Injuries sustained in rear-end car accidents in DeLand could be grounds for a legal claim against the at-fault driver or other negligent parties. If you were hurt in a rear-impact crash, discuss your options with an experienced car accident attorney from Colling Gilbert Wright.
We are the law firm other lawyers call when they need representation because of our professionalism and success with injury cases. We are well-known for our vigorous advocacy and personal attention to our clients.
Typical Injuries From Rear-End Collisions
In DeLand, rear-impact vehicle collisions often happen at very low speeds. In such cases, the vehicles may sustain little or no damage, but the people inside could be badly hurt. Crashes involving higher speeds or a rear vehicle that is much heavier than the vehicle in front can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Arm and Wrist Injuries
Depending on your position within the vehicle, a rear-ender can cause compression injuries and fractures in your hand, wrist, or arm.
Herniated or Compressed Discs
The jerking neck movement that can occur with a rear-ender can cause damage to the discs between the vertebrae or aggravate an existing issue. These can be lingering injuries that cause excruciating pain and restrict movement.
Whiplash
A forceful collision can cause a soft tissue injury called neck hyperextension, or whiplash. This can be a serious and debilitating injury.
Head and Facial Injuries
Depending on your position at the moment of impact and whether you are wearing your seatbelt, your head may collide with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. The impact can cause concussion, skull fractures, and disfiguring facial injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Rear impacts can cause a spinal cord injury, resulting in some loss of movement and sensation. A complete spinal cord injury, which means a total disruption of the nerves in the spinal cord, can cause permanent paralysis below the site of the injury.
Injuries to Children
Children in the back seat can suffer severe injuries in rear-end accidents. Pelvic fractures are possible for infants in car seats. Children’s heads can slam into the back of the front seat, causing injuries to the head and face.
Claiming Compensation After a Crash
Florida’s no-fault system requires you to exhaust your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage before you bring a claim against the responsible party. If you were a passenger in a vehicle and nobody in your household has PIP, the driver’s PIP covers you.
If your losses exceed your PIP limits or you have a serious injury, you can assert a claim against the parties responsible for the crash. Our attorneys in DeLand could review the circumstances of your back-end traffic accident and your medical records to determine whether you have a case outside of the no-fault system. If you file a claim, you must be able to prove that the other party’s negligence contributed to the crash.
How Do You Prove Liability in a Rear-End Accident Case?
Conventional wisdom says that the driver of the vehicle behind you was responsible for your rear-ender in DeLand. If the collision happened because the rear driver was following you too closely or was distracted, they will likely be liable for the crash.
However, you could be at least partially responsible if you stopped suddenly without reason or if your brake lights were not working. In a multi-car pileup, the vehicle that pushed another forward could be the cause of a crash. Sometimes a manufacturer is responsible if a brake or accelerator failure caused the crash.
Our attorneys could investigate to determine how your accident happened and who is responsible. If you have partial responsibility, Florida Statutes § 768.81 allows you to seek compensation from others as long as you were not the primary cause of the crash. If you were partially to blame, the courts may reduce the amount of damages you can collect.
Work With a DeLand Attorney To Seek Compensation After a Rear-End Car Crash
Our attorneys have a reputation for successfully advocating for victims of rear-end car accidents in DeLand. If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries in a rear-impact crash, you could explore your legal options at no risk and with no obligation.
At The Florida Firm, your initial consultation is free, and we accept nothing from you until we have achieved a verdict or settlement in your favor. Our firm has a long history of securing generous compensation for our clients, so get started today.