A rear-end crash is not a minor auto accident, regardless of what an insurance adjuster might want you to believe. Rear-end collisions can cause severe injuries and significant damages for accident victims. Therefore, it is essential that you understand your legal rights regarding rear-end accidents in Pinellas County and St. Petersburg, Florida.
The St. Petersburg rear-end crash lawyers of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers have more than three centuries of collective legal experience. Our law firm has represented thousands of clients since it was founded in 1955. We are passionate about protecting the rights of injured individuals as they seek fair and just compensation after an accident.
Let us help you get the money you deserve after a rear-end crash. Contact our law office at (727) 796-8282 to schedule a free consultation in St. Petersburg with an experienced car accident lawyer.
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How Our St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyers Help You After a Car Accident
A motor vehicle accident can be a traumatic event. You never expect to be seriously injured when you get into your car, but it happens. You need experienced accident lawyers who understand how insurance companies handle accident claims.
At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, our car accident attorneys have considerable experience handling personal injury cases. We know the tactics used by insurance companies to undervalue and deny claims. We also have the resources to investigate accidents and gather evidence to prove the at-fault driver is liable for your damages.
When you hire our award-winning injury lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Conduct a comprehensive accident investigation to determine fault
- Interview witnesses, consult expert witnesses, document damages, obtain a copy of the police report, and gather other evidence necessary to prove your case
- Work with your physicians to determine the extent of your injuries and damages
- Calculate a value for your damages that is reasonable given the facts of your case
- File claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider and negotiate for the full value of your damages
- Monitor deadlines for filing lawsuits under the Florida statute of limitations
You deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering and financial losses. If we need to file a legal action to accomplish that goal, we are ready to do so. Call our office to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg, FL. There is no charge for your initial consultation with an attorney.
Common Causes of Rear-End Crashes in St. Petersburg, FL
Rear-end accidents accounted for about one-third of the traffic accidents in the United States in 2019 according to the statistics. A rear-end collision occurs when the front end of a car crashes into the rear-end of a car in front of it.
Some people refer to this type of car crash as a “fender bender.” However, that term downplays the severity of many rear-end crashes.
Tailgating and distracted driving are two of the most common causes of rear-end accidents. Speeding, drowsy driving, drunk driving, and impaired driving are also factors in many rear-end collisions.
Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Crashes In St. Petersburg, Florida
Insurance companies often downplay the injuries from a rear-end accident. They claim rear-end crashes are low-speed accidents that do not cause serious injuries. However, this claim is not true.
Rear-end accidents can occur at high rates of speed. Furthermore, even low-speed crashes can result in severe injuries.
Common injuries caused by rear-impact collisions include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
Some individuals may experience chronic pain or long-term impairments because of a rear-impact crash. Prompt medical treatment is a wise decision. In addition, documenting your injuries is a key step in winning a personal injury case.
Comparative Fault and Rear-End Crashes in St. Petersburg, FL
Florida Statute §768.81 explains the law regarding comparative fault. According to the law, the compensation paid to an accident victim should be reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault for their injury. In other words, if you contributed to the cause of the rear-end accident, you cannot receive full compensation for your damages. Further, under Florida’s modified comparative fault doctrine, you cannot recover damages if you were 51% or more responsible.
For instance, if a jury finds that you were 40 percent responsible for the crash, you would only receive 60 percent of the value of your claim. And you cannot receive any damages if you were mostly at fault. As you can imagine, insurance companies favor comparative fault laws. If the insurance company can place some of the blame for the accident on the victim, it reduces the amount it must pay to settle the claim.
If anyone suggests that you are partially to blame for the cause of a crash, seek legal advice immediately. You could lose a substantial portion of your compensation if the insurance company is successful with its strategy.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our St. Petersburg Auto Accident Lawyers
Let’s begin working on a plan to get you the compensation you need after a rear-end car accident. Call now to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our St. Petersburg rear-end crash lawyers.
Other Common Motor Vehicle Accidents in St. Petersburg We Handle
At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team handles all types of car accidents including:
- Head-on collisions
- Hit and run accidents
- Lane change crashes
- Intersection crashes
- Lane change accidents
- And more
Give us a call today to discuss your case and see how we can help.
