Rear-end crashes are among the most common types of car accidents in New Port Richey, Florida, often resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities. With increasing distractions at our disposal, like smart devices and in-car technology, rear-end accidents are becoming increasingly prevalent.
If you’ve been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s important to speak with a lawyer to determine what compensation you’re entitled to. Contact Winters and Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers at (727) 910-5060 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced New Port Richey rear-end crash attorney.
How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in New Port Richey
When you have been the victim of a rear-end crash in New Port Richey, FL, it can be traumatic and overwhelming. With an experienced lawyer by your side, getting the compensation you deserve is possible. Here’s how Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help:
- We will thoroughly assess the details of your case to determine the extent of the damages, which party is at fault, and the potential for compensation.
- We will ensure that we file all claims within the allotted time frame so you don’t miss out on the chance to recover much-needed compensation.
- Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize or deny victims’ rightful compensation. Armed with 119 years of combined experience, we will handle all conversations and negotiations with insurance companies and any other responsible parties.
- While most rear-end crash cases are settled out of court, sometimes you must go to trial to secure the compensation you need and deserve. We will prepare your case for trial and use our courtroom experience to effectively present your argument to a judge or jury.
- Aside from handling the legal aspects of your case, our compassionate lawyers will be there to offer emotional support and guidance throughout the recovery process.
Call our law office today to set up a free consultation with one of our New Port Richey car accident lawyers.
How Common Are Rear-End Crashes in Pasco County?
Pasco County, where New Port Richey is located, has a significant number of car crashes each year. The latest available statistics are as follows:
- 2023 (as of late May): 2,850 crashes, 34 fatalities, and 2,744 injuries
- 2022: 7,727 crashes, 106 fatalities, and 7,498 injuries
- 2021: 8,155 crashes, 105 fatalities, and 7,595 injuries
These data represent car, pedestrian, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents.
Overview of Rear-End Crashes
A rear-end crash occurs when the front of a vehicle collides with the back of another vehicle when both are traveling in the same direction or when one vehicle is stopped and is hit from behind. There can be minor fender-benders or severe, high-speed accidents. Regardless of the speed or severity, these crashes can have painful physical and emotional repercussions for those involved.
What Causes Rear-End Crashes?
There are several common reasons behind rear-end crashes. The following are some of the major culprits, and the accidents are often a combination of factors:
- Tailgating: Drivers who follow other vehicles too closely are at high risk of causing a rear-end crash. A sudden stop, unexpected turn, or unseen obstacle can lead to a collision without enough time for the tailgater to react.
- Distracted driving: In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere, and anything can take a driver’s attention away from the road, such as cell phones or even daydreaming. A few seconds of inattention can lead to disastrous outcomes.
- Speeding: Faster speeds reduce the available reaction time, making it harder to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front suddenly slows down or stops.
- Weather conditions: Slippery roads, poor visibility, or high winds can impact a driver’s ability to control their vehicle and contribute to rear-end crashes.
- Mechanical failure: Brakes, tires, or other vehicle components can unexpectedly fail, leading to a driver’s inability to stop in time.
Rear-end car accidents can occur in other contexts as well.
Most Common Injuries Resulting From Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end crashes can lead to an assortment of injuries. Here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Chest injuries
Our New Port Richey rear-end crash lawyers can help you obtain compensation for any of the above types of injuries as well as those that aren’t listed.
Liability in Rear-End Crashes
When it comes to rear-end crashes, one would usually assume the fault lies squarely on the driver who runs into the vehicle ahead of them. While this is often true, it isn’t always the case. The following are examples of who could be liable for a rear-end accident:
- Driver negligence: A driver texting on their phone rams into the car in front. This one’s straightforward — the texting driver is at fault.
- Chain reaction: A driver slams on their brakes suddenly, causing a multi-car pile-up. Here, the driver who initiated the chain reaction could bear responsibility for all subsequent mishaps. However, if other drivers crashed because they were speeding or didn’t leave enough room in front of them, they could be partially liable as well.
- Malfunctioning traffic signals: A traffic light malfunctions, causing confusion and eventually an accident. In this case, the city or municipality overseeing the maintenance of traffic lights may be held accountable.
- Vehicle malfunction: If faulty vehicle manufacturing or parts lead to a rear-end crash, the vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier could also face liability.
Liability isn’t always clear after a rear-end car accident. Sometimes, it can take the help of experts, such as accident reconstructionists, to establish who is at fault.
Implications of Florida’s No-Fault Car Insurance System
Florida employs a no-fault car accident insurance system. This means that instead of seeking compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer, accident victims in Florida will first rely on their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage for medical expenses and lost income.
However, there are instances where someone injured in a rear-end accident can recover money from the at-fault party or their insurance company if the injuries sustained or damages incurred are severe enough. Florida law outlines the following qualifying criteria for the claim:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
Our legal team can help you explore your legal options during your free consultation. Call today to learn more.
The Victim Could Be Partially at Fault – Comparative Negligence
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard regarding the issue of contributory fault. Under this system, you cannot recover damages in a claim against the at-fault driver (claims against your PIP policy do not regard fault) if you were mostly to blame. However, so long as you were 50% or less responsible, you can still recover compensation.
A qualified New Port Richey car accident attorney can preserve your legal rights and work to ensure you aren’t assessed more blame than is fair.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our New Port Richey Rear-End Crashes Lawyers
Rear-end crashes are one of the most common types of accidents that occur on our roads. Not only can these accidents cause physical pain and discomfort, but they can be a legal headache too. For help after an accident in New Port Richey, Florida, contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
