Rear-end accident claims are often complicated by issues surrounding liability. While many consider these accidents minor, they can cause serious injuries with significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences for the victims. Insurance companies may not be there for you regarding a fair settlement, but we are. Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers will not settle for anything less than you deserve.
Your rear-end collision case can get complex. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you navigate the legal process.
Do You Need A Rear-End Collision Lawyer To Help You With Your Case In West Palm Beach?
It can be difficult to deal with an insurance claim or lawsuit while recovering from your injuries. Having our West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer take on this legal responsibility for you can help to reduce the stress involved. Along with providing free initial consultations, we support our clients by providing the following services:
- Guiding you through the legal process and answering your questions promptly
- Investigating the cause of the accident to determine liability
- Gathering evidence to support your case
- Working with medical professionals to establish your injuries are linked to the accident
- Assessing the financial extent of your current and ongoing damages
- Managing all case administration and communications
- Negotiating for an appropriate settlement that covers current and ongoing costs
Additionally, we provide our legal services on a contingency-fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses for you to pay. We use our resources to build and pursue your case and only take our fees upon obtaining a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Proving Who Was At Fault In A West Palm Beach Rear-End Accident Case
A driver must follow another vehicle at a safe distance. If your vehicle is rear-ended, the driver who crashed into you can typically be held liable. However, they may try to clear themselves of liability and rebut the presumption of negligence. For example:
- You suddenly stop your car, and the vehicle behind you, although not following your car too closely, did not have enough time to stop his or her vehicle.
- You suddenly change lanes, and the driver in the rear did not have time to stop or reduce the speed of their vehicle to avoid hitting your vehicle.
- You stop to make a turn but fail to activate your turn signal.
- Your brake lights are not working, so the driver in the rear does not know your vehicle is about to stop or reduce its speed.
You must prove liability on the part of the driver whose vehicle rear-ended you. This can be done by establishing the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care: The driver that rear-ended you had a duty to keep you safe.
- Breach of duty: They did not uphold their duty of care because they acted with negligence.
- Causation: The at-fault party’s negligence was the direct cause of the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered damages because of their negligence.
Proving Who Was At Fault In A “Chain Reaction” Accident In West Palm Beach
A “chain reaction” accident involves a series of rear-end collisions. The accident could involve three or more cars. The driver of the second car is usually found at fault. If you are the third or fourth driver in a four-car “chain reaction” accident, you may be able to receive compensation from the driver of the second car.
The driver of the first car may be partially at fault, for example, if the first vehicle came to a sudden and unexplained stop. Some of the drivers of vehicles in the chain may be found partially at fault if they were following the vehicle in front of them too closely and should have been able to avoid the collision.
Tips For Avoiding Mistakes That Could Harm Your Rear-End Collision Case
While we take care of most aspects of your case, there are certain things you can do to help (and other things you should avoid doing). Here are some of our top ‘dos and don’ts’ regarding rear-end auto accident cases:
Seek Medical Care Right Away
Serious injuries can keep you from earning for a considerable time, adding financial pressure to an already difficult situation. While some injuries are obvious, others can be difficult to detect without medical intervention and even harder to prove to an insurance company.
We always encourage people to seek medical care after an accident. Injuries such as whiplash and concussions should be treated as soon as possible to avoid further harm. Having your injuries properly documented also helps us prove they are linked to the accident, which can make the legal process much smoother.
Gather Evidence At The Scene
Evidence taken at the accident scene can be beneficial in your claim. If you can, and it is safe to do so, gather the following information:
- Photographic or video of your injuries and the accident scene
- Witness contact details
- Dash cam recordings
- Locations of nearby CCTV cameras
Do Not Post On Social Media
Insurance companies could use your social media posts to undermine your case, so it is best to avoid commenting online altogether. While it is normal to want to reach out to your family and friends, anything you say can be twisted and could mean you lose out financially.
Common Rear-End Collision Injuries You Could Sustain In West Palm Beach
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that in 2022, over 15,000 injuries were sustained because of accidents that occurred in Palm Beach County. If you are involved in a rear-end collision, you may suffer from a sprain or strain injury, commonly referred to as a “whiplash” injury. When your vehicle is struck from the rear, your head can be jarred back and forth. The extent of your injury may not be known immediately. A few days after the accident, you can experience stiffness in the neck, neck or back pain, dizziness, headaches, and memory problems.
You could also suffer other injuries after a rear-end accident, including:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- A concussion
- Back or shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Contact The Law Offices Of Anidjar & Levine Today For Help With Your Rear-End Collision Car Accident Case
If you have injuries from a rear-end collision in West Palm Beach, Florida, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. We offer free initial consultations, during which you can discuss your case with a member of our team.
You do not need to handle the legal process alone. Let our team manage your case while you recover. Reach out to us today.
We Can Help.
