Wesley Chapel Rear-End Accident Attorney
Some people dismiss rear-end collisions as mere “fender benders” which don’t cause serious injuries. In reality, even low-speed collisions can lead to serious bodily injuries, not to mention substantial damage to the vehicle. At Moore Law, our Wesley Chapel rear-end accident attorney has helped many clients obtain compensation, which is necessary to help cover the cost of treatment and replace lost income.
What Causes Rear-End Collisions?
We see rear-end collisions wherever traffic is heavy. For example, they can happen in parking lots, at intersections, and even on the highway. Some tragic multi-vehicle pile ups start when traffic is stopped on a highway and one vehicle going too fast slams into a vehicle stopped in front of it, setting off a chain reaction.
Some of the major causes of rear-end collisions include:
- Speeding
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Distracted driving
- Cell phone use
- Reckless driving
- Driver impatience
The rise of cell phones has dramatically increased the odds of a rear-end collision. Someone looking down at their phone won’t see that a car in front of them has come to a stop or that an intersection light is red. Unfortunately, by the time they look up from their phone, too much time has passed.
Who is Liable for Rear-End Accidents?
Rear-end collisions typically involve two vehicles—the one behind, which strikes the vehicle ahead of it. There’s a myth that the vehicle behind is always responsible for the crash. That simply is not true under Florida law.
Instead, we need to assign fault for the wreck. In particular, the driver who was driving carelessly or recklessly is to blame, and in some cases this could be the vehicle up ahead that gets hit. For example, this driver might have stopped for no reason in the middle of the road, or they might have cut someone off, leading inevitably to a crash.
Nevertheless, it’s generally true that the car in the back is responsible for most rear-end accidents. The driver is typically going too fast or is too distracted to brake in time. For these reasons, they are liable for the accident.
Can You Obtain Compensation for an Accident?
Most victims will make a claim with their personal injury protection (PIP) policy, which provides benefits regardless of fault. Florida requires that motorists carry a PIP policy that provides at least $10,000 in benefits.
Unfortunately, rear-end accidents cause serious injuries. Someone could suffer a neck, head, spinal, or facial injury. Even a low-speed collision can “jolt” a person and result in pinched nerves, sprains, strains, or chronic pain. Medical treatment can quickly consume a $10,000 PIP policy, leaving victims with unpaid medical bills and lost income.
Once they have exhausted their PIP benefits, injured victims should look to file a claim against the at-fault driver for the accident. In a lawsuit or settlement, they should seek 100% of their lost wages, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. A fair settlement should also include money for pain and suffering.
Our Wesley Chapel Rear-End Accident Lawyers are Standing By
Never accept a settlement without first meeting with an attorney to review. Insurers are notorious for offering “low ball” offers, and only an experienced rear-end accident lawyer can determine whether the amount offered is fair. Contact Moore Law today to schedule a time to meet.
