At least 40% of all car accidents in the U.S. are rear end collisions. That makes them one of the most common types of car accidents.
Rear collisions can cause structural damage to both cars, emotional stress, injuries, and can even lead to a legal case.
But, if you’ve never been involved in a rear end collision, you might not know what to do. Read on to learn about rear end collisions including accident causes, what to do in the aftermath, and injuries to look out for.
Which Driver Is at Rear End Collision Fault?
Most states consider the rear driver to be at fault any time there’s a rear end accident. If you’re the rear driver, it’s likely that you’ll receive a ticket from the incident.
When it comes to insurance claims, it can get murky. Both cars were likely damaged in the accident, but each insurance company will fight for their client’s interest. For example, the rear driver’s insurance company may try to blame the front driver even if they were the victim.
If you’re the front driver, you may want to hire a car accident lawyer like the ones at sweetlaw.com. The lawyer will represent you and handle conversations with the insurance companies. Even if you’re partially at fault, a good lawyer will be able to get you compensation to cover vehicle damage or hospital costs.
What To Do After the Accident
If you’ve been in an accident, try to get to a safe place. If you can’t pull over, get out of the car if you can and move to the side of the road. Call the 911 so the police can help redirect traffic.
Check for injuries for yourself and others in your vehicle as well as those in the other car. Call for help if anyone needs emergency medical care.
Next, you should exchange information with the other driver. Write down the other person’s insurance agent and contact information including so you can start the claims process. Take pictures of the scene if you can and record the other driver’s license plate number.
Even if you don’t need immediate medical care or help directing traffic, you should still call 911 to have the police write an accident report. This will be a part of the insurance claim or legal process.
Common Types of Injuries from Rear End Accidents
The most common injury from a rear end accident is whiplash for the driver and passenger in the front car. When you’re suddenly hit from behind, you have no time to brace yourself. This can lead to whiplash, or a strain in the neck.
Rear end accidents can also lead to neck and back pain, broken bones, and injuries in the legs, knees, and feet. Keep in mind that the faster the rear car was traveling, the worse the injuries may be.
Get Help With Your Rear End Collisions Case
Rear end collisions can be stressful, painful, and financially draining. If you’re not sure where to turn, feel free to reach out to a lawyer for legal guidance.
If you found this article helpful, you can find more content like it by scrolling through our blog.
Check for injuries.
Always terminate to see if anyone is hurt, even in lesser rear-end fender benders. Even when properly buckled up, you can still suffer whiplash and other abdominal injuries from the force of the collision. Check yourself first and then any tourists in your car. If you are safely able to, check the inhabitants of the other vehicle. If anyone is hurt, determine the severity of the wound and call for medical assistance, if necessary.
Call the police to arrive at the accident.
Even if the damage from the rear-end impact is minor, call the police. They are the ones who provide a written occurrence report, which is important because it documents when, where, and how the accident happened.
If the other driver is at fault, the police release may help validate your insurance claim for damages to your vehicle. More important, you may not realize you have an injustice until a day or two after the accident. The accident report is also essential to confirm other claims. So, you should regularly make sure you get a copy of the report.
Document the picture of the accident.
The best way to document the scene of the occasion is to take photos or videos with your phone. However, it’s also essential to describe the accident in written form — what you were doing when the other driver hit you and how it transpired. It’s crucial to do this as soon as possible. If there are any autonomous witnesses around, get their names and information. They can be essential to understanding what happened.
Exchange knowledge with the other driver.
Here’s where staying cool and calm bits of help. It’s a lot easier to exchange contact learning in a friendly manner, especially if you’re angry at the other driver for smashing into you from dilatory. Be sure to get the following notice.