Preventing Atlanta Rear-end Accidents

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of Georgia road accident. A rear-end collision is a traffic accident where one vehicle crashes into the vehicle in front of it.

Causes of Atlanta Rear-end Accidents

A typical rear-end accident occurs when a driver must stop or slow for a pedestrian or traffic and the car following does not have enough time to break and slams into the first car. Rear-end accidents are often caused by tailgating or driver distraction.

Common Rear-end Accident Injuries

The sudden impact of a rear-end collision results in a jerking of the body while the head remains still. This motion often causes neck injuries, especially whiplash and disc herniations, and head injuries. After the body is jerked back, it may also jerk forwards resulting in additional neck and head injuries, as well as chest injuries as the body crashes into the steering wheel or front of the vehicle.

The severity of the injuries is often dependent upon the speed at which the vehicles were travelling, but even low speeds can cause serious injuries.

Proving Fault in Rear-end Accident

The driver of the car that rear-ends the other car is almost always considered to be at fault. When you are driving, you are supposed to leave enough following distance between your car and the car in front of you that you can brake if the car in front of you suddenly stops. So, if a car has hit you from behind, the driver was probably not driving safely. He was either tailgating or distracted.

Preventing Rear-end Accidents

• Know what's going on behind you. Make sure your outside and inside mirrors are adjusted properly and your window is clean so you can see the cars that are following you.

• Make sure your brake lights work and are not obstructed by mud or snow. Use your brake lights when you are standing, moving slowly or preparing to stop.

• Signal well in advance before turning or changing lanes.

• Drive at the same speed as surrounding traffic.

• If someone is tailgating you, try to slow down gradually by removing your foot from the brake. If the tailgater does not move, change lanes.

• Avoid other driver's blind spots.

• If your vehicle stalls pop open the hood if your vehicle stalls and use your emergency flashers to alert other drivers.

If you have been rear-ended by another driver in Georgia, he is liable for your injuries, pain and suffering and property damage. Make sure you get all the compensation you deserve, contact Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta accident lawyer.

Worried about getting your car fixed? Download our free booklet: “Property Damage Guide for Georgia.”