Tampa Rear End Accident Lawyer
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of auto accident here in Central Florida. Many of these “fender benders” produce only minor injuries. Unfortunately, there are far too many cases where someone is seriously injured. When that happens, the negligent driver who caused the rear-end collision may be held legally responsible for the victim’s medical bills and other losses.
An experienced Tampa rear end accident lawyer can review your collision and advise you of your legal options. For more than 35 years, the personal injury team at Anderson & Anderson has helped clients seek justice for their car accidents. We understand that a rear-end collision is often far more serious than it first appears. So we will make every effort to obtain full compensation for your losses.
Determining Fault for Rear-End Accidents in Tampa
You may have read or heard that in any rear-end accident, it is always legally the fault of the driver in the rear vehicle. That is not quite true. As with any personal injury claim, the plaintiff has the burden of proving the defendant’s negligence. With respect to a rear-end accident, it is usually–though not necessarily–negligence on the part of the rear driver that is to blame.
The reason for this is that under Florida law, all drivers have a duty to not follow the vehicle in front of them too closely (i.e., avoid tailgating). So when a rear-end accident does occur, it is typically because the rear driver ignored this rule. Even so, the rear driver can still offer evidence that the driver of the leading vehicle did something wrong–such as stopping suddenly without signaling–that contributed to or outright caused the accident. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rules, a jury would then have to apportion blame among both drivers, which could potentially reduce or bar the plaintiff’s ability to recover damages.
Additionally, all Florida drivers must carry a minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance. PIP benefits provide limited medical and wage replacement benefits following a rear-end accident regardless of fault. So if a victim wishes to pursue a personal injury claim, they must demonstrate they sustained a “serious injury” as a result of the defendant’s negligence.
Contact Anderson & Anderson Today
If you have been involved in a rear-end accident, you should always seek prompt medical attention. Even if you do not require an ambulance or emergency care, such accidents often produce injuries that may initially produce few or no symptoms. So it is still a good idea to get checked out–if only so that you can properly document your injuries later if you need to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
You should also contact a qualified Tampa rear end car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Current Florida law only gives auto accident victims 2 years from the date of their injuries to file a lawsuit. So the clock is ticking. Call Anderson & Anderson today at 813-251-0072 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.
