What to Do if You’ve Been Rear-Ended?

The purpose of this article is to guide you through the steps you should take to protect yourself, any injuries you may have sustained, and any potential to sue the other driver.

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, particularly when someone hits you unexpectedly from behind. If you have been in an accident where someone rear-ended you, it is essential to know what to do.

The first thing you should do after getting hit from behind is to check yourself and anyone else in your car for injuries. The force of the impact in a rear-end collision can cause serious injuries such as whiplash or a concussion. You may not feel any symptoms for several hours or even days after the accident, so it is important to get a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying problems before they get worse.

If you find that you are seriously injured, call 911 or ask someone to call for you. If your injuries are less severe, consider visiting an urgent care center or your primary care physician within a few days after the accident. Explain to the medical staff that you were involved in a car accident and describe any pain or symptoms you are experiencing. Keep track of any medical bills and treatment records related to the accident.

After checking for injuries and ensuring that everyone involved in the accident is fine, it is important to move to a safe location to avoid any further accidents or injuries. If your car is still drivable, you can move it to a safe location off the road. This can help prevent further accidents and injuries, as well as reduce traffic congestion.

In some cases, the location of the cars involved in the accident may be important in determining fault. For example, if the other driver rear-ended you while you were stopped at a traffic light, the location of the accident could be used to establish that the other driver was at fault and help determine any potential compensation you may be entitled to.

Finally, you should remain calm and avoid any confrontation with the other driver, even if you are angry or upset.

Once you are in a safe location, the next thing you should do is call the police. Even if the accident is minor, it is important to have an official record of what happened. The police will create an accident report, which will document the details of the accident, including any injuries sustained, and provide you with a copy of the report.

The police report will include important information that will be useful if you decide to pursue legal action. This includes the other driver’s contact and insurance information, as well as any witness statements. The report may also include a diagram of the accident scene and a description of the damage to the vehicles.

It is important to be cooperative with the police when they arrive. Answer their questions honestly and provide any information they request. If you are unsure about something, it is okay to say so. Do not admit fault or apologize, as this could be used against you later.

In some cases, the police may not be able to respond to the accident scene. If this is the case, you can still file an accident report with your local police department. This report will serve as an official record of the accident, which may be useful if you decide to pursue legal action.

Start by exchanging information with the other driver, including their name, contact information, and insurance information. Also, take note of the make and model of the other car, as well as the license plate number. If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information as well.

In the event that the other driver does not have insurance, it is important to still exchange contact information. You may have to file a claim with your own insurance company to cover any damages or injuries, and your insurance company will likely want this information along with the police report. In some cases, you may also have the option to file a lawsuit against the other driver to recover damages, and you will need this information.

In addition, take photos of both cars from multiple angles. Gathering this information may seem overwhelming, but it is important to be as thorough as possible. The more information you have, the better prepared you will be if you decide to pursue legal action or file an insurance claim.

Throughout all of this, it is important to be careful about what you say to the driver and any witnesses. Even if you believe you may have been at fault for the accident, it is important not to admit it.

Determining fault is the job of the police, insurance companies, and, if necessary, the courts. Even if you think you were at fault, it is important not to admit fault until a proper investigation has been conducted.

Saying “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t mean to do that” can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault. It is better to avoid apologizing and simply exchange contact and insurance information. By admitting fault in some way, it can be used against you in any legal proceedings or insurance claims. It is better to let the investigation determine fault and avoid making any statements that could be used against you.

Besides, even if you believe you may have been at fault for the accident, there may be other factors involved that you are not aware of. For example, the other driver may have been distracted or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

It is important to remember that determining fault in an accident can be a complicated process. Even if you think you may have been at fault, it is better to let the investigation play out before making any statements that could be used against you.

At this point, it is a good idea to speak with an auto accident attorney, whether or not you think you might have a case. They can help you determine what your rights are and guide you through the legal process.

Speaking with a personal injury attorney can be a valuable step after a rear-end collision. An attorney can help you navigate the legal system, determine fault, maximize your compensation, and represent you in court if necessary. Remember to choose an attorney who has experience in personal injury law and a proven track record of success.

While you might want to call your insurance company right away, it is best to contact them after you have already spoken to an attorney so you know what to say and what not to say. 

It is important to remember that insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize their own losses. This means that they may try to offer you a settlement that is lower than what you are entitled to. It is important to consult with a personal injury attorney to make sure you don’t say something that could be detrimental to your case. 

Your insurance policy likely requires that you report any accidents within a certain amount of time, so don’t wait too long. 

Conclusion

Being rear-ended by another driver can be a traumatic experience, but it is important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and any injuries you may have sustained.

If you feel as though you might have a case against the other people involved in the accident, speak with a personal injury attorney to determine if you have a case. An attorney can help you navigate the legal system, determine fault, maximize your compensation, and represent you in court if necessary.

Contact a personal injury attorney today to discuss your options. With the right legal team, you can ensure that you receive fair compensation for any damages you have suffered. Remember, the sooner you speak with an attorney, the better equipped you will be to handle the aftermath of a rear-end collision.

To speak with an experienced attorney with The Ruth Law Team, call (888) 783-8378 or complete our short online form.