Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of accidents involving motor vehicles. However, just because these accidents occur often doesn't mean you should be hesitant about seeking legal representation to recover compensation for someone else's negligent actions.
Partnering with an experienced car accident lawyer and following a few steps about what to do after a rear end collision can help support a strong case for maximum compensation.
What to Do RIGHT AFTER Being Rear Ended
Right after a rear-end car accident, you may be able to take steps at the scene that can support an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, such as:
- Exchanging information with the other driver
- Taking photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, your injuries, etc.
- Interviewing nearby witnesses
- Examining the area for key details such as the presence of traffic signs and signals, the condition of the roadway, weather, lighting, and other factors
- Providing a statement to the police
Performing these actions is sometimes unsafe, impractical, or impossible. This is especially true if you suffer a serious or catastrophic injury. Fortunately, partnering with a rear end car accident lawyer early on can help you overcome the challenges faced in the immediate moments following a collision.
What To Do After Being Rear-Ended? 6 Steps to Protect Your Claim
If you've been rear-ended in a car accident, knowing what to do next can shape your recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation. Taking the right steps quickly can protect your health, safeguard your claim, and help you move forward. Here's where to start.
1. Call a Lawyer
One of the first calls you should make after a rear-end collision is to a personal injury attorney. Why? Because even a seemingly straightforward rear-end accident isn’t always as clear-cut as it looks.
Most insurance companies work hard to reduce the amount they have to pay. They may dispute who caused the accident, minimize your injuries, or offer a settlement far below what you need to recover. Don’t leave your case in their hands.
A lawyer can deal with the insurance adjuster, file the necessary claims, and fight for you to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Acting early helps build a stronger case and avoid costly mistakes.
2. Seek Additional Medical Attention
Whether your rear end collision injuries feel minor or severe, getting checked out by a medical professional right away is non-negotiable. If paramedics arrive at the accident scene, cooperate with them and follow their recommendations. A trip to the emergency room might seem unnecessary, but it can uncover injuries you might not even notice yet, like soft tissue injuries or traumatic brain injuries.
Some injuries, like back pain or spinal cord damage, can worsen over time if untreated. By seeking additional medical attention after leaving the accident scene, you create a record of the injuries you sustained in the crash. This record is key to any insurance claim or potential legal case down the line.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company
Your insurance policy likely requires you to report the rear end collision within a certain time frame after it occurs. Double-check your plan and file your report quickly.
While notifying your insurance company might seem straightforward, proceed with caution. Even your own insurer may look for ways to limit their payout, especially if you’re filing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim. Before giving a detailed statement, consult a lawyer. They’ll help you protect your rights and avoid common pitfalls.
4. Obtain the Police Report
The police report is a crucial piece of evidence. It documents key details about the crash, including the drivers involved, statements from witnesses, and the officer’s observations.
This report may prove invaluable when pursuing compensation. It can help establish who was at fault, whether distracted driving or other factors played a role, and the extent of property damage. If you don’t already have a copy, your lawyer can help you obtain it.
5. Attend All Medical Appointments
Continuing care is just as important after your initial treatment. Follow through with doctor visits, physical therapy, and any tests or procedures your healthcare providers recommend.
Not only is this vital for your health, but missing appointments could also hurt your personal injury claim. Insurance companies often argue that skipped treatments mean your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. Stay consistent with your care to support both your recovery and your case.
6. Document Life After the Rear End Accident
Building a strong case for financial recovery involves showing more than just car damage and hospital bills. It means proving the impact this accident has had on your life.
Start by tracking all your accident-related expenses. Save receipts for medical devices, travel to appointments, and home modifications. Also, keep a log of any lost wages or work opportunities.
Don’t disregard non-economic losses either. Pain, emotional distress, and disruption to your daily routines are all compensatory damages. A journal describing your symptoms and how they affect your daily life can be powerful evidence.
The Next Step Forward
Being rear-ended may leave you overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Taking these steps puts you on the right path toward recovery and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
If you’re not sure where to turn or how to start, contacting a car accident lawyer can provide the guidance you need. Don’t wait—protect your health, rights, and future while the accident details remain fresh.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Rear End Collisions?
The most frequent causes of rear end auto accidents include:
- Tailgating: Following too closely behind another vehicle, leaving insufficient space to stop safely if the lead vehicle brakes suddenly.
- Distracted driving: Engaging in activities that take the driver's attention away from the road, such as using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio.
- Speeding: Driving too fast reduces the time available to react to changes in traffic and increases the distance needed to stop safely.
- Sudden stops: When the lead vehicle stops abruptly, the following vehicle may not have enough time to react and stop, especially if they are tailgating or distracted.
- Poor weather conditions: Slippery roads due to rain, snow, or ice can increase stopping distances and make it harder to control the vehicle.
- Fatigued driving: Drowsy drivers have slower reaction times and may not notice traffic changes ahead of them.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
- Mechanical issues: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other vehicle maintenance problems can contribute to rear-end collisions.
- Road rage or aggressive driving: Drivers who aggressively change lanes, cut off other vehicles, or engage in other risky behaviors are more likely to cause accidents.
These causes don't necessarily let the other driver who may be responsible off the hook. Speaking to a lawyer can help you understand whether the cause of your rear end collision may qualify for compensation.
What Serious Injuries Can I Recover Compensation For After A Rear End Collision?
Most rear-end collisions result in injuries, even at relatively low speeds. Compensation for common and catastrophic injuries these auto collisions cause may include:
- Whiplash: The sudden, forceful back-and-forth motion of the head and neck can damage soft tissue, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Back injuries: The impact can cause herniated discs, spinal cord damage, or other back injuries, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): If the head strikes an object or is violently jolted, it can cause concussions or more severe brain injuries.
- Facial injuries: Hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag can cause facial lacerations, fractures, or dental injuries.
- Broken bones: The force of the collision can cause fractures, particularly in the arms, wrists, or legs.
- Shoulder injuries: The shoulder belt or impact can cause shoulder sprains, strains, or rotator cuff tears.
- Psychological trauma: The sudden, frightening nature of the accident can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Medical expenses from these and other significant injuries can pile up quickly. Unfortunately, your automobile insurance may not be enough to cover the current and future costs of these injuries. Make sure you have experienced legal support helping you uncover all available avenues of compensation for rear end car crash injuries.
What Types of Compensation Can You Receive from a Car Accident Claim?
When filing a car accident claim, several types of compensation may be available depending on the specifics of your case and the laws of your jurisdiction.
Medical Costs
Compensation for current and future medical bills related to injuries sustained in the accident, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, and therapy.
Lost Income
Reimbursement for income lost due to time off work while recovering from accident-related injuries.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Compensation for the accident's impact on your ability to earn income in the future, if your injuries result in a disability or limitations.
Property Damage
Compensation to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Compensation for the negative impact on your ability to participate in hobbies, activities, and other aspects of life you previously enjoyed.
Loss of Consortium
Compensation for the accident's impact on your relationship with a spouse, such as loss of companionship or intimacy.
It's essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to help assess your case, identify the types of compensation available, and pursue the best possible outcome for your claim.
What's the Process of Obtaining Compensation from the At-Fault Driver's Insurance?
Obtaining compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurance company starts with initiating a car accident claim. You can work with an attorney to provide them with the evidence you've gathered and details of your injuries and damages.
The insurance company will investigate the claim and offer a settlement. Review the offer carefully with a personal injury attorney to ensure it adequately covers your damages. Your attorney can negotiate for a higher settlement if necessary.
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an unsatisfactory settlement, your lawyer may need to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation. An attorney can file all the necessary paperwork and may possibly represent you in court should the other parties be unwilling to provide a fair settlement.
Following essential steps such as completing all follow up care and treatments, documenting daily life with injuries, and forwarding communications through your lawyer can all help support a streamlined legal process that helps you recover the compensation you deserve.
Need Legal Help After Being Rear Ended? Contact The Flood Law Firm Today
Rear-end collisions are common, but no two cases are exactly alike. If another driver hit you from behind, causing serious injuries, you should not have to bear the costs by yourself.
The Flood Law Firm has extensive experience holding careless drivers accountable for the accidents they cause. Our attorneys often recover compensation many times greater than the initial offers from insurance companies; our results speak for themselves.
Please call The Flood Law Firm at (860) 346-2695 today for a free case evaluation. Our car accident lawyers serve clients in Middletown, Danbury, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and all of Connecticut.
