Do You Need a Rear-End Accident Lawyer?

12 Jan Do You Need a Rear-End Accident Lawyer?

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common car accidents in Florida. They may not look like a big deal at first glance — it’s just a fender bender, right? But the truth is that even low-speed rear-end accidents can result in serious injuries, chronic pain, and costly vehicle damage. If you’ve been in a rear-end crash recently, you may find yourself wondering: Do I need a rear-end accident lawyer? The short answer? Yes, and here’s why.

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Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Rear-end collisions may result in injuries that are not immediately apparent.
Getting compensated for injuries can be complicated in the Florida no-fault insurance system.
You may be eligible for coverage above and beyond insurance.
A lawyer for rear-end collisions can assist in preventing lowball settlements.
The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Florida is two years.
In many cases, having an attorney means more to the value of your claim.

What Happens in a Rear-End Collision?

Generally, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is at fault. That’s because the duty to maintain a safe following distance is required of all drivers by law. Determining liability, however, isn’t always so clear-cut, especially if there are multiple vehicles involved or the driver in front slammed on the brakes without warning.

Like any rear-end crash, one can happen sitting still at a signal light or when traveling or out on the open highway. Yet while many of these accidents occur at low velocities, their injuries can run the gamut from mere whiplash or unseen concussions all the way to back and spinal damage. What’s worse? A lot of these symptoms don’t manifest immediately.

Common Injuries After a Rear-End Accident

Some who flee an accident think they’re fine, but wake up a few days later in pain. Rear-end collisions can cause:

Neck and back injuries (like whiplash)
Head trauma or concussions
Soft tissue injuries
Herniated discs
Chronic pain conditions
Emotional distress or PTSD

That’s why you need to get seen by a doctor as soon as possible after an accident, even if you feel all right. Your health is the most important, and proving the facts on your medical records will help your attorney to build a better case for you should you desire compensation.

Florida's No-Fault Insurance System: What You Should Know

The no-fault insurance system in Florida is adhered to. That’s what happens after a car accident; your own insurance (through Personal Injury Protection, or PIP) covers medical expenses and lost wages — up to a limit — regardless of who was at fault. But things get hazy from here.

PIP benefits are limited to $10,000 in Florida. It does not take into consideration pain and suffering. So, if you are seriously injured, that first amount of money can go fast. To recover additional money for medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering, you must file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused the accident. This is where hiring a rear-end accident lawyer is crucial.

Why You Should Call a Rear-End Accident Lawyer

You may be thinking, “Can’t I just work with the insurance company myself?” Though you can process a claim on your own and without legal representation, it’s a bad idea in most cases – especially when there are injuries. Insurance companies have only one obligation– to protect their own interests, not yours.

Minimize the severity of your injuries
Question whether the accident caused your pain
Offer quick settlements that don’t cover long-term costs

A seasoned Florida car crash lawyer, such as Attorney Kevin Sulliva, can address these and many other insurer strategies. He knows how to communicate with insurance companies, marshal evidence, collaborate with medical professionals, and, if it comes down to it, present your case in court.

Proving Fault Isn’t Always Easy

You’d think that because you were rear-ended, it’s a cut-and-dry case. The problem is that it’s not always quite so straightforward. The other driver’s insurance might argue that:

You stopped suddenly without cause
A third vehicle caused the accident
You were partly to blame

An attorney will conduct an investigation of the accident, obtain any available traffic camera footage, obtain official police reported explanations for the collision, interview witnesses who saw what happened, and bring in accident reconstructionists if necessary to establish evidence.

Final Thoughts

If you were rear-ended in Florida, don’t automatically dismiss it as one of those small fender benders. From the continuing discomfort to increased medical bills and lost wages, a rear-end accident can become unbearable in no time. Hiring a rear-end accident lawyer can mean the difference between suffering and making a full recovery—both physically and financially.

Attorney Kevin Sullivan, has personally handled over 1000 car accident cases, with many involving major rear-end collisions. He’s familiar with the local courts, the insurance companies, and most importantly – the law. If you’re wondering, “Do I need a rear-end car accident lawyer? — It might be time to make the call.

Need a little legal guidance after being rear-ended? Contact Attorney Kevin Sullivan at (813) 598-4868 to arrange a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is at fault in a rear-end accident in Florida?
Usually, the back driver is at fault, but not always. They need to investigate who is at fault.

How long do I have to file a claim after a rear-end accident in Florida?
You have 2 years to file a personal injury claim in Florida after the accident.

Will my insurance cover my injuries after a rear-end crash?
Your PIP policy will pay for your medical bills (up to $10,000), but if you have significant injuries, then the driver who caused the crash can be held responsible for paying more.

Should I see a doctor if I feel fine after being rear-ended?
Yes. Whiplash or concussions, for instance, may not immediately produce symptoms. Get to a doctor as soon as you can, for your health and so that your case is documented at the outset.

How much does it cost to hire a rear-end accident lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers, including Attorney Kevin Sullivan, should not charge clients unless they win.