Rear-end collisions are among Georgia’s most common types of accidents. The Georgia Department of Transportation reports that of the nearly 400,000 crashes statewide in one recent year, about 36 percent were rear-end collisions. Unfortunately, they often cause their victims severe injuries and financial instability. Knowing what to do if you’ve been rear-ended can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your car accident injury case.
To learn more about what to do after getting rear-ended, contact Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC for a free consultation about your case.
What to Do If Someone Rear-Ends You
If you are hit from the rear, you should:
- Contact emergency services — Call 911 to report the crash to the police and request emergency medical assistance. Check to see if anyone involved in the crash needs medical attention. If there are no injuries, you may be directed to file the accident report on your own. For example, this is the APD online reporting tool.
- Exchange information — Get the name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information of the driver that hit you.
- Document the accident — Take pictures of the damage to vehicles, your injuries, and any noticeable hazards in the road or area.
- See a doctor — If emergency responders do not take you to a hospital, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Record your losses — Save all your medical records and any receipts for your crash-related expenses. You will need these records as evidence.
- Be careful what you say — Do not speak to any insurance companies or post anything on social media about the accident until your case is resolved.
- Contact an injury attorney — Hire an experienced car accident lawyer right away.
What Is a Rear-End Collision?
A rear-end collision happens when the front of one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. The force from a rear-end collision can cause occupants to slam into the dashboard, airbags, or other parts of the car’s interior. The violent jerking motion caused by a rear-end collision can also lead to head, neck, and back injuries.
What Causes Most Rear-End Collisions?
Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions include the following:
- Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Speeding and driving too fast for the conditions
- Following too closely or tailgating
- Aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving
- Bad weather
- Mechanical or car part defects
- Poor road conditions or road work
Rear-end crashes are likely to happen when a driver follows the car in front of them too closely or tailgates. They are often caused by distracted driving, as a driver who is not paying attention to the road is less likely to notice when traffic in front of them has slowed or stopped. Drivers who are distracted typically do not have the time or space to react in time to avoid rear-end collisions.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer After Getting Rear-Ended
The team at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC can advocate for your rights after a rear-end collision and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our Georgia car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
