Were you or a loved one in a rear-end car accident?
Never underestimate how serious fender benders can be.
A rear-end collision is a type of car accident that occurs when a driver hits the back of another car. This type of accident is usually the result of the driver failing to ensure safe, clear distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them. Even seemingly minor rear-end collisions, also known as “fender benders,” can result in serious injuries that someone will have to recover from, and the costs can get expensive to keep up with.
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to seek entitled compensation for your damages beyond the scope of insurance with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer. A Tampa personal injury attorney at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos will be able to fight for your rights throughout your case.
Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a rear-end car crash?
You may be entitled to compensation.
Learn more about your legal rights by completing our free case review form today.
Rear-End Collision Statistics
If you’ve been in a fender bender, know that you’re not alone. Far from it. In fact, rear-end crashes are one of the most frequent types of automobile accidents in the United States. Here are several statistics about these types of car accidents that may surprise you:
- There are about 1.7 million rear-end collisions on U.S. roads each year. About 1,7000 people die in those collisions and another 500,000 are hurt.
- An estimated 80 percent of the deaths and injuries resulting from rear-end collisions could be prevented by collision avoidance systems, which are available in some cars but not required on all of them.
- 87 percent of rear-end collisions happened because the driver simply wasn’t paying attention to the road.
- Between 2012 and 2014, almost half of all two-vehicle crashes were rear-end crashes.
Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2015/06/08/there-are-about-1-7-million-rear-end-collisions-on-u-s-roads-each-year-heres-how-to-stop-them/
https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-alerts/Documents/SA-046.pdf
Top Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents
Most rear-end collisions happen when people are driving too close to each other in stop-and-go traffic. They also happen when people are texting and driving or their attention is diverted. They may be eating, putting on their makeup, or adjusting the radio without realizing that the person in front of them has slowed down or stopped.
Other common causes of fender benders can include:
- Speeding
- Road rage
- Mechanical failure
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Bad weather and slick roads
A rear-end crash can occur in densely-packed city streets or during rush hour traffic on the highways. Wherever there are moving vehicles that are tightly packed together, the odds of a rear-end collision occurring increase.
Common Rear-End Crash Injuries
Unlike head-on crashes and rollover accidents, many people involved in a rear-end collision make the mistake of not taking their injuries seriously. However, even a low-speed fender bender in a parking lot can result in long-term bodily damage that requires costly medical care.
The most common injuries sustained in a rear-end car accident are:
- Whiplash – The most common reported injury in fender benders; occurs when violent, sudden movement of the neck and head causes soft tissue damage.
- Back injuries – Damaging compression of the spine and intense pressure on the discs in the lower spinal column can even occur during accidents at low speeds.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – When a brain or head injury is serious, it can result in complete or partial paralyzation, concussion, loss of consciousness, lacerations, swelling, bruising and more.
- Broken bones – A broken arm or leg might not seem that serious, but it can have a major impact on a person’s ability to work or perform daily tasks. Complications leading to permanent damage are also possible such as internal organ damage and incorrectly fused bones, leading to lifelong deformity and disfigurement.
- Disfigurement – Facial disfigurement and scarring from an airbag or hitting the dashboard can be more than just a cosmetic issue; you may require long-term medical treatment and extensive surgery.
Rear-End Collision Fault & Comparative Negligence
Florida operates under a rebuttable presumption system, meaning that when somebody is rear-ended, by default, the law considers the back car liable unless that driver can show by some preponderance of the evidence that their actions were appropriate and therefore they weren’t at fault for the accident. In short, if someone hits you from behind, it’s virtually never your fault—no matter why you stopped.
The state of Florida employs pure comparative fault for car accident cases. Under comparative fault, the court establishes a percentage for which an accident victim was responsible for their own injuries, and applies this figure to any amount awarded. So if they find that a person was 20% responsible for what happened, they might receive 20% less in compensation.
Contact a Tampa Car Accident Attorney For Help
Drivers are obligated, pursuant to law and insurance contracts, to seek medical attention as quickly as possible after their car accident in Tampa. They are are obligated to document damage to their vehicle and any injuries, and provide statements to any involved insurance carriers.
Our attorneys will use the assistance of the law enforcement personnel who arrive at the scene. We will take testimony from the people involved in the accident, along with that of any witnesses. We will consider the time of day, traffic conditions, and weather to make determinations about if the individual that caused the accident failed to ensure a clear distance or wasn’t operating their vehicle in an appropriately safe manner.
We can also help ease your mind by answering many of the questions you likely have right now:
- Who was at fault in my rear-end collision?
- Do I really need a lawyer?
- Will your insurance go up?
- What are your legal rights?
- How long does it take to settle a rear-end crash case?
- How much money does it cost to sue someone?
- How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
Lastly, if you schedule a meeting with our car accident lawyers, your first consultation is 100% free. During your no-cost case evaluation, we’ll review your case and give you all the information you need to make a decision moving forward.
We’ll show you how we’ve been able to secure positive outcomes for past clients with similar cases:
- $400,000 settlement for client who was rear-ended and sustained a disc herniation requiring spinal surgery.
- $300,000 settlement for client who suffered a broken bone in her wrist as a result of a motor vehicle accident.
- $110,000 settlement for client who was injured in a motor vehicle accident and suffered soft-tissue injuries which resulted in conservative treatment.
Our experienced Tampa rear-end collision accident lawyers are familiar with all the necessary procedures following a rear-end accident, and can help you navigate the process. Obtaining representation from a lawyer quickly can help ensure that you maximize the value of their claim.
In the meantime, don’t make any statements, agree to a low ball insurance settlement offer or take other actions that might interfere with your ability to receive full compensation for your injuries. Instead, get in touch with Tragos, Sartes & Tragos.