Rear-End Collisions in Fort Lauderdale

The most important thing to remember at any accident scene is to stay put until emergency services arrive. Driving away from an accident is generally illegal in Florida. Your next best steps can include:

Call the Police

Dialing 911 to call the police and ask for emergency medical help is particularly crucial if there are any injured individuals at the accident scene. Contacting law enforcement also ensures that an officer will write a police report, which can be a critical piece of evidence.

Collect Other Drivers’ Contact Details

An accident scene can be chaotic, upsetting, and frightening. However, remember to ask the other drivers involved in the crash their names, contact details, and car insurance information before leaving the area. If there are any witnesses to the accident, ensure to ask them for their contact details, as witness statements can be essential for proving your case.  

Remove Personal Items From the Vehicle

Remember to take all your belongings and valuables from the car before leaving the accident scene. If you are too badly hurt, ask another person or police officer to remove your items. Your car may get towed, and you could lose your phone, computer, purse, and any other items left in the vehicle. 

Gather Evidence 

Gathering evidence at the accident scene is crucial if someone else caused the accident and you are hoping to recover damages later on. Take as many pictures of the accident scene and vehicle damage as you can. Accident reconstruction professionals may be able to use your photographs to piece back together the events leading to the rear-end accident. 

What Not to Do at the Accident Scene

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do to protect your legal rights at the accident scene. Although emotions and frustrations may run high, try not to argue with the other drivers. It is best only to restrict communication to the exchange of contact details and insurance information. Remember that anything you say or do could later be used against you. Therefore, it is essential not to apologize or make any comments that could be construed as admitting fault. 

If your loved one died in a rear-end crash, filing a wrongful death lawsuit allows you to receive compensation for damages such as loss of companionship, loss of income and benefits from your loved one, and others. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can also help you find closure by holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions. 

In Florida, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate typically files a wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family members, such as the spouse, children, siblings, or parents. In most cases, a wrongful death lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale must be filed within two years of the death. Our compassionate car accident attorneys can assist you with all aspects of a wrongful death lawsuit.

If there are no injuries and you only have minor car damage, you might not need the help of an attorney. However, in most circumstances, getting legal advice and support as soon as possible after an accident can help to protect your rights. You should consider seeking legal advice if:

• Your injury is significant, disabling, or life-changing
• Medical costs, wage losses, and other damages are high 
• You are partially at fault for the rear-end crash
• A loved one died due to their car accident injuries
• You are unable to receive what you deserve with an insurance claim 

Our experienced car accident attorneys want you to have the best shot at getting what you deserve if you suffer significant injuries and financial losses in a rear-end crash. They can work tirelessly to fight for the compensation you need to put your life back together.

The worth of your rear-end accident case will depend on several factors, including your medical costs and estimated future healthcare expenses. Other facts that can determine the size of a potential settlement include: 

• The severity of your injuries
• Whether you will be permanently disabled
• Your wage losses and expected future income losses
• Insurance coverage of the at-fault party
• Your out-of-pocket expenses
• Your degree of pain and suffering due to the accident

Compensation You Could Recover 

A severe accident can lead to life-changing injuries and astronomical long-term medical expenses. If another party is responsible for causing the accident, you should not have to carry the financial burden alone and could be entitled to awards for: 

• Lost income
• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation therapies
• Future medical bills
• Emotional trauma
• Physical pain and anguish
• Disability
• Loss of life enjoyment

It is important to note that every accident case is unique, and available damages will depend on the circumstances of the accident. An attorney from Morgan & Morgan can clarify what you could be entitled to after a rear-end accident.

Under Florida’s Statute of Limitations § 95.11, victims can generally file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident. The time starts running down on the day of your accident. Filing within the state deadline can be crucial for recovering what you deserve, as missing the filing deadline could leave you unable to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.

However, filing a lawsuit too soon could lead to leaving money on the table. If you are still recovering from your injuries, it can be challenging to know your future expected medical treatments and expenses. If you settle too early without knowing the full scope of your injuries and financial losses, you could later be out of pocket. A car accident attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you determine the best time for filing a lawsuit to maximize your chances of achieving the best possible outcome of your case.

Recovering what you need to put your life back on track after a serious rear-end collision can be a struggle. You may have to fight with insurance companies reluctant to pay out what you deserve and need to get your life back on track. However, you do not have to deal with everything on your own. Having Morgan & Morgan on your side enables you to focus on healing while our attorneys are determined to recover an adequate settlement on your behalf. Contact us now for free legal advice and help with your rear-end accident.