Is the Rear Driver Always at Fault in a Rear-End Accident in Athens, Georgia?

One of the hardest parts about filing a car accident lawsuit is proving who was at fault. Nobody is ever going to admit to being at fault. That would be foolish. This is why the drivers involved in a car crash tend to point their finger at the other person. That’s also why it’s always a good idea to call the cops immediately after your accident. This way, your Athens car accident lawyer doesn’t have to work so hard to prove that the other driver was at fault. They’ll have the benefit of the police report to prove your case.

There are times, however, when it’s pretty clear who was responsible for your accident. One of the rules of thumb when it comes to the rules of the road is that the rear driver is almost always at fault. If you’re involved in a rear-end accident, there’s a good chance the rear driver is going to be held liable. If you’re the front driver, this is good for you. This means that you’ll have a good chance of getting compensation for your injuries.

But this doesn’t mean that your Athens car accident lawyer won’t have to prove fault. In order to collect damages, your attorney has to prove two things. First, they need to prove that the other driver was, in fact, at fault. Second, they need to prove that you actually suffered damages. Just because you’re involved in a car wreck doesn’t mean you’re automatically entitled to compensation. The only way to know for sure is to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer in Georgia.

The Rear Driver is Not Always at Fault

The general rule is that the rear driver is at fault in a rear-end car accident. However, that doesn’t mean that you’re automatically entitled to damages. There are times when the rear driver is not considered at fault. This may be hard to imagine. This could happen in the following situations:

• Your brake lights weren’t working properly
• You slammed on your brakes without warning
• You had no reason to stop in the first place
• You were driving in reverse at the time of the crash

If the defendant can prove any of these things, you may lose your case. This is why it’s always smart to consider settling out of court. Your attorney won’t force you to settle. They will negotiate with the insurance company to try to come up with a fair agreement. They’ll work hard to get you as much money as possible. They’ll also make sure your settlement covers your out of pocket expenses.

What Information Will Your Athens Car Accident Lawyer Need?

In order to file your suit, your Athens car accident lawyer is going to need certain information. It’s best if you can bring this information to your free, initial consultation. That way, your attorney can review your case and give you an idea of what your claim is worth:

• A copy of the police report
• Any medical bills you have received
• Any correspondence you have received from the insurance company
• Copies of any mechanic’s bills
• A copy of your medical records
• Pictures of the accident scene and your vehicle

The more information your attorney has, the better they can prepare your case. They can also use this information to show that the rear driver was at fault.

Contact a Seasoned Car Accident Lawyer in Athens, Georgia

If you get hurt in any sort of motor vehicle accident, you need to talk to a seasoned car accident lawyer in Athens, Georgia. You can schedule your free, initial consultation right over the phone. This gives you the chance to sit down with an attorney who’s handled dozens of cases just like yours. They know what it takes to prove fault in your rear-end accident. They also know what it takes to prove your damages.

It’s important that you bring as much information as possible to your initial meeting. This way, your attorney has as much time as possible to prepare your case. Remember – in Georgia, you only have two (2) years to file your lawsuit. This is due to the statute of limitations. If you don’t file your case in time, you’ll be barred from ever pursuing the defendant in the future. Thankfully, your attorney knows these rules and will make sure you file in a timely fashion. The consultation is free, and you don’t have to pay a dime until your case is settled.