Many people write off rear-end collisions as “minor.” However, these collisions are anything but. Rear-end collisions account for one-third of all traffic accidents, making them the most common type of crash. These incidents cause expensive medical bills, extensive injuries, and other related hardships.
There are many things Floridians need to know about rear-end collisions, such as what to do after a crash. They should also know that legal help is available to those who have suffered harm in these incidents.
What You Need to Know About Florida Rear-End Collisions
Here are some things to know about rear-end collisions:
Rear-End Collisions Can Cause Serious Injuries
Mayo Clinic reports that whiplash, a soft-tissue injury, is one of the most common conditions following a rear-end collision. Yet, other injuries can also occur, including broken bones, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries. If you were involved in a collision of any type, you should visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
The Rear Driver Isn’t Always at Fault
In many situations, the rear driver causes a rear-end collision when they strike the car in front of them. Yet, this is not always the case. In these situations, other parties could be at fault:
- A mechanic could be at fault if they improperly installed brakes.
- A vehicle manufacturer could be at fault if it released a product with faulty brakes.
- The driver in front could be responsible if they brake suddenly, not giving the car behind them enough time to stop.
In short: the cause of each car accident is different, including rear-end collisions.
Many Factors Can Cause Rear-End Collisions in Florida
The U.S. General Services Management Administration notes that human error causes 98 percent of all collisions. When drivers do any one of the following, they can increase the risk of rear-end collisions:
- Speed
- Engage in distracted driving
- Try to intimidate other drivers
- Weave in and out of lanes
- Fail to follow traffic signals
- Fail to properly maintain their vehicles
- Engage in careless or reckless driving
- Fail to yield
None of these actions have to be intentional to constitute negligence. For instance, someone speeding to work might not even know they’re doing so. If they hit another motorist, even if they didn’t “mean to,” this could make them financially liable for any resulting damages.
Florida Operates on a No-Fault Insurance System
Florida and another eleven states have a no-fault insurance law. In Florida, motorists are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of up to $10,000. As such, drivers generally seek compensation through their insurance carriers rather than filing with a third-party insurer first.
PIP generally covers your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. It may also cover other expenses, such as funeral bills, if you lost a loved one.
You Can File a Lawsuit Against a Negligent Driver
Many people hear the phrase “no-fault state” and believe they can’t file lawsuits. If your damages exceed your PIP coverage, you can sue another party for your losses. Keep in mind that, if you contributed to the incident in any way, this could reduce how much you could seek.
The Things You Do After Getting Hurt Could Affect Your Case’s Outcome
Pursuing compensation after getting hurt is more than filling out a few forms. Everything you do could affect how much you can recover and when. To promote a positive outcome for your injury case, you should consider:
- Seeking medical attention as soon as possible
- Following through with your recommended treatment plan
- Refraining from posting about the collision to social media
- Refusing to give the insurer a recorded statement
- Documenting your injury-related losses
You should also take photos of your vehicle’s damage and your external injuries.
You Can Partner with a Lawyer on Your Injury Case
You do not have to struggle with the legal aftermath of an accident on your own. You have the right to partner with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer who can pursue the damages you need.
Many injury firms work on contingency, so you pay nothing upfront for a lawyer’s help. A portion of what you recover goes toward their attorney’s fees.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for Legal Help
Were you involved in a rear-end accident? The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can provide responsive legal care to recover compensation for your damages. We’ll keep you updated on your case, answer your questions as they arise, and then negotiate for what you’d like. We also work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing if your case doesn’t succeed.
To begin your free case review, dial 1-800-747-3733. We can also discuss what you should know about rear-end collisions in Florida.
