Not all car accidents are the same, and neither are the legal claims that follow. The type of crash you were in can reveal a lot about who may be at fault, what evidence might be available, and how the insurance company will try to defend against your claim.
At Stallworth Law, we represent victims of serious car accidents across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and the Gulf Coast. With over 20 years of trial-tested experience and millions recovered, we know how to investigate all types of crashes and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
Here’s what the most common accident types could mean for your injury case.
1. Fender Benders
Fender benders are typically low-speed collisions, like when someone rear-ends you at a stoplight or bumps your car in a parking lot. But just because the property damage looks minor doesn’t mean you didn’t suffer real injuries. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and delayed pain are all common in these cases.
From a legal standpoint, these claims can be surprisingly tough. Insurers often downplay them and argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the crash. That’s why documenting symptoms early and having an attorney who takes your case seriously can make a major difference.
2. Head-On Collisions
Few types of accidents are as devastating as head-on collisions. The injuries are often catastrophic or fatal, and the legal battle over who crossed into the wrong lane can get heated.
Head-on crashes can happen due to drunk driving, falling asleep at the wheel, distracted driving, or unsafe passing. Sometimes, they occur when a driver makes an improper left turn into oncoming traffic. In these cases, our job is to reconstruct what happened, preserve critical evidence, and hold the right party accountable.
3. Rear-End Accidents
Florida law generally assumes the rear driver is at fault in a rear-end crash. But that doesn’t mean these cases are cut and dry. If the driver in front made a sudden, unnecessary stop or their brake lights weren’t working, the defense may argue comparative negligence.
Rear-end crashes are often tied to distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or not paying attention in traffic. Injuries like neck and back strain, herniated discs, or concussions are common, and can significantly impact your work and quality of life. The key is gathering medical documentation and witness testimony that links the crash to your injuries.
4. Rollover Accidents
Rollovers can happen after a collision, a sudden swerve, or a hazard like a curb or soft shoulder. SUVs, trucks, and other high-center-of-gravity vehicles are especially at risk.
Rollover crashes may involve more than just driver error. Defective vehicle design, tire blowouts, or unsafe road conditions could mean there are multiple parties liable, including manufacturers or municipalities. That’s why these cases often require a deep investigation and coordination with accident reconstruction and engineering experts.
5. T-Bone Collisions
T-bone or side-impact crashes often happen at intersections. One driver may run a red light, fail to yield, or make an improper turn. But because both drivers might claim they had the right of way, it can be difficult to determine who was really at fault.
At Stallworth Law, Attorney Mark Stallworth has a personal connection to these types of cases. He and his family were struck in a side-impact crash while driving on a one-lane road. That experience drives his commitment to helping victims navigate the fear, confusion, and long recovery process after these serious crashes.
Why the Crash Type Matters
Each type of accident carries its own legal and investigative challenges:
- Fault Determination: Certain crash types raise presumptions (e.g., rear-end), while others require deeper investigation (e.g., head-on, T-bone).
- Injury Severity: Side impacts and rollovers are more likely to cause catastrophic injury, which raises the stakes of your claim.
- Evidence Needs: Video footage, black box data, witness statements, and expert opinions all vary depending on the crash.
- Insurance Tactics: The more serious the crash and injury, the harder insurers fight to deny or reduce payouts.
Working with a knowledgeable attorney can make all the difference, especially when the other driver disputes fault or the insurance company tries to shift the blame onto you.
Stallworth Law Is Ready to Help
If you were injured in any type of car accident, don’t leave your future in the hands of the insurance company. With Stallworth Law, you’ll get a trial-ready team that knows how to build strong claims, fight back against lowball offers, and pursue the results you need.
Call (813) 851-2286 or contact us online to request a FREE consultation. There are no costs to hiring our team and no legal fees unless we win.