FAQs About Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are among the most common type of traffic crash in the United States of America, accounting for nearly 30% of all traffic crashes every year. If you’ve been in a rear-end accident in Florida, you probably have many questions. If you’ve recently been in a rear-end accident in Florida and have questions, this article is for you. As personal injury attorneys, we get a lot of questions from people who have been in rear-end accidents. In this article, The Pendas Law Firm answers some of the questions people frequently ask about rear-end accidents. We hope that you find some of the answers, if not all of the answers, you are looking for in this article.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. If you are looking for legal guidance, please get in touch with an attorney.
What causes rear-end accidents?
The main cause of rear-end accidents is tailgating or following too close behind the front driver. A tailgating driver has less time to react and less room to stop in the event of an emergency. Other causes of rear-end accidents include;
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Fatigued driving
What kind of injuries do people sustain in rear-end accidents?
The following are some of the most common injuries people sustain in rear-end accidents;
- Whiplash
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Who is to blame after a rear-end accident?
Most people assume that the rear driver is at fault when a rear-end accident happens. In most cases, this is true. Often, the rear driver will be cited for following the front car too closely. However, sometimes, the front driver can also be to blame.
Can I file an injury claim against the other driver if I am partially to blame for my rear-end accident?
Because Florida is a comparative negligence state, you can file an injury claim against the other driver even if you are partly to blame for your rear-end accident. However, the amount you recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If, for example, you are 20% to blame, you will recover 80% of the damages awarded.
What happens if an uninsured driver rear-ends me?
If you are rear-ended by a driver who does not have insurance and you suffer injuries, you can file a claim with your insurance company if you have uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage. UM/UIM coverage covers your damages if you are involved in an accident with a driver with insufficient or no insurance.
What steps should I take after getting into a rear-end accident?
After getting involved in a rear-end accident, the following are some of the things you should do;
- Call the police
- Seek medical attention
- Take pictures and videos at the accident scene
- Seek legal counsel
What damages can I recover for a rear-end accident?
People mostly recover economic and non-economic damages from rear-end accident claims. Economic damages include medical bills and lost wages. On the other hand, non-economic damages include pain and suffering. You may also recover punitive damages if the defendant is guilty of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve recently been in a rear-end accident and have questions, our Tampa personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
