Jacksonville Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Millions of Dollars in Auto Accident Verdicts & Settlements

Rear-end collisions are common, but their impact on victims can be severe. Even at low speeds, these crashes can lead to significant injuries that disrupt lives. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rear-end accident, you may have the right to take legal action. 

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we help victims fight for compensation after being injured in preventable car accidents. Led by two Florida Bar Certified Civil Trial Specialists (Tom Edwards and Eric Ragatz), we’ve earned a reputation for our ability to tackle tough cases and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for clients.

If you have questions about a case anywhere in Duval County or beyond, our Jacksonville rear-end accident attorneys are here to help. We offer FREE consultations and collect no fee unless we win. Call (904) 295-1050  or contact us online to get started.

Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents are frequently caused by driver negligence, particularly when one driver is not paying attention to the road ahead or fails to maintain a safe following distance. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or distracted by in-car technology are often slow to react to sudden traffic changes, leading to rear-end collisions.
• Tailgating: Following too closely reduces the time a driver must react if the vehicle in front of them brakes suddenly.
• Speeding: Traveling at excessive speeds makes it harder to stop in time to avoid a collision, especially if a person is behind the wheel of a commercial truck or other large vehicle.
• Weather conditions: Wet or slippery roads can lead to rear-end accidents when drivers do not adjust their speed or following distance to account for the conditions.
• Sudden stops: Sudden, unexpected stops by the lead vehicle can catch the following driver off guard, resulting in a rear-end crash.
• Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers may have delayed reaction times or poor judgment, making them more likely to rear-end other vehicles.

Common Injuries in Rear-End Accidents

The injuries resulting from a rear-end accident can range from minor to severe, depending on the speed and force of the impact. Some common injuries include:

• Whiplash: One of the most frequent injuries in rear-end accidents, whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly jolted forward and backward, leading to soft tissue damage, pain, and reduced mobility.
• Head injuries: Drivers and passengers may suffer concussions or traumatic brain injuries if their head strikes the dashboard, steering wheel, or seat.
• Back and spinal cord injuries: The sudden impact of a rear-end collision can cause herniated discs, fractures, or even spinal cord damage, potentially leading to paralysis.
• Facial injuries: Airbag deployment or impact with the steering wheel can result in facial lacerations, fractures, or dental injuries.
• Broken bones: The force of a rear-end collision can break bones in the arms, wrists, or legs.
• Seat belt injuries: While seat belts save lives, the force of a collision can cause bruising or internal injuries where the belt contacts the body.

Even if injuries seem minor at first, symptoms may worsen over time, requiring ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or surgery. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately after a rear-end accident and consult with an attorney to understand your rights.

Who Is Liable in a Rear-End Accident?

Liability in a rear-end accident often falls on the driver who struck the vehicle in front, but determining fault isn’t always straightforward. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

• Rear driver: In most cases, the rear driver is at fault for following too closely or not paying attention to traffic conditions.
• Lead driver: If the lead driver stopped suddenly without warning, failed to use their turn signal, or had faulty brake lights, they may be partially liable.
• Third-party drivers: Sometimes a third vehicle may cause the rear-end accident by hitting the rear driver and pushing them into the vehicle in front, or by stopping abruptly in traffic.

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., our team will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports to determine liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Recoverable Damages in Rear-End Accident Cases

If you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for current and future medical costs related to your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover lost income and compensation for diminished earning capacity if you are unable to return to your previous job.
• Property damage: Reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or any other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have prevented you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
• Wrongful death damages: If a rear-end accident results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.