Florida Rear-End Car Accidents

Of the many types of car accidents in which a person can be involved, rear-end collisions are one of the most common. These kinds of crashes, however, are not all created equal, with some only qualifying as relatively minor fender benders and others involving catastrophic injuries.

Rear-End Collision Causes 

A rear-end accident occurs when one vehicle collides with the back of another. This can happen when the leading vehicle suddenly stops or slows dramatically or because the vehicle in the rear is traveling too fast or even tailgating. Other rear-end crashes occur because of unexpected obstacles in the road, like cargo spills or fallen trees, or because a vehicle is stopped on the side of the road and jutting out into the main roadway. Still others are attributed to a lack of visibility, the failure of a driver’s brake lights, or cell phone usage or another distraction on the part of the following driver. In some cases, the victim of a rear-end accident may actually end up being pushed into the back of another. Unfortunately, all of these issues can make determining liability in a rear-end accident case quite complicated.

Rear-End Accidents are a Problem in Florida 

Rear-end accidents have become increasingly common not only across the U.S. in general, but in Florida in particular. In fact, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) estimates that more than 30 percent of all car accidents in Florida qualify as rear-end collisions. This has proven to be an especially common scenario on congested highways, where stop and start traffic makes these kinds of crashes a lot more likely. The rise in distracted driving behaviors across the state is also thought to contribute to the rise in rear-end accidents in Florida.

Common Rear-End Accident Injuries 

The injuries sustained in rear-end accident vary in type and seriousness, but some of the most common include:

• Whiplash, which occurs when the neck is suddenly thrown forwards and backwards, causing pain, stiffness, and even nerve damage;
• Fractures, especially to the neck, back, and arms, caused by the force of impact;
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), like concussions, which are often the result of a struck driver hitting his or her head against the windshield, dashboard, or window; and
• Airbag injuries, which can occur when airbags deploy in high impact crashes and can involve contusions, abrasions, and even broken facial bones.

The kinds of injuries sustained in rear-end accidents often end up causing lingering problems for victims, who may struggle with chronic pain, limited mobility, restricted movement, and other symptoms for months or even years to come. Fortunately, accident victims who can prove that another driver’s negligence was the cause of their crash are often able to recover compensation for their diagnosis and treatment.

Speak with a Dedicated Car Accident Attorney Today 

In most rear-end accident cases, it is the driver in the rear who is presumed to be at fault for a crash. This, however, is not always true, which is why it’s so important for those who have been involved in this kind of crash to reach out to an experienced Florida car accident lawyer at Boone & David for help when filing a claim.

Sources:

 nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/fl_fy2019_hspar.pdf

forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/rear-end-collision/