The majority of car accidents in Atlanta, the rest of Georgia, and the rest of the country are rear-end collisions. Why? They are just too easy to get involved in because of the sheer volume of traffic on the highways and the rate at which drivers are distracted nowadays. Not all rear-end collisions will even leave a dent or a mark on your vehicle, but they can still leave you injured. Every single rear-end collision, or other type of car accident, is different from the last. These accidents can leave zero damage or even total your vehicle. That’s why it’s important to speak with a car accident attorney
when involved in a rear-end collision so you know what to expect if you want to settle the case.
Can Someone Other Than the Other Driver be At-Fault?
This is an interesting question to ask your attorney after being involved in a rear-end collision. The majority of these cases settle prior to reaching trial because it’s an open and shut case when it comes to proving who is responsible for the crash. For example, maybe you were plowed into from behind while sitting at a red light. The other driver is obviously at-fault here. These cases will likely be settled quickly by the insurance company because they fear a jury trial will award a much higher compensation package to the victim.
Determining fault in a rear-end collision is not automatic though as Georgia law allows for partial fault to be assigned to the driver who was struck. This most often happens when you suddenly slam on your brakes to stop because you were not paying attention to the conditions in front of you, which causes the vehicle following you to crash into you. This type of case would assign partial fault to you and the rest to the other driver. But, drivers have a duty to follow vehicles at a safe distance, so if the striking vehicle was following you too closely, you might be off the hook for partial fault.
Considerations for Determining a Rear-End Collision Settlement
It is almost impossible for you to make a determination as to how much money you will receive from a rear-end collision settlement. The amount you actually receive will be based on the following considerations:
- How severe the accident was
- How serious your injuries are
- If the injuries you suffered prevent you from working
- If the injuries will leave lasting impacts on your life
- If the injuries you suffered impact your family
- If you will need medical treatment or care in the future
- If you had your seat belt on at the time of the crash
- If there is any fault consideration on your part
- The actual type of injuries you suffered
Call an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
Did you suffer injuries in a rear-end collision in Atlanta? If so, it’s important for you to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced attorney about your case. Call the office of Schnipper Law, P.C. today to schedule the consultation at 404-458-9507. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner you can begin building your case for compensation.
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