Rear-end crashes happen every day often when drivers are distracted, tailgating, or simply not paying attention. These “minor” accidents can cause major injuries that last for months or years.
At Ted Law Firm, our Augusta rear-end collision lawyers help victims of negligent drivers get the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re suffering from whiplash, chronic back pain, or total vehicle loss, we’ll fight to protect your health, your finances, and your future.
Local Roads, Local Representation
Rear-end collisions are some of the most common crashes on Augusta’s busy roads. With distracted drivers, high traffic, and sudden stops, these accidents can happen in seconds.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Richmond County records over 2,000 rear-end collisions each year, many causing serious injuries and long-term pain.
We’ve represented victims injured on:
- Washington Road – heavy retail and commuter traffic.
- Peach Orchard Road – frequent rear-end and chain-reaction crashes.
- Broad Street and Greene Street – red-light and stop-sign impacts.
- I-520 (Bobby Jones Expressway) and I-20 – high-speed, multi-vehicle pileups.
- Riverwatch Parkway – abrupt braking and tailgating collisions.
Wherever your crash occurred, we’ll handle the investigation, evidence, and insurance negotiations from start to finish.
Augusta / Richmond County Rear-End Collision Data (GDOT 2022)
| Year | Rear-End Crashes | Injuries | Fatalities |
| 2018 | 1,925 | 674 | 8 |
| 2019 | 2,013 | 702 | 9 |
| 2020 | 1,864 | 648 | 7 |
| 2021 | 2,041 | 711 | 10 |
| 2022 | 2,078 | 725 | 9 |
| Total | 9,921 | 3,460 | 43 |
Each number represents a person whose life was disrupted by another driver’s carelessness. At Ted Law Firm, we make sure those responsible are held accountable.
Georgia Rear-End Collision Laws
Georgia law protects crash victims from negligent drivers.
| Law | Statute | What It Means |
| Statute of Limitations | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 | You have two years from the accident date to file a claim. |
| Comparative Negligence Rule | O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33 | You can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. |
| Following Too Closely | O.C.G.A. § 40-6-49 | Drivers must maintain a safe distance to avoid collisions. |
| Reckless or Distracted Driving | O.C.G.A. § 40-6-390 / § 40-6-241 | Drivers can face civil liability for unsafe driving or texting. |
“At Ted Law Firm, we use Georgia’s traffic and negligence laws to prove fault and ensure insurers pay what you deserve.”
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Augusta
Most rear-end crashes are caused by simple negligence — and they’re 100% preventable. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, or adjusting GPS).
- Following too closely in traffic.
- Speeding or unsafe stopping distances.
- Impaired or drowsy driving.
- Sudden stops at red lights or crosswalks.
- Weather conditions (rain or fog on I-520 and Riverwatch Parkway).
We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove how the crash occurred and establish fault beyond dispute.
Common Rear-End Collision Injuries
Even at low speeds, rear-end crashes can cause significant injuries — some with long-lasting effects. Our attorneys represent clients with:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and post-accident anxiety
- Wrongful death in fatal crashes
We partner with leading Augusta medical facilities AU Health, Doctors Hospital, and University Hospital to document every injury and treatment plan.
Understanding Fault in Rear-End Crashes
In most cases, the rear driver is presumed at fault, but exceptions exist. If you were in a multi-vehicle collision, we identify all responsible parties — including those who caused chain reactions or stopped abruptly without cause.
Georgia’s comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) ensures you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of fault is under 50%.
We make sure insurance companies don’t twist this rule to reduce or deny your claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, and ongoing care).
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma.
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement).
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
- Punitive damages for reckless or drunk drivers (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1).
We don’t let insurers lowball your claim; we fight for the full value of your injuries and losses.
What To Do After a Rear-End Collision in Augusta
- Call 911 and report the accident to Augusta-Richmond County Sheriff’s Office or Georgia State Patrol.
- Seek medical care immediately, even for minor pain or stiffness.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and visible injuries.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Request a copy of the police report.
- Do not speak to the insurance company without an attorney.
- Call Ted Law Firm, we’ll handle the rest.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
The sooner you call, the stronger your case. Quick action allows us to:
- Preserve dashcam or surveillance footage.
- Gather witness statements while memories are fresh.
- File before Georgia’s two-year deadline (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
- Protect your case from insurance interference or evidence loss.
We handle everything from paperwork to negotiations while you focus on healing.
Why Choose Ted Law Firm
- Decades of experience representing Augusta car accident victims.
- Millions recovered for Georgia drivers and passengers.
- Local knowledge of Richmond County courts and insurers.
- No fees unless we win — guaranteed.
- Available 24/7 for free consultations.
- Compassionate representation from a firm that cares about our community.
At Ted Law Firm, we protect Augusta’s drivers because everyone deserves safety, respect, and fair compensation after an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is at fault in a rear-end collision in Georgia?
Usually, the rear driver is at fault for following too closely under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-49, but exceptions exist (sudden stops, multi-car crashes).
2. How long do I have to file a claim?
You have two years from the crash date under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
3. What if I only have whiplash or minor pain?
You can still recover compensation for medical treatment and lost wages — minor injuries often become chronic if untreated.
4. Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Georgia’s comparative negligence rule allows recovery if you’re less than 50% responsible.
5. What damages can I recover?
Medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
6. What does it cost to hire the Ted Law Firm?
Nothing upfront — we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
7. Should I talk to the insurance company?
No. Insurers often use your statements against you. Let us handle communication for you.
Five Star Service
We pride ourselves on creating “wow” moments for our clients. That’s why Ted Law Firm has 5 star ratings, a client choice award from Avvo and and clients hire us again and again.
Free Rental Car Help
Many people who have been involved in a car accident don’t know how to navigate their insurance coverage. Our attorneys will review your insurance policy for free* and ensure you’re getting any rental car benefits you’re entitled to.
Next Generation Law Firm
Our firm uses 21st century technology and the latest law to maximize claim value, push your case forward quickly, and keep you informed every step of the way.
Pay Nothing Until We Get You $$$
FREE* Case Review. Immediate work. We even front the cost for ordering medical records, getting police reports, and conducting an investigation while we work up your claim.
30 Day Guarantee
We’ll help you for 30 days, through the roughest part of your wreck. We’re so confident in our client experience that we offer this: If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be charged a fee and you’ll be free to do as you please.
FREE Legal Resources
We have created a ton of free videos and guides to get you immediate help on your claim.
Talk to an Augusta Rear-End Collision Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end crash, you deserve justice and fair compensation. Ted Law Firm will handle your case from start to finish with compassion, integrity, and proven results. Serving Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Hephzibah, North Augusta, and the entire CSRA.
No fees unless we win. No risk, just results. At Ted Law Firm, we fight for Augusta’s drivers and families holding negligent motorists accountable and helping victims rebuild their lives.