Out of all motor vehicle collisions, rear-end accidents are the most common. These collisions can happen anywhere, but they are especially common at intersections controlled by stop lights or stop signs. If you were rear-ended by a careless driver, a dedicated car crash attorney can help.
You should not be on the hook for your physical, emotional, and financial losses stemming from an incident you did not cause. A personal injury lawsuit can provide you with a path toward justice following a rear-end car accident in Atlanta.
How Rear-End Car Accidents Happen
There is no shortage of ways for a rear-end collision to happen in the Atlanta area. These accidents are not uncommon on I-285 when traffic unexpectedly slows to a halt. Drivers who do not pay attention to changing road conditions ahead of them might fail to stop in time to prevent a crash.
Often, these accidents occur at intersections. When motorists are not paying attention or are driving too fast, they can strike a vehicle in front of them that is stopped at a stop sign or traffic light. This type of negligence frequently results in viable cases for financial compensation, with the rear driver usually (but not necessarily always) being at fault.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can lead to all manner of physical injuries. While any part of the body could sustain trauma in this type of crash, some injuries are more common than others.
The injury that is synonymous with rear-end collisions is whiplash, which is a soft tissue injury to the neck after it makes a whipping motion following a sudden impact. While whiplash often heals on its own, it is a painful condition that can last for months. Other common injuries after a severe rear-end collision include the following:
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Brain damage
Every serious injury has the potential to lead to a civil suit when negligence is involved. The right Atlanta attorney can help a person injured in a rear-end crash seek the financial compensation they deserve.
Resolving an Injury Claim
There are two ways an attorney can resolve a rear-end car collision claim with a favorable outcome: reaching a negotiated settlement with the other party or successfully winning a verdict at trial.
Settlements are the most common way to resolve these cases. Fault is often not disputed in these accidents, as rear-end collisions usually involve some type of negligence. That said, getting a fair settlement offer is not always easy. Insurance companies are known for aggressively pushing low offers with the hope of saving money.
When settlements fall through, a trial verdict is the next best option. Taking a case to trial might seem risky but there are times when it is the best option to get a financial payout. An attorney can prepare an injured party for this process while still working to negotiate a settlement as the case progresses.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Rear-End Car Accident Claim in Atlanta
When you have suffered an injury after being rear-ended by another motorist, a legal professional can discuss your legal options with you. You have the right to hire an attorney from Childers, Schlueter & Smith who can give you the best chance to maximize your recovery. Call us and schedule a free consultation to discuss rear-end car accidents in Atlanta.
