Rear-end car accidents frequently occur in everyday driving situations, such as sudden stops, heavy traffic, or distracted drivers. These collisions may not seem serious initially, but even at low speeds, they can end with significant injuries or long-term physical complications.
Afterwards, insurers may try to minimize the severity of the crash so as to limit the compensation owed to those injured. Understanding how these accidents occur and how they are evaluated under Georgia law is essential to building a strong case. If you have recently been injured in a rear-end car accident in Augusta, the experienced car wreck attorneys at Barrios Virguez are here to guide you through the next steps.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents?
When one vehicle strikes the back of another, it often results from driver inattention. If a driver is following too closely or fails to anticipate traffic slowdowns, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid hitting the car ahead.
Distracted driving is another significant contributor to rear-end accidents in Augusta. Distractions, however brief, take a driver’s eyes or attention off the road. They may fail to notice slowing traffic or stopped vehicles ahead, and this becomes particularly dangerous in stop-and-go traffic.
Georgia’s Hands-Free law prohibits drivers from using handheld devices while operating a vehicle (Georgia Code § 40-6-241). If phone records or accident reports show a violation of this law, that may be relevant in establishing negligence after a rear-end crash.
Injuries & Long-Term Effects of a Rear-End Car Crash
The dangers of rear-end car crashes in Augusta often involve the sudden forward and backward motion the body experiences during the crash. Because the neck is often forcefully snapped back and forth, drivers will experience whiplash in most rear-end collisions. They can also result in herniated discs, head trauma, and injuries to the shoulders, back, and spine.
Lasting consequences may look like chronic back or neck pain, reduced mobility, or recurring headaches. These effects can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and interfere with their employment. Properly documenting any and all injuries, immediately after the crash and those that arise later, can help ensure they are considered during the legal process.
Understanding the Presumption of Fault Under Georgia Law
In many car accident cases we handle in Augusta, the driver who hit the rear-end of the other is presumed to be at fault for failing to maintain a safe following distance. Georgia traffic laws require drivers to operate their vehicles safely while remaining alert to changing traffic conditions, and, typically, the trailing driver has failed to do so when they run into the back of the car ahead of them.
However, there are situations where the driver who was hit may ultimately share responsibility for the crash. When this happens, Georgia follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which allows an injured party to recover damages if they are less than 50 percent at fault (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). If a driver was rear-ended because of sudden or unnecessary braking, malfunctioning brake lights, or unsafe lane changes, their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies tend to try to minimize claims arising from rear-end collisions in Augusta. Adjusters may argue that an injury was preexisting or that the crash was too minor to have caused the alleged harm. Delayed medical treatment is frequently used to dispute injury claims, so thorough records are extremely important to establish liability.
Injured parties may also be pressured into recording statements or accepting quick settlements, both of which can undervalue legitimate claims. The amount of compensation is directly related to the severity of the injuries and the allocation of fault. Understanding how insurance companies approach these cases can help avoid common pitfalls throughout the process.
Hit by a Negligent Driver in Augusta? Discuss Your Rear-End Car Accident Case With Our Legal Team
Navigating a personal injury claim after a rear-end car accident in Augusta can be challenging, especially if insurers dispute fault for the injury. At Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law, we understand how these cases are handled and can help you enforce your legal rights.
Call for a free consultation today and start defending what matters.
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