If you’ve recently been in a rear-end car accident in Savannah, you might not know what to do next. You could be dealing with the pain and shock of the collision. Many victims do not realize they have been injured in a wreck until hours or days after it happens. If someone else is to blame for rear-ending your vehicle, you don’t have to deal with the injuries on your own.
Reasons Rear-End Car Accident Collisions Happen
If you have been hit from the rear, you might be wondering if the other driver is at fault. Usually, that is the case. However, there are some instances when you may be partially responsible for a rear-end accident. If a police officer deemed you at fault, your insurance company might also say that you’re to blame. Here are some of the leading reasons for rear-end accidents:
Reckless Driving
If a lead driver engages in risky behavior, such as driving too fast or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may cause an accident by making a sudden maneuver that forces the rear driver to slam on their breaks.
Distracted Driving
If a lead driver is distracted by texting, talking on the phone, eating, or taking their eyes off the road, they may cause a serious rear-end accident. It’s illegal to text and drive because the behavior is extremely dangerous to everyone on the road.
Drunk Driving
Drunk drivers have slower reaction times and make poor decisions on the road, which could result in a rear-end collision. If an intoxicated driver caused your accident, call 911 to report the incident and seek medical attention immediately if necessary.
Speeding
Many rear-end collisions are caused by drivers exceeding the speed limit. If a driver is going too fast to stop safely, they could cause an accident. Speeding also increases the odds that the car will hit another vehicle with enough force to cause serious injuries.
Following Too Closely
This occurs when drivers don’t leave enough space between themselves and the vehicles ahead. When drivers follow too closely, they cannot stop in time to prevent a crash if the car in front suddenly slows down or stops.
Mechanical Failure
Defective brakes or tires can cause brake failure or sliding when attempting to stop suddenly. This, in turn, can cause a serious rear-end crash that could result in severe injuries to yourself and other road users.
Lead Driver Can Be Liable Party in Rear-End Crash
In many cases, rear-end collisions are caused by the rear driver following too closely, not paying attention, or being distracted. However, the lead driver may be liable for a rear-end collision if they:
- Brake suddenly without cause or warning
- Stop abruptly at a green light, e.g., because they’re talking on the cell phone
- Drive with faulty brake lights that don’t work
- Require pulling over from the road quickly due to a medical emergency
- Exhibit negligent that forces you to stop abruptly in response to their dangerous driving behavior
How to Avoid Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are difficult to know when they might happen, but putting some safety measures in place can help. Here are a few tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of a rear-end collision:
- Inspect your vehicle before hitting the road to avoid mechanical problems.
- Stay sober and alert when on the road.
- Use your rearview mirrors to check what’s going on behind you.
- Be aware of your surroundings; if you believe that a car is following too closely, you should move to another lane.
- Always keep a proper distance between your car and the cars in front of you.
- Try to brake early when approaching stops signs or red traffic lights.
Compensation for a Rear-End Car Collision
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the nature of your injury, the extent of any property damage, and the severity of your pain and suffering. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish a negligent driver for particularly egregious behavior that led to a crash or injury. The common types of compensation may include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are expenses that you incur as a result of an accident. They cater to all past, current, and future medical expenses, including doctor bills, rehabilitation costs, ambulance bills, prescription drug costs, hospital bills, etc. It can also cater to lost wages (past and future) and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include compensation for intangible losses you suffer from a car accident. They include pain and suffering (physical and emotional), loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium or companionship, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of household services.
Hire Savannah Rear-End Car Accident Collision Injury Lawyers
Getting into a car accident can be scary enough without having to go through filing a claim and dealing with the insurance company. A rear-end collision can hurt your health, finances, and vehicle, so you shouldn’t have to deal with your personal injury case alone. Having a lawyer by your side is ideal because they will be able to help you navigate the legal system. Depending on your case, a Savannah rear-end car accident collision injury lawyer may choose to do the following:
- Collect evidence to support your claim;
- Identify responsible parties for your accident;
- Negotiate with the insurance company for a better settlement;
- Provide legal representation when your case goes to trial.
Contact the Dolman Law Group Today
Rear-end collisions can be dangerous, causing serious injuries and vehicle damage. If you’ve recently suffered the trauma of a rear-end collision in Savannah, hire a rear-end car accident collision lawyer to help you file a successful claim. The Dolman Law Group is here to help. We’re ready to serve victims involved in an auto accident and ensure they receive fair settlements from the at-fault parties. Do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case review.