Rear-End Collision Car Accident Lawyer

Rear-end collisions account for almost half of the total number of two-vehicle car accidents and, as a result, this type of accident claims more than 1,700 lives each year within the United States of America, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. All car accident types are both common and serious in nature with possible effects including severe injury and death. The prevalence and frequency of rear-end collisions increase the likelihood of injury and death to drivers and passengers, which frequently includes passengers that are children. If you and your child experienced a rear-end collision car crash which resulted in serious injury or fatality to your child, contact the Gainesville car accident lawyers with The Galione Law Firm, P.A. Our child injury law firm can file a lawsuit against the liable party on behalf of your child.

Florida Child Passenger Safety Laws

Florida highway safety laws require children under the age of six to be properly secured in a crash-tested, federally-approved car seat or booster seat. Children who are under the age of three must be secured in child restraint devices of a separate carrier, such as a child safety seat. The state’s motor vehicle safety laws also require the use of seat belts or child restraint devices by drivers of motor vehicles, all front-seat passengers, and all children who ride in a motor vehicle and who are under the age of 18.

Common Causes Of Car Accident Child Injuries

In a significant portion of rear-end collision cases, the traffic ahead of the driver comes to a stop for a red light and the driver safely comes to a stop behind the car ahead. While waiting for the light to turn green, the driver suddenly feels a significant and violent force, which causes the car to propel forward and potentially result in multiple collisions with the cars ahead.

The driver may then realize that he or she is in pain and that their child has been injured as a result of the collision. The actions of the negligent driver have consequences which typically exceed physical car damage. While low-speed collisions are usually limited to property damage, high-speed collisions can result in serious injuries and even death. The most common causes of rear-end collisions with child injury include, but are not limited to, the following:

"Many of these accidents are caused by drivers who are not paying attention. When I question these drivers at depositions, they give a number of reasons for being distracted. Some people drop something on the floorboard of their car and they reached down to pick it up, taking their eyes off the road. Many people focus on their phone, looking at the screen to place a call or read a text. Some people get wrapped up in a conversation with passengers within the car. Some people admit that they were driving over the legal speed limit and they did not realize that the traffic ahead had come to a stop until it was too late. Some people do not provide an explanation, and simply say that they took their eyes off the road." — Bill Galione, The Galione Law Firm, P.A.

Common Child Injuries Caused By Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions can be especially harmful to minors as they are seated in the back seat of the vehicle. Because children are often seated in car seats located in the back seat, or they are seated within the back seat, the child’s close proximity to the impact zone of a rear-end collision increases the likelihood of severe injury. If your child was injured following a rear-end collision, it is vital that you contact a child injury lawyer to discuss your case and to determine the best course of action for recovering damages for child injuries.

How Is Fault Determined In A Car Accident Case?

Children are among the most vulnerable groups susceptible to injuries as a result of car accidents. As such, adults who operate motor vehicles are expected to act with a reasonable standard of care while driving. People who fail to comply with normal safety precautions, as well as those who deliberately or intentionally harm children, are liable for any resulting injuries. In Florida, there is a presumption of negligence in rear-end collisions — if a person is rear-ended by another vehicle, there is often a presumption that the driver of the rear vehicle is at fault. The conventional statute in the State of Florida for presuming the driver who caused the rear-end collision acted in a negligent manner requires proof of the following elements:

• The following driver should anticipate that the lead car may stop
• The following driver should have the ability to drive within the capabilities of the vehicle
• The following driver should leave sufficient distance between the car and the car in the lead

How A Child Injury Lawyer Can Help

Determining liability for your child’s injury can be a complex matter — seeking the help of a qualified child injury lawyer is the optimal course of action once your child is no longer in danger. The experienced attorneys with our child injury firm have the necessary knowledge and skill to investigate the incident and build a strong case for compensation on behalf of your child. For more information about our law firm or to discuss your rear-end collision case, contact a child injury attorney.