Car accidents can change your life, especially when another driver hits you from behind. You can suffer life-changing harm in these crashes, and you need help from a skilled Savannah personal injury lawyer to make things right.
At Rafi Law Firm, we dedicate ourselves to compassionately representing those suffering from another person’s negligence. Our team’s Savannah rear-end collision lawyer listens to your story during a free consultation. They then begin investigating and building your case. Contact us to schedule a meeting and learn more about your legal options.
How can a Savannah rear-end accident attorney help me?
After a rear-end crash, you could be left with severe injuries and pain. Working with a Savannah rear-end collision accident and injury attorney lets you focus on improving while we handle the complex paperwork and negotiations.
We ensure your claim is accurately valued to communicate your needs to the insurance adjusters. We conduct a complete investigation to identify all at-fault parties to hold them accountable. When difficulties arise in getting the necessary settlement, we prepare your case for trial to show we are serious about winning your claim.
We do all this with integrity, compassion, and skill so you feel confident putting your trust in Rafi Law Firm. Our track record of success speaks for itself. We can help you with insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits to obtain the compensation and justice you deserve.
How much does it cost to hire a rear-end accident lawyer in Savannah?
Your rear-end collision attorney knows you are already worried about medical bills and other expenses after your crash. That’s why we offer free case reviews so you can discuss your options without spending anything. When you hire us, we work on a contingency fee basis, taking a percentage of your settlement as our fee. You do not have to pay us if we don’t secure a settlement for you.
Agreeing to our percentage is part of the initial consultation, so you know what to expect throughout your case. With Rafi Law Firm, there are no surprises and no hidden costs.
Where do most rear-end accidents occur in Savannah?
Within the city of Savannah, rear-end crashes often happen when tourists try to find their hotels or are sightseeing as they drive. On River Street, Bay Street, and around the city’s famous squares, drivers often pay less attention to the traffic around them as they look at our renowned homes and gardens.
Regardless of where your crash happens, you should immediately speak with a personal injury attorney. Our team can visit the site quickly to photograph, interview witnesses, and research your case. We know that critical evidence can fade away, be lost, or be suppressed by those who wish to hide the truth.
What are the leading causes of rear-end collisions?
Rear-end crashes usually result when the following driver fails to react in time or has enough warning to avoid hitting the vehicle in front. The first car is pushed suddenly from behind, while the second vehicle suffers what amounts to a head-on accident. There are many causes, including:
Distracted driving
Looking at phones, following GPS instructions, changing the music selection, and talking with passengers can all take the driver’s attention off the road. If a driver is texting while behind the wheel, they may only lose sight of the road for a few seconds, but this means they fail to see the vehicle’s brake lights ahead of them. This leads to a rear-end crash with potentially dangerous injuries.
Drunk driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a known hazard. Reaction times are slower when a driver is intoxicated, meaning they are less likely to see a stopped or slowed car in front of them. Even prescription or over-the-counter drugs can impair a person’s ability to operate a car safely, leading to rear-end and other collisions.
Drowsy driving
Other drugs may make a driver sleepy. They could also have gotten little rest or been driving for many hours without a break. Drowsy driving is nearly as dangerous as driving drunk, and a fatigued driver can speed into the back of your car before they can wake up enough to stop.
Dangerous driving behaviors
Drivers who are under emotional distress can fail to pay attention or even drive aggressively. Road rage is a common factor that contributes to many kinds of car accidents, including sideswipes, T-bones, and rear-end crashes. These drivers will likely drive too fast or try to intimidate other individuals, taking their eyes and hands off the wheel.
Poor road or weather conditions
Although ice and snow are rare in Savannah, we occasionally experience low enough temperatures to have slippery spots on our streets and highways. When a driver doesn’t account for so-called “black ice,” they can lose control of their vehicle and collide into the back of your vehicle. Heavy rain can also make the roadways slick and cause a car to hydroplane into another.
Visibility is also affected by rain, fog, and even heavy winds. The inability to see clearly should cause a driver to slow down, but some fail to adjust their driving habits, leading to rear-end crashes.
Car defects
Poorly manufactured car parts or bad repair work can contribute to a rear-end collision. If the brake system fails, another driver can inadvertently slam into you. The manufacturer or auto repair shop could be held liable in these instances.
What kinds of injuries are common in rear-end collisions?
Most people think of whiplash after a rear-end crash, which is a common injury. However, many others can appear after a few days. All need careful medical evaluation and treatment.
Head injuries
The physical forces when you are suddenly jolted from behind can cause severe head and brain injuries. You could suffer conditions that affect the rest of your life or even put you at risk of dying.
Neck injuries
Whiplash is when the head moves rapidly back and forth, straining and tearing the muscles in the neck and shoulders. This can lead to more significant movement issues later on if not treated correctly.
Back injuries
A broken or injured back can leave you paralyzed or in traction for a long time. Some damage is bad enough to cause permanent disability.
Psychological distress
One of the most overlooked damages a car accident victim faces is the emotional distress and psychological harm they suffer. You may be unable to drive again due to PTSD, which could severely restrict your ability to support yourself and your family.
Is the driver in back always at fault?
In most cases, the answer is yes. However, there are some situations where the driver who was hit can be found partly or mostly liable for the crash.
Swerving
When a driver swerves to avoid debris or suddenly changes lanes, you are at risk of causing a rear-end accident. In fast-moving traffic or a stop-and-go jam, drivers who suddenly pull in front of you without notice could cause a crash.
Brake-check accident
Aggressive drivers may speed past another vehicle, then “brake-check” them in a vain attempt to teach the other driver a lesson. This behavior could lead to a rear-end crash where the person in the back is found only minimally at fault, and the aggressive driver is held primarily liable.
Illegal turn
Drivers may occasionally decide to make a turn when it is illegal, such as to cross a median. They may face a traffic citation and be fault liable for the crash.
No indicator
Failing to use turn signals to indicate an upcoming turn can be used to hold someone accountable when you accidentally rear-end them.
Brake lights not working
All vehicles should have working brake lights and turn signals. When a driver’s brake lights aren’t lighting up, drivers behind them have less time to react. Proof that these indicators failed or were broken can support your claim of negligence.
How do lawyers prove fault?
Securing compensation and proving fault relies on demonstrating the other party is negligent. There are four critical elements to this:
- Duty of care: You must show the at-fault driver had a duty to drive safely and avoid harming others.
- Breach: You must provide evidence showing the defendant breached their duty, perhaps by failing to signal a turn.
- Causation: You must show a direct link between the defendant’s failure to act safely and your injuries.
- Damages: You must exhibit records, receipts, and other proof that you have expenses resulting from the accident.
A full investigation that collects photos, videos, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony can support these four elements. This gives your case the strongest chance of success. Your Savannah rear-end collision and injury lawyer works to gather robust evidence and provide a convincing and compelling argument in your favor.
Rear-end collisions and Georgia’s comparative negligence law
Determining fault is something the other driver’s attorney will also try to do, except they’ll try to show you are partly or mostly responsible. If they can reduce the amount of blame placed on their client, they can limit your compensation. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence law means that you cannot recover damages if you are found more than 50% at fault for the crash.
This does not relieve the defendant from paying their part. However, the amount they pay is reduced by the percentage you are found liable. For example, if your damages are $100,000, but you are 20% at fault, the other party only has to pay $80,000 (a 20% reduction) if you win. Georgia’s law of comparative negligence is one of the reasons why it’s essential to partner with an experienced rear-end accident attorney as soon as possible.
When we understand your case, we can assemble the most persuasive arguments to influence the insurance adjusters and opposing lawyers. Trying to manage this without a trained legal professional can be disastrous and leave you with pain, injury, and unpaid bills.
Hit from behind? Our Savannah rear-end accident lawyers are ready to help.
It is never too soon to schedule a free consultation with a Savannah rear-end accident lawyer at Rafi Law Firm after your crash. However, you can wait too long and lose your chance to seek compensation. Georgia’s statute of limitations is only two years from the crash date, meaning you must act quickly so your lawyer has enough time to investigate and establish your case.
We value building a strong attorney-client relationship that leads to satisfactory outcomes for those who trust us to manage their legal affairs. When another person’s reckless actions have hurt you, you deserve to recover payment for your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, property damage, and emotional anguish. Take action now by contacting us to discuss how we can protect your rights and your well-being. Call us at (912) 461-6798 or use our online contact form to request your free consultation today.
