South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg
Florida rear-end accidents can range from a minor fender bender to a catastrophic collision resulting in deadly injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that rear-end accidents are the most common type of collision. In some cases, liability in a rear-end accident is clear; however, the cases are much more complex in some situations. In these situations, successful resolution of a personal injury lawsuit requires the assistance of an experienced attorney.
The primary issue in a Florida rear-end car accident is determining who is at fault for the collision. Florida’s no-fault laws require motorists to file a claim with their own insurance company. At first glance, this theory may seem to make recovery easier on injury victims. However, this becomes an issue when insurance coverage does not meet the extent of the victim’s damages.
Further, although the rear driver is generally responsible for an accident, there are exceptions to this rule that may present challenges. For example, the rear driver may present evidence that the front driver stopped suddenly, reversed accidentally, or was distracted. These claims can diminish a driver’s economic recovery. Moreover, issues often arise if the front driver suddenly pulls in front of another car. When a collision occurs in this situation, the fact finder may evaluate the vehicle’s speed, road conditions, traffic signals and other similar factors to determine fault.
Other issues that may complicate recovery in a Florida rear-end accident are when there are multiple vehicles involved. In some cases, the accident is a chain reaction that results from an initial reckless driver, vehicle malfunction, unsafe road conditions, or a third party such as a cyclist or pedestrian. For example, a recent news report described a Florida chain-reaction rear-end accident. Florida police reported that a van driver failed to brake when the car in front of him came to a stop. The van driver hit the woman’s vehicle, which caused her to lose control and cross into the westbound lane. The woman slammed into an oncoming vehicle and died at the scene of the accident.
As the disturbing case above illustrates, rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries and deaths. These injuries can lead to high costs and economic and non-economic losses. For instance, injury victims may require acute medical care, long-term rehabilitation, inpatient treatment, prescriptions, and medical devices. Further, these injuries can lead to a loss of income, potential earning capacity, and consortium between couples.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Rear-End Accident?
If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries in a Florida rear-end car accident, contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon for assistance. The attorneys at our office have a great deal of experience successfully handling Florida injury claims. We represent clients in various cases, including motor vehicle accidents, product liability, premises liability, medical malpractice, and nursing home negligence. Our Miami personal injury attorneys have a firm grasp on the procedural, statutory, and regulatory rules that govern these cases. Through our experience and skills, we have recovered significant amounts of compensation on behalf of our clients. Contact our office at 877-499-4878, to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at our firm.