Motorists making their way through the streets and highways of Atlanta, Georgia, must exercise extreme caution to avoid getting involved in an accident. Even still, there is a chance to fall afoul of the carelessness of other motorists.
Rear-end collisions may seem like one of the less damaging types of accidents but they can be just as devastating. There were 2,350 fatalities in rear-end collisions in 2016 showing just how deadly these accidents can be.
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision in Atlanta, you could be eligible for compensation. Call 404-574-4308 to schedule a free case review with an Atlanta rear-end collision lawyer. Our experienced car accident lawyers at The Super Lawyer will defend your interests and ensure your rights are respected.
Common Causes of Rear-end Collisions
Most rear-end collisions are the result of a car moving at a slower velocity than the car behind. But the driver approaching from the rear may be unable to avoid an accident due to a variety of conditions:
Tailgating
One of the most common causes of a rear-end collision is a motorist who follows the car ahead too closely for safety. When the distance between two cars is not fully respected, there is very little time and space to react to a sudden change in direction of speed. Furthermore, slower drivers increase the propensity for aggressive motorists to tailgate furiously. A volatile emotional state further impairs the capacity to drive safely.
Distracted Driving
Another common reason for a rear-end collision is distracted driving. Whether a driver is following too closely or not, if their attention is on anything but the road ahead and the movement of traffic, they will not react in time to avoid an accident. Eating, drinking, texting, searching for items in the cockpit, and talking on mobile devices are common distractions for drivers and can lead to serious injury and death.
Speeding
Speeding is another reason that a driver will not be able to react in time if the vehicle ahead of them must make a sudden reduction of speed. Speed limits are designed to avoid this very situation. Motorists who fail to observe these rules pose a serious problem to other motorists on the road.
Hazardous Conditions
Even if all motorists are following traffic laws and driving at a safe distance from each other, rear-end collisions can still occur due to adverse weather conditions. Roads can become slick and slippery with ice, snow, and rain; visibility can be lost in mist and fog. Both of these situations increase the chances of motorists rear-ending the vehicle in front of them.
What Damages Can You Receive Through a Rear-End Collision Claim in Georgia?
The exact damages you will be able to claim for your injuries will depend largely on the details surrounding the situation. The state of [state] places the damages individuals can receive as compensation in the following categories:
Economic Damages
These damages are the ones that can be calculated into a financial figure by reviewing receipts, bills, and other financial documents. Economic damages are for addressing the financial implications of the accident in the past, present, and future. They will cover the costs of medication, treatment, hospitalization, surgery, as well as lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Some of the damages that are sustained in a rear-end collision can’t be calculated as easily. These are damages of a more subjective nature, such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of capacity to live a happy life, mental anguish, PTSD, etc. Expert testimony will be called to provide a financial figure for these damages.
Punitive Damages
In some cases where the rear-end collision was caused by unconscionable actions on the part of the defendant, the judge may decide to apply punitive damages as well. These punitive damages are applied for the sole purpose of punishing behavior that is especially dangerous, life-threatening, illegal, intentional, motivated by hatred, or otherwise unpardonable.
Why Do You Need an Attorney for a Rear-End Collision Claim?
Even though the accident itself may seem very simple, there is nothing simple about dealing with the complexities of personal injury law or the unscrupulous machinations of insurance adjusters. Here are some of the ways an experienced rear-end collision lawyer from The Super Lawyer can add value and strength to your case:
Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit
The quest for your compensation will involve navigating the complexities of personal injury law. An Atlanta rear-end collision lawyer from The Super Lawyer can provide direction and assistance at every corner. This begins with filing a well-crafted claim and building a strong case that will carry heft in negotiations and turn the judgment of the court in your favor if need be.
Settlement Negotiation
The value of your claim will be set at the negotiation table where insurance adjusters will do all they can to protect their interests and avoid making a payment. Your lawyer will have the experience and insights to defend your rights and reach a favorable resolution.
Trial Preparation & Representation
If a resolution can’t be reached, the matter will have to be settled in the courtroom before a judge. It takes tenacity, skill, and plenty of experience to gain a victory in the courts.
How Much Will an Attorney Cost?
If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered injuries, there will be many concerns on your mind and financial pressure will be a serious concern. For this reason, we offer our valued clients a no-lose deal in the form of a contingency fee arrangement. This means you will not have to pay anything at all for the legal representation we provide unless we win the case.
This means we will shoulder all the risk and do all the hard work of taking your claim to full fruition. After we have won the case and recovered compensation, we receive a percentage of the damages recovered.
Call an Atlanta Rear-End Collision Lawyer Today!
Rear-end collisions can be very serious and have life-changing consequences. If you have been injured in such an accident, have yourself examined by a medical professional and get in touch with The Super Lawyer, call 404-574-4308 to arrange a FREE consultation with our legal professionals.
