Tampa Rear-End Collision Lawyer

In a traffic-congested city like Tampa, rear-end auto accidents almost seem routine. You have probably seen–or been involved in–this type of accident before. Basically, when one car slams into the back of the vehicle in front of it, that is a rear-end collision.

Although rear-end accidents are often dismissed as simple “fender benders,” in reality the victims often sustain serious injuries. Rear-end accidents can lead to neck and back damage, a traumatic injury, and even broken bones depending on the force of the impact. If you have sustained any such injuries yourself, an experienced Tampa rear-end collision lawyer can advise you of your rights when it comes to seeking compensation under Florida law.

Florin Gray is a team of dedicated auto accident attorneys serving clients throughout Hillsborough County. We can assist you in dealing with insurance companies and, if your case qualifies, suing a negligent driver for damages.

Does Fault Matter in a Rear-End Accident?

It is often said that rear-end accidents are always the fault of the trailing driver. That is not exactly true. In most cases, the rear driver is at-fault. But there are exceptions. And in many cases, establishing fault is not even important, at least not in Florida.

The reason for this is the state’s no-fault auto insurance system. When you purchase insurance for your own vehicle, your coverage includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. These benefits cover most of your medical bills and a percentage of your lost wages following a rear-end collision regardless of who caused the accident.

If you sustain a “serious injury” as defined by Florida law, however, you can step outside of the no-fault system and sue the other driver in state court. A personal injury lawsuit can recover far more in damages than are typically available through PIP insurance. These damages include the full amount of your medical bills and lost income, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which are not covered at all by PIP.

And in terms of establishing liability for a personal injury claim, it is true that in most rear-end collisions the trailing driver is at-fault. This can be due to a number of factors, such as excessive speeding, distracted driving, or simply not keeping enough distance between their car and the vehicle in front of them. But again, there are scenarios where the front driver or even a third party–such as a pedestrian–may be responsible for setting in motion a chain of events that lead to a rear-end collision.

Hit Today, Contact Florin Gray

It is always a good practice to seek medical attention after any rear-end collision, even if you “feel fine” and are able to walk away from the accident scene. You should also never hesitate to speak with a skilled Tampa rear-end collision lawyer who can review your case and assist you in either obtaining no-fault PIP benefits or preparing a potential personal injury lawsuit against a negligent driver or third party. Contact Florin Gray today to schedule a free consultation.