Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Helping Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Victims Obtain Fair Compensation for Their Injuries
Imagine sitting at a red light when, all of the sudden, you glance up at your rear-view mirror to see another car speeding towards you from behind. Even if you had time to hit the gas, you’re at a red light, so where would you go? The truth is, at this point, you don’t have any options, and these situations almost always end in a rear end accident.
If you were involved in a rear end accident, the Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers at the Blakeley Law Firm can help. We pride ourselves in providing compassionate, effective and aggressive representation designed to get you back on your feet and back on the road, so you can get back to your life.
What Are the Top Causes of Rear End Accidents?
Drivers who are alert and paying attention to their surroundings are not likely to cause a rear end accident. And while a driver can end up rear ending the vehicle in front of them for many reasons, most rear end accidents involve one or more of the following:
Distracted Driving
Perhaps the most common cause of rear end accidents is distracted driving. In large part, this is due to the prevalence of cell phones. In fact, a 2021 survey found that as many as half of all drivers admit to using their phones while driving. Interestingly, Android users were more likely to be on their phones while behind the wheel than iPhone users. However, drivers can get distracted by many other reasons, as well, such as managing children in the back seat, eating or drinking, changing the music or plugging in a destination on their car’s navigation system.
Drunk Driving
Drugs and alcohol have a profound effect on a driver’s perception, reaction time and decision-making abilities, all of which are critical to the safe operation of a motor vehicle. In fact, about a third of all fatal car accidents involve alcohol. Drunk drivers are less likely to notice a vehicle ahead slowing down and will have a harder time reacting in time to avoid an accident, even if they see the other vehicle.
Drowsy Driving
Those experiencing driver fatigue are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel. However, even drowsy drivers who aren’t so tired that they doze off are still at risk of causing a rear end accident. This is because a lack of sleep can impact a person’s decision-making skills and response time. So, even if a tired driver notices a stopped vehicle ahead of them, they may not be able to react in time to prevent an accident.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Rear End Accident?
Rear end accidents, even at a low speed, can cause severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries in rear end accidents include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Disc injuries,
- Spinal cord damage, and
- Face and eye injuries.
While each of these injuries can be very serious, accident victims shouldn’t be surprised if they don’t notice they’ve been hurt right away. For example, whiplash, damaged discs and back injuries often do not cause immediate pain. However, a few days after the accident, victims may begin to notice pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion.
Were You Injured in a Rear End Collision?
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a Fort Lauderdale rear end accident, bringing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver can provide you with meaningful compensation to ensure you don’t end up on the hook for any of your accident-related expenses.
At the Blakeley Law Firm, our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers have more than 20 years of combined experience connecting our clients to the compensation they need and deserve. We understand what you are going through, what you need to get things back on track, and how to simply the recovery process to minimize any stress placed on you.
To learn more, and to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today, call (800) 602-5000. You can also reach us through our online contact form. We have offices conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale, Miami Gardens, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville.