J. Stanford Morse, P.A.
3131 66th Street North Suite #2
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
FAX: 727.347.0179

We Speak for the Injured. We Speak for Their Families.

Personal Injury attorney

Rear-End Crashes

Rear-end collisions are the most commonly reported automobile accidents in the U.S. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reports that almost one-third of all multiple car crashes are rear-end collisions; many resulting in back and neck injuries such as whiplash, along with broken bones, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, and in some cases, even death.

A study conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety challenges the commonly held belief that the vehicles we drive meet the highest of safety standards for rear impact collisions. In fact, of the seven mid-size vehicles tested by the IIHS, most received marginal or poor ratings for rear-end collisions. Insurance Institute of Highway Safety | Top Automobile Safety Pics 2009. Additionally, light truck vehicles (LTV) such as SUVs, light duty trucks, and vans, may contribute to rear-end collisions because they drive higher and wider, affecting the visibility of passenger car drivers following behind them.

With below-average impact safety standards for many automobiles, combined with the high number of rear-end collisions, drivers on Florida roads are at high risk for back and neck injuries due to an automobile accident. Even minor rear-end collisions can result in serious injury to the neck and back. These types of injuries can be catastrophic if the vehicle in motion was traveling at a high rate of speed.

If you are the victim of an auto accident involving a rear-end collision in Florida, contact St. Petersburg accident attorney J. Stanford Morse, P.A. With over 31 years representing victims of rear-end collision accidents, J. Stanford Morse has the experience and expertise necessary to represent your interests in a court of law. Our firm will aggressively fight for your rights under the law and will pursue a fair and just settlement to compensate you for your injuries.

Call (727) 347-7737 or for your FREE consultation. You’ll pay no attorney’s fee or costs unless you recover money for your injury.

What is the most common cause of rear end collisions?

Most rear-end collisions are caused by a driver who is distracted and fails to notice the car in front of him has stopped. Common driver distractions include:

Cell phone use (including texting)
GPS navigation devices
In-car televisions
Loud music

Avoiding Rear-End Collisions:

The key to avoiding rear-end collisions is to keep alert and anticipate problems.

FAQ: In a recent study by engineering psychologists at Georgia Tech, results of a simulated animation showed that “drivers generally aren't able to detect when the car in front of them is going slower than they are, unless the difference in speed is at least eight to ten miles an hour.” Science Daily

Maintain a clear line of vision by utilizing side and rear-view mirrors. Rear windows should be clean and unobstructed. Be aware of what is happening behind you.
Make sure brake lights are in good working order. Tapping your brakes when approaching a stop sign or preparing to stop at a busy intersection can help to alert drivers behind you of an impending stop.
Use your signals to indicate a turn or change of lanes.
Be observant of minimum speed limits.
Be alert to tailgaters.
Be aware of the other driver’s blind spot.
If a road emergency requires you to stop your vehicle on a busy road or intersection make sure to utilize hazard lights, emergency flashers, and reflective markers.