Ocala Rear-End Collision Lawyer
Rear-end collisions are all too common in Ocala and throughout Florida. In slow traffic, a rear-end crash may be a minor fender-bender. When this type of accident happens on a highway at high speeds, the results can be catastrophic and even deadly.
An Ocala rear-end attorney can take the pressure off of you so you can focus on healing. Let our car accident lawyers hold the at-fault party accountable so you can get the compensation you need. Call (352) 373-8000 or fill out our contact form to get started.
What Is the Average Payout for a Rear-End Collision in Florida?
There is no single average payout for a rear-end collision. Each case’s outcome will depend on the specific details of the wreck and the injuries. However, in general, the more severe the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life, the higher the settlement or court award will be.
A Florida accident lawyer will fully account for your current and future crash-related costs. If another party caused or contributed to your accident, they should pay your bills.
The damages you can recover might include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket accident-related expenses
- Pain and suffering
Documenting total costs, injuries, lost lifestyle enjoyment, and needed lifetime care is what determines fair rear-end claim values. Don’t leave compensation on the table for what the other driver did. Get legal help pursuing true specific case value.
How Much Does an Attorney Charge for Car Accidents In Ocala, Florida?
Our attorneys handle car accident injury cases in Florida on a “contingency fee” basis rather than charging any upfront fees directly to the client. This arrangement means we only collect a percentage of any settlement or court award. If no money is recovered, you owe us nothing for attorney fees.
A contingency structure avoids any prohibitive hourly charges or retainers that could prevent people from pursuing injury claims after car wrecks. We will make sure you understand all of the fee terms within the contingency contract.
Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident in Florida?
Yes, it is usually advisable to hire a lawyer after a significant car accident in Florida. An Ocala car accident attorney can help substantially in a variety of ways, including:
- Documenting injuries and losses – An attorney ensures all medical issues and financial losses tied to a crash are properly recorded for claims. Our team can also get your medical records if necessary.
- Investigating fault – We work to gather police reports, footage, and witness statements to build a case proving the other driver’s negligence caused your rear-end collision.
- Filing insurance claims – Our attorneys efficiently handle the often complex vehicle, medical, and liability insurance systems.
- Negotiating settlements – We leverage findings to advocate and secure a fair settlement.
- Taking legal action – If it is the best route for your case, our car accident attorneys can file a lawsuit.
It’s a good idea to talk to us before you talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Our Ocala rear-end accident lawyers will help you avoid costly mistakes that could lower your compensation.
What Causes Rear-End Accidents?
Rear-end accidents typically happen because a driver cannot slow down in time to avoid crashing into the vehicle in front of them. Here are some factors that often cause rear-end accidents:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving, such as cell phone use
- Not obeying traffic laws
An Ocala personal injury lawyer will conduct an investigation to identify the cause of your accident.
Proving Fault in a Rear-End Accident
Who is at fault if you get rear-ended? In rear-end accidents, the driver in the rear is typically the one at fault. That’s because drivers should give themselves enough space to be able to stop in time to avoid an accident. If they fail to do so, it is likely because they were not following traffic laws. They were likely tailgating or following too closely.
This is true even if a driver in front brakes suddenly. There is no specific safe distance that a driver must abide by; however, driving schools often recommend a following distance of two to four seconds in good weather. Drivers must adjust their following distance based on factors such as:
- Weather conditions
- Nighttime driving
- Stop-and-go traffic
- Loose gravel
However, the following driver is not always solely responsible.
When the Driver in Front Is At-Fault
While the rear driver is most often at fault in rear-end accidents, the driver in front can also be at fault in certain situations through negligent or reckless driving, such as:
- Reversing into a car
- Pulling out in front of another car
- Road rage
- Intentionally trying to get hit
- “Brake checking”
- Driving with broken brake lights
- Drunk driving
Proving fault is important because, in states like Florida that follow the rule of modified comparative negligence, your compensation will be reduced by any percentage of fault that is allocated to you.
The sooner your lawyer establishes fault in your claim, the sooner we can negotiate a settlement for you. Call us at (352) 373-8000 to learn more about how Florida’s fault laws may affect your case.
Will I Have to Go to Court to Settle a Rear-End Accident Claim?
Most rear-end accident injury claims settle out of court through negotiations between victims’ attorneys and the insurance carriers that represent the at-fault drivers. However, if there is a dispute about liability or we can’t come to an agreement about your compensation, we may need to take your rear-end accident case to court.
Insurance companies are often motivated to settle because they don’t want to risk unpredictable jury verdicts that could cost them more in the long run. It is because of this that showing a willingness to go to trial can favorably impact your settlement amount.
An Ocala personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process of settlement negotiations and go to bat for you with the insurance companies. Let us leverage your legal options to get a fair resolution to your case.
Rear-End Crash Injuries You Can Get Compensation For
A rear-end accident can cause a variety of injuries, including serious injuries that can require a lifetime of costly medical treatments. When these injuries are caused by another driver’s negligence, in Florida, they are responsible for covering these costs. Some of the injuries you may get compensation for include:
- Whiplash. Getting hit from behind can cause the head and neck to move forward quickly, causing pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. There may also be a decreased range of motion.
- Head and face injuries. An accident victim can suffer head and face injuries if an airbag deploys or if they hit their face on the steering wheel, dashboard, or side windows.
- Knee and ankle injuries. The impact of a rear-end crash can cause a person to hit their knees and ankles on various parts of the car.
- Traumatic brain injuries. An accident victim can suffer a traumatic brain injury if they hit their head or if their brain bounces within the skull upon impact.
- Herniated discs. Rear-end accidents can cause compression of the spine and disc herniation.
- Spinal cord injuries. The impact of a rear-end collision could cause a spinal fracture or sever the spinal cord.
- Broken bones. Rear-end accidents can result in fractures in the arm, hand, or leg.
- Organ damage. Internal organs like the liver or kidneys can be lacerated or bruised by the seat belt as a result of the impact.
- PTSD. A collision can result in mental trauma that causes flashbacks, anxiety, and nightmares.
Even low-speed rear impacts can result in delayed injuries, headaches, or memory problems that might not be immediately apparent. That’s why it’s so important to get medical treatment after a motor vehicle accident. It ties your injuries to the accident and creates a medical record that can be used to prove your claim.
Any type of injury you suffer as the result of an act of negligence can lead to compensation under state law.
Contact an Ocala Rear-End Collisions Attorney Today
While rear-end accidents happen often, the injuries can be severe – especially at high speeds. They can cause catastrophic injuries or even death. Holding the responsible party accountable can force careless drivers to use better judgment in the future, leading to safer roads for everyone.
The personal injury attorneys at Meldon Law can successfully handle your rear-end crash claim. Make sure you get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation with an Ocala rear-end collision attorney, call (352) 373-8000. Remember, we handle these cases with no upfront fees. There is no financial risk when you work with our team.
