Rear-End Accident | Cain Injury Law

Rear-end collisions are among the most common accidents that occur on Georgia highways, streets, and roads. While some people might think of rear-end accidents as relatively minor “fender benders,” these crashes can easily result in devastating property damage and life-changing injuries.

If you were injured in a Lawrenceville rear-end collision, the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Cain Injury Law can help you seek fair compensation for your losses. Our experienced team will do everything we can to make a real difference in your case and pursue the recovery you deserve.

How Rear-End Collisions Happen

A rear-end collision happens when one vehicle crashes into the rear end of the vehicle in front of it. Statistics from the Insurance Information Institute suggest more than 7 percent of all fatal crashes are rear-ended collisions.

No two rear-end collisions are alike, but the vast majority of all rear-end accidents result from pure and simple negligence. In many cases, negligent drivers cause rear-end collisions because they are following too closely behind other vehicles or not paying attention to changes in traffic flow.

Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

In most rear-end collision cases, the automatic assumption is that the driver of the following vehicle was at fault. And in most cases, that assumption is correct. That is because drivers have a legal responsibility to follow behind others at a safe distance and maintain full and attentive control of their vehicles at all times.

However, there are some circumstances in which the rear driver may not be at fault for a rear-end collision, including:

The leading driver decided to “brake check” the following driver by slamming on the brakes in an act of road rage.
The leading driver unexpectedly began to drive in reverse.
The leading driver was operating a vehicle with a known mechanical deficiency, such as a broken brake light, which contributed to the accident.

Common Injuries from a Rear-End Collision Car Accident

Even relatively minor rear-end collisions that occur at low speeds can leave vehicle occupants with painful injuries. Common rear-end collision accident injuries include:

Whiplash and damage to discs in the cervical vertebrae
Ankle and knee injuries
Head injuries caused by airbag deployment
Traumatic brain injuries
Thermal, chemical, and friction burns
Seatbelt injuries
Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Wrongful death

Causes of Lawrenceville Rear-End Collisions

Like most traffic accidents, a rear-end collision often has multiple contributing factors. However, the following common causes appear in many rear-end accident cases:

Following too closely – Tailgating or simply following too closely for conditions can result in rear-end collisions when the driver of the leading vehicle suddenly slows down or brakes in response to changes in traffic.
Speeding – When someone drives faster than the posted speed limit or drives too fast for conditions, they typically have less time to react to sudden hazards, significantly increasing the risk of hitting the rear end of another vehicle.
Reckless driving – Drivers who engage in lane weaving, unsafe passing maneuvers, or other reckless behaviors are more likely to make sudden, dangerous moves and crash into the back of another car.
Driving under the influence – The effects of alcohol and certain types of drugs can impair visual acuity, depth perception, and reaction time, which are all vital driving skills that help prevent rear-end accidents.
Inattentive driving – When drivers are distracted or inattentive behind the wheel, they may run straight into the rear end of the vehicle in front of them because they simply don’t notice when the vehicle slows, stops, or changes trajectory.
Brake checking – The practice of brake checking involves slamming on the brakes to punish tailgaters. Unfortunately, if the driver on the receiving end of a brake check does not react in time, it can result in a serious rear-end crash.
Tractor-trailer and semi-truck accidents – Large commercial vehicles take more time and distance to stop. If a trucker tailgates another vehicle, the chance of a rear-end collision is extremely high.

Average Settlement for Rear-End Collision Injuries

Because every rear-end collision is different, the “average” settlement for a rear-end accident claim can vary significantly. However, a knowledgeable attorney can help you determine the potential value of your rear-end accident claim by reviewing how you have been affected by various losses, such as:

Medical expenses related to the treatment of your injuries, including the costs of ambulance rides, hospital stays, and doctor’s visits
Lost wages from any time you missed at work while recovering from your injuries
Projected future losses, such as losses in your lifetime earning capacity or expected medical costs you will likely incur in the future
The pain and suffering you endure due to your injuries
Out-of-pocket costs from incidental expenses, such as the costs of travel to and from medical appointments
Repair or replacement costs for any vehicle or property damage caused by the rear-end collision

What to Do After a Rear-End Car Accident

The aftermath of a rear-end car accident can be shocking and overwhelming. However, you can take positive steps toward protecting your rights and establishing a legal claim by:

Seeking prompt medical attention to obtain care for your injuries and establish a record of your medical condition
Following your doctor’s care plan and attending all follow-up appointments
Gathering as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photographs, information from the other driver, and witness statements
Hanging on to documentation of your financial losses, such as medical bills, repair invoices, and pay stubs
Refusing to provide written or recorded statements about the accident to the insurance company
Avoiding social media activity while your case is pending
Contacting a knowledgeable car accident attorney for dependable legal advice

Get Help from Our Lawrenceville Rear-End Collision Lawyers

After a severe rear-end collision, you need a trusted attorney who genuinely cares about helping you move forward. Let the talented team at Cain Injury Law handle every aspect of your Lawrenceville rear-end collision claim while you focus on your health.

To discuss the details of your rear-end accident case with a personable and caring attorney, contact us today for a free initial case evaluation.

Lawrenceville Rear-End Car Accident Attorney