Cars can collide with each other from the front, the side, or from behind. All collisions can result in damage to the vehicles involved and injuries to anyone inside. Although the damage in rear-end car accidents in Pinellas Park is often limited to the vehicles, there are situations where the drivers and passengers are severely hurt.
If you have been injured, an experienced lawyer can help you recover financial compensation. Being in any type of car accident is distressing, but our team at Herman & Wells will be by your side to support you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Rear-end crashes can occur when two cars are traveling in the same direction, with the rear car going faster than the one in front. The car that is hit accelerates for a short distance, while the people inside remain in the same place. This causes their bodies to be forced back against the seats before lurching forward and being restrained by the seatbelts. Often, this results in only minor injuries—depending on how fast the rear car was traveling before striking the one in front.
However, if there is a difference in the speed between the car in front and the one in back, the one in front will experience greater acceleration, and the people inside will be slammed more forcefully back against their seats, whipping their heads backwards and putting a huge strain on their lower backs as well. This greater force can result in more serious injuries. This is especially true if the rear car was traveling at an unreasonable speed.
Regardless of the situation, a rear-end collision can result in whiplash—a serious neck and spinal injury caused by the head snapping back upon impact. This is perhaps the most common type of injury in a rear-end crash. Other injuries include:
Injured drivers and passengers can recover financial compensation for their hospital bills, medical treatment, and lost wages if they miss work. In addition, they may be able to recover compensation for emotional distress, pain, and suffering.
The amount and types of compensation that can be available depend largely on the extent of the injuries. No two cases are the same, so if you are in Pinellas County and you have been hurt in a rear-end motor vehicle crash, it is important to discuss your case with an attorney. A lawyer can provide guidance about your unique situation and advise you on how to recover the maximum amount of compensation available.
As in most car accidents, a successful injury case requires proving that the other driver was at fault for causing the collision. In rear-end crashes, the driver who hits a car from behind is usually at fault.
However, there could be facts or circumstances indicating that the driver being hit was at least partially responsible. As Florida is a comparative fault state, any compensation from an injury case could be reduced by the amount that the driver is found to have contributed to the accident.
The review process is intensive and requires careful consideration of all the facts. A lawyer experienced with rear-end vehicle collisions in Pinellas Park can help by gathering evidence and speaking with eyewitnesses, analyzing police reports, and consulting accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case. Legal guidance can be crucial in ensuring that fault is properly assigned, allowing you to pursue the maximum compensation available.
Rear-end car accidents in Pinellas Park can result in minor or severe injuries to those involved. If you have been hurt, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Our team can advise you of your legal options and provide a rigorous representation of your rights, whether in a settlement with the insurance company or the courtroom. Call Herman & Wells today to schedule a free consultation and speak with a lawyer about your case.
