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 today 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:
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 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.
"Some of the staff have been there for many years and they always make me feel welcomed when I contact them. They have been so much help over the years. Meldon Law’s knowledge and experience always gets the job done right and my results haven amazing."
Catherine P.
December 2024
"It has been a real pleasure to deal with Jeffery and Stacy. Jeffery is all about his clients. What is best for the clients well being. He is a great attorney. If you need an accident attorney or a referral this is the man to be talking with. He will now be my attorney for life. Jeffery and Stacy, thank you ever so much."
Hazel J.
March 2025
"Jeffrey and his team were great throughout the whole process of my settlement for an auto accident! They handled everything which made it much easier on me! They were able to navigate the ins and outs of the insurance companies and helped me receive my settlement in a timely manner! Great customer service all around. Would definitely recommend them! They made it much easier to move on from my auto accident! Thanks again!"
Justin W.
April 2024
"My first experience with meldon was amazing. The whole staff willing to talk and listen. They were very helpful and guided me threw the whole process. If you went anywhere else I’m sorry for you !!!!!"
Jabari A.
June 2024
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 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Let us take the burden off of you as we fight for your rights.
Gainesville Rear-End Collision FAQs
What should I do immediately after being rear-ended in Gainesville if the other driver refuses to admit fault?
Stay calm and call law enforcement so there is an official accident report. Even if the other driver denies responsibility, the report, photos of the vehicles, and any witness statements will help document what happened. A Gainesville rear-end collision lawyer at Meldon Law can use this evidence to build a strong case, even when the at-fault driver disputes liability.
How does Florida’s no-fault insurance law affect rear-end collision claims in Gainesville?
Florida requires drivers to carry PIP insurance, which pays for part of your medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. However, when injuries are serious and exceed your PIP limits, you can pursue a claim against the negligent driver. A Gainesville rear-end collision attorney from our firm can determine if your case has grounds for additional compensation.
Can rear-end collisions in Gainesville cause delayed or hidden injuries?
Yes. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away. Some victims feel fine at the scene but experience stiffness, headaches, or pain days later. This is why seeking prompt medical care is important, even if you feel okay initially. Our Gainesville rear-end collision lawyers can help link these delayed symptoms to your crash for insurance and legal purposes.
Can I still file a claim if the rear-end accident in Gainesville happened while I was stopped at a red light?
Yes. Being rear-ended while legally stopped is a common scenario, and you are entitled to pursue damages if you were injured. Even though liability may seem obvious, insurance companies often challenge claims or minimize payouts. A Gainesville rear-end collision attorney can ensure your rights are protected.
Meldon Law
Address: 703 N Main St STE A, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Phone: 352-373-8000
Opening Hours: Call Us 24/7 For Legal Help
