A rear-end collision is just one of many vehicle accidents that can happen on the road. Most of the time however, rear-end accidents are preventable. There are two main causes – driver error or distracted driving. If a driver fails to pay attention to vehicles in front of them, it can cause car accidents.
When using the roads, drivers have a duty to other road users and pedestrians to drive responsibly. This involves keeping a safe stopping distance and observing due care and attention while driving. A rear-end collision is most likely to happen during rush hour at the start and end of the day, when there is a lot of traffic on the road.
If you have been involved in a rear-end car accident, an Orlando car accident lawyer from The Law Place can help you. We have a skilled team of lawyers who can work on your case and investigate the events leading up to the car accident.
Your claim will be managed with skill, and we will negotiate with the relevant parties, taking care of your case from start to finish.
Call The Law Place today at (941) 444-4444 to find out more about our legal services and seek advice on your personal injury claim.
Steps to Take After Rear-End Accidents
The actions you take (or don’t take) following rear-end collisions can make all the difference to your claim. The aftermath of an accident can be traumatic and involve a lengthy recovery if you sustained serious injuries. This is why you need a reliable lawyer on your side to provide confidential advice and manage your case.
Your lawyer will investigate the accident to identify the at-fault party and help you recover damages. If you were injured in an accident, it is recommended that you take the following approach:
- Seek medical attention.
- Keep all documentation for the accident, including medical records and bills, car repair charges, and all other related costs associated with the accident and your severe injuries.
- Find a copy of your insurance policy.
- Do not post anything on social media that could be detrimental to your claim, such as placing blame.
- Do not speak to your insurer about the accident until you have spoken to a legal representative.
A personal injury lawyer with dedicated knowledge will negotiate with insurers on your behalf. Insurers will take every approach they can to avoid paying out the claim and use certain lines of questioning that could negatively impact your case.
What Is a Rear-End Collision?
Before you can think about making a claim for a rear-end collision, it would make sense to determine what one is. A collision of this nature occurs when the front of one vehicle hits the back of another. Some rear-end collisions are serious, while others are minor. Rear end collisions often cause neck injuries such as whiplash and other serious injuries requiring ongoing medical treatment.
You are entitled to bring a claim for this type of accident if you can satisfy any of the following criteria:
- Another motorist drove into the back of your vehicle, and you were harmed as a result.
- Another motorist was tailgating you, which led to the accident.
- Another driver braked suddenly, leaving you no time to stop, resulting in you crashing into the back of their vehicle.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day.
Causes of a Rear-End Collision
One of the key components of your case is identifying the at-fault party. Depending on the case, there may be more than one, but this is one of the first things your lawyer will work on. Rear-end accidents can have many causes, but some of the most common include:
Failing to Observe the Speed Limits
One of the most common causes of a car accident from rear-end collisions is speeding. Drivers have little to no time to stop the vehicle, leading to a rear-end accident. Personal injury lawyers will explore areas such as this to determine fault in the collision.
Unsuitable Driving Conditions
When roads are wet, or visibility is poor, stopping distances increase significantly, particularly if the vehicle is a delivery van or truck. Rear-end car accidents can also happen in heavy traffic when drivers become distracted, impatient, or drive in a way that’s not suitable for the conditions.
Driving Too Close
Some drivers, particularly those who are impatient, may follow too closely. This is known as tailgating. Tailgating can result in whiplash and other neck injuries.
Drivers following you must always allow enough room for you to stop without the risk of an accident.
A sudden stop due to someone stepping out into the road or an unexpected obstruction can lead to a collision.
Distracted or Aggressive Driving
People are more distracted than ever before. Cell phones, in-car technologies, and passengers in the vehicle are all sources of distraction. A slight distraction, even for a split second, could result in lost concentration and driving into the back of another vehicle.
Driving Tired or Under the Influence
When drivers are tired, intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs, they are less reactive and responsive to what’s happening on the road. Judgment is impaired, and reaction times are longer.
It is very easy to establish negligence if it is found that the at-fault driver was under the influence at the time of the accident.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Liability for a Rear End Accident
Your rear-end collisions lawyer at The Law Place must determine liability to bring a claim against the other driver Another driver can be partially or wholly responsible for your accident. A fault can be attributed to any of the following:
- A driver traveling in front who suddenly stops or slows down without good reason.
- Traffic lights that are broken or a missing stop sign.
- A vehicle following behind has faulty brakes, causing the car to malfunction.
In these examples, the driver, a government agency, and a manufacturer could be liable parties. Your personal injury attorney will explore the facts of the case and establish fault.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Lawyers for Rear-End Collisions
All drivers in Florida are required to hold Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, and the state operates under the premise of no fault. That said, you can still pursue a claim against the negligent party with a claim made against the insurer rather than an individual.
Your lawyer plays an important role in this process. Their work will include, but is not limited to:
Investigating Automobile Accidents
An investigation will involve extensive information gathering, Your lawyer will collect witness statements, review police reports, and gather images and videos of the accident where they are available.
They will also review paperwork, such as medical bills, that you have incurred throughout the recovery process.
Gathering Evidence for the Rear-End Crash
Collecting evidence from medical teams on the nature and extent of your injuries and the likely recovery period.
Identifying Damages
Your lawyer will use the evidence they have gathered to make a fair assessment of the damages you can claim. Damages typically fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Managing Your Claim
Your lawyer will expertly manage your entire claim from start to finish, including representing you at trial if this is necessary.
Components of a Personal Injury Claim
The specific details of a claim will vary depending on the case, but typically, your lawyer may recover compensation for some or all of the following:
- Emergency care in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
- Medical costs such as hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy.
- Lost income, if you had time away from work for your injuries.
- Pain and suffering on a physical and emotional level.
Working with an Accident Lawyer at The Law Place
If you don’t know what to do after your accident, rest assured that The Law Place legal team is here to help. The experience of an accident can be traumatic, and the recovery process can be lengthy and stressful.
Insurance companies defending the at-fault party will throw everything they have at your case to try and avoid paying out. This is why seeking legal representation is so important.
Our lawyers at The Law Place can manage your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and gather strong evidence to support your claim. We know what evidence to collect and how to present it in the strongest possible way.
The process we use is thorough, and we draw on our combined 75 years of experience to bring our legal knowledge to your case. Our job is to fight for your rights every step of the way.
If negotiations with insurers don’t go as planned or the settlement they offer is less than satisfactory, we will take your case to trial and undertake the necessary preparation work to present it to the judge and jury in court.
While we aim to avoid this where we can, it’s sometimes necessary. We work hard to make the process as stress-free for you as possible.
To get started with your claim, all you need to do is request a free consultation. We will gather the facts of the case, including medical expenses, details on the negligent driver, property damage, and injuries you suffered, such as back injuries and head injuries, and gain a detailed picture of the car accident. An experienced lawyer will then provide honest and transparent advice on whether we can represent you.
Call The Law Place today at (941) 444-4444 for a free legal consultation to begin your personal injury claim.
