There are over 6 million car accidents in America each year. As much as we don’t like to think about it, it’s highly likely that we’ll be involved in a collision at some point in our lives.
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, there are certain steps you need to take to protect your interests. This is especially true if you experienced any injuries or your vehicle sustained serious damages in the wreck.
We’re here to give you a step-by-step guide on what to do. Keep reading for everything you need to know.
Assess Yourself for Injuries and Maximize Your Safety
After a rear-end accident, it’s important to assess yourself and your passengers for any serious injuries. Anyone who’s suffered a head or neck injury should not be moved unless it’s absolutely vital to their safety and well-being.
If everyone is okay, get them out of the car and out of harm’s way. If possible, move the vehicles to the side of the road to avoid causing another accident.
Call 911
Call 911 to report the rear-end collision to authorities. The operator will send a police officer to the scene to file an official report. They’ll also ask about any injuries to determine whether or not they need to send emergency medical responders.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Once you’re off the phone with 911, approach the other driver to exchange the necessary information. This includes:
- Names and contact information
- Driver’s license numbers and license plates
- Insurance information
If the other driver is aggressive or hysterical, wait until the police arrive to exchange information. Do your best not to engage, react, or make things worse. Do not discuss fault or try to place blame.
Collect Evidence of the Accident
Use your phone to take pictures of accident. You’ll want evidence of the collision and the damages done to your vehicle for your insurance claim. They might also come in handy if you need to hire an attorney.
Take pictures of any injuries you or your passengers sustained in the rear-end collision. If possible collect witness testimonies from bystanders who saw the accident and get their contact information. Finally, jot down your recollection of the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind.
Schedule an Appointment With Your Doctor and an Attorney
Rear-end accidents often result in whiplash and other serious injuries. These injuries can have delayed symptoms. Go to your doctor to get an official evaluation after the accident, even if you feel okay.
If you have any injuries, their official documentation and diagnosis will be essential to your insurance claim. We also recommend hiring a rear-end accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer will ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and financial losses.
Were You Involved in a Rear-End Car Accident?
It’s difficult to accept that most of us will be involved in an accident at some point. If you’ve been involved in a rear-end car accident, follow this guide to make sure you cover all of your bases. We’re sorry to hear about your accident and hope you come out of everything alright.
For more legal tips or life guidance, feel free to stick around and read through some of our other articles. Our blog was created to provide insight and information for people like you.