Determining Who Is at Fault in Rear End Car Accidents: Points to Consider from Tampa Auto Accidents Attorney Dale Appell, P.A.

Many people in the Tampa Bay area assume that, if a rear end car accident occurs, the driver from behind is automatically the one responsible for the accident. While it is true that the hindmost driver in a rear-end accident is typically the one at fault, there are cases in which the lead driver may be found negligent in a rear end accident.

Tampa auto accidents attorney Dale Appell, P.A. has represented many clients who have been injured in rear end auto accidents. Whether you are in the front car or the rear car, serious injuries can be sustained in rear end auto accidents, and the costs of these injuries can easily exceed each driver's personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.

Once the PIP coverage is exhausted, it may become necessary to prove which driver was negligent in the rear end accident. The negligent driver and his or her insurance, in turn, may be liable to pay for the injuries sustained in the accident. The following are some instances in which the front driver may be found at least partially liable for a rear end accident:

• Rear lights on the front vehicle are dirty, obstructed, or non-functioning at the time of the accident

• Vehicle #1 suddenly switched lanes in front of vehicle #2 without warning, making it impossible for vehicle #2 to avoid a rear end collision

• The front vehicle is illegally stopped on a highway

• A multiple car accident occurs in which vehicle #1 hits vehicle #2 from behind, pushing vehicle #2 into vehicle #3, and so on

There have been several rear end accident cases in Tampa, Florida in which the courts ruled the lead vehicle partially, mostly, or completely to blame for a rear end accident. When this is the case, the lead vehicle could be liable to pay damages to those injured in the accident.

To protect your rights, it is important to call the police, your insurance company, and a Tampa auto accidents attorney after a rear end accident. You should also go to the hospital directly after any auto accident so that your injuries are treated and documented. If you wait to contact a doctor and auto accidents attorney, you risk losing evidence, witnesses, and most importantly, medical care. Official documentation is especially important to prove fault in rear end auto accidents, since auto insurance companies typically assume the rear vehicle is responsible for these accidents unless credible evidence shows otherwise.

Tampa auto accidents attorney Dale Appell, P.A. has recovered millions of dollars for the injured. It will cost you nothing to contact the Law Office of Dale Appell, P.A. and receive a professional evaluation of your personal injury case. From Tarpon Springs to St Petersburg, Clearwater to Brandon, and Dunedin to Sarasota, Dale Appell is here to fight for justice, for you.