What road travelers should know about rear-end accidents

Rear-end accidents commonly occur when one driver is inattentive or traveling too fast. Such collisions are not the deadliest, but these accidents lead to more injuries and property damage than other types of wrecks.

A person who experiences a rear-end collision should remember some vital details to decide what to do next.

Who is liable?

The driver who rear-ended the front driver often bears responsibility for the collision, but that is not a foregone conclusion. For over a decade, Florida has allowed drivers to offer evidence that the front driver was negligent and contributed to the accident. However, the driver who rear-ended the other must keep in mind that the law mandates drivers to follow at a safe distance, which will affect an officer’s decision on who is at fault.

What injuries are common?

A rear-end collision can cause bodily harm, even at low speeds. Whiplash is a real injury that occurs when the impact jolts an occupant’s body forward while the head is in a fixed position. Neck pain may linger afterward.

The impact could also cause a driver to bump forcibly against the steering wheel, injuring the head or chest. The force of the collision could also cause spine compression or disk herniation. Medical treatment after a rear-end collision can determine the severity of the harm.

How does no-fault insurance affect a claim?

Florida requires drivers to obtain compensation first through their own insurance company after an accident. If the payment does not cover the total damages, an injured party can pursue damages from a negligent driver for the excess.

A rear-end crash that might seem minor could have long-term consequences. After an accident, a person should treat the event like any other car crash by reporting the incident and collecting the other driver’s information.