Rear-End Collision Legal Expertise in Atlanta, Georgia
Rear-end collisions occur with alarming frequency in Atlanta and throughout the state, and the consequences can be severe. In a recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it was revealed that there are roughly 1.7 million rear-end collisions throughout the United States every year, resulting in 17,000 fatalities and 500,000 injuries.
Rear-end collisions are uniquely dangerous in the sense that the plaintiff often has no means through which to avoid the accident. When stopped at a red light, for example, the plaintiff may be forced to choose between being rear-ended or forcing themselves to drive illegally through the intersection and risk a side-impact collision.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation under Georgia law. To speak with a qualified Atlanta car accident attorney at Ponton Law, call (404) 902-3154 today.
Though rear-end collision accidents may seem straightforward at first glance, there are a number of issues to consider as you move forward with litigation. Let’s take a look at some of the basics.
Negligence in a Rear-End Collision
Common acts of negligence that lead to rear-end collisions include:
- Driving at an excessive speed given the relative speed of traffic
- Failure to drive in accordance with traffic signals and signage
- Following too closely behind another vehicle
- Driving while distracted (i.e., texting, chatting with passengers, etc.)
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- And more.
Though all Atlanta drivers should take care to avoid making a sudden stop that could create a rear-end injury risk, the fact remains that drivers must maintain a reasonable distance and pay attention to the flow of traffic so that they can safely respond to sudden changes and prevent a rear-end collision.
Unique Issues to Consider
Depending on the circumstances of your rear-end collision lawsuit, you might encounter certain issues that complicate litigation. Consider the following.
MULTI-CAR PILEUP
In a multi-car pileup, a rear-end collision sparks a chain reaction of collisions, many of which are unavoidable due to the impact force of the original collision (and the position of the vehicles). With so many vehicles involved, the assessment of fault can become quite complicated. Identifying the parties who are primary contributors of a fault will require extensive investigation with the aid of top-notch experts.
COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEMS
Collision avoidance systems can prevent many rear-end collisions by forcing the speeding car to brake automatically. Unfortunately, collision avoidance systems are not required by law. As such, only some vehicles come equipped with collision avoidance systems. If the defendant’s vehicle had a collision-avoidance system that failed to activate, you may be able to sue the manufacturer pursuant to a product defect claim.
Speak With A Qualified Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Today
Attorney James Ponton of Ponton Law has litigated car accident claims for clients throughout the state since 2008 when he switched from insurance defense to personal injury litigation. His former career as an insurance defense attorney has informed his strategy as a plaintiffs’-side litigator, helping him outmaneuver opposing counsel.
This unique advantage has led to impressive results. James has been named a Georgia Rising Star four times (and the past three years, consecutively), and has consistently achieved settlements and verdicts in excess of $500,000.
Have you been injured in a car accident? Call (404) 902-3154 to speak with an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney here at Ponton Law. We will provide a free consultation and assessment of your claims.