Rear End Car Accidents

Rear end collisions are the most common type of car accident in both Jacksonville and the United States as a whole. More than two and one half million rear end car accidents occur in the United States every year, according to the National Safety Council.

Usually, the driver of the vehicle hitting another from behind is at fault because the law requires that drivers follow at a distance that allows for a safe stop when a car in front slows or stops. A good rule of thumb to follow is to allow one car length between you and the car in front of you for every ten miles per hour you are traveling.

Although determining who is at fault in a rear end collision is usually simple, proving the full extent of compensable damages suffered by the injured person can be difficult. Persons injured in a rear end collision may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, disability, pain and suffering, lost wages, damages to their car, and car rental expenses.

Most of the time, the passengers in the car being rear ended are injured more seriously than those in the at-fault vehicle. This is because the people in the first car are usually caught off guard, while those in the second vehicle usually have time to brace themselves. Even low-speed rear end collisions can cause significant injuries, including soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, and injuries to the face and head. About twenty percent of the victims in rear end crashes have whiplash symptoms.

There are a number of factors contributing to the severity of injuries and vehicle damage in a rear end collision. Among many, these include the types of vehicles involved, the speed of impact, the location of the head restraint, and the angle and height of the seat. A properly adjusted head restraint can help reduce the severity of injuries during a rear end crash. Be sure your head restraint is as high as the top of your head and that it is as close to the rear of your head as possible, limiting the amount of neck movement upon impact.

Rear end collisions are all too common in Jacksonville, where traffic slowdowns and stops on our busiest roadways are very common. Our Jacksonville car accident attorneys have handled personal injury cases from rear end car accidents occurring on all of Jacksonville’s major roadways, including: J. Turner Butler Boulevard; Southside Boulevard; I-95; I-10; I-295; U.S. 17; Baymeadows Road; Beach Boulevard; Atlantic Boulevard; Third Street in Jacksonville Beach; 103rd Street; Blanding Boulevard; Main Street; Martin Luther King Boulevard; The Arlington Expressway; State Road 9A; and State Road 200 (A1A).

Here are some tips to avoid being hit:

• Tap your brakes when you are stopped, moving slowly or preparing to stop in order to draw attention to your brake lights.
• Use your turn signal before changing lanes.
• Keep your mirrors properly adjusted so you know what’s going on behind you. Check your mirrors frequently.
• Keep pace with traffic.
• If your car stalls and you cannot move it, turn on your emergency flashers and raise the hood to help others see your vehicle.
• Get rid of tailgaters by slowing down gradually. If this does not work, change lanes.

If you are involved in a rear end collision, it is important to seek medical care even if you are feeling pain after the collision. It is our experience that due to adrenaline, many people do not realized the full extent of their injuries at the accident scene. It is also important to have an experienced rear end collision attorney on your side. The Lawrence Law Group, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, is familiar with the nuances of these types of cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation today.