Savannah Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident, comprising about 40 percent of the crashes that occur on our nation’s roads, according to National Safety Council data. While rarely as severe as head-on collisions, rear-end accidents can still leave victims with catastrophic injuries, significant medical bills, and an inability to work.

If you suffered an injury in a rear-end auto accident in Savannah, contact Spiva Law Group to discuss your case in a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney. We always put our clients’ needs first and will work tirelessly to pursue maximum compensation for you.

What Are Common Causes of Savannah Rear-End Collisions?

Some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions in Savannah include the following:

• Distracted driving — When drivers look at their phones, eat, or otherwise get distracted, they are less likely to notice stopped or slowed traffic ahead.
• Intoxicated driving — When drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it impairs their reflexes and judgment, leading to increased chances of a rear-end accident.
• Fatigued driving — Drowsy drivers may not be able to react quickly enough to prevent a rear-end accident from occurring.
• Poor road conditions — Wet, icy, or foggy roads can increase the odds of an accident. Drivers should adjust their speed to account for these conditions.
• Mechanical failure — In some cases, rear-end accidents result from mechanical failures, including brake failures.

Who Is Typically Assumed to Be At Fault for a Rear-End Accident?

Typically, insurance companies try to blame the trailing driver in a rear-end accident. They assume the trailing driver either failed to pay attention to the traffic ahead or tailgated the leading driver and could not react in time to avoid the crash.

However, if you are the leading driver, you should not count on this assumption being enough to secure compensation for your injuries. You will need evidence to combat insurance company assumptions if you are the trailing driver. For instance, skid marks on the road could show that the leading driver suddenly slammed their brakes.

Could More Than One Driver Be Held Liable for a Rear-End Crash?

In some cases, more than one driver could be liable for a rear-end crash. For example, both drivers could share liability if the leading driver suddenly hit the brakes for no reason and the trailing driver was tailgating them.

In some cases, a third driver could be liable. Consider a situation where a negligent driver cuts into a traffic lane without checking for other cars in their side mirrors. This risky maneuver could cause a car in that lane to swerve out of the way and crash into you from behind. In this case, the driver who didn’t use their mirrors, along with the driver who rear-ended you, could share liability for your injuries.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Savannah Rear-End Wreck?

The following are common injuries that people suffer in Savannah rear-end collisions:

• Whiplash — Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that affects the muscles and ligaments in the neck. It can cause persistent headaches, chronic muscle pain, and a loss of neck mobility.
• Broken bones — In severe crashes, broken bones are common, especially in drivers’ wrists. Rib fractures also frequently occur due to seat belts.
• Spinal cord injuries — The force of being rear-ended can knock spinal discs out of alignment, leading to chronic pain conditions and paralysis in severe cases.
• Traumatic brain injuries — A TBI can occur when the brain strikes the inside of the skull in a rear-end crash. These injuries range in severity from mild concussions to life-threatening brain swelling and bleeding.

Are Rear-End Accidents Easier to Prove Than Other Car Accidents?

Rear-end accidents can be easier to prove than other types of crashes, depending on the circumstances of the accident. For example, if you are sitting at a red light and a car strikes you from behind, it should be pretty straightforward to prove what happened.

Additionally, the intersection may have a traffic camera with footage of the accident scene. If your vehicle is newer, it may have an onboard computer with data showing your speed during the accident. If the data shows your car did not move before the other driver struck, it could be solid evidence that the other driver was at fault.

It may be more challenging to prove the other driver was at fault if you were the trailing driver, the accident didn’t happen at an intersection, or if a third car was involved.

Can I Seek Compensation for My Injuries?

After a rear-end car accident, you can seek compensation for the harm you have suffered, which may include the following:

• Medical expenses — Compensation for your past and future medical costs, including medical treatments and physical therapy.
• Lost wages — Compensation for the income you lost or will lose because of an inability to return to work at full capacity.
• Permanent disability — Compensation for any permanent disability suffered due to the accident.
• Pain and suffering — Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experience because of your injuries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Rear-End Car Accident Lawsuit in Georgia?

Under Ga. Code § 9-3-33, rear-end car accident victims have two years from the injury to file lawsuits against the at-fault parties. Failure to file a claim within this period may result in you being barred from recovering anything. For this reason, it is essential to speak with an experienced attorney well before this deadline so they can gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case.

Contact a Savannah Rear-End Accident Attorney

Since 1984, the compassionate and dedicated personal injury lawyers of Spiva Law Group have tackled the most challenging personal injury cases and recovered more than $500 million in compensation for catastrophic injury victims in Savannah and throughout Georgia. Our team includes five attorneys and a seasoned staff with a skilled investigator who can track down evidence concerning your rear-end accident. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today and receive a free consultation about your case.