You’ve just been rear-ended by another vehicle in Georgia. There might be a hundred thoughts going through your mind… What should I do? Do you pull over when you’re rear-ended, or should you keep the vehicle where it is? What’s the safest option?
The short answer:
If your car is drivable, you are required by law to move it out of the roadway so as not to obstruct other traffic (and possibly cause more accidents). It is also safer for you not to be on a roadway in or out of your car.
Here are a few guidelines you can follow depending on your situation.
Rear-Ended on a Highway
On the highway, rear-end collisions often occur where there’s bumper-to-bumper traffic. You might have been rear-ended in a spot where the cars are moving slowly, and there’s no immediate risk to you or the other driver. If that’s the case, you should pull over to the side of the highway.
If traffic is not slowing down, it might be best to exit the highway or call 911 for further instructions. Hopefully, the other driver will follow you off the highway so you can exchange insurance information in a safe location, but unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. The other driver may see an opportunity to drive away from the accident, especially if they were responsible for causing the accident. They don’t want to be held liable.
If it’s safe to do so, try to get a photo of the other driver’s license plate before pulling off the highway.
Related Blog: Rear-Ended in Georgia? Take These Safety Steps
Rear-Ended on a Road
If you’re rear-ended on the road, pull over to the side of the road when it’s safe to do so, and try to get as far off the road as you can so you’re not in danger from passing traffic. Pull into a nearby parking lot if there’s one available, but communicate to the other driver that you will do so.
Related Blog: What Should You Say to the Other Driver After a Car Crash?
Rear-Ended in a Parking Lot
If you’re rear-ended in a parking lot, pull into one of the parking spaces so you don’t obstruct traffic.
Georgia Accident Laws
In Georgia, there are 2 key accident laws to be aware of:
- You’re required to call 911 if the accident caused injuries or significant damage.
- It’s illegal to drive away from an accident scene without stopping, identifying yourself, or providing assistance to people who are injured—doing so would be considered a hit-and-run.
What To Do After You Pull Over
When you’re safely pulled over to the side of the road, take photos of the damage caused in the accident, as well as photos that will indicate the time, location, and circumstances of the accident.
Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver and also collect names and contact information from anyone else who might have witnessed the crash.
The evidence you collect at the scene may be crucial in ensuring you receive a fair insurance settlement.
Related Blog: What To Do After a Car Accident in Georgia
Who’s at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?
According to Georgia law, drivers are required to leave enough space between their vehicle and another vehicle to prevent rear-end collisions.
For that reason, the person in the rear vehicle is usually at fault for a rear-end collision.
But it’s not always the case. Sometimes, the person in the front vehicle might be responsible for the accident if they slammed on the brakes for no reason or if they were unsafely trying to merge lanes and didn’t realize there was a vehicle close behind them.
If you and the other drivers are disputing the cause of the accident, it’s best to call law enforcement to the scene. They’ll interview everyone involved in the accident and examine the scene to determine fault.
This also establishes a legal record of the accident (and the party at fault), which can help you secure a fair insurance settlement. It’s not unheard of for the other driver to lie about the accident and avoid taking responsibility for the collision; they’ll tell you one thing at the accident scene but tell their insurance provider something entirely different.
Related Blog: What Evidence Should You Collect After an Atlanta Car Crash?
Insurance Dispute? Contact Schneider Williamson
If the insurance company is not giving you a fair offer for the rear-end collision, it may be in your best interests to file a lawsuit against the insurance company—especially if the accident caused significant injuries, damage, and long-term disruption to your life.Our experienced team at Schneider Williamson can help you get the settlement that you deserve so you can start rebuilding your life and finances. We’ll happily guide you through each step of the process and do the heavy lifting for you. Schedule a free consultation today and see our case results.
