The aftermath of a rear-end car accident can be confusing and challenging. If you are injured, the situation is even harder to deal with.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is smart to contact a car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie for help.
Along with seeking legal representation, ensure you know what to do (and what to avoid) to protect your rights to receive compensation from the at-fault party.
Statistics on Rear-End Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie
Rear-end car accidents are one of the most common car accidents in Port St. Lucie and throughout the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 29% of all car accidents are rear-ended collisions. In Florida, rear-end collisions account for about 25% of all car accidents.
In Port St. Lucie, there were 1,409 car accidents in 2020, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Of those accidents, 406 were rear-end collisions. This means that nearly one-third of all car accidents in Port St. Lucie were rear-end collisions.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Rear-End Car Accident in Port St. Lucie
Knowing what to do is beneficial if you are involved in a rear-end accident. Use the information here to help you take the right steps.
Look for Injuries
After your accident, check yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the accident for injuries. If someone is injured, contact 911.
Even if you don’t think you’re injured, getting checked out by a doctor is still a good idea, as some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Move to a Safe Location
If your car is still drivable, move it to the side of the road or a safe location. This will help prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
Document the Accident
Take photos of the accident scene, including car damage and any injuries. Write down the date and time of the accident, weather conditions, and other relevant details.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all the information you collected, including the other driver’s information, the police report, and any photos you took.
Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer in Port St. Lucie
Consulting with a car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie is a good idea if you’re involved in a rear-end car accident. They can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
They can also help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Laws Related to Rear-End Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie
In Florida, the driver who rear-ends another car is usually considered to be at fault. This is because drivers have a legal duty to maintain a safe following distance and avoid collisions with the car in front of them. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
For example, if the car in front of you suddenly stops or slows down unexpectedly, you may not be considered at fault if you were following at a safe distance and could not have reasonably avoided the collision. Similarly, if the car in front of you has defective brake lights or turn signals, they may be partially at fault for the accident.
If you’re found to be at fault for a rear-end car accident, you may be responsible for paying for the other driver’s damages, including property damage, medical bills, and lost wages. This is why it’s important to have adequate car insurance coverage.
Florida follows no-fault car accident rules. Under this, you turn to your insurance policy for compensation first.
However, if the accident resulted in serious injuries or permanent disability, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver to recover damages beyond what your insurance policy covers.
In Florida, you have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s important to consult with a car accident lawyer immediately after the accident to protect your rights.
How a Car Accident Lawyer in Port St. Lucie Can Help
If you’re involved in a rear-end car accident in Port St. Lucie, a car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie can help you in many ways. They can:
Investigate the Accident
Your attorney will investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. This may include reviewing the police report, interviewing witnesses, and consulting accident reconstruction experts.
Determine Liability
Once the investigation is complete, your attorney can use the evidence to determine who was at fault for the accident and hold the responsible party accountable. This may involve negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company or filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Calculate Damages
A car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie can help you calculate your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also help you recover damages for future medical expenses and lost earning capacity.
Negotiations
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Hiring an attorney means you have someone to do this on your behalf. They will work to reach a settlement that maximizes your compensation.
Representation if Your Case Goes to Court
Most personal injury cases are settled outside of court. However, if no settlement can be reached, your case will go to court to have a judge or jury determine the outcome.
During the court case, your attorney will repersent your interests and speak on your behalf.
Contact Fetterman Law for Help with Your Rear-End Car Accident Claim
Being involved in a rear-end car accident can be a traumatic experience. However, knowing what to do and having a car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie on your side can make a big difference.
If you’re involved in a rear-end car accident, follow the steps outlined in this blog post and consult with a car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
