The most common type of car accident is a rear-end collision, commonly known as a fender bender. Whether you’re in Tampa or another city in Florida, rear-end collisions happen all the time.
Florida has approximately 100,000 rear-end collisions annually, with almost one in four traffic accidents involving a back-end crash.
Rear-end crashes can happen while you’re moving or your car is still. For example, waiting at a stop sign or traffic light is a common scenario where a negligent driver fails to see or disobeys a traffic light. Then, they slam into the car in front of them. Or, it happens when a car tailgates another car and doesn’t have enough time to slow down.
Under Florida law, the back driver is usually negligent. If so, they will be responsible for covering accident damages unless they can prove the front car did something wrong to cause the collision. For example, a car that stops short is not generally at-fault. However, if there is evidence that the front car cut the back driver off and didn’t leave enough space, they could be liable.
As you can see, you’ll need a thorough investigation to determine all liable parties. After sustaining injuries in a Tampa rear-end collision, we recommend contacting a Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney. A skilled attorney will give you a better chance of recovering all damages you are entitled to.
What Causes Tampa Rear-End Collision Accidents?
Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle hits another from behind. For example, the car in the back often drives faster than the one in front, or the front car doesn’t have enough time to stop. Whatever the circumstances, rear-end collisions often result in substantial injuries and property damage. On top of that, injury victims endure financial losses and frustration from unexpected injuries.
With a team of experienced Tampa Rear End Collision attorneys working on your case, you can get the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions in Tampa
Many assume that fender benders are minor accidents. But that’s far from the truth. Rear-end collisions can induce severe injuries and even death. Here are some common accidents that result from rear-end collisions.
Back Injuries
An impact of a rear-end collision can cause herniated or ruptured discs. Vertebral fractures are even possible in a severe collision. While some people recover from back injuries with rest and pain medication, others live with life-long complications. Severe injuries may require surgery, ongoing physical therapy, and continued medication.
In the gravest accidents, injury victims may sustain a spinal cord injury, which often causes permanent disabilities. For example, depending on the type of spinal cord injury, a person may experience paralysis. If you suffered any back injury from a rear-end collision, you must speak with a Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney. We can help you hold all responsible parties accountable for your injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) result from a traumatic blow to the head. It’s one of the leading causes of death and disability in the country. A rear-end collision TBI often occurs when the driver or passenger hits their head on the dashboard, steering wheel, or airbags.
Symptoms of a TBI can include the following:
- Concussion
- Persistent headaches
- Memory loss
- Other cognitive impairment
- Changes in personality
- Confusion
- The trouble with certain movements
Whiplash
Whiplash is the most common neck injury that occurs in a rear-end collision. A rapid jerking of the neck causes whiplash. The result is neck strain, pain, and stiffness. In addition, it can cause reduced range of motion in the neck, vertigo, and shoulder pain if it’s very serious.
Injury victims who sustain whiplash usually heal in a few weeks or months. However, if they had a previous neck injury, it could cause long-term complications. Contact a Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney if you think you have whiplash from a Tampa car accident. They may be able to help you seek recovery from your suffering.
Comparative Negligence in a Tampa Rear-End Collision Accident
Florida’s legal doctrines entail laws for comparative negligence. For example, under Florida Statutes ยง 768.81, if an injury victim is partially responsible for causing the accident, their compensation can be reduced. So, if a court rules that you were 20% responsible for causing the accident, they can reduce your damage award by 20%.
Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, Florida law still allows injury victims to recover compensation. That said, defense attorneys sometimes use comparative negligence as a fraction to deflect liability from the defendant. For example, they might claim the plaintiff is more responsible than they really are. Don’t worry; a skilled Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney can defend you from these allegations and present your case in your favor.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Rear-End Collision Accident?
Every car accident case is unique. As such, you will need a Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney to assess your case individually with a tailored approach. They can then help you identify all damages you qualify to recover and ensure you get maximum payment.
A Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney may help you recover the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
To protect your rights and get fair compensation, it’s best to let a Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney handle your case. Fair compensation is key to paying for your accident-related expenses and getting back on track.
How a Tampa Rear-End Collision Attorney Can Help You
A Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney will help lessen the burdens of a car accident. This will be tremendously helpful so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Other ways a Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney can help you include:
- Gathering evidence to support your claim and build a strong case.
- By identifying all possible damages, you can seek and calculate an accurate value for your claim.
- Negotiating with insurance companies and defense attorneys on your behalf.
- Represent you in court if necessary. Most rear-end collision cases are settled out of court. But, if we cannot reach a satisfactory agreement with the insurance company, we are not afraid to take your case to trial. Our Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney has extensive courtroom experience and knows how to prepare and what tactics to use to win.
Most of our clients remain loyal because they appreciate our personal touch and the attention and care we offer. So, if you are looking for a Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney who is knowledgeable but also compassionate and understanding, call us today. Our success rate speaks for itself.
Florida’s Deadline for a Rear-End Collision Accident Claim
You may need to file a personal injury claim to pursue the negligent driver who caused the rear-end collision. However, if you wish to do so, you must act within Florida’s statute of limitations.
According to Florida Statutes ยง 95.11(3)(a), you have four years after the accident to seek damage compensation. Or, if you lost a loved one in a severe rear-end collision, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, for a wrongful death lawsuit, you only have two years.
Getting help from a Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney will ensure you file within the deadline. Don’t miss your opportunity to get your rightful reimbursement because you were late.
Contact a Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney Today
Our Tampa Rear End Collision Attorney is passionate about helping accident victims and families. With strong legal counsel, victims and families can recover their losses and focus on moving on with their lives.
We offer a free initial consultation, so contact us today.
