3 FAQs About Car Accident Claims Involving Rear-End Collisions
Most rear-end collisions are minor fender-benders, but these accidents can result in devastating injuries or death when they occur at a high speed. If you were hurt in a rear-end collision through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Read on to learn the answers to three FAQs about these claims:
- What Should I Do Following a Rear-End Collision?
To give your car accident claim the best possible chance of success, there are certain steps you should take before leaving the scene and over the days and weeks that follow. In the immediate aftermath, you should:
- Call the police;
- Gather the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses;
- Obtain the other motorist’s contact details and insurance information; and
- Photograph the wreckage from all angles.
As soon as you leave the scene, your first stop should be a hospital or clinic. Rear-end accidents are notorious for causing injuries that have latent symptoms such as whiplash. Without prompt medical intervention, you may suffer serious complications. Also, the insurance company might say that your injury was caused by something else or that it’s not as severe as you’re claiming. The insurer may even say that your decision to put off medical care was negligent and, therefore, you shouldn’t be compensated for 100 percent of your damages.
After your first doctor’s visit, it’s wise to call an attorney right away. Your personal injury lawyer can answer your questions, take over correspondence with the insurance company, conduct a thorough investigation, and approximate a fair settlement amount.
- 2. How Can I Prove Liability for a Rear-End Collision?
The driver in the rear is almost always liable for a rear-end collision; however, there are circumstances when the insurance company may argue that the driver in front was either partially or entirely liable. A seasoned attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to prove liability, which may include:
- The official police report;
- Dash cam footage;
- Recordings from surveillance cameras near the scene;
- Eyewitness testimony;
- Cell phone records; and
- The results of any breath tests conducted at the scene.
- 3. What Kinds of Damages Should I Be Tracking?
For your car accident claim to result in a settlement or verdict, you must prove that you actually incurred damages as a result of the wreck. Evidence of damages may include medical records, financial documents, receipts, invoices, photographs, expert witness deposition, and your personal injury journal entries.
In the state of Florida, personal injury claimants have the right to seek compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of future earning capacity;
- Home care;
- Child care;
- Domestic help;
- Property damage;
- Alternative transportation;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of enjoyment in life; and
- Pain and suffering.
Call 772-266-5555 to Discuss Your Case with a Florida Car Accident Attorney
If you want to file a personal injury claim following a rear-end collision, contact Donaldson & Weston. We have helped hundreds of accident victims and their families pursue the compensation they deserve. Call 772-266-5555 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation with a car accident lawyer in Florida.
