Rear-End Collisions In Bradenton: Who Is To Blame And How To Prove It

With our busy roads, heavy seasonal traffic, and frequent stop-and-go congestion, rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents in Bradenton. These crashes can cause severe injuries, impacting your health while leading to costly medical bills and time away from work.
Our Bradenton car accident lawyer represents victims of rear-end crashes throughout Manatee County. We explain how these accidents happen and why determining fault is essential in getting the maximum amount you need to recover in your accident claim.
Why Rear-End Collisions Happen So Often in Bradenton
Rear-end car accidents in Bradenton happen when one vehicle strikes the back of another. They are common in parking lots, on local roads throughout the area, and when traveling major highways and interstates along the Gulf Coast.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions account for nearly 30 percent of all traffic accidents in the U.S. They commonly occur due to careless or reckless driving behavior, such as:
- Following other drivers too closely, particularly in heavy or stop-and-go traffic;
- Speeding or going too fast for the weather or road conditions;
- Being distracted, such as texting or adjusting GPS;
- Failing to brake in time due to inattention;
- Driving while you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes.
While most people assume the rear driver is always at fault, the other party may claim you are partly to blame for stopping suddenly, cutting them off in traffic, or engaging in other behavior that increases the risks.
Proving Fault in a Bradenton Rear-End Collision
If you get rear-ended by another driver in Manatee County, be aware that Florida follows a comparative fault rule. In terms of liability, more than one party can share responsibility for a crash.
In Bradenton rear-end car accidents, it seems obvious that the driver who struck you from behind is to blame. However, if insurers can prove you were at least partly at fault, they can dispute your claim and reduce the total compensation you get. To protect your rights, it is crucial to gather strong evidence. This includes:
- Police reports that describe the crash scene and any traffic citations issued;
- Witness statements from people who saw what happened and the days, hours, and minutes prior to a crash;
- Photos from the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries;
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage and any dash cam recordings;
- Electronic data from vehicle systems that show speed, braking patterns, or erratic behavior;
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts.
Contact Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer To Schedule A Consultation Today
Rear-end collisions in Bradenton can cause severe injuries and may leave you facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial losses. Proving fault is key to getting the maximum compensation.
At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we fight to protect your rights, hold the other driver at fault, and get the total amount you are entitled to. Contact our Bradenton car accident lawyer to schedule a consultation today.
Sources:
nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/dot
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html