Being rear-ended in St. Petersburg, Florida, can be a frustrating and painful experience. A rear-end crash can leave you with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and a long road to recovery. If another driver’s negligence caused your car crash, you have the right to pursue financial compensation. An experienced St. Petersburg rear-end crash attorney can help.
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers has been helping accident victims in St. Petersburg, FL, for 39 years. Contact us today at (727) 787-2500 for a free consultation with a St. Petersburg rear-end crash lawyer for help exploring your options and holding the at-fault driver accountable.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Rear-End Crash In St. Petersburg, FL
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers is committed to advocating for accident victims in St. Petersburg, Florida. With over 60 years of combined experience and over $200 million recovered, we have the sources and experience needed to handle even the most complex cases.
Here’s how our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers can help you after a rear-end accident:
- Provide compassionate and personalized legal guidance
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident
- Gather crucial evidence to prove causation and liability
- Work closely with experts as needed to strengthen your case
- Handle communications with the insurance adjuster and other parties
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Proceed to court if necessary to pursue a fair financial award
If you have been seriously injured in a rear-end collision, you deserve a St. Petersburg car accident attorney who will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need. Contact our law office today to set up a free case evaluation with a St. Petersburg rear-end crash attorney ready to discuss your case and what we can do to help you.
What Causes Most Rear-End Crashes In St. Petersburg, Florida?
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident, accounting for 38% of accidents in Pinellas County.
Sometimes called fender-benders, rear-end accidents are usually caused by one or more of the following:
- Distracted driving or inattention
- Tailgating or following too closely which dramatically reduces reaction time
- Speeding, which reduces reaction time
- Sudden braking of the lead vehicle
- Road conditions such as wet or worn asphalt which reduces traction
- Poor vehicle maintenance, particularly of the brakes and tires, which can reduce traction and braking ability
Other factors can also contribute to a rear-end collision, such as drowsy or drunk driving.
Rear-end collisions usually happen in intersections or in stop-and-go traffic on streets or highways.
We Fight For Compensation For All Types of Injuries Sustained In Rear-End Collisions In St. Petersburg
Although less likely to cause serious injury or death than other types of crashes, about 21% of rear-end crashes result in serious or fatal injuries.
Common rear-end collision injuries include:
- Whiplash, a very common neck injury that occurs in rear-end crashes more than any other type of accident
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Nerve damage
- Concussions
We are ready to fight for maximum compensation for the injuries you have suffered. Our legal team will carefully evaluate your case and gather evidence to prove the full extent of your losses.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Rear-End Collision In St. Petersburg?
After proving the other party’s liability for the accident, you are entitled to financial compensation or compensatory damages for your losses. There are two main types of damages you can recover.
Economic damages reimburse your financial losses, including anticipated future expenses, and may include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to work
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Property damage
Non-economic damages compensate for the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of your accident. These losses are hard to calculate as they have no intrinsic financial value. You may recover money for your physical pain, emotional and mental suffering, loss of quality of life, and disfigurement.
Because Florida is a no-fault insurance state, you must first turn to your own insurance policy to cover your losses. Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays 60% for your lost wages up to $10,000 and up to $10,000 for medical expenses. If you meet the serious injury threshold, you can sue the at-fault driver for additional expenses, including your non-economic damages.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Share Fault For a Rear-End Accident In Florida?
If you share some fault for the crash, you may still be entitled to compensation under Florida’s comparative negligence rule as long as you aren’t more than half responsible. Your settlement or award will be reduced according to your share of liability. If you are found 25% at fault and have $60,000 in damages, you can recover up to $45,000 (75%). If you are 51% or more at fault for the crash, you are not entitled to compensation.
The rear driver is expected to maintain enough distance to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions. This expectation means the rear driver is often presumed responsible in a rear-end collision.
However, the fault may be shared, or the lead driver may be responsible in some circumstances like:
- Sudden, hard braking or unexpected stopping in traffic
- Cutting in front of another driver
- Malfunctioning brake lights that do not warn the rear driver of deceleration
An experienced lawyer can identify how the crash occurred and combat unfair claims that you’re at fault.
In Florida, the statute of limitations is two years for personal injury lawsuits based on negligence. This deadline begins from the date of your crash. If you miss your deadline to file, you will lose your right to pursue damages, and your case will be dismissed.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our St. Petersburg Rear-End Crash Lawyers
If you have been hurt in a rear-end collision in St. Petersburg, FL, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a St. Petersburg rear-end crash lawyer. We’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
