Rear-end collisions happen when the front of a vehicle collides with the back of another vehicle, often do to not stopping in time. In many cases, car accidents that are the consequence of a rear-end collision are minor and result in insignificant injuries because the driver often tries to break before colliding with the other vehicle.
No matter how minor you believe the damage or injuries to be, it is always important to protect your rights if you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision!
What to do When Involved in a Rear-end Accident
In some states it is the law to contact the police whenever there is a car accident, but in most cases as long as there is minimal damage and no obvious injury it is not a necessity. When in doubt, it is always best to just make the call. Especially since insurance companies often prefer you contact the police after an accident so they can help declare fault and do an inspection of the circumstances that cause the accident.
In most cases, the person driving the vehicle that was rear-ended will not be at fault. When a car is hit in the back it is pretty obvious who caused the accident. Because of this, the at fault driver may try and place blame on you, saying you stopped suddenly so it is always best to try and get the testimony of any eye witnesses.
It is also important to take pictures at the scene of the accident of both vehicles that were involved.
The most common injury that is sustained in a rear-end collision is neck and back injuries. These types of injuries can take a while to become obvious since they are often strained muscles due to whiplash. That is why it is always vital to exchange insurance information with the other driver no matter how minor the accident may seem. Be sure to keep records of medical expenses, time missed from work, and vehicle repairs so the insurance companies give you a fair settlement.
Settling Your Claim
The only time that you should begin to discuss settlement offers with insurance companies is after all car repairs, medical visits, and you have returned to work. If you agree on a settlement while still needing medical treatment, the insurance company may not cover post expenses whether they were due to the accident or not.
If you need assistance getting just compensation for your rear-end collision accident, it is best to consult a lawyer about your options.