Savannah Rear End Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been rear-ended in Savannah traffic, having a dedicated accident lawyer on your side can make a big difference. One moment you’re stopped at a red light on Abercorn Street or cruising down I-16, and the next you’re dealing with car damage, injuries, and an insurance company that might not take your case seriously.
At Hasner Law, we know how much a rear-end collision can disrupt your life. EWhat may seem like a minor accident at first can end up causing serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and time away from work. Insurance adjusters often move fast to offer low settlements, hoping you’ll agree before you fully grasp the long-term consequences of the crash.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our team provides knowledgeable legal support and will work to protect your interests every step of the way.
Call Hasner Law PC today at (912) 234-2334 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a Savannah rear-end accident lawyer.
Savannah Rear-End Accident Guide
- How a Savannah Rear-End Accident Lawyer at Hasner Law Can Help
- Establishing Fault in a Savannah Rear-End Collision
- Top Causes of Rear-End Accidents on Chatham County Roads
- How Long Do I Have to File a Rear-End Accident Claim in Georgia?
- Common Injuries in Rear-End Accident Cases
- What to Do After a Rear-End Accident in Savannah Once You’re Home Safe
- FAQs for Savannah Rear-End Accident Lawyers
How a Savannah Rear-End Accident Lawyer at Hasner Law Can Help
After a rear-end collision, the at-fault driver’s insurance company often moves quickly. Their goal is to settle the claim for as little as possible before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.
They may try to record your statement early or offer a fast payment to close the case. A Savannah rear-end accident lawyer from Hasner Law can step in to protect you from these strategies and help develop a claim that reflects the full impact of your losses.
Once you hire us, we take over all communication with the insurance companies, so you no longer have to deal directly with adjusters. This approach not only protects your legal rights but also gives you the space to concentrate on your recovery without the stress of saying something that could later be used against you.
Our legal team conducts a thorough investigation to determine why the other driver failed to stop, focusing on factors such as distraction, tailgating, or speeding. We gather essential evidence, including police reports, photographs, witness statements, and, when appropriate, cell phone records or video footage to help prove negligence.
We also work to document your injuries in detail, particularly those like whiplash that insurance companies often question. By collecting medical records, diagnostic reports, and physician notes, and by consulting with your doctors when necessary, we clearly connect the crash to your condition and present a solid claim.
Establishing Fault in a Savannah Rear-End Collision
In most rear-end accidents, the driver who struck the vehicle in front is considered at fault. Georgia law supports this with a legal presumption that the rear driver was negligent. This is based on the general duty of all drivers to leave a safe following distance.
According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-49, drivers are required to follow other vehicles at a distance that is reasonable and prudent. If a driver crashes into the car ahead, it is strong evidence that they failed to follow this rule.
However, this presumption is not automatic. Insurance companies often try to argue that an exception applies. They may claim, for example, that:
- You stopped suddenly without cause on a road such as Victory Drive
- Your brake lights were not working, preventing the rear driver from noticing you were slowing down
- You changed lanes too closely in front of their driver, leaving them with no time to respond
Our role is to prepare for these arguments and present clear evidence that shows you acted responsibly. We use photographs, witness statements, and other physical evidence to demonstrate that the collision occurred because the other driver was not paying attention or maintaining a safe distance.
Top Causes of Rear-End Accidents on Chatham County Roads
A rear-end crash is almost always a sign that the rear driver was not paying adequate attention to the road ahead. This inattention can stem from a number of negligent behaviors that are all too common on Savannah’s streets.
- Distracted Driving: This is by far the most frequent cause of rear-end collisions. A driver looking down at a text message, adjusting a GPS, or eating behind the wheel is not watching the flow of traffic. When the car in front of them slows or stops for a traffic light on Abercorn Street, they fail to react in time.
- Tailgating and Aggressive Driving: Drivers who follow too closely are intentionally reducing their own reaction time. This aggressive behavior leaves no margin for error. A sudden stop by the lead vehicle, which would be a non-event for a driver maintaining a safe distance, becomes an unavoidable crash for a tailgater.
- Speeding and Driving Too Fast for Conditions: A driver who is speeding needs a much greater distance to come to a complete stop. When they are also not paying attention, a rear-end crash is a likely outcome. This is also true when a driver fails to slow down for adverse weather conditions, such as rain on the Truman Parkway, which can make the roads slick and increase stopping distances.
Understanding these common causes allows our team to identify key evidence and build a strong case that highlights the other driver’s responsibility for the crash.
How Long Do I Have to File a Rear-End Accident Claim in Georgia?
If you were injured in a rear-end crash in Chatham County or anywhere in the Savannah area, it’s important to be aware of Georgia’s legal deadlines. These time limits, known as statutes of limitations, restrict how long you have to take legal action.
In most cases:
- You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- You have four years to file a claim for property damage, such as vehicle repairs.
Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation entirely, even if your case is strong.
A Savannah rear-end accident lawyer can review your situation and confirm which deadlines apply. There may be exceptions or additional time limits, especially if a government vehicle or commercial driver was involved.
Starting the legal process early allows your attorney to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and help you avoid mistakes that could affect your case. If you’re unsure how much time you have left to act, speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Waiting too long may limit your options.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Accident Cases
Even at low speeds, a rear-end collision can exert significant force on the body, often causing serious injuries even when the vehicle shows little damage.
- Whiplash and Neck Sprains: The most common injury in rear-end crashes, whiplash affects the soft tissues of the neck. It can result in pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited mobility that may last for months or longer.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: Rear-end impacts can also injure the spine, leading to herniated or bulging discs. These injuries may press on spinal nerves, causing radiating pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A concussion or more severe brain injury can occur without a direct blow to the head. The sudden motion of the crash can cause the brain to shift inside the skull, resulting in bruising, swelling, and cognitive disruption.
Recognizing these injuries early and seeking proper medical care is essential not only for your recovery but also for strengthening your legal claim.
What to Do After a Rear-End Accident in Savannah Once You’re Home Safe
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision in Savannah and have returned home safely, your next steps are just as important as what happened at the scene. Whether the crash occurred on Abercorn Street, the Truman Parkway, or a side street in Chatham County, what you do now can affect both your recovery and your legal options.
Here are key actions to take once you are home:
- Follow up with a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may take hours or even days to show symptoms. A timely medical exam helps create a clear record linking your condition to the crash.
- Organize your documentation. Keep all paperwork related to the accident, including the police report, medical records, photographs, repair estimates, and any written communication from insurance companies.
- Write down how you feel. Keep a daily record of your symptoms, pain levels, and how your injuries are affecting work, sleep, or household responsibilities. These personal notes can help support your claim later.
- Avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. You are not required to give a recorded statement. Speaking too soon or without guidance may hurt your case. It’s best to hold off on these conversations.
- Consult a Savannah rear-end accident lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney can review your case, manage communication with insurers, and help you understand your options for recovering medical costs, lost income, and other damages.
Even if the accident seemed minor, the physical and financial effects may grow over time. Taking these steps helps you stay prepared while focusing on your health and well-being.
FAQs for Savannah Rear-End Accident Lawyers
Is the rear driver always at fault in a rear-end accident in Georgia?
In most cases, the rear driver is presumed to be at fault because every driver has a duty to maintain a safe following distance. However, this presumption can be challenged.
The other driver’s insurance company may try to argue that you contributed to the crash by stopping suddenly for no reason, having broken brake lights, or cutting them off. A skilled attorney can help protect you from these blame-shifting tactics.
The insurance company says my car has minor damage, so I can’t be seriously hurt. What should I do?
This is a very common but misleading argument from insurance adjusters. Modern car bumpers are designed to absorb impact and often show very little damage, even in a crash that generates significant force.
Numerous medical studies have shown that there is no direct correlation between the amount of property damage and the severity of a person’s soft tissue injuries like whiplash. Your medical records, not the repair bill for your car, are the true measure of your injuries.
How soon after a rear-end crash should I see a doctor?
You should seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible, ideally on the same day as the accident. Because many serious injuries like whiplash have delayed symptoms, you might not feel the full extent of the pain for 24-48 hours.
Getting checked out immediately creates a clear medical record linking your injuries to the crash and prevents the insurance company from arguing that your injuries were caused by something else that happened days later.
Can I still have a case if I had a pre-existing neck or back condition?
Yes, you may still have a strong case. An accident can significantly worsen a pre-existing condition, making a manageable issue a source of debilitating pain.
Under Georgia’s eggshell plaintiff rule, the at-fault driver is generally responsible for the full extent of the harm they cause, even if you were more susceptible to injury than an average person. These cases are more complex, so having an experienced lawyer is particularly important.
Why should I hire a lawyer for what seems like a simple rear-end crash?
Even a minor rear-end crash can lead to unexpected complications. The insurer may deny fault, dispute your injuries, or offer a settlement that falls short of your needs.
A lawyer handles the claims process, builds a strong case with medical evidence, and pushes back against low offers. With motor vehicle injuries being both common and costly, legal guidance helps protect your rights and recovery.
Get Help from a Trusted Savannah Rear-End Accident Lawyer Today
If you were stopped at a red light or moving safely with the flow of traffic, you were not at fault for the collision. You did nothing wrong, yet you are now left dealing with the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial consequences caused by another driver’s carelessness. These burdens should not fall on your shoulders.
At Hasner Law, we understand the unique challenges that come with pursuing a rear-end accident claim. Our attorneys have extensive experience proving the full scope of our clients’ injuries and countering the tactics insurance companies use to reduce or deny compensation.
You should not feel compelled to settle for an amount that does not fully address your needs or allow your pain to be dismissed. Call our Savannah office today at (912) 234-2334 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Savannah personal injury lawyers are ready to support you in taking the next step toward recovery.
Hasner Law: Savannah Injury & Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
221 W York St,
Savannah, GA 31401
Ph: 912-234-2334
