A rear-end accident happens when one vehicle crashes with another in front of it. In Dallas, GA, this is one of the most common vehicular crashes that occur every year. Rear-end collisions are dangerous. The victims usually sustain mild to severe injuries like bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, etc.
There are many reasons why a rear-end accident happens. It could be due to tailgating, bad weather, drivers’ inattention, and many more. However, regardless of the cause, innocent victims in a rear-end accident deserve compensation for their injuries. A car accident attorney in Dallas, GA, can help with that.
To get compensation, you must identify the at-fault driver in the crash. That’s because Georgia is an at-fault state and mandates that liability for accident compensation falls on the at-fault party. So, how can you determine fault in a rear-end car accident? We’d discuss that in this article.
Who’s Responsible for a Dallas Rear-End Accident?
Generally, in a rear-end accident, either the front or rear drivers are usually responsible. However, there are cases where both drivers are at fault and other cases where neither of them is liable. It all depends on the cases’ specifics and who was negligent in each case. Negligence may be due to disregard for traffic rules or lack of concern for the safety of other road users.
More often than not, in most rear-end collisions, the driver of the vehicle behind is usually at fault. In fact, in Georgia, liability is automatically on the driver of the vehicle behind. That’s because every driver must keep a reasonable distance between their vehicle and the one in front of it. So, when the driver in front makes a sudden stop, there’d be no collision.
Sometimes, rear-end drivers fail to adhere to this rule and end up following the front vehicle too closely. Other times, they don’t pay attention to the vehicle in front of them. However, there are exceptions to this rule. In the following examples, the front driver may share liability for a rear-end accident in Dallas, GA.
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Broken Tail Lights
Sometimes, even when rear drivers pay attention to the road, they can’t tell when the front driver wants to brake. This usually happens when the front driver has faulty or broken tail lights. In such situations, the driver in front has some fault in the accident.
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A Sudden Maneuver
In certain cases, a vehicle can make an unreasonable and sudden maneuver. When that happens, it gives the rear driver little reaction time or space. In such cases, the front driver will share some liability for the accident.
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The Domino Effect
The domino effect is a cumulative consequence of one event initiating a succession of similar events. For example, this can happen with rear-end accidents when one vehicle causes a spring of rear-end crashes behind it. In such cases, the driver who sets off the chain reactions bears most of the liability.
What Should I Do in a Rear-End Accident in Dallas, GA?
While finding liability in an accident is important, knowing what to do after the accident is necessary too. If you take the wrong steps, you might jeopardize your compensatory sums at the end of the day. Therefore, you should do the following after a rear-end collision:
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Check for Injuries
After a rear-end accident, the first thing to do is check yourself for injuries. If you discover any injury, it’s best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In addition, you should seek medical treatment for internal injuries even when you don’t notice any visible wounds.
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Call Law Enforcement
The next thing to do after an accident is to call the police. Apart from being a legal requirement, a police report can help your compensation claim too. However, you must be careful what you say in your report. Most importantly, no matter the circumstances, never admit guilt till you speak with your attorney.
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Get Evidence
For your accident claims to succeed, you need as much evidence as you can gather to support your allegations. As such, it’s important to document the accident scene via videos and photographs as soon as you can.
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Contact Your Attorney
An accident attorney will secure compensation on your behalf. From gathering evidence to negotiating claims and representing you in court, they’d do everything to ensure you get justice.
Contact a Qualified Rear-End Accident Lawyer Today!
At The Weinstein Firm, our dedicated personal injury lawyers are always ready to attend to your case. Our vast experience and top-notch expertise are everything you need to make headway in your claim. Contact us for a free case review now.
