A Sudden Jolt That Can Change Your Life
You’re sitting at a red light, waiting for it to turn green, when—bam!—a careless driver slams into the back of your car. You didn’t see it coming, and you didn’t have time to react. Now, you’re dealing with neck pain, back injuries, medical bills, and missed work.
Rear-end collisions at stoplights are almost always the fault of the driver behind you. If you’ve been rear-ended, you shouldn’t have to fight the insurance company alone—at Scholle Law, we hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Do Rear-End Collisions at Stoplights Happen?
A driver who fails to stop in time is typically guilty of negligence. The most common causes of rear-end crashes at red lights include:
🚦 Distracted Driving – Texting, checking GPS, or looking away from the road prevents drivers from stopping in time.
🚦 Tailgating – Following too closely gives drivers little time to react when traffic stops.
🚦 Speeding – Driving too fast for conditions makes it harder to stop safely at intersections.
🚦 Drowsy or Impaired Driving – Fatigue and intoxication reduce reaction times, increasing the risk of rear-end crashes.
🚦 Brake Failure or Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Failing to keep a vehicle’s brakes in working order can lead to sudden crashes.
🚦 Weather Conditions – Rain, ice, and fog require greater stopping distances—drivers who fail to adjust for conditions may be at fault.
Regardless of the cause, Georgia law places the responsibility on the driver in the rear to maintain a safe following distance.
Who Is Liable for a Rear-End Collision?
In most cases, the driver who rear-ended you is at fault. However, there are exceptions, such as:
✅ Multi-Car Pileups – If another driver caused a chain reaction, they may be responsible for multiple impacts. ✅ Sudden & Unexpected Stops – If the front driver braked erratically, liability may be disputed. At Scholle Law, we conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is at fault and how to maximize your compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A rear-end accident can leave you with serious injuries and financial stress. If another driver caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
🔹 Medical Expenses – Emergency care, hospital stays, physical therapy, and long-term treatment. 🔹 Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently. 🔹 Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life. 🔹 Vehicle Repairs or ACV – The cost to repair or the Actual Cash Value of your total loss for your damaged car. 🔹 Punitive Damages – If the at-fault driver was texting, impaired, or grossly negligent.
Trucking companies and insurers often try to minimize claims—but at Scholle Law, we fight for every dollar you deserve.
How to Prove Fault in a Rear-End Crash
To successfully recover compensation, you need strong evidence proving the other driver was negligent. We gather key proof such as:
📷 Traffic Camera & Dashcam Footage – Video evidence can show the moment of impact and prove liability.
🚔 Police Reports – If officers cited the at-fault driver for following too closely, it strengthens your case.
👀 Eyewitness Testimonies – Other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians may confirm the crash was avoidable.
📊 Vehicle Damage Analysis – Rear-end crashes have distinctive impact patterns that prove fault.
🔍 Cell Phone Records – If the driver was texting or on a call, it can support claims of distraction.
At Scholle Law, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Steps to Take After Being Rear-Ended at a Stoplight
If you were hit from behind, follow these steps to protect your case:
1️⃣ Call 911 Immediately – Request an official accident report and medical assistance. 2️⃣ Seek Medical Attention – Some injuries, like whiplash, may take hours or days to appear. 3️⃣ Document the Scene – Take photos of the damage, skid marks, and the surrounding area. 4️⃣ Get Witness Contact Information – Their statements can be crucial in proving fault. 5️⃣ Do Not Admit Fault – Even saying “I’m okay” can be used against you by insurers. 6️⃣ Contact Scholle Law – We can launch an investigation and fight for full compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the driver behind always at fault in a rear-end accident?
Usually, yes. Georgia law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. However, in rare cases, fault may be shared if the front driver made an erratic stop.
What if the insurance company offers me a quick settlement?
Be cautious. Early settlement offers are often too low and may not cover future medical expenses. Let Scholle Law review your case before accepting any offer.
Can I recover damages if I was rear-ended but had minor injuries?
Yes. Even if injuries seem minor at first, they can worsen over time. You may still be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia?
You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Call Scholle Law for a Free Consultation
If you were rear-ended at a stoplight, don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Call Scholle Law today at (866) 592-1296 or fill out the contact form on this page to schedule your free consultation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing until you win your case.
Let Scholle Law fight for the compensation you deserve.