Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents. In 2020, they contributed to 27.8% of all accidents. Hazardous weather conditions, aggressive driving, distracted driving, driver fatigue, or drunk driving may cause rear-end accidents. If you’re involved in a rear-end collision, you may sustain neck, back, brain, and spinal cord injuries and broken bones.
If the accident wasn’t your fault, what you do after it happens significantly impacts your claim’s outcome. This article discusses five steps to take when you have been rear-ended.
- Seek medical attention
A rear-end accident may result in injuries ranging from minor to severe. Seeking medical attention after the crash is essential for your well-being. While some injury symptoms might manifest immediately, others might delay and, if not treated immediately, may worsen. This makes it necessary to seek medical examination regardless of whether you feel okay or have injuries you can manage at home.
Besides ensuring you get treatment for any injuries suffered in a rear-end collision, seeking medical attention comes in handy when filing a claim. Your comprehensive medical reports help prove that you were injured in the accident, making it easier to negotiate fair compensation for the harm you suffered.
- Hire a car accident lawyer
Hiring a car accident lawyer after being rear-ended is vital for your claim’s success. They can help determine if you qualify for compensation. This prevents you from wasting valuable money and time pursuing a claim that might ultimately amount to nothing.
If your attorney determines that you have a solid case, they can help prove your injuries, determine your claim’s value, negotiate a fair settlement, represent you in court, and keep you from making statements that could hurt your claim. With the help of a skilled and experienced attorney, such as a car accident lawyer in Peachtree Corners, you have higher chances of winning your claim and getting maximum compensation.
- Notify the police
If you’ve been rear-ended, consider notifying the police regardless of the accident’s severity because the damage done isn’t always apparent. Once the police reach the scene, they’ll get a precise record of whatever transpired, document it, and file a report. The police report gives your insurer accurate details of the collision. This report can also protect you if any legal issues related to the case arise. Police reports can strengthen your case, increasing the possibility of fair compensation.
- Gather evidence
Gathering evidence after a rear-end collision significantly contributes to the success of a potential claim. Before leaving the accident scene, take photos of your vehicle and others involved in the crash from different angles, including their number plates, and document them.
If any witnesses were present when the accident happened, record their statements and take their contact details. You should also take pictures of your injuries and monitor all the expenses related to these injuries, plus any car repair costs. You can use this evidence in legal proceedings or insurance claims relating to your case.
- Notify your insurer
Car insurance policies require you to report any accident you’re involved in. Notifying your insurer helps you remain compliant. It also ensures you’re compensated for losses incurred in the crash. Since you may not get fair compensation from your insurer, your attorney can negotiate with them for maximum settlement.
Endnote
While being involved in a rear-end collision can be overwhelming, how you handle it determines your lawsuit’s outcome. Following these steps after being rear-ended can help increase your claim-winning chances.