It’s rush hour. You decide to take the interstate, knowing that traffic may be heavy. At first, cars are moving at a fair pace, but then, for some inexplicable reason, everything grinds to a halt – except the car behind you, that is. And you are trapped, watching helplessly as the driver races up without braking, then slams into you full-force.
How Common Are Rear-End Collisions?
Rear-end collisions happen all too frequently on our streets and highways. A third of all vehicle accidents are rear-end collisions. 1.8 million times per year a car or truck slams into the back of another vehicle in the U.S., often causing serious injuries. Common injuries resulting from rear-end accidents include injuries to the spinal cord, broken bones, and whiplash.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
Many of the most common injuries Georgia automobile accident attorneys see involve “soft tissue,” which means injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These injuries are not detectable with X-rays, and often are disputed by insurers for this reason. The common belief of insurance companies is that it is easy to fake a back injury. However, if you suffer soft tissue or serious injuries, there may be some argument about the extent to which you are hurt – or even whether you are injured at all. A Georgia accident attorney that is experienced in rear-end collisions will be worth their weight in gold to help you recover for all of your injuries..
Who Is at Fault?
It is often assumed that the vehicle that rear-ends the car in front of it must be at fault. However, this is not always the case. Most people don’t realize that it is possible for the lead driver to be responsible for the collision. One must show that the lead driver did something which made it impossible for the rear driver to avoid hitting him. Georgia has two laws that apply directly to rear-end collision cases:
- O.C.G.A. §40-6-49 – Following Too Closely O.C.G.A. §40-6-49 (a) provides “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles, the traffic upon and the condition of the highway”
- O.C.G.A. §40-6-123 – Failure to Signal O.C.G.A. §40-6-123 (c) provides “No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this code section to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is an opportunity to give such signal.”
Many times it will be in your best interests to hire a Georgia accident attorney that is experienced in rear-end collisions to help investigate your case and help you get all the money you deserve for your injuries. When fighting insurance companies over soft-tissue injuries, you may find yourself at a huge disadvantage if you aren’t represented by an experienced Georgia accident attorney.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Georgia car accident, the experienced accident attorneys at the George McCranie Law Firm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Contact us today at (912) 209-9043 for a free consultation.
