Victims of rear-end collisions in Jacksonville, Florida, can talk to a Jacksonville car accident lawyer to file a claim against the liable parties or their insurance company to obtain compensation. However, the process is complicated and confusing, particularly for someone struggling with severe injuries and medical bills.
A Jacksonville rear-end-accident attorney can conduct a private investigation, interview witnesses and take care of every aspect of your legal claim while you take time off to heal from your injuries. But there are many other reasons why contacting your lawyer may be best after a rollover accident in Jacksonville.
How do Rear-End Collisions Happen?
Rear-end collisions are most common at intersections and stop signs, but the reality is that they can occur anywhere two vehicles are driving one behind the other. Distracted driving is often a factor in these accidents when the rear driver does not notice the lead driver slowing or stopping. Still, there are many scenarios where the rear driver may impact the lead driver, many of which result from negligence.
It is important to note that while it is often the rear driver who is found to be at fault for the crash, it is not automatically the case; therefore, it is essential that you get a clear accident report and evidence to support the fact that you are the victim in this crash. A Jacksonville personal injury lawyer is here to help you establish clear fault in the accident and fight on your behalf for compensation.
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What to Do After a Rear End Collision in Jacksonville, Florida?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines rear-end collisions as accidents in which the front of one vehicle collides with the rear of another. And they can have severe consequences, particularly when victims do not pay attention to their injuries.
But victims in Florida can also compromise their right to file a claim by doing some things. Here are some of our car accident attorneys’ recommendations about what to do after a rear-end collision.
- Call emergency services. It is important to treat any injuries and immediate damages. Also, EMTs and cops at the site of the accident need to file a report that can later be used in court by your legal firm.
- Get medical attention. Getting medical attention prevents any further physical damage to the victims and leaves a medical record which is valuable proof for your case.
- Gather information about the accident. Gathering witnesses and liable parties’ information will help your attorney contact them to get statements and send citations.
If you were the victim of someone else’s negligence at a rear-end collision, your Jacksonville attorney could help you determine your best course of action in an initial consultation.
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Injuries Commonly Associated with Rear-End Collision in Jacksonville, Florida
Rear-end collision accidents can cause many types of injuries to the victims, ranging from cuts and bruises to life-threatening conditions, such as a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury.
These are some of the injuries found in most of the cases our attorneys handle:
- Whiplash. A common injury that occurs when the head and neck are thrown forward and then back again quickly. It can cause neck pain, headaches, and stiffness.
- Dislocated shoulders. Shoulders suffer a lot of stress during rear-end collisions because of seatbelts.
- Back injuries. Rear-end collisions can cause severe back injuries such as sprains, strains, and herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury can cause temporary or permanent disability and affect many aspects of a person’s life.
- Chest injuries. Rear-end collisions can trigger airbags in the front of the vehicle, which can cause chest pain to the victims.
- Psychological trauma. A rear-end collision that causes severe damage to the victims can also leave psychological consequences that may need prolonged treatments, such as Anxiety or PTSD.
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Wrongful Death in Rear-End Collisions
Sadly, many rear-end collisions in Jacksonville end up with the wrongful death of one or more victims. In those cases, close relatives can file a claim for damages against the liable parties to recover damages for their loved ones.
A wrongful death victim’s relative can claim damages, such as property damage, medical bills, funerary costs, or losing their loved one’s income to the household. However, talking to an experienced car accident attorney is necessary to ensure which damages they are entitled to in Jacksonville.
Determining Fault in a Rear-End Collision
Florida is known as a “comparative negligence” state, meaning that if the victim in an accident is partially to blame, their settlement amount will be reduced by the amount they found to be at fault. At first, it might always seem like the rear driver is at fault in a rear-end collision since they were the ones who struck the lead vehicle. However, while it is common, it is not always the case. That is why it is so important that we establish and prove fault if the other driver caused the accident early into your claim to the insurance company so that we can focus on getting you a full settlement.
Determining who is at fault in your accident will require various methods of proof, including things like your account and the other driver’s account, eyewitness accounts, security camera footage, and anything else that will help present a complete picture. If the driver was engaging in dangerous behavior, such as drunk driving or texting while driving, then the police must be aware of this and issue citations as necessary.
If we have gone through the obvious avenues to prove fault and there is still disagreement, then there may be other ways to establish a clear narrative before calculating your damages.
Negotiating a Settlement Agreement
Once we have determined the value of all of your damages, we will use this information to negotiate with the insurance company to reach a reasonable agreement. Our goal is (typically, not always) to reach an out-of-court settlement agreement.
That is to avoid a costly and time-consuming trial, but there are certain instances where pushing for a trial makes the most sense. Regardless, the primary goal of our work together is to get you the money you deserve so that you are not left trying to sort out the financial impacts of this accident on your own.
Damages You Can Get After a Rear-End Collision
A rear-end car accident can cause physical injuries to victims and property damage. But it can also cause depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That’s why there are different types of damages your attorney can help you get after a car accident in Jacksonville.
The most common damages are economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent every financial loss the victims had and every damage that came with a ticket or bill, such as medical care, rehabilitation therapy, or property damage.
Non-economic damages are meant to cover losses that are not easily quantifiable or don’t have a price tag. Those damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, or reduced earning capacity.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Florida
Victims of rear-end accidents in Jacksonville must pay attention to the Florida State Statute of limitations, which gives them up to four years from the accident date to present a claim for damages. That is an important aspect of a claim since these periods are final, and if you lose your date, you may lose your right to claim damages too.
Other factors can affect your time to file a claim. For instance, if the liable party of the rear-end collision was a government employee or was working for a government agency, your time can get reduced by half. So talking to your attorney is the best way to start a claim and never miss a date.
Functions of a Jacksonville Rear-End Collision Lawyer
People who file a claim without an attorney have fewer chances of compensation. But their final settlement or jury verdict is also smaller than those with a car accident lawyer.
But a solid legal firm can offer more benefits than legal services to the victims. Since many victims suffer temporary or permanent impairments after an accident, having a lawyer is the only way to take care of legal documents, dates, and negotiations. Your attorney can also conduct a private investigation and find decisive evidence to support your claim.
Contact a Rear-End Collision Attorney in Jacksonville, FL
A rear-end collision can have devastating consequences for a victim and their family. But according to law, the party responsible for the accident should also be responsible for the victim’s damages. However, that can be difficult to achieve without an experienced attorney to guide them. Our rear-end collision attorneys want to hear about your case to determine if you have a valid legal claim. That’s why we offer an initial consultation at no cost for a victim. Contact our Jacksonville offices and let’s talk about your legal possibilities and find a way to rebuild your life.
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