Sarasota Rear-End Collision Attorney
Being hit from behind or being “rear-ended” can cause serious injury to the back, neck, and head, among other body parts if the impact is severe. If you were in a rear end car collision, you may be able to recover your damages by filing a personal injury claim with the negligent part. However, proving negligence is almost never as simple as you might think, even with rear-end collisions that are obviously the other driver’s fault. The Sarasota rear-end collision attorneys at Hale Law can provide the legal assistance you need during this difficult time.
Rear-End Collision Statistics and Common Injuries
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car collision, accounting for 29 percent of all crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), or about 1.7 million crashes annually according to the Washington Post. Rear-enders also account for a staggering number of injuries and even deaths. Common injuries from being rear-ended include the following:
- Whiplash;
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Facial injuries from head/face colliding with a steering wheel or airbag, including fractured nose, fractured jaw, and lacerations;
- Back injuries;
- Shoulder injuries from the seat belt;
- Fractured limbs; and
- Lacerations from broken glass.
Damages in a Rear-End Collision
The value of your claim is based on the severity of your damages. These damages include the following:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Permanent disfigurement and scarring;
- Property damage; and
- More.
Why You Need an Attorney
If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you need to work with an attorney, no matter what. Even if you gave your statement to the police, there were eyewitnesses, and the other driver admitted fault, you may still be partially or totally blamed for the collision by the other party’s insurance company. Because of Florida’s comparative negligence law, which decreases a victim’s compensation based on the percentage of their own liability for causing the crash, insurance companies are eager to re-assign blame because it means they will have to pay out less. Additionally, an insurance adjuster will do whatever it takes to reduce the value of your claim by arguing that your damages are not as large as you claim.
The Person Who Gets Rear-Ended is Not Always the Victim
In most cases, the party who gets rear-ended is not at fault, but this is not always the case. Examples of the driver in the forward-most vehicle being at fault or at least partially at fault include:
- Cutting in front of another vehicle and then quickly putting on the brakes due to slowing traffic ahead;
- Driving while intoxicated;
- Slamming on the brakes due to road rage; and
- Failure to use a turn signal.
Our Sarasota Rear-End Collision Attorneys Are Available to Help You Today
If you were rear-ended, or if you rear-ended another vehicle but were not at fault, the Sarasota rear-end collision attorneys at Hale Law can help you receive the vital compensation you need to get back on your feet. Call us at 941-735-4529 to schedule a free consultation. If you need a truck accident lawyer in Sarasota FL, you can also get in contact with us.
