On June 6, a rear-end collision in Florida left two dead and the taxi involved nearly torn in two. At approximately 2:00 a.m. a dump truck crashed into a taxi while it was stopped in a westbound lane on State Road 528 in Orange County. Officials are not sure why the taxi was stopped.
The driver of the dump truck, Edwin Canales, was not injured in the crash and is awaiting pending charges. While the driver of the taxi, Fleurinat Estephene, died at Orlando Regional Medical Center two days after sustaining critical injuries in the collision. The taxi's passenger, Claude Altidor, died at the scene of the accident.
Rear-end collisions, such as the recent fatal crash, are one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents and can cause expensive property damage, serious injury or death to those involved. In fact, in 2006, rear-end collisions accounted for 29 percent of all crashes resulting in injuries in the U.S.
Important Steps After a Rear-End Collision
If you are involved in a rear-impact auto collision, it is important to keep calm and remember what needs to be done immediately after the crash to help reduce the chance of worsening an injury.
First, check to make sure that all passengers and drivers involved are not seriously injured and call for an ambulance if needed. Whiplash, or a cervical sprain, is one of the most common injuries sustained in a rear-end collision.
Unfortunately, whiplash related symptoms sometimes take time to appear so you may not know you are injured right away. Untreated soft tissue injuries can eventually turn into chronic back and neck pain that can require ongoing medical treatment and can make you more susceptible to back and neck injuries in the future.
It is also important to make a detailed record of the incident. Pay attention to any injury symptoms you experience and document any injuries.
Exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers involved and call the police if the crash resulted in significant property damage, injury or death. Also, call your insurance company to alert them that you have been involved in an accident.
Also, find and talk to any witnesses of the accident. Witnesses may be a huge help in determining who was at fault.
If you have been injured in a rear-impact collision, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have sustained. It is important to speak to a personal injury attorney to discuss the circumstances of your case, answer any questions you may have and help you pursue your claim.
