Rear-end car accidents may be the most common type of auto accident in St. Petersburg. Contrary to popular belief, though, fault does not always rest with the driver of the vehicle in the rear, so these types of accident cases can often be complicated.
If you are considering filing a lawsuit for compensation following a rear-end car accident, you may benefit from working with a car accident attorney who has experience handling the evidence for this type of case. A knowledgeable St. Petersburg rear-end car accident lawyer could evaluate your case, advise you of your options, and work with you to pursue the maximum amount of compensation to which you may be entitled.
Critical Actions to Take After a Rear-End Accident in St. Petersburg
After most car accidents, especially those involving injuries, the accident should be reported to the police, and those involve should not leave the scene until they are notified that it is okay to do so. In addition to this, there are several key steps to take during the aftermath of a wreck that a St. Petersburg rear-end car accident attorney could help an injured party execute.
Prompt Medical Attention is Vital
After contacting law enforcement, it is important for anyone injured in a rear-end car accident to obtain prompt medical attention. Not only is this the best way to speed recovery, but it also establishes an evidentiary record that may be used in settlement negotiations, insurance claims, and—if necessary—a lawsuit.
Follow-up Medical Care Can Often Be Just as Critical
Once an injured party receives medical care, it is essential that they follow the doctor’s orders and to attend follow up visits. Again, this protects the health of the injured party and their right to obtain compensation for the effects of the accident. If an accident victim ignores medical advice, it may be argued that any resulting physical complications are due to the victim’s failure to follow instructions rather than to the accident itself.
Beware of Damaging Statements or Actions
Finally, it is important to avoid taking actions or making statements that could jeopardize the chances of obtaining recovery. For that reason, many people involved in rear-end accidents in St. Petersburg choose to work with an attorney right away so that their lawyer can advise them on how to answer questions in a manner that cannot be misinterpreted. In many situations, a rear-end car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg could even advocate directly on behalf of the injured party.
A Rear-End Car Accident Can Result in Serious Injuries
Some rear-end accidents are minor enough that the Florida no-fault insurance laws effectively ban the injured party from filing a lawsuit against the party at fault. Instead, drivers are expected to obtain compensation from their own insurance companies to cover medical bills and time missed from work.
However, if a rear-end accident causes serious injuries, the injured party or parties may file a lawsuit to obtain compensation from the party at fault. Serious injuries are defined under Florida law as those that fulfill one or more of the following conditions:
- Cause permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Result in what is determined to be a permanent injury
- Leave permanent scars or cause significant disfigurement, or
- Result in death, as per Florida Statutes §627.737
It may take time to determine whether an injury will cause permanent damage, so it is especially important to follow medical instructions and obtain necessary tests, as well as to maintain all records related to the crash. In the same vein, it may also be critical to seek advice from one or more St. Petersburg rear-end car accident lawyers about the best actions to take.
Consulting with a St. Petersburg Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a rear-end car accident and you are not certain what to do next, it could be wise to consult an experienced St. Petersburg rear-end car accident lawyer who could evaluate your situation and explain your options.
A skilled rear-end car accident attorney should know how to calculate costs and determine whether settlement offers would provide sufficient means to cover anticipated needs. Call today to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.
