Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of collisions on Georgia roadways. They happen for a lot of different reasons. And while the rear driver is typically at fault, this is not always the case. You still must present evidence of fault. Work with a rear-end car accident attorney in Duluth Georgia from Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC to build your case and get the compensation you need.
How do I prove the cause of and fault for the rear-end collision?
Through good evidence, you can establish what caused the wreck and who is to blame. We help you get evidence like police reports, eyewitness statements, physical evidence, and more.
Whatever the evidence you collect, it needs to prove that the other driver’s actions led to the car accident or contributed to it. Common factors that contribute to rear-end collisions include:
- Driver inattention or distraction
- Tailgating or failing to maintain enough distance between cars to create enough reaction/stopping time
- Wet roads
- Cutting off another driver
Typically, rear-end crashes happen either because the car in front had to stop suddenly or the car in behind suddenly accelerated (like at an intersection where the car was stopped behind you).
How Rear-end Accidents Cause Injury
A rear-end collision between two similarly sized cars is the equivalent of you driving into a solid concrete wall at 1/2 the speed at which the rear car hit you. So if the car behind you was going 30 MPH, the impact is like you driving your car head-on into a concrete wall at 15 MPH.
Rear-end accidents often take victims by surprise with a jarring impact while at a dead stop. Here are the most common injuries that our clients sustain from having been rear-ended.
- Whiplash: The most common form of injury from a rear-end crash is whiplash. This is really a cervical (neck) sprain/strain. Your neck can normally handle moving frontwards and backwards, even with some force such as when you ride a roller coaster. But a rear-end collision creates a very quick and sudden acceleration that snaps your head backwards first and then forwards. This can cause damage to the connective tissue and muscles around your neck. In extreme circumstances, it can cause herniated discs in your neck.
- Disc herniation: A disc herniation is when the disc between two of your spine’s vertebra bulges out of its normal circular shape. Rear-end collisions can cause herniations in both your neck and back. A herniation can cause pain in the area where it occurs, and the bulge can also press against the nerves going out of your spine into your arms and/or legs. This latter situation is much more serious and can even cause paralysis. You can normally tell if a herniation is hitting a nerve because you will have radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or burning going down your arm or leg.
- Concussions: Concussions in rear-end accidents typically happen when your head hits something inside the car, like the dashboard or steering wheel. Concussions can be “hidden” in that there will not be any outward signs of injury. It is not uncommon for whiplash to produce headaches, which are also a sign of a concussion. You need to get to a medical doctor for an exam to figure out whether your headache is caused by whiplash tension or whether it is a more serious concussion. Symptoms of concussions include:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Sensitivity to sound or light
Factors that Influence Rear-end Injuries
Even low speed rear-end collisions can cause injuries. The following factors will influence the extent of your injuries after being rear-ended:
- Size of both vehicles
- Speed
- Headrest position – does the headrest stop your head from moving backwards?
- Seat back angle and height
- Location of impact
- Whether your head was turned or facing forward
Get Compensation for Your Injuries and Other Damages
David Brauns works with you to get evidence not only of fault and liability, but to establish how the injury affects your life. Here are just some of the ways to prove the value of your damages after a rear-end accident:
- Medical bills that show the cost of your treatment.
- Pay stubs and other evidence of your wages and time out of work.
- Expert testimony about the extent of your injuries, whether you suffer any permanent disability, and how the injury affects your ability to work.
These are just a few examples. Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC will help you establish every type of damage you suffered and its value.
If you have been injured in a rear-end collision, there’s no time to waste. The insurance companies have already begun investigating your claim in an attempt to limit your damages. We offer a no obligation, free consultation. Call 404-418-8244 or fill out the contact form to get started.
