Why Rear-End Accidents Occur
According to Click Orlando, a 19-year-old Orlando woman was killed on a recent weekday night when her car was rear-ended on the Florida Turnpike. The young woman was driving a Scion xB when she was hit from behind by a 41-year-old St. Cloud man who was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe. For reasons that remain unknown, the man apparently failed to slow down before he struck the back of the woman’s car. The force of the impact caused the young woman’s car to crash into a barrier wall, a collision that unfortunately became fatal. While the man was uninjured in the accident, the young woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Criminal charges are pending against the man.
How Common Are Rear-End Accidents?
Statistics indicate that rear-end collisions are among the most common types of accidents that happen in this country. That unfortunately means that they are also significant contributors to the injuries and fatalities that occur regularly. This is reflected in the fact that there are approximately 1.7 million rear-end collisions in the United States every single year. Of these, roughly 1,700 people are killed on an annual basis and another half million are injured.
Causes of Rear-End Accidents
The first reason you likely think of for a rear-end crash happening is probably that the driver in the rear is tailgating the vehicle in front too closely. This is the cause of many rear-end collisions and for this reason, the rear driver is often at fault for the accident. However, there are some circumstances where the driver in the front could be found partially at fault which can reduce the amount of compensation a victim would otherwise be entitled to. The front driver may trigger liability in a rear-end collision if it is determined that he or she:
- Engaged in distracted behavior like texting at the time of the accident
- Failed to repair a broken brake light or was otherwise negligent with maintenance
- Was driving while impaired or extremely fatigued
- Slammed on the brakes for no reason
Recovery for a Rear-End Accident
Fortunately, many victims of rear-end collisions will be able to recover compensation for their injuries from the negligent party by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Both those who were driving and those who were riding may be eligible to seek compensation which can help offset:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Costs of property damage
- Pain and suffering
Move in the Right Direction With Our Help
Maybe you would like someone to review your case and help you determine whether there is the possibility of making a personal injury claim. Or alternatively, maybe you are curious about the kind of compensation that you may be entitled to. If you have been injured in an accident that you suspect was someone else’s fault and you have any questions, it is highly recommended that you speak with an experienced accident lawyer. As the Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we bring years of experience fighting for the rights of injury victims. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can begin fighting as hard as possible to help you reach success and obtain the financial compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Fort Myers and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
clickorlando.com/traffic/2020/12/16/fatal-turnpike-crash-investigated-in-orange-county/