According to the Insurance Information Institute, 2,456 fatal collisions in 2017 were rear-end accidents. These accidents accounted for 7.2% of all of the fatal crashes that year.
Rear-end collisions are extremely common and occur when one vehicle hits another from behind. The car in the back may be moving at a faster speed than the one in the front, or the car in the front may be at a complete stop. Whatever the circumstances, this type of collision can result in both injuries and property damage, not to mention the financial losses and frustration that accompanies any car accident.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries because of a rear-end collision in Tampa, you have the right to hold that person responsible for your losses. The Tampa rear-end collision lawyers at Distasio Law Firm is here to help. We can pursue compensation to relieve the financial burden you may be experiencing as a result of the accident.
Our team has worked on many cases like these before, and we are proud of the results we achieved in those cases. For a free review of your case or to have us get to work right away, contact Distasio Law Firm today at (813) 259-0022.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collisions lawyer serving Tampa, call (813) 259-0022
Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions
There are a number of injuries that can occur as a result of a rear-end collision, including:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury caused by rear-end collisions. This type of injury occurs when the neck snaps back and forth rapidly, straining the neck. People who sustain this type of injury may experience pain or stiffness in the neck, reduced range of motion or even dizziness, among other symptoms. While most whiplash victims heal within a few weeks after treatment, some people experience long-lasting complications, especially if they are older or have had whiplash before.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), an injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head, are a major cause of death and disability in the U.S. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are the second-leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations. Symptoms that victims experience can range from the mild, such as concussions or a headache or momentary loss of consciousness, to the more severe, wherein the victims may experience changes in personality and impairments in memory or movement.
Back Injuries
Car accidents can cause herniated or ruptured discs or vertebral fractures. Some patients may be able to recover with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. Those who sustain more serious back injuries in a rear-end collision may need surgery, physical therapy, and prescription pain relievers, in addition to taking a long time to heal.
These are just a few of the possible injuries you may have sustained as a result of a rear-end collision in Tampa. However you may have been injured, you have the right to hold the negligent party responsible for your losses. For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact Distasio Law Firm today at (813) 259-0022.
Tampa Rear-End Collisions Lawyer Near Me (813) 259-0022
How Comparative Negligence May Impact Your Case
Florida Statute 768.81 follows the legal doctrine of comparative negligence for tort. This law disperses funds after an accident based on the degree of negligence of each party involved. For accident victims, this means that any compensation the court awards you could be reduced by the degree you are liable for causing the accident. In other words, if you are 20% responsible for the accident, the compensation you are awarded will be reduced by 20%.
Because Florida follows a pure comparative fault system, you may still recover compensation for your injuries even in cases where you are 51% responsible for causing them.
However, comparative negligence is also a tactic that the defense uses to try to reduce the defendant’s degree of liability. They may claim that the plaintiff is more responsible for the accident than they really are. A Tampa rear-end collision lawyer can help protect you against tactics like these.
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Recoverable Damages After a Rear-End Collision
Every car accident is different, which is why our Tampa rear-end collision lawyers cannot estimate your damages without first reviewing the details of your case. That said, victims in cases like these recover a wide variety of damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Future wages
- Property damage
Wrongful Death
In some cases, the victim may not recover from their injuries. When this occurs, the family may be entitled to damages, such as:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical costs left to the family to pay
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of protection and support
- Loss of consortium
- Benefits and wages previously provided by the deceased
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How a Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Tampa Can Help
We are here to help ease your burden, pursuing compensation for your losses while you focus on recovering from your injuries. We can:
- Gather evidence: we can gather evidence like police reports, eyewitness statements, traffic camera footage, or any other evidence to help us determine what happened in the moments leading up to the accident
- Calculate the value of your case: we can collect bills and receipts, evaluate your medical records, calculate the time you spent away from work, and review statements from your physicians about the impact the accident will have on your life in order to determine the total value of your case, including the cost of your pain and suffering
- Negotiate on your behalf: we will negotiate with the insurance company or the defendant’s lawyer to pursue a fair settlement in your case
- Take your case to trial: if we cannot reach a fair settlement based on the total value of your case, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial to pursue compensation for your injuries
It is important to note that memories fade over time and that the sooner we get to work on your case, the easier it is to gather evidence. The time to act is now. Contact Distasio Law Firm today at (813) 259-0022.
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