Rear-End Car Accidents

Whether you are driving down the road or are walking down the street, if you hear the sound of screeching brakes, it likely means that someone is desperately trying to avoid a rear-end collision with the car in front of them. Unfortunately, the sound of those brakes, if there was any braking at all, is often followed by the sound of metal-on-metal and shattering glass. Even worse, the anguished sounds of a driver or passenger may be heard because of serious injuries they have suffered when their car was suddenly and violently hit from behind. When serious injuries and death occur, the best way to seek justice is to consult with a Tampa car accident attorney. 

Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Florida 

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car wrecks according to the National Safety Council. It estimates that more than 2.5 million rear-end collisions occur every year in the U.S. The reasons for these accidents aren’t mysteries, and are almost always based on the actions of the trailing driver, including such dangerous and reckless driving behaviors as: 

• Tailgating
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Drunk or impaired driving

Of the foregoing, tailgating is the biggest culprit. Not only is tailgating itself likely to lead to a rear-end collision, it increases the chances that other negligent driving behavior will result in a wreck. That is why tailgating is against the law in Florida. Florida Statutes Sec. 316.0895(1) provides that “the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the highway.”

While, as noted, most rear-end accidents are the fault of the trailing driver, sometimes the leading car can cause or contribute to the accident because of:

• Broken or non-functioning brake lights
• The driver suddenly reversing
• The driver pulling into your lane or merging suddenly and/or at an insufficient speed

Injuries from Rear-End Car Accidents

It’s just this simple: if a driver doesn’t leave enough room between his or her car and yours, the likelihood of a rear-end collision increases exponentially, and so too does the risk of injury, even from impacts at low speeds.

In a read-end accident, the energy from the trailing car is transferred to the car which it hits. The occupants of the front car are not expecting to be hit, so the shock and force of the impact will cause their bodies to be thrown forward while their heads are thrown backwards only to be whipped forward again when the car stops moving. This causes the condition known as “whiplash,” which is the most frequent injury that results from rear-end accidents. While whiplash can be very painful and debilitating, these crashes can lead to even more serious injuries, including:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries
• Facial and head injuries and contusion from air bag deployment
• Foot and ankle injuries

Alley, Clark & Greiwe: A Tampa Car Accident Law Firm

If you have been injured in a rear-end collision caused by tailgating or other negligence by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. The Tampa car accident lawyers at Alley, Clark & Greiwe will leave no stone unturned to get you the compensation you need and deserve, and will fight tirelessly to get it. We have a long track record of success on behalf of Florida car accident victims and will be by your side every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end collision or other car accident, please our Tampa car accident law firm today at 813-222-0977 or contact us online to arrange for your free initial consultation and case evaluation. We look forward to assisting you.