A rear-end collision puts you at risk of some serious injuries, and the possible injuries all depend on the speed of the collision, among other important factors. There are many different reasons that someone can be involved in a rear-end crash, but it is most often assumed that the rear car is at fault, and there is rarely dispute over who ultimately caused the crash.
However, this does not mean that the people in the lead car are automatically guaranteed to collect damages if they are injured. There are many different ways that the driver responsible for the crash, their legal team, and their insurance company can navigate this complicated case and ultimately walk away admitting fault, but not owing the victim any additional damages.
To make sure that you are able to collect the damages that you rightfully deserve after being injured in a rear-end collision in Florida, be sure to contact 1800-Injured as soon as possible. Our referral network gives you access to a wide range of personal injury lawyers, removing the need to hunt for an attorney.
Contact us today to begin working with an attorney as soon as possible, and read more below about some specifics about rear-end collisions and how to best handle them to ensure that you maximize your chances of getting the settlement that you truly deserve.
What Is a Rear-End Collision?
A rear-end collision is an accident that happens when one car strikes the back of the car in front of them. In some instances, a series of rear-end collisions can happen in a row and cause a multiple car pileup. There are a variety of factors that contribute to these types of car accidents, but some of the most common situations involve speed, distracted driving, or slick road conditions.
When the rear car hits the front car, it is most often assumed that the rear car was the vehicle who was at fault, and there are very few situations where it is proven otherwise. It is important that you remain calm after you are rear-ended and only speak with law enforcement or medical professionals. Do not admit fault or say that you are ok, even though you will likely be full of adrenaline and will have difficulty keeping calm and quiet. Saying that you are fine, even if you are not, can cause serious legal issues for you down the road, as we will discuss further on in this article.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
While each accident is unique, and the injuries that can occur all depend on the many factors in the collision, whiplash is the most common injury in these types of crashes. Whiplash is an overarching term for injuries to the neck that happens when the head is jerked forward, down, and back in one quick motion — like a whip. When this happens, the muscles and tendons in the neck, as well as the discs in the spine, are compressed and stretched violently and can cause serious injury.
Whiplash can cause headaches, jaw aches, trouble sleeping, and obviously severely limited range of motion during recovery. In some accidents, whiplash may not be immediately apparent because it takes time for the muscles to tighten and seize, so it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible even if you believe that you are fine. The more medical attention that you receive, the more documentation there is for you to use in court if you ultimately determine that you are suffering from serious injuries.
There are many other injuries that can happen in one of these accidents as well, like lacerations, broken bones, seatbelt- or airbag-related injuries, and more. Since each accident is different, it is important that you act quickly to document the entire situation so that a judge and jury can get a clear picture of the accident during a possible trial.
What To Do After a Rear-End Collision
After you are involved in a rear-end crash in Florida, the first and most important thing to do is to make sure that you and your passengers are safe. This may mean pulling to the side of the road, into a median strip or breakdown lane, or out of oncoming traffic. If you are unable to move your vehicle, be sure that someone has contacted 911, and use your best judgment about whether or not you should remain in the vehicle.
When you are speaking with the other driver, NEVER admit fault or apologize for anything, and do not tell them anything about your injuries (or what you suspect is a lack of injuries). These will be used against you by their insurance company as a way to make absolute minimum payments to you, even if there is abundant evidence to the contrary. It is our natural instinct to want to reassure others in moments of panic and alarm such as after a car accident, but it is important that you resist these urges to protect your own legal and financial interests.
It is equally important that you seek medical attention after the crash for any injuries you may have sustained. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may take a while to show their true damage. The longer that you wait to see a doctor, the more the other insurance company will point to this gap as evidence that your injuries may not be related to the accident involving their client, or question whether or not you truly are injured. With corroborating medical documentation from as early after the crash as possible, your attorney will be able to effectively dismiss these possible claims.
In addition to your financial interests, it is extremely important that you see a doctor to ensure that you are not suffering from any other issues that may not be immediately apparent, such as a concussion, internal bleeding, or something else that you might either overlook or may take more time to become a serious issue. Regardless, getting medical attention is extremely important.
In addition, you should do your best to gather eyewitness accounts, including police reports, to verify your own account of the situation. In fact, other drivers may notice details that you did not notice, such as the other person driving erratically before your accident, or that they were texting. Every additional piece of information will help your case.
Contact Us Today
Contact 1800-Injured today to be connected with an experienced car accident attorney in Florida who will represent you after your rear-end collision. 1800-Injured is an attorney and medical service referral service that can make your selection process much less stressful, meaning that you will have more time and mental energy to focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track after this situation.