Were you injured in a rear-end collision in Florence, Alabama? Did a distracted, intoxicated, speeding, or otherwise careless driver slam into the back of your vehicle, causing you to suffer severe injuries, lost income from missed work, and other losses you never planned for and cannot afford?
If so, legal help is available to you. Depending on the circumstances, you could hold the at-fault driver accountable for what they’ve put you through and recover substantial compensation.
The Florence rear-end collision lawyers at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., provide assertive legal representation to people who’ve been injured due to the negligence of others. We are ready to help you navigate the legal process and seek the maximum compensation you deserve.
To discuss your case with an experienced Florence rear-end accident lawyer, contact our law firm now for a free consultation.
Causes and Types of Rear-End Accidents in Florence, AL
A rear-end collision occurs when a vehicle collides with the car in front of it.
Common causes of rear-end collisions are:
- Tailgating – If a driver follows the vehicle in front of them too closely, they might not be able to react in time if the vehicle in front stops or slows down suddenly.
- Distracted driving – Texting, scrolling through social media, talking on the phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, rubbernecking, daydreaming, and other distractions could divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of a rear-end collision.
- Speeding – Speed limits are established for a reason, and drivers should obey them at all times. A driver who is going faster than the speed limit might not have time to react to road or traffic conditions and could cause a rear-end collision.
- Wet or slippery roads – Inclement weather could cause poor road conditions, such as wet or icy surfaces, and can affect tire traction. Drivers should exercise caution in inclement weather and slow down and leave more room between vehicles to increase their stopping distances.
- Sudden stops – If a vehicle in front stops suddenly or unexpectedly for no reason, the driver in the rear vehicle might not have enough time to react and avoid a collision. It is sometimes called “brake-checking” when a driver does this intentionally.
- Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can significantly impair judgment, reaction time, and overall ability to control a vehicle and avoid rear-end collisions.
- Mechanical issues – Brake failure, faulty brake lights or taillights, worn tires, or other mechanical problems could make it difficult for a driver to avoid rear-end collisions. For this reason, all motorists should make sure to routinely inspect and maintain their vehicles.
- Aggressive driving – Unsafe lane changes, road rage, and other aggressive driving behaviors could lead to a rear-end collision.
Who Is at Fault for a Rear-Ender in Florence?
Drivers must maintain a safe distance when following other vehicles so they can stop in time to avoid hitting the car in front of them. As a result, most rear-end collisions in Florence, AL, can be blamed on the driver in the back if they were careless or otherwise negligent.
However, the driver in the front vehicle could be at fault for the crash, depending on the circumstances. For example, if the driver in front had broken brake lights, and the driver in the rear hit them because they couldn’t tell that the vehicle was slowing or was stopped, the driver in the front could potentially be at fault for the crash.
Common Injuries from Rear-End Crashes
Some of the most common injuries caused by rear-end collisions include:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back injuries
- Spine and spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
Compensation Available for Rear-End Collision Injuries
If you were injured in a rear-end collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be eligible to seek fair compensation for your injuries and other losses. That could include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, prescription medications, and more
- Lost wages due to time missed from work
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
The amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries, how they’ll impact your daily life both now and in the future, and the specific circumstances of the crash.
Steps to Take After a Rear-End Collision
If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you should take the following steps to protect yourself and your injury claim:
- Seek medical attention. If you weren’t transported to the hospital from the scene, make sure to see a medical professional as soon as possible after the crash. Some injury symptoms, like whiplash or internal bleeding, might not be noticeable in the minutes or hours after the accident, but could appear later and worsen over time.
- Keep detailed records. Keep copies of your medical bills, wage statements, and receipts for other injury-related losses or expenses. The documentation could help demonstrate the losses you’ve incurred and what you should be reimbursed for.
- Keep a journal. Daily notes about how your injuries affect your life could be beneficial when proving the pain and suffering you’ve endured due to the crash.
- Contact an experienced rear-end collision attorney. Having an experienced Florence car accident attorney on your side could make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case and the amount of compensation you recover.
Why You Need to Hire Our Rear-End Collision Lawyers
The Florence rear-end accident lawyers of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have the experience, skills, and resources you need on your side if someone else’s negligence has injured you. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for people injured in car accidents in our community, and we’re ready to fight for you. Don’t let someone else’s carelessness negatively impact your health, finances, and future. Let us help you seek the justice and total compensation you need and deserve.
For a free consultation with one of our Florence rear-end car accident lawyers, contact us online now.
