If you’re involved in a rear-end crash in St. Petersburg, Florida, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver.
Rear-end crashes are some of the most common types of car accidents. They can result in serious injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that can lead to significant expenses for victims.
If you need help, call Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers at (727) 314-5988 to speak with one of our car accident lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL. Our personal injury law firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case.
How Our St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Rear-End Crash
A St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer can provide valuable assistance when dealing with the aftermath of a collision.
After a rear-end accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, we will:
- Review all documents related to the incident, such as accident reports, police reports, insurance policies, and medical bills.
- Interview witnesses who were present at the time of the accident.
- Gather evidence, such as photos or video footage from cameras mounted on nearby buildings or vehicles.
- Construct a comprehensive timeline detailing events leading up to/following the crash.
- Consult experts for further evaluation if necessary.
Contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with an experienced St. Petersburg rear-end crash attorney.
How Common Are Car Accidents in St. Petersburg, FL?
Unfortunately, St. Petersburg sees its fair share of car accidents:
In 2022, Pinellas County, where St. Petersburg is located, saw almost 16,000 car accidents. They caused 123 fatalities and nearly 10,000 injuries.
In 2023, there have been 4,509 car accidents as of 5/5/23. They resulted in 34 fatalities and almost 3,000 injuries.
Overview of Rear-End Crashes: What They Are and What Causes Them
Rear-end crashes are some of the most common types of car accidents. They occur when a vehicle strikes another car in the rear, typically because they were following too closely or not paying attention to traffic. These crashes can cause severe injuries and result in substantial financial losses for those involved.
The primary factor is usually driver error. Negligent driving behaviors like speeding, texting, or simply failing to pay attention to other vehicles on the road all increase risk factors that lead to this kind of auto accident.
Mechanical problems with either vehicle can also be a contributing factor in some cases. Poor visibility due to bad weather conditions can further exacerbate an already dangerous situation and make it more likely for a rear-end accident to occur.
Common Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents often result in serious injuries for both drivers and passengers due to the force created by two vehicles suddenly coming into contact with each other. The most common type of injury sustained is whiplash – which occurs when your head jolts forwards and then backward rapidly, causing damage to your neck muscles and ligaments.
Other common injuries include broken bones, concussions, or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Soft tissue damage, such as bruising or cuts, is also possible after any kind of collision.
Who Could Be Liable for a Rear-End Crash in St. Petersburg, FL?
If you have been involved in a rear-end car crash, it is important to know who could be liable for your injuries and damages resulting from the accident. The most common parties that could be responsible include the following:
Another Driver: Generally speaking, another driver is mostly at fault for rear-end crashes – usually the one following from behind.
The Manufacturer: If the vehicle or part of it is defective (for example, faulty brakes), the manufacturer can potentially be held accountable for damages.
Government/Municipality Responsible For Street Maintenance: Responsibility could lie with a government entity if poorly maintained roads were a factor contributing to the crash – for example, potholes, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning stop lights.
The Victim: There is also a possibility that at least part of the blame is with you. For example, if you were rear-ended after stopping suddenly or changing lanes without using a blinker, it could be at least partially your fault.
In Florida, victims have recourse when they are partially at fault in causing a rear-end crash, depending on their percentage of fault.
Modified comparative negligence applies to car accidents. A victim cannot recover compensation if they are more than 50% responsible. If they are 50% or less to blame, the victim can recover compensation reduced by their percentage of fault.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our St. Petersburg Rear-End Crash Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been injured due to a rear-end crash, be sure to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney who can help prove fault and maximize your compensation for any damages suffered.
We’re here for you. Contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced St. Petersburg car accident attorneys.
