What to Do If You Get Rear-Ended in Florida

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents in Florida. They often happen in an instant—at a red light, in traffic, or even on quiet roads. And while they may seem minor at first, they can lead to serious injuries, lost wages, property damage, and complex legal or insurance situations. If you’ve been rear-ended, knowing what to do next can help protect your health, your rights, and your peace of mind.

At KFB Law, our car accident attorneys understand that the aftermath of a car crash can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with neck pain, car repairs, or calls from insurers, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Here’s a straightforward guide on what to do if you get rear-ended in Florida.

Why Rear-End Car Accidents Happen in Florida

Florida’s roads are busy and often characterized by aggressive driving, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Wesley Chapel. Some common causes of rear-end accidents include:

• Tailgating
• Distracted driving (e.g., texting or eating)
• Speeding or sudden stops
• Weather and road conditions like rain and fog
• Impaired or fatigued driving
• Mechanical failure

Speeding and failing to maintain a safe distance between vehicles are significant causes of rear-end collisions in Florida. Understanding the cause of the crash is crucial in establishing liability.

Common Rear-End Accident Injuries

Rear-end crashes often cause significant injuries that can have lasting effects. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck strain
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Head trauma, a traumatic brain injury, or concussions
• Shoulder, back, or knee injuries
• Lacerations
• Bone fractures
• Soft tissue damage

Even low-speed accidents can cause significant discomfort or impair your ability to work and live normally. Always take symptoms seriously and follow through with medical care when a rear-end crash occurs.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety

If you’ve just been rear-ended, the first priority is safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt at the accident scene, call 911 immediately. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic to avoid further danger.

Even if the accident seems minor, call law enforcement. In Florida, you’re legally required to report a crash if it involves injuries, death, or property damage over $500, which is often the case, even in low-speed collisions.

Step 2: Document the Accident Scene

While waiting for the police, begin collecting information. This can be valuable evidence for insurance claims and any potential legal steps later. Here’s what to gather:

• The other driver’s name, contact info, driver’s license number, and insurance details
• Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers
• Photos of all vehicles, vehicle damage, the scene, skid marks, and any visible injuries
• Contact information for any witnesses

Try to stay calm, avoid admitting fault, and do not make assumptions about who is the at-fault driver. The facts will speak for themselves. Our personal injury lawyers will review the police report and your details, so you’ll want to keep track of what happened while it’s still fresh in your memory.

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention

After a rear-end collision, injuries like whiplash, back pain, or concussions are common, but immediate symptoms don’t always show up right away. Even if you feel okay, it’s a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible and obtain a doctor’s report.

In Florida, the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance system requires you to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify for coverage. Don’t wait and risk losing that benefit, even if you think you feel ok directly after the accident. Adrenaline and the flurry of activity after an accident can mask symptoms. 

Here are medical steps you shouldn’t skip:

• Schedule a doctor’s appointment within 24-48 hours, even if you feel fine
• Obtain a complete medical examination and doctor’s report
• Follow all recommended treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments
• Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and prescriptions
• Save all medical bills and receipts for potential reimbursement
• Document any symptoms that develop in the days following the accident
• Take photos of visible injuries if applicable

Seeking medical care immediately and keeping track of your medical records and bills can help with getting fair compensation for your suffered injuries.

Step 4: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company promptly. Provide them with the basic facts of the crash, but exercise caution when giving recorded statements or accepting settlements without first consulting legal guidance. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim to avoid paying the full amount of insurance coverage.

If you’re unsure what to say, speaking with a car accident lawyer from KFB Law first can help you try to protect your rights.

Step 5: Understand Florida’s Rear-End Collision Laws

In many rear-end crashes, the driver who hits another vehicle from behind is presumed to be at fault. Florida law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance, so tailgating is often a key factor in these accidents.

Florida law defines tailgating as following too closely. It is unlawful for a motorist to follow another car, truck, or motorcycle closer than is “reasonable and prudent.” What may be considered reasonable and prudent in a particular situation depends upon a number of factors, including:

• Weather conditions and visibility 
• The speed at which the vehicles are traveling 
• Traffic conditions, including traffic volume 
• Conditions affecting the road surface, such as potholes, gravel, or sand 

However, this presumption can be challenged in certain cases—for example, if the front driver suddenly reversed or had non-working brake lights.

The purpose of the statute is to prevent collisions caused by an emergency, such as a pedestrian, an animal, or another vehicle, suddenly entering the roadway, forcing oncoming cars to quickly slow down or stop. Being too close to the vehicle ahead of you might not give a driver enough time to slow their vehicle without hitting the rear of the car or truck ahead.

Determining fault can affect how damages are allocated, especially since Florida uses a “comparative negligence” system. That means your ability to recover damages could be reduced if you are found partially at fault.

Step 6: Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney From KFB Law

Dealing with the legal and insurance issues that follow a rear-end collision can be time-consuming and stressful; hiring a skilled lawyer can help ease the burden. The experienced personal injury attorneys at KFB Law can:

• Help you understand your rights and options
• Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Ensure important deadlines are met
• Collect and organize evidence to support your claim

Knowing what to do after a rear-end accident in Florida puts you in a better position to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. At KFB Law, our experienced car accident attorneys understand the challenges that Florida drivers face with unexpected injuries, and we strive to ensure fair compensation. 

Your Story Matters—Get a Free Consultation From KFB Law Today

If you’re ready to talk, our team is ready to listen. For compassionate and professional legal support after a rear-end accident in Florida, schedule a free consultation at any of our Tampa Bay area offices. Our team serves clients across Central Florida, with office locations in Tampa, St. Pete, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Plant City, and New Port Richey.