Types of Vehicle Accidents in Florida and Your Legal Options

Rear-end collision accidents occur when a vehicle crashes head-on into the rear of another car. Common injuries that occur as a result of a rear-end collision include whiplash, back injury and concussion.

In Florida, the rear driver is presumed at fault in these accidents except after a sudden stop or a pile-up involving multiple vehicles. In the Pensacola area, busy intersections and stop-and-go traffic zones (like I-10) are high-risk places for these types of accidents.

Florida law requires drivers to yield to any vehicle that is already in an intersection or close enough to be a danger. Vehicles that violate right-of-way laws can cause serious injuries and even fatalities.

A T-bone is a side-impact accident that occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents occur most frequently at intersections and left turns when a vehicle fails to yield to the car with the right-of-way.

These accidents can be dangerous because vehicles have minimal side protection. Spinal injuries and traumatic brain injuries are common problems that can occur.

Florida’s rideshare industry is significant, and many vehicle accidents involve rideshares, including their drivers, passengers and third parties. Insurance coverage for these accidents can be complex and depend on whether the driver is logged into the app, en route or carrying passengers.

If you’ve been involved in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, get immediate medical care. Use the app to report the accident, documenting all details carefully. For help navigating a layered insurance situation like this one, contact an attorney.

Hit-and-run accidents are crimes. These accidents occur when a vehicle driver causes an injury or property damage, then drives away without identifying themselves. If you’ve witnessed a hit-and-run, call 911. If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, you need to gather witness accounts and document the damage to your vehicle. This information will help you build a case.

If the driver is not found, uninsured motorist coverage kicks in to help the injured. Working with an attorney can help injured parties seek compensation through insurance or litigation, depending on availability.

Although liability insurance is required in Florida, an estimated 16% of Florida drivers are uninsured. Of those who do have insurance, many only meet minimum requirements, and Florida’s minimum liability coverage is among the lowest in the nation.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) claims cover injuries, medical bills and lost wages when the at-fault driver lacks insurance. Injured parties seeking compensation must notify the insurer promptly and understand policy limits to navigate the situation. Getting legal help can make negotiating disputes easier.

School districts, municipalities and private companies can operate buses. Government claims have shorter notice deadlines, and anyone suing a public entity in Florida must be cognizant of them.

Common injuries in bus accidents include head trauma and broken bones, but depending on the passengers, there may also be child safety concerns. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can help you get the maximum compensation for damages done.

Rollover accidents can have many causes, including speeding, sharp turns, defective tires and impact from another vehicle. The most high-risk cars are SUVs, trucks and vans, because these vehicles sit higher off the ground and have a higher center of gravity.

Typical injuries in rollover accidents include crush and spinal injuries and fatalities. Seeking proper compensation for a rollover accident that occurs due to impact from another vehicle can mean the difference between a smooth or disastrous recovery.

Rental car accidents are common in Florida, where many drivers are tourists. Who pays in the case of an accident depends on whether the driver of the rental vehicle purchased rental insurance, was relying on their personal auto policy or had credit card coverage. These coverage layers can overlap, and liability is often contested.

If you are in an accident involving a rental vehicle, report your incident to the rental company as well as your insurer. Following a report, get legal guidance for the next steps. For legal guidance from an expert on this matter or any traffic accident personal injury cases in Pensacola, contact Tom Ueberschaer.

Pedestrian accidents are often caused by speeding, failure to yield and distracted driving. Florida law requires vehicles to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. If you are a victim in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to payment for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Who is liable in an accident involving a commercial truck or delivery vehicle, whether it’s a driver, employer or third-party contractor, depends on many factors. Corporate insurers are often aggressive in fighting claims, so legal compensation is essential.