Atlanta is no stranger to busy interstate highways crammed with motorists. Countless drivers travel daily to and from work, drop off and pick up children from school, go shopping, and more. It’s no wonder Atlanta is ranked one of the most congested cities in the country. Most wrecks that occur in these situations are minor, and a large percentage are rear-end accidents. Regardless of the severity of the accident, you should turn to an Atlanta automobile accident attorney.
What are Common Causes of Rear-End Accident in Georgia?
Rear-end crashes happen for a number of different reasons, most of which are preventable. These are a few of the more common ones:
Following too Closely
You should allow at least three seconds between you and another automobile. Few drivers observe this rule and it’s much harder to follow in heavy traffic.
Distractions and not Paying Attention
Whether it’s from loud radios, children misbehaving, or being preoccupied with the day’s events, distractions happen. When a driver is less focused it becomes more likely he or she will rear-end another vehicle.
Suddenly Changing Lanes
Doing this often results in drivers being cut off. This will increase the chances that the cut-off driver will crash into the car that jumped in front of them. The driver who abruptly changes lanes may also rear-end another vehicle.
Decreased Vision
This may be from rain, bright afternoon sun, fog, and other weather conditions. Your vision is less effective at night, too. When your vision is blurred, obstructed, or otherwise decreased, you could get into a wreck.
Poor Road Conditions
Even if you are driving safely, bad road conditions may make it more difficult to brake. Often this is from rain, which may combine with oil on the roads to make them slick. Ice and black ice can also cause problems.
Avoiding Obstacles and Roadway Hazards
The person driving in front of you could hit their brakes to avoid hitting an animal or another hazard. If you are not driving safely, you may slam into the back of them.
What Injuries Can A Rear-End Accident Cause?
Rear-end collisions will cause property damage in minor cases and injuries in more serious ones. A driver who is hit from behind could suffer from numerous medical problems as a result of their injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Neck, spine, and back injuries
- Severe headaches
- Numbness
- Paralysis
Not all drivers who have been rear-ended appreciate the extent of their injuries immediately after a crash. But factors such as speed, the relative sizes of the vehicles, and the headrest position can aggravate injuries. What may start out as a seemingly minor ache or soreness could turn into something much worse. That’s why you need to see your doctor as soon as possible after a rear-end accident.
How is Fault Determined in a Rear-End Accident?
Liability will usually lie with the driver who hit from behind, but this is not always true. A driver who cuts off another vehicle may be to blame. So might a driver who suddenly cuts onto a main road from a side street, forcing others to slow down. Multi-vehicle, or chain reaction, accidents make it especially difficult to determine which drivers are at fault. That’s because drivers caught between cars may or may not themselves be at fault. Responsibility will depend on many factors, and you may need an attorney to help investigate.
Aggressive Accident Attorneys You Can Trust
You may be the victim of a rear-end collision, but you cannot assume that the at-fault driver will accept responsibility. The insurance companies may try to blame you for the accident or otherwise deny coverage. Even if a driver’s insurer agrees to pay, it may not be enough to compensate for your injuries. Don’t trust the insurance companies to look after your best interest. You need the aggressive automobile accident attorneys of Schneider Hammers. Call us to schedule a consultation.
