Trial-Ready Gainesville Rear-End Collision Lawyer
It is common to think that a rear-end collision is just a minor traffic accident, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Rear-end collisions can result in severe injuries, including soft tissue injuries that can result in years of pain and immobility.
In many cases, the injuries resulting from a rear-end collision are so serious, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits are not enough to fully cover the cost of the injury and other losses. A Gainesville rear-end collision attorney can help accident victims claim both PIP benefits as well as damages from the negligent party that caused the crash.
The personal injury lawyers at Meldon Law can help you move forward with the compensation you need after a rear-end accident in Gainesville, Florida. Call us at (352) 373-8000 or reach out to us online to learn more about what we can do for you.
Can You Sue Someone for Rear Ending You in Florida?
Rear-end collisions are serious, and they can cause catastrophic injuries that result in medical bills, missed work, and other expenses. In Florida, the law allows victims of rear-end accidents to file a civil claim to recover their crash-related damages. You can sue someone for rear-ending you in Florida if they were caused or contributed to your accident and you are 50 percent or less at fault.
Many common causes of rear-end accidents involve negligence. This could include driver carelessness, such as not traveling at an appropriate speed for weather conditions, driving while under the influence, and texting and driving.
When you file a claim for compensation after a rear-end accident, a Gainesville car accident lawyer can identify any negligent parties and build a claim to prove their liability.
How Much Your Gainesville Rear-End Collision Claim May Be Worth
The potential value of a car accident claim after a rear-end collision in Gainesville will depend on many factors, which are unique to each case. No “average” settlement exists, but here are examples of some of the results we’ve secured for our clients who were injured in rear-end collisions in Florida:
- $250,000 settlement in mediation after we initiated litigation on behalf of our client, who was injured when they were rear-ended while making a legal U-turn on a highway.
- $157,500 settlement for a traveling school teacher who sustained spinal injuries when she was rear-ended on the job.
- $150,000 settlement in mediation after we initiated litigation on behalf of our client, who was injured in a vehicle that was rear-ended by a drunk driver.
- $135,000 settlement for a passenger who sustained cervical injuries that required surgery after being rear-ended by a semi-truck.
In general, the more severe the injuries and higher the medical expenses, lost wages, and proven future disability costs, the higher the potential value of your rear-end claim. You can reach out to the team at Meldon Law by calling (352) 373-8000 or contacting us online to schedule a consultation to learn more about your case’s value.
How Much Does an Attorney Charge to Handle a Car Accident Case in Gainesville, Florida?
Our car accident attorneys in Florida work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we are able to recover financial compensation for you. If we can’t negotiate a settlement or win in court on your behalf, you owe us no attorney’s fees.
If we obtain a settlement or award, our team ultimately takes a percentage of the total payout plus expenses as our fee. We make sure you understand our fee expectations from the start and answer any questions you may have.
How Negligence Causes Rear-End Accidents in Gainesville
Many acts of negligence can cause a rear-end collision, and it is true that in most cases, the driver that struck the vehicle in front of them is at fault. Some common acts of negligence that result in rear-end collisions are as follows:
- Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers have slowed reaction times, which may result in them not being able to slow down or stop in time before hitting a driver in front of them.
- Speeding: Speeding can cause a rear-end collision because the driver traveling too quickly may not have enough time to stop before crashing into the driver in front of them.
- Tailgating: Quite possibly the most common cause of rear-end collisions is tailgating. Drivers that follow other vehicles too closely simply do not give themselves the distance necessary to stop in time.
- Distracted driving: When a driver is paying attention to text messages or other distractions, they may not notice that you slowed down or came to a stop in front of them.
It’s important to note that the following driver is not always solely responsible for a rear-end collision.
A Gainesville Rear-End Collision Attorney Can Prove the Leading Driver Was At Fault
The vast majority of rear-end collisions are the fault of the driver that struck another from behind. However, there are times when the leading driver is at fault for a rear-end collision, as well.
If the driver of the leading vehicle suddenly stopped, brake-checked you, or drove with non-functioning tail lights, that may be an act of negligence that can result in them being liable for damages. Still, this is a difficult argument to prove because all drivers are expected to leave sufficient distance in front of them to stop safely.
However, our team has experience fighting these cases and can build a robust argument for the other driver’s negligence and liability.
Evidence Our Lawyers May Use to Prove Liability in a Rear-End Collision in Gainesville
Here are some of the most common forms of evidence lawyers use to help prove liability and fault of the driver responsible in a rear-end motor vehicle collision:
- Photos of the scene. Photos of a position of each vehicle and the surrounding area can help establish how the accident happened.
- Data from vehicle computers and sensors. Event data recorders can establish pre-accident actions, such as speeding or failing to hit the brake.
- Witness statements from passengers and bystanders. These help corroborate your version of the circumstances.
- Medical reports demonstrating consistent injury patterns. This helps us prove you sustained injuries in the rear-end collision.
- Crash reconstructionist and physics expert analysis. They can use damage patterns and debris location to model speeds and conditions leading to the collision.
- Demonstration of distracted driving behaviors. We may do this through phone records, app usage tracking, or admission of other activities.
- Prior history of moving violations or at-fault accidents. This could suggest a pattern of negligent driving.
Remember that evidence can be damaged or disappear over time, especially witness accounts, which can be forgotten. In Florida, there is a two-year statute of limitations, which means you have two years from the date of a wreck to file a lawsuit in most cases. The sooner you contact a Gainesville rear-end collision attorney, the sooner we can begin preserving your evidence.
How an Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Rear-End Collision in Gainesville, FL
Being injured in a rear-end accident and dealing with the aftermath is bad enough without having to take on the insurance company on your own. We can handle the complexities of the legal case so you can focus on your recovery.
Our goal is to make the process smoother for you while you heal. The Meldon Law team truly CARES about you and your case. We handle your case with Compassion and Accountability. We make sure we are Reliable and available to you when you need us. And we don’t just settle your case with the first offer we get; we are dedicated to Excellence and Success. We fight for every dollar you deserve.
To do this, we:
- Gather police reports
- Talk to witnesses
- Take photos
Our investigation allows us to build rock solid cases showing what went wrong and how your injuries have impacted your life. This forces insurance companies to pay the money you need to cover your medical bills, time off work, and compensation for your ongoing pain and suffering.
If insurers won’t pay fairly, we may have to go to court. We’re ready to fight hard for you in front of a judge! We fight to get victims of injuries that were caused by negligence the maximum money possible after rear-end accidents so you can get treatment and feel whole again.
Get a Free Consultation With Gainesville Rear-End Collisions Attorneys
Don’t settle for less than the full value of your damages after a rear-end accident in Florida. A Gainesville rear-end collision lawyer from Meldon Law can review the facts of your case, determine fault, and build a strong argument for your compensation.
Call us today at (352) 373-8000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Let us take the burden off of you as we fight for your rights.
