Read-End Accident Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Rear-ended and injured in Palm Beach County? Get an attorney who gets results
Rear-end accidents in Palm Beach County are unfortunately all too common, often resulting in significant injuries and complicated insurance claims. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, Mr. Shomo is an experienced rear-end accident lawyer who understands the challenges you’re facing—and he is here to help.
“Casey & Joanne were a great help throughout my first car accident. They jumped into action right away, and I’m very fortunate to have them by my side. Thank you again! Definitely recommend!” – Cory M.
Mr. Shomo can assist you in navigating the complexities of your rear-end accident case. Whether you need help dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, or negotiating a fair settlement, Mr. Shomo will protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Don’t face the aftermath of a rear-end accident alone. Contact The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our law firm can help you seek justice and financial recovery.
What is a rear-end accident?
A rear-end crash is a type of car accident that happens when one vehicle collides with the backside of another. This collision might lack the forceful impact of a head-on crash but can still cause severe injury. With the potential for serious injuries, these accidents often occur in scenarios such as bumper-to-bumper traffic, unexpected stops at red lights, or when a trailing driver fails to maintain a safe following distance.
Why do rear-end accidents happen?
When drivers aren’t paying attention to the road or get behind the wheel and choose to drive negligently, they put every other road user at risk. Some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents include:
- Texting and driving: When a driver makes the decision to text and drive, their attention is diverted from the road. This distraction can lead to delayed reaction times and an inability to notice changes in traffic flow. The driver may not see a vehicle slowing down or stopping in front of them, causing them to collide with the back of another vehicle.
- Drowsy driving: Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to focus and react quickly. A drowsy driver may have difficulty staying alert, maintaining a consistent speed, or recognizing when the vehicle in front is slowing down. These factors contribute to the risk of rear-end accidents as the tired driver may not brake in time to avoid a collision.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit makes a vehicle more difficult to control. When traveling at high speeds, a driver may struggle to stop quickly enough if the vehicle in front slows down or comes to a stop. Even if they do react on time, at such high speeds the vehicle may not be able to stop in time, leading to rear-end accidents.
- Drunk driving: Alcohol impairs a driver’s coordination, reaction time, and judgment. Intoxicated drivers may struggle to maintain the distance between their vehicle and the one in front, leading to a higher likelihood of rear-end accidents.
Tailgating, the practice of closely following the vehicle in front, poses a significant risk for rear-end accidents. This behavior, often fueled by impatience or general recklessness, lessens the space there should be between vehicles. With less space there’s less time for reaction. Tailgating reduces a driver’s ability to respond quickly to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
Who is at fault for a rear-end accident?
Determining fault in a rear-end accident may seem straightforward in most cases, as the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is typically held responsible. This is rooted in the general expectation that drivers should maintain a safe following distance and be prepared to stop or slow down as needed.
However, there are instances where the front driver may share some responsibility or even be solely at fault. In rare and complex situations, factors such as sudden and unexpected stops, abrupt lane changes, or malfunctioning brake lights can complicate the assessment of fault. The front driver might engage in behaviors that contribute to the collision, challenging the assumption that the rear driver is automatically at fault.
Common rear-end accident injuries
Rear-end accidents can lead to a range of injuries, often causing significant pain and discomfort. Here are some common injuries associated with these types of collisions:
- Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and then snapped back, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. This is among the most common types of injuries sustained in rear-end accidents.
- Spinal cord injuries: The impact of a rear-end collision can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to various degrees of paralysis or loss of sensation.
- Head, neck, and back injuries: Rear-end accidents can result in trauma to the head, neck, and back, including fractures, herniated discs, and nerve damage.
- Concussions: A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can occur when the head is jolted during a rear-end collision, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.
- Soft tissue injuries: These injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments and can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
It’s important to seek immediate medical attention after a rear-end accident, even if you don’t immediately feel injured. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, and early intervention can prevent complications down the line.
Additionally, documenting your injuries through medical records is crucial for insurance claims or potential legal action. Your health and well-being should always be the top priority after a rear-end collision.
Get help from a trusted rear-end accident attorney in Florida
Claims involving rear-end accidents can be complex because insurance companies often use various tactics to downplay or deny such claims. While fault may not necessarily be disputed in a rear-end accident case, insurance companies may still try to minimize the extent of your injuries or the compensation you deserve. They may argue that your injuries were pre-existing or not caused by the accident, or they may offer a low settlement amount that doesn’t adequately cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Navigating these challenges on your own can be overwhelming, which is why it’s essential to seek legal representation from an experienced rear-end accident attorney like Mr. Shomo. With his knowledge of personal injury law and reputation for achieving stellar case results, Mr. Shomo and his dedicated legal team can protect your rights and work to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you – let our law firm fight for the justice you deserve after a rear-end accident. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more.