eyes and attention on traffic in front of them and respond appropriately when it slows or stops.

Unfortunately, negligent drivers frequently cause rear-end collisions. Some common causes of rear-end collisions include:

Tailgating – Drivers can crash into the rear end of other vehicles that slow or stop in traffic if they are aggressively tailgating or simply following too closely for speed and road conditions.
Speeding – Drivers who exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for conditions can cause rear-end collisions since speeding vehicles require more time and distances to slow down or stop. If traffic in front of them stops suddenly, a speeding driver may not have enough time to react.
Impaired driving – Drivers who are drunk or high behind the wheel have compromised judgment and reaction times. Impaired drivers may misjudge following distances or react too slowly and cause rear-end collisions.
Distracted driving – If a driver is texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted on the road, they may not notice other cars slowing or stopping ahead of them and may cause a rear-end collision as a result.
Brake defects – In some cases, faulty brakes can contribute to rear-end collisions if drivers cannot slow or stop their vehicles in time to avoid colliding with the back end of cars ahead of them.

Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

In most cases, a driver who collides with the rear end of a vehicle in front of them is at fault in a car accident. This is usually still true even if the lead driver brakes suddenly or unexpectedly in traffic since all drivers should maintain following distances large enough to accommodate sudden stops.

However, there are some situations in which a rear driver may not be liable for a rear-end collision, such as:

Multi-vehicle pileups in which rear drivers are struck from behind themselves and forced into the rear-end of other vehicles as a result
Accidents involving drivers who “cut off” or merge in front of other vehicles without leaving enough distance for approaching drivers
Situations involving intoxicated or negligent pedestrians who step into traffic and force drivers to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting the pedestrian
Circumstances involving defective car components, such as faulty taillights or brakes that prevent drivers from stopping in time or recognizing braking vehicles

Common Injuries from a Rear-End Collision Car Accident

Rear-end collisions can cause injuries that range from minor to severe. Even the impact of a low speed rear-end crash can subject the body to unnatural forces that lead to injuries such as:

Whiplash – A type of injury caused by forces that rapidly move the neck back and forth in a whip-like motion
Brain injuries – Injuries such as concussions that result from blows, jolts, or penetrating injuries to the head or the brain colliding with the interior of the skull
Bone fractures – The medical term for broken bones, which can occur when rear-end accident victims experience abrupt impacts or crushing injuries.
Spine and back injuries – Injuries that affect the back and spinal cord, such as herniated discs, compressed spinal nerves, or vertebral fractures
Sprains and strains – Injuries in which soft tissues such as ligaments, muscles, or tendons are stretched or torn by extreme forces

Average Settlement for Rear-End Collision Injuries

Because no two rear-end accidents are alike, there is no average settlement value or specific formula that can tell you exactly how much money you could recover for your injuries. However, the following types of compensation may be available to victims who successfully pursue rear-end collision claims:

Medical expenses – Reimbursement for past and future medical expenses you incur from the treatment of your accident-related injuries
Lost income – Payment for any income losses you incur if you were forced to miss work as a result of your accident-related injuries
Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and psychological trauma you suffer as a result of your accident and accident-related injuries
Property damage – Compensation that covers any costs related to the repair or replacement of vehicles or other property damaged in a rear-end collision
Punitive damages – Money awarded to accident victims who were injured by drivers who were extremely negligent, reckless, or intentionally malicious

What to Do After a Rear-End Car Accident

If you are involved in a Georgia rear-end car accident, exchange contact information and insurance details with the other drivers involved in the accident, and also collect contact information of any witnesses present.

In the hours, days, and weeks that follow the accident, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation in the future:

Seek prompt medical attention and follow any treatment advice offered by your doctor. Your medical records will help link your injuries to the accident and will also document the extent of your injuries.
Maintain a record of any expenses you incur as a result of your accident, including medical bills, repair invoices, and receipts from incidental costs.
Collect any documents related to the crash and your related losses, such as pay stubs, income tax forms, and photos of the crash scene.
Keep a pain journal to track your daily pain, emotional distress, and activities you either struggle with or can no longer do. This will help to illustrate the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
Refrain from posting anything on social media during your case. Even seemingly harmless posts may be used to refute your injury claim.
Contact a knowledgeable rear-end collision attorney.

Get Help from Our Rear-End Collision Lawyers in Canton, GA

Geiger Legal Group, LLC is a family law firm. Our team cares deeply about our community. We are committed to helping our Georgia neighbors protect their interests and recover fair compensation when they are injured by the negligence of others.

When you are ready to speak to our dedicated car accident lawyers, contact us for a free consultation to discuss the details of your rear-end collision claim.