You’re driving down the road, minding your own business, when all of a sudden – BAM! You’ve been hit from behind.
Suddenly, you don’t know what to do. It’s a stressful and frustrating situation, but with the proper knowledge, you can navigate it without spending lots of time and energy.
In this blog, we’ll provide tips for what to do (and not to do!) if you ever find yourself in a rear-end collision.
Assessing the Damage
If you are in a rear-end collision, the first thing you should do is assess the damage. Take a moment to inspect the vehicles and note any visible damage that may have occurred. Assessing the damage can help determine if either driver must file a claim with their insurance company.
Document the Scene
Take a few moments to record what you remember of the accident. Make note of the time, street name, and where your cars were when the car crash occurred.
If you have a camera, take pictures of the scene, vehicle, and your own injuries. Get all contact information from all parties involved.
Write down the license plate numbers, insurance information, and the make and model of the cars involved. It is also important to get contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. If you can, get a copy of the police report.
Seeking Medical Attention
If you are in a rear-end collision, it is essential to seek medical attention even if you don’t feel any pain or symptoms. Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash, may take days or weeks to manifest.
The full range of possible injuries from a rear-end collision may be hard to identify, but some common symptoms include neck and shoulder pain, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and numbness in the arms and legs.
Delayed medical attention may worsen the injury and reduce the likelihood of proper care and recovery. If you experience any of these symptoms after a rear-end collision, seek medical attention immediately.
Filing an Insurance Claim
After seeking medical treatment, call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. You need to provide the insurance company with as much information as possible.
Make sure to include the time, date, and location of the accident, the contact information of any other drivers or witnesses, and any documents you have relating to the collision, such as your driver’s license or an accident report from the police, if available. Photographs of the vehicles involved can also be beneficial.
Make sure to cooperate with your insurance company’s representatives and provide any documents or testimony they require.
Finding a Lawyer if Necessary
In cases where liability is disputed, seeking an experienced lawyer to help protect your rights may be beneficial. A lawyer can also make sure you receive adequate compensation for any accident-related expenses and review insurance policy details, if necessary.
Lastly, a lawyer can negotiate with the responsible parties on your behalf and will make sure you are not taken advantage of. To find the best car accident lawyer for your case, visit https://stevedimopoulos.com/car-accidents/.
Here’s What to Do If You Got Hit From Behind
Overall, it’s important to keep your wits about you if you ever find yourself in a rear-end collision. Take the proper steps to ensure everyone’s safety and collect all needed evidence.
If you are hit from behind, seek legal help and get the proper guidance. Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of; get the compensation you deserve.
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