Around one-third of car accidents are rear-end collisions, according to information published by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.
Usually, following a rear-end collision, the back driver is presumed to be at fault. If you were the front driver, then you may think that you do not need to speak to an attorney. However, if there was a serious injury or property damage, then you should still speak to an experienced Sarasota car accident lawyer.
If you were not at fault for the accident, then it is important that you are not left out of pocket. The other party could have representation, and it is important that you do too.
At The Law Place, our Sarasota personal injury lawyers have over 75 years of experience collectively. We will work as a team to explore your case from every angle and secure you the compensation you deserve. At the same time, an attorney suited to your case will become your advocate and will support and guide you through Florida’s complicated legal system.
Contact us today for a free consultation on your rear-end accident at (941) 444-4444.
What Is a Sarasota Rear-End Collision?
A Sarasota rear-end collision is a type of car accident where a driver collides into the vehicle in front of them. This is usually caused by distracted driving, tailgating, or poor weather conditions.
Distracted driving, in particular, is increasingly becoming a problem in Florida. Drivers are frequently found to be looking at their phone or engaging in other distracting behavior while driving. These types of accidents are frustrating for victims because they are entirely avoidable.
No-Fault Insurance in Sarasota, FL.
According to Florida Statute 627.7407, Florida is a no-fault state. This means that when you are in a car accident in Florida, you must first seek compensation from your personal car insurance company, regardless of whether you were at fault or not. This is unlike most other states who always seek compensation from the at-fault party.
In accordance with this law, every driver must carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury insurance in Sarasota and the same in property damage to cover their damages after an accident. However, if your expenses exceed the limits of your policy, then you can still claim from the at-fault party. In which case, it is a good idea to speak to a Sarasota personal injury lawyer who can advise you about the rear-end accident. Without the help of a lawyer, you will likely end up with a much lower settlement than your case deserves.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day.
Contributory Negligence in Sarasota, FL.
Under Florida Statute 768.81, Florida operates under a comparative fault system. This means that you can be found partially at fault for a rear-end accident. However, so long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still claim from the at-fault party. Although, your settlement will be reduced by the percentage you were at fault.
For example, if the person behind you in a Sarasota rear-end accident was looking at their phone, but you braked suddenly, then you could be partially at fault for the accident. If it is determined that you were 30% at fault, then your settlement will be reduced by 30%.
This is another reason why it is important to have the help of a personal injury lawyer. They will make sure that you are not taken advantage of, and you are not unfairly given a high percentage of fault for the accident. At the very least, seek a free case review to help you decide whether you need assistance from an accident lawyer.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Chain Reaction Rear-End Collisions in Sarasota
Sometimes several vehicles are involved in a Sarasota rear-end collision. This can happen if there is heavy traffic, cars were traveling at high-speed, or it was at an intersection.
When a chain reaction occurs, one car goes into the back of another, which causes a separate car to go into the back of them, and so on. Usually, the car that started this reaction will be found to be at fault. Accidents involving multiple cars are very likely to go beyond the scope of insurance policies. Therefore, even if your damage is minor, you may still need to file a claim against the at-fault party with the help of an attorney.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Determining Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Sarasota
Usually, the back driver is presumed to be at fault for Sarasota rear-end accidents. However, there are exceptions. For example, if the front car suddenly and unexpectedly slammed on their brakes, then they may have been at fault. Even more rarely, a middle driver could have pulled out between two cars, causing the accident.
If you were involved in a rear-ended accident where the back driver was not at fault, then you should speak to an attorney who can analyze your case and gather the evidence necessary to fight for justice.
Why Should I Speak to a Lawyer About Rear-End Collisions in Sarasota?
Rear-end collisions are often treated as open and closed cases. Insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible, as quickly as possible. Once you have a settlement, you cannot fight for more, even if you come to realize that your settlement is insufficient to cover your losses.
An experienced attorney will help you to navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. They will tell you what your rear-end case is worth and help you fight for nothing less. Usually, just by having an attorney by your side, insurance companies will offer a higher settlement, as they will know that you cannot be blindsided.
Rear-end accidents are common, but that does not mean that the disruption to your life is in any way justified. At The Law Place, we will gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and speak to insurance companies on your behalf. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will be prepped and ready to fight your corner in court.
The Law Place
If you have been injured in a rear-end accident in Florida, then contact The Law Place today for a free consultation. The sooner, the better, as we will be better able to gather evidence relevant to your case. We will take over the stress of speaking to your insurance company, fighting for compensation for your pain and suffering, and tackling the legal process. That way, you can focus on your recovery.
We have over 75 years of collective experience, and we pride ourselves on continuous learning and training in and out of the courtroom.
Our phone lines are open 24/7, so call us now at (941) 444-4444 and schedule a free consultation.
