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Helping Victims of Rear-End Crashes Seek Compensation and Justice
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) estimates that 1.7 million rear-end collisions occur in the United States every year, killing about 1,700 people and injuring roughly one-half million people. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research concluded that 87 percent of rear-end collisions occurred because the driver was not paying attention. These figures show how truly preventable this type of auto accident is and, contrary to the myth of a minor fender-bender, how devastatingly serious these accidents can be.
Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., represents the victims of rear-end collisions throughout Fort Myers and across the state of Florida. Our Fort Myers rear-end accident lawyer, Randall L. Spivey, fights to prove fault and to recover the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. Call us today at (888) 477-4839 to discuss your case and recovery options.
Proving Liability in a Rear-End Collision
In a rear-end collision, Florida law places a rebuttable presumption of fault on the rear driver. If you were hit from behind, you nonetheless should be prepared to present evidence of the other driver’s fault. Conversely, if you ran into somebody else, you may have valid defenses available to you to successfully overcome the presumption.
In a court of law, what may seem obvious to you must still be backed by persuasive evidence. Therefore, our attorneys meticulously investigate your claim to develop a solid argument that proves the other motorist’s fault. Our high level of diligence gives us an edge when negotiating an equitable insurance settlement or, if in your best interests, taking your claim to trial.
Why Rear-End Crashes Occur
Rear-end collisions are usually caused by inattention or error on the part of the rear driver. Primary causes of a rear-end collision include:
- Driving too closely. By riding too close to the car in front, the rear driver does not have time to brake in response to a hazard ahead.
- Speeding amid unfavorable weather conditions. Rain can cause slick roads that require additional braking time to avoid sliding out of control. Speeding in and of itself creates hazardous situations for all drivers on the road, but adding the element of unfavorable weather renders speeding even more dangerous.
- Traffic congestion. The at-fault motorist may not anticipate slowed vehicles ahead or may not adequately adjust to stop-and-go traffic.
- Distracted driving. A driver takes eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds to read or type a text message – enough time to slam into the car in front, making distracted driving a primary factor in many rear-end collisions.
- Drunk driving. Alcohol impairs vision, perception, judgment and response time, increasing the chances that a motorist will run into another vehicle at a red light or stop sign.
- Incorrect assumption about forward driver’s actions. The driver in back may intend to beat a red or yellow light, incorrectly believing that the motorist in front will do the same.
Contact a Fort Myers Rear-End Collision Lawyer at the Spivey Law Firm
Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., works diligently to obtain compensation for injuries you or a loved one sustained in a rear-end collision. To learn more about your rights and legal options, schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Collier County auto accident attorney at our firm. Your case is handled on contingency, so you do not pay attorneys’ fees until we recover damages. Contact us today.
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