Rear-end accidents are among the most common car accidents in Georgia, but what causes most rear-end accidents? The leading cause is driver error, such as distracted driving or driving while drunk. Rarely, mechanical failures like faulty brakes or broken brake lights can also cause rear-end accidents. When one vehicle rear-ends another, this can result in serious or fatal injuries.
If you were recently involved in a rear-end collision, the Sandy Springs car accident lawyers at Ashenden & Associates can help. Our experienced car accident lawyer team handles all types of car accident cases, from minor fender benders to serious vehicle crashes. Rest assured that our experienced team of car accident attorneys will handle your rear-end accident case with the utmost care to help you secure the financial compensation you deserve.
It can be difficult to know what to do after a car accident. Let a car accident lawyer at Ashenden & Associates help. Call 770-394-8909 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident attorney today.
Rear-Ended: Defined
Most rear end collisions happen when one vehicle (the rear vehicle) rear ends with the back of the front vehicle or leading vehicle. Rear end accidents can occur when the rear driver does not maintain a safe distance behind the front driver. When drivers drive too close to the vehicle in front of them or fail to keep a safe distance, the rear driver may not have time to react if the front driver needs to stop quickly.
Rear-end accidents can also occur due to distracted or drowsy driving or when the front vehicle has to abruptly stop and the rear driver is following too closely.
Establishing fault usually involves determining whether the rear driver was adhering to safe driving practices, such as driving the speed limit, maintaining a safe following distance, and paying full attention to the road. Rear-end collisions, which are common in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, often result in significant personal property damage and injuries.
Common injuries from most rear-end collisions include traumatic brain injury, back and neck injury, and soft tissue injuries.
Georgia Laws for Rear-End Crashes
In Georgia, most rear-end collisions are governed by Georgia Code § 40-6-49, which requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance behind the leading vehicle in order to prevent rear-end accidents. When a rear driver follows the front vehicle too closely, it reduces the time and space needed to react to sudden stops or slowing traffic. This action is most commonly referred to as “tailgating.”
Usually, the tailgating driver hits the front driver. In rear-end accidents caused by this action, the rear driver is presumed to be at fault for not following safe driving practices. However, exceptions can apply if the front driver behaves unpredictably or unlawfully, such as making an abrupt stop without reason or failing to signal a turn. In such cases, the rear driver might not be liable for the car accident.
This is where our car accident attorneys can be invaluable. An experienced car accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the rear-end accident, negotiate with your insurance company, and help establish fault or defend against wrongful claims after a rear-end collision.
Most Rear-End Collisions are Caused By:
Here are the most common causes of rear-end accidents in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA.
Distracted Driving
One of the main causes of rear-end accidents is driver distraction. This is because a distracted driver is unable to respond quickly to changing traffic conditions. When the rear driver doesn’t not have their full attention on the road, they are more likely to miss important cues, such as a stopped vehicle or a sudden slowdown in traffic. This delay in reaction time makes it difficult to avoid rear-ending the front driver.
Drowsy Driving
Rear-end accidents caused by drowsy driving are also common. A fatigued driver is less alert and more prone to making a driver error. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 91,000 crashes reported by police officers involved drowsy driving.
If you were involved in a rear-end accident caused by distracted driving, a Sandy Springs distracted driving accident attorney can help. By working with a skilled car accident attorney, you can seek financial compensation for medical attention costs, personal property damage, and other losses resulting from the car crash.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving can lead to rear-ended car accidents, as alcohol severely impairs a driver’s ability to react quickly and make sound judgments.
When drivers drive under the influence, they often struggle with impaired vision and slower reaction times, making it difficult to notice a stopped or slowing vehicle ahead. Drunk drivers are usually driving distracted. These rear-end crashes can lead to serious injuries and personal property damage.
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision caused by drunk driving, consulting a drunk driving accident lawyer in Sandy Springs is a smart decision. Our car accident lawyer team can help you with the aftermath of the accident by reviewing the police report, gathering evidence, making sure you get proper medical attention, negotiating with the insurance company, and filing a DUI lawsuit in Sandy Springs or Atlanta. Additionally, a skilled Sandy Springs Dram Shop lawyer from Ashenden & Associates will advocate for your rights and seek financial compensation for your losses if the car accident involved dram shop liability.
Mechanical Failure
Another leading cause of rear-end collisions is vehicle parts failure, especially in heavy rain or poor weather conditions.
When a driver’s vehicle has faulty brakes, experiences steering wheel malfunctions, tires blow out, or brake lights malfunction, the risk of a traffic accident increases, particularly when roads are slick and there is poor visibility. In such situations, a rear driver may be unable to stop in time, leading to a rear-end collision.
When a mechanical failure causes a rear-end collision, it may be possible to hold the vehicle manufacturer accountable. A Sandy Springs defective vehicle attorney can help you explore your legal options and recover compensation for any injuries or damages caused by the defective vehicle.
Brake Checking
“Brake checking” is a term that describes an act where a front driver suddenly slams on their brakes to startle or provoke the rear driver behind them. This reckless driving behavior can easily cause a rear-end collision.
When a front driver “brake checks” the vehicle behind them, the rear driver may not have enough time to react, leading to a situation where the rear driver does not stop and rear-ends the front driver. “Brake checking” can result in serious car accidents, causing injuries to the passengers involved and significant damage to both the front vehicle and rear vehicle.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a rear-end collision caused by brake checking, a personal injury attorney in Sandy Springs can help you determine liability and seek compensation for the losses sustained in the accident.
Common Rear-End Collision Injuries in Georgia
Rear-end collisions can result in serious injuries due to the sudden and forceful impact that causes passengers to be suddenly jerked forward and backward. Even at low speeds, this type of rear-end accident can lead to significant harm, requiring immediate medical attention and sometimes long-term care.
Here are some common car accident injuries in Georgia often associated with rear-end collisions:
Brain Injuries From Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions can result in severe head trauma, potentially leading to traumatic brain injury (TBI). The sudden jolt from the impact can cause the head to jerk violently, making the brain strike the inside of the skull. If you experience a persistent headache after a car accident, it could be an early sign of a traumatic brain injury.
Brain injuries are serious and may have long-lasting effects on cognitive and emotional health. Our Sandy Springs brain injury lawyers can provide valuable legal assistance if you or a loved one has suffered severe head trauma in a rear-end collision.
Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries After Being Rear-Ended
Spinal cord, neck injuries, and other back injuries are common after most rear-end collisions. The force of the rear-end crash can cause the head and neck to quickly move forward and backward, resulting in injuries from minor neck pain or whiplash to more severe injuries, such as cervical spine injuries, thoracic spine injuries, or lumbar back injuries. In some cases, the impact of hitting the steering wheel or the deployment of airbags can also cause significant harm to the neck.
If you’ve experienced a spinal cord or neck injury after an accident, you may be eligible for airbag injury claims in Sandy Springs to help cover medical expenses and other damages. Contact a Sandy Springs neck injury lawyer to learn more.
Broken Bones and Soft Tissue Injuries From Rear End Collisions
Common injuries that result from rear-end collisions are broken bones and soft tissue damage. The abrupt impact of rear-end crashes often causes fractures in areas like the spine, ribs, and limbs. Additionally, the force of the rear-end accident can strain or tear muscles and ligaments and cause damage to the skin, resulting in painful injuries like contusions or severe whiplash.
A Sandy Springs bone fracture car accident lawyer can help if you have suffered from these injuries in a rear-end accident. Our skilled car accident attorneys will provide the legal support needed to pursue compensation and address the long-term consequences of such car accidents.
Fatal Injuries From a Rear-End Crash
Rear-end collisions can sometimes result in fatalities, especially when they occur at high speeds or involve large vehicles like semi-trucks. The immense force of high-speed vehicle crashes or the sheer size of a semi-truck can cause catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, which are often fatal. The risk of death increases dramatically in these scenarios, as the human body may not withstand the severity of the rear-end accident.
In such tragic cases, Sandy Springs fatal car accident attorneys can provide some measure of support by assisting families in seeking justice and the compensation they deserve for their loss.
Getting Rear-Ended While Stopped in Georgia
Being rear-ended while in a stopped vehicle can lead to significant harm, even if the rear-end collision occurs at low speeds. This type of car crash often results in common injuries such as whiplash, back injuries, or brain damage due to the sudden jolt from the impact.
For the front driver, the risk of serious injuries increases if their vehicle rear-ends another car or object as a result of the rear-end collision, potentially crushing them in between. These rear-end collisions can cause long-term physical pain and financial burdens, even if the driver is rear-ended while stopped. Any rear-end collision, including seemingly minor fender benders, should be taken seriously, with medical treatment sought to address potential latent injuries, which are common in car accidents.
Average Rear-End Settlement or Verdict in Georgia
The settlement or verdict for rear-end collisions in Georgia varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, and the impact on the victim’s life.
Compensation typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages if the at-fault driver was recklessly negligent. In cases where injuries are severe or involve long-term consequences, such as permanent disability, the settlement or verdict can be significantly higher. The presence of aggravating factors like high-speed impacts can also influence the settlement amount.
The legalities that follow rear-end collisions are difficult to handle on your own. From negotiating with insurance companies to dealing with costly medical bills, the aftermath of an accident can be extremely overwhelming. That’s why it is a good idea to consult an experienced car accident attorney.
Having a skilled attorney by your side can take some of the weight off your shoulders. Our attorneys will ensure that all aspects of the injury and personal property damage are properly addressed in the claim, helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
How Can a Sandy Springs Rear-End Accident Lawyer Help?
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, a Sandy Springs rear-end accident lawyer from Ashenden & Associates stands ready to help. From handling insurance claims to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, our experienced attorneys will advocate for your rights every step of the way.
At Ashenden & Associates, our dedicated team is committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case. If you or a loved one has been involved in a rear-end collision, don’t hesitate to reach out to an auto accident lawyer in Sandy Springs who can guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.
Call 770-394-8909 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation today.
