Many rear-end collisions lead to whiplash, neck injuries, damage to the back and spinal cord, time off from work, and vehicle damage. How much compensation you can get from a rear-end collision will depend on the total value of all losses and damages that you accrued from the accident—within the limits of any applicable insurance policies and state laws.
If you are able to recover a payout through an insurance claim, compensation from a liability or collision policy may cover the damage to your vehicle and your medical bills. Compensation for intangible damages, like pain and suffering, may also be available in certain cases through a personal injury lawsuit.
The Severity of Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision is one in which the front of one vehicle strikes the rear of
another. The other vehicle may be moving or stationary at the time of impact, and rear-end collisions can involve two or more vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that roughly one-third of all vehicle accidents are rear-end collisions. About 2,500 people lost their lives in such accidents in 2017.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that vehicle accidents lead to medical care and treatment costs, lost business productivity and worker income, and expenses associated with insurance that amount to tens of billions of dollars every single year. Common losses and damages seen in rear-end collisions include the following:
- Diagnostic testing and medical treatment expenses
- The cost of assistive devices and medicine
- Lost income, up to predefined limits
- Vehicle damage and repair costs
- Incidental expenses
- Pain and suffering
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Causes of Rear-Endings
Gathering evidence and establishing the fault of another driver is an important part of any rear-end collision claim, because there are so many ways such an accident can occur. Although the general rule is that the driver in the rear is automatically at-fault for a rear-ending, it is possible that other factors contributed. The most common reasons that rear-end accidents occur include:
- Distracted driving. A distracted driver who is texting, eating, drinking, or interacting with other passengers while driving can cause an accident.
- Tailgating. The driver in the rear may have been following the vehicle in front too closely.
- Driver negligence. Speeding, driving recklessly, stopping abruptly, or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to overconfidence, rash driving, and slow response times to road hazards.
- Fatigued driving. Drivers who are drowsy may fall asleep at the wheel, preventing them from slowing down or stopping to avoid a collision.
Unclear signage or lane markings, road damage, or brake lights that are not working can contribute to an accident as well. In these cases, someone other than the driver may be at fault, such as a mechanic or municipality who failed to make the proper repairs.
Seeking Damages in a Rear-End Accident Case
Based on the cause of your rear-end collision, you may be able to make a case for damages. In Georgia, you can file a claim for your losses with the insurer of the party responsible for your accident.
To seek compensation, you must show that the at-fault driver was in some way negligent and that his or her negligence led to your losses and injuries. You will need proof of your losses and of the other driver’s negligence that led to the accident. For example, a police report, video footage, and eyewitness testimony may help to support your case.
Assistance from an accident attorney and testimony of medical and economic experts can help to quantify these losses and determine how much you can get from a rear-end collision. A lawyer can also help you navigate the legal system if you are unable to secure compensation out of court. This will require building a case and filing a civil lawsuit before the statute of limitations is up.
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Contact Our Legal Team About Your Rear-End Collision Today
The personal injury team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers is just a call away. You can contact us today at (404) 888-8888 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
We may be able to help you recover compensation for the losses and damages you suffered in a rear-end collision. Reach out to us today to initiate the first steps of the legal process on your behalf.
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