Tailgating Accident Lawyers in Augusta
Were you or a loved one injured in a tailgating accident, through no fault of your own? Give our tailgating accident lawyers a call at (706) 863-6600 now for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your legal options.
Tailgating accidents are more common than many might think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end accidents account for 7.2% of all fatal accidents in the U.S. If someone followed your vehicle too closely and caused your accident and injuries, you shouldn’t be left to pick up the pieces alone.
Since 2005, the car accident attorneys of Chris Hudson Law Group have worked tirelessly to help victims who have been injured by negligent drivers. You deserve to have dedicated, experienced legal representation on your side to ensure that you receive the full compensation you’re owed. We realize this is a difficult and demanding time. You’re not only dealing with painful injuries, but likely coping with steep medical bills, loss of income, and family stress. We care about your well-being, and we have the knowledge and resources needed to make a difference in your life.
We’re driven to fight skillfully and tenaciously on your behalf, whether it’s at the negotiating table or in the courtroom. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and case review.
- Why You Should Hire A Lawyer After A Car Accident
- Why Choose Chris Hudson Law Group
- Rear-End Accident Statistics
- Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents
- Liability In Tailgating Accidents
- Injuries Commonly Suffered In Tailgating Accidents
- Frequently Asked Questions Related To Car Accident Cases
- How much is my case worth?
- How long do I have to file a claim?
- How do I know I have a case?
- What if a defect in my vehicle caused the accident?
- Should I give the insurance company the recorded statement they requested?
- Contact A Tailgating Car Accident Lawyer From Chris Hudson Law Group
Why You Should Hire A Lawyer After A Car Accident
Insurance companies’ primary goals are to maximize their profits and minimize their losses. They will try to offer you a settlement that’s worth a fraction of what you’re owed, hoping you’ll be under too much strain to fight for the compensation you need. Don’t let insurance companies make you believe that you’re alone, and have no options. An attorney will understand what you’re owed, based on your circumstances, and will be able to confidently assert your rights and interests to secure the compensation you deserve.
An experienced attorney will promptly and meticulously investigate the circumstances of your accident to prove fault. At Chris Hudson Law Group, we’ll interview eyewitnesses, collect evidence, such as medical records, and leverage outside expert resources, such as accident reconstruction specialists and esteemed medical experts, to develop a strong, persuasive case. We’ll leverage the strength of our case to negotiate firmly with the insurance company for a full settlement. In addition, we’ll prepare your case to go to trial, so the insurance company and at-fault driver know we’re serious about securing the compensation you deserve.
The legal process following an accident is complex and difficult. An experienced lawyer will take care of all the details of your case, while you focus on resting and recuperating from your injuries. Contact Chris Hudson Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you secure the best possible outcome in your Augusta car accident case.
Why Choose Chris Hudson Law Group
At Chris Hudson Law Group, we’ve earned our reputation for fighting resolutely for each client to maximize their compensation. Insurance companies know that we take every case seriously and that we’re fully prepared to go to court when they don’t offer a settlement that’s just and fair.
We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality legal services. Over the past 15+ years, we’ve amassed millions in settlements for our clients. In fact, in just one case involving a fatal accident with a drunk driver, we secured a $16 million reward for our client.
We’re proud of our successes on behalf of our clients, and we’ve received esteemed honors in recognition of our work. Chris Hudson Law Group was recognized by Martindale-Hubbell with its highest-level award for professional excellence. We’ve received numerous glowing reviews from our clients, and we’re particularly proud of our commitment to community service, including the Chris Hudson Scholarship Foundation.
We know the law inside and out and use our knowledge to fight for our Georgia clients. We’ll always keep you informed and up-to-date on your case, and we’ll always be here for your questions. Our compassionate, understanding team will make sure you get everything you’re owed while you focus on recovery.
Rear-End Accident Statistics
A study conducted by Insurify examined 10,000 drivers across America to find each state’s worst driving habits. Georgia was found to be the second-worst state in the nation for tailgating violations. According to the study, 45 out of every 10,000 Georgia motorists have been cited for tailgating in the past.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, rear-end wrecks made up nearly half of all two-vehicle accidents between 2012 and 2014. Nine of the studied crashes injured 90 and killed 28 people. The studies underscore just how dangerous and deadly tailgating really is.
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents
A lot of different scenarios can result in a rear-end accident, most are entirely preventable. Some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents include:
- Tailgating a vehicle
- Bad weather conditions
- Speeding
- Overtaking or passing vehicles
- Distracted driving and/or cell phone use while driving
- Aggressive and/or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence/while intoxicated
Tailgating is the primary cause of rear-end accidents, and when combined with any of these other conditions, such as slippery roads, the chance of a rear-end accident occurring rises steeply. When you hire Chris Hudson Law Group, one of the first things we’ll do is investigate the crash to prove liability and strengthen your case.
Liability In Tailgating Accidents
Georgia, like many other states, often places the blame for a rear-end collision on the rear motor vehicle for not leaving a safe amount of distance between vehicles.
However, there are a few situations where a court may not place all of the blame on the driver that rear-ended the other vehicle. Some of those situations include:
- The vehicle in front had a defect like broken taillights
- The driver in front used their brakes suddenly and without reason
- The driver in front was driving aggressively and/or recklessly
- No turn signals were used
- The vehicle in front suddenly started moving in reverse
- The vehicle was stopped on the road without flares or other notifications, so drivers couldn’t see it
If any of these situations arise, courts may shift the blame to that front vehicle, have more than one vehicle share the blame, or decide on another ruling. Every case is unique, so all scenarios must be considered when investigating and preparing a case.
Injuries Commonly Suffered In Tailgating Accidents
Even if you don’t feel injured at the time of your accident, it’s still best to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries don’t present themselves for days or even weeks following the accident. Following are some of the most common injuries that occur in a rear-end accident:
- Whiplash
- Bruising or lacerations to the chest, neck, and torso caused by the force of the seatbelt
- Internal Bleeding
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Disfigurement
- Lacerations
- Complex fractures
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from rear-end accidents. In a rear-end accident, the head is whipped rapidly forward and backward. The soft tissue in the neck, such as ligaments and muscles, are strained beyond their normal range of motion, resulting in a whiplash injury. Pain from whiplash injuries can impact victims for years, plus severe headaches may continue long after the accident.
In addition to whiplash, internal injuries are always possible in rear-end collisions due to the force against the seatbelt, so finding medical attention should always be your first priority after an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Car Accident Cases
To ensure you know as much about your case as possible, we’ve compiled a few questions our clients ask us regularly. We’re available to answer any additional questions you might have about your case. Schedule a free consultation today.
How much is my case worth?
It’s difficult to set an exact value on your case, considering how unique each accident is. While the monetary reward you receive will depend on the details of your case, compensation for injuries in rear-end accidents will commonly cover things such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Income lost during recovery and future lost earnings
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Specialized medical equipment and disability accommodations
- In-home care
- Loss of consortium and companionship
- Emotional distress
- Loss of ability to contribute to household tasks and parenting responsibilities
- Pain and suffering
- Repairs or replacement for damaged property
Our skilled attorneys will ascertain the full extent of your losses and negotiate for maximum compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim?
You have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim in Georgia. However, if the lawsuit is against a government entity, you may only have six months. Some extenuating circumstances will allow courts to delay these time limits.
While there is time, it’s important you don’t wait. Our firm will want to investigate your case as soon as possible after an accident while evidence is available. We also want to ensure there is time to take your case to court, if necessary, if an insurance company doesn’t do the right thing during negotiations, and pay you what you’re owed.
How do I know I have a case?
If you were injured in an accident by another driver, you may have a case. Our firm, Chris Hudson Law Group, offers a free consultation with no obligation for follow-up appointments. We’ll discuss your case in detail so that you can learn about your legal rights and options.
Insurance companies may try to make you believe you have no case, while still encouraging you to settle. Don’t fall for their tricks. Get a lawyer by your side immediately.
What if a defect in my vehicle caused the accident?
If there was a defect with your vehicle that you were unaware of, you still may have a case. Maintenance companies and dealerships are under obligation to let you know about any known defects or recalls on your vehicle. They may be held accountable for your accident.
Should I give the insurance company the recorded statement they requested?
No. These statements are designed so that you have a high chance of incriminating yourself. They do not need this statement to process your claim, and you aren’t required to tell them anything about the incident.
When they ask for a recorded statement, politely decline, ask for their contact information, and tell them that you’ll have your attorney get in touch with them soon.
If you already gave the insurance company a statement, don’t worry. Your case isn’t lost. Many other people in your position have made this same mistake before. Contact a lawyer as soon as you can to put your case on the right path forward.
Contact A Tailgating Car Accident Lawyer From Chris Hudson Law Group
Were you injured in a tailgating car accident? Are insurance companies trying desperately to make you settle? Are you losing wages while accruing expensive bills as a result of your accident?
If you or a loved one were a victim of a tailgating collision, contact a car accident lawyer from Chris Hudson Law Group today for a free consultation about your case. We care about each client, and we have the experience and drive to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us at (706) 863-6600 so we can answer all your questions, and start building your case.