January 22, 2026
Rear-end collisions happen constantly on Florida roads. You’ve probably seen one. Maybe you’ve been in one. These crashes occur when one vehicle slams into another from behind, and the injuries can range from relatively minor whiplash to something far more serious. Understanding what causes these accidents might help you avoid one. Tuttle Larsen, P.A. represents people throughout Florida who’ve been injured in traffic accidents. We handle the insurance negotiations and file lawsuits when necessary so you can focus on getting better. Our team understands how these crashes turn your life upside down, and we work to secure compensation that actually reflects what you’re going through.
Distracted Driving Remains The Leading Factor
People can’t seem to put their phones down. That’s the reality we’re dealing with now. When drivers take their eyes off the road to text, adjust the radio, grab something from the backseat, or check their phone, they’re creating danger for everyone around them. You don’t notice brake lights when you’re not looking. You can’t react to slowing traffic if you’re distracted. Think about this. A driver going 55 mph covers the length of a football field in about five seconds. That’s how much ground you cover while glancing at your phone. It’s plenty of distance to crash into a stopped vehicle. Many people who get hit by distracted drivers don’t realize how badly they’re hurt right away. Neck pain might not show up until the next day. Headaches can develop hours after the crash. Back problems sometimes take even longer to surface. When these injuries start affecting your ability to work or enjoy your life, an Indian River County car accident lawyer can help you figure out what compensation you’re entitled to receive.
Following Too Closely Creates No Room For Error
Tailgating causes a lot of rear-end accidents. It’s simple math, really. When you follow too closely, there’s no space to react if the car ahead stops suddenly. Several things affect how much distance you need:
- How fast you’re going
- Whether the road is wet or dry
- Visibility conditions
- The size and weight of your vehicle
The three-second rule works pretty well as a baseline. Pick a fixed object like a sign or tree. Count the seconds between when the car in front passes it and when you reach the same spot. Less than three seconds? You’re too close. Drivers who tailgate often say they didn’t have time to stop when the vehicle ahead braked. But Florida law doesn’t care much about that excuse. The rear driver is generally responsible for maintaining a safe distance. This legal presumption means the person who hit you from behind typically bears liability for what happened.
Speed Makes Everything Worse
Going too fast reduces your reaction time. It also increases the force when you hit something. A driver traveling just 10 mph over the speed limit needs significantly more distance to stop than someone following the posted limit. This becomes really dangerous in school zones, residential areas, or anywhere people stop frequently. Higher speeds worsen injuries too. The faster your vehicle is moving when it strikes another car, the more energy is transferred to the people inside. These high-impact collisions often cause serious injuries that need extensive medical treatment and long recovery times.
Poor Weather Conditions Add Another Layer Of Risk
Rain makes roads slippery and extends how far you need to stop. Fog cuts visibility so you can’t see brake lights or stopped traffic until you’re much closer. Indian River County gets hammered by afternoon thunderstorms, especially in summer. Drivers who don’t adjust their speed and following distance for these conditions are asking for trouble. Bad weather contributes to crashes, sure. But it doesn’t get drivers off the hook. Florida law still requires you to drive safely, given the conditions you’re facing. If someone rear-ends you during a rainstorm because they were going too fast for wet roads, they’re still liable for your injuries.
Mechanical Failures And Impaired Driving
Brake problems cause accidents. So do worn tires and broken brake lights. A vehicle with failing brakes might not stop in time to avoid hitting the car ahead. If your brake lights aren’t working, the driver behind you gets no warning that you’re slowing down. Regular maintenance prevents a lot of these mechanical issues. Drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles safe. When they don’t, and that failure causes a crash, it’s negligence. Alcohol and drugs slow everything down. Reaction time. Judgment. Processing speed. An impaired driver might not even notice traffic slowing ahead, or they’ll misjudge how much distance they need to stop. These crashes often happen at higher speeds because the impaired driver doesn’t brake at all, or brakes way too late.
Getting Help After A Rear-End Collision
You’ve been hit from behind, and now you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and missed work. The pain isn’t going away as quickly as you’d hoped. Meanwhile, the insurance company is calling with a settlement offer that seems low. The aftermath of a rear-end collision can feel overwhelming. Insurance adjusters aren’t on your side, no matter how friendly they sound. An Indian River County car accident lawyer can evaluate what happened, gather the evidence you need, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Reach out to discuss your situation and learn what options you have.
