Any accident in which the front of one vehicle strikes the rear of another is called a rear-end collision. Rear-end collisions generally involve two vehicles, but multiple-vehicle pile-ups can occur as well. Figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that 7.2% of U.S. traffic fatalities in 2017 resulted from rear-endings.
Rear-end collisions cause about 2,000 preventable deaths every year, as well as tens of billions of dollars in property damage, medical treatment expenses, and insurance costs. If you were struck by another vehicle in a rear-end collision, you can seek help from a Savannah rear-end collisions lawyer with the Bader Scott Injury Lawyers team. Call (404) 888-8888 today to get started.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 37,000 people losing their lives in vehicle accidents on U.S. roadways in 2018 alone. Vehicle accidents—including rear-end collisions—can occur for many reasons.
For example, poor lighting, bad weather, road damage, inadequate signage, narrow roads, and obstructed views can all cause or contribute to a rear-end accident. Vehicle malfunctions, damaged brake lights, damaged brakes, tire issues, and inadequate maintenance may be to blame as well. The most common cause rear-end collisions, however, is driver negligence.
Driver Negligence
Distracted driving is the top example of driver negligence. It includes texting, interacting with other passengers, adjusting device controls, eating or drinking, applying makeup, and any other activity that takes your eyes or mind off the road ahead.
Distracted drivers often fail to respond to changes in road conditions or stopped vehicles ahead because they are unable to notice them in time. This delayed or absent response can lead to a rear-end collision. Other negligent driving behaviors include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Drowsy driving.
- Reckless driving.
- Failure to obey traffic signs or signals.
- Improper licensing.
- Inadequate training.
Like distracted driving, driving under the influence or while drowsy can delay your response times and cause lapses in judgment. Driving too fast, following another vehicle too closely, or driving aggressively are all examples of recklessness that increase the likelihood of a rear-end crash.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collisions lawyer serving Savannah, call (404) 888-8888
Rear-End Collision Injuries
Whiplash is a serious type of neck and back injury that occurs when the head snaps forward and backward forcefully. This can cause damage to the muscles, nerves, or bones in the neck.
Rear-end accidents are a common cause of whiplash and neck injuries. Besides whiplash, rear-end collisions can lead to many other injuries, such as:
- Head, brain, and spinal cord injuries.
- Cuts, bruises, and facial disfigurement.
- Broken bones.
- Sprains, strains, fractures, and internal bleeding.
- PTSD and/or emotional trauma.
- Physical incapacitation.
In addition to the cost of emergency services, hospital stays, and medical treatment, rear-endings can lead to a number of other losses. This includes vehicle repairs, especially in rear-end cases that lead to undercarriage damage.
Lost income, wages, or ability to work may also result from your injuries. In the event that you lost a loved on in such an accident, you may face funeral and burial expenses, as well as loss of consortium. If this is the case, you have our condolences. Reach out to our team at (404) 888-8888 to find out how we can help with a wrongful death case.
Savannah Rear-End Collisions Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Collecting Evidence After a Rear-Ending
In most cases, the driver that rear-ended another vehicle is at-fault for the collision. You can prove the driver’s fault in your own accident using evidence such as:
- Video footage or pictures from the scene of the accident.
- Eyewitness accounts of what happened.
- The official police report on the accident.
- Driver cell phone usage records.
- Driver blood alcohol levels or drug test results.
The extent of damage caused in a rear-end accident will depend on the size of the vehicles involved and the speed at which they were traveling. If you decide to work with us, a Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you collect the right evidence to support your claim or lawsuit. Get started by scheduling a free consultation when you call (404) 888-8888.
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Filing a Rear-End Accident Claim or Lawsuit
If a driver rear-ended you, you have the right to seek compensation for these damages. You must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer to receive a settlement out of court. To file a claim, you will need to prove that the driver struck your vehicle due to his or her own negligence. You will also need documentation regarding the extent of your injuries and losses.
Once you file a claim, the insurance company will review it and either offer a settlement or issue a denial. You do not have to rush to accept a settlement or give up if the insurer denies your claim.
A Savannah rear-end collisions lawyer may be able to negotiate a new settlement offer or file a lawsuit on your behalf. If you need to take your case to court, you must make sure you file within the statutes of limitations In Georgia, the deadline to file is two years for personal injury claims.
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Contact Us Today for Assistance
We want you to know that you are not alone. Rear-end accidents can lead to serious bodily injuries and significant vehicle damage, not to mention time off from work. We want you to focus on recovering and allow us to handle your case for you.
To determine whether you have grounds for filing a personal injury claim for a rear-end accident, please call the Bader Scott Injury Lawyers team at (404) 888-8888. A Savannah rear-end collisions lawyer from our team will evaluate your case based on the circumstances surrounding your accident and walk you through the next steps you need to take.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
