Rear-end collisions are common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 27.8% of multi-vehicle crashes in one recent year were rear-end collisions. Many are minor, but rear-end accidents can be very serious. In that same year, more than 26% of multi-vehicle crashes involving injury were rear-end collisions, along with 6.8% of fatal collisions. That’s thousands of people killed in rear-end crashes each year.
If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you were in a vehicle that was rear-ended, the law is typically on your side in Florida. There is a presumption that a driver who rear-ends another car is responsible for the accident. However, this presumption can be overcome if the driver who rear-ended another vehicle can prove that the leading driver did something unexpected that caused or contributed to the crash.
Some common causes of rear-end collisions include:
When the following car is exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the conditions, they will close the gap between them and the car in front. A car traveling at a high rate of speed also requires a greater distance to stop, meaning that they are less likely to be able to act in time to avoid a collision.
Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can be dangerous, both in populated areas with stop-and-start traffic and when traveling at a high rate of speed. Even at 30 mph, a vehicle travels more than 130 feet in three seconds. At 70 mph, that distance increases to more than 300 feet.
Alcohol and many drugs cause a delay in response time, and may impact coordination. That means the driver is less likely to be able to react as necessary to avoid a collision.
Getting behind the wheel on too little sleep can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence, and for the same reasons.
Insufficient space between vehicles means that the following car has less time to react and slow, stop, or swerve if necessary. That danger is increased when roads are slippery or visibility is low.
Brake failure or slow braking can cause or contribute to a rear-end collision, since the stopping distance will be increased.
The best way to get accurate information about your rights after a rear-end collision or other car accident is to talk with an experienced auto accident attorney. You can schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer at Harrell & Harrell right now. Just call 904-251-1111 or fill out the contact form on this page.
Your first steps after a rear-end accident will be the same as with any other car accident. You’ll want to exchange insurance information with the other driver, contact the police to make a report, and document as much as you can at the scene. Err on the side of caution when it comes to injuries. Let emergency personnel check you out at the scene if you think you may be injured, and seek medical care as soon as possible if you have been injured.
In most rear-end collisions, the rear driver is at least partially responsible for the crash. That’s because a driver who is following at a safe distance, paying attention to the road, and observing the speed limit will typically have sufficient time to stop or swerve if a car in front of them stops or slows unexpectedly. In fact, many rear-end accidents happen at stop lights or stop signs. However, in some circumstances the front driver may be partially responsible for the collision. The best source of information about who may be liable in your case is an experienced rear-end accident attorney.
A rear-end collision can cause a wide range of injuries, ranging from relatively minor to serious and long-term. One of the most common is whiplash, an injury that occurs when the head is forcefully snapped forward. Some cases of whiplash are relatively minor and improve on their own in a few days. More serious cases may last for months, and may lead to other complications. The same force that causes whiplash may also cause a traumatic brain injury. The victim of a rear-end accident may also suffer spinal injuries, broken ribs, head and facial injuries, and even organ damage. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious, so it is important to seek medical attention if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms after a car accident.
The best time to contact a rear-end accident lawyer is immediately after the accident. In the days after the accident, you will likely be contacted by the responsible party’s insurance company. This is a risky interaction, and innocent mistakes in this conversation could seriously hurt your case. Your rear-end collision lawyer will be familiar with insurance company tactics, and can handle those interactions on your behalf.
If you don’t get a lawyer for your rear-end collision right away, you should do so as soon as possible. The earlier your lawyer gets started, the better the opportunity to collect evidence and gather witness statements.
A personal injury attorney experienced with rear-end crashes can help you in many ways. These include managing negotiations with the insurance company, gathering evidence and preparing a strong case on your behalf, hiring and working with expert witnesses as necessary, managing the technical and procedural elements of the case and, if necessary, presenting your case to a jury.
Every case is different, so the best way to get information about the types of damages that may be available in your case is to talk with a local rear-end accident attorney. Some common types of damages include compensation for medical expenses caused by the accident, compensation for lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming. Our quick, easy-to-understand videos cover the most common questions we hear from clients — so you can feel informed and confident every step of the way.
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