When it comes to car accidents, rear end collisions are some of the most common. All car accidents are frustrating and stressful. If you or the other driver is injured in the accident, the bills and treatment involved in recovery can become very costly. The potential for injury, personal damage, and lawsuits can cause anxiety for months. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from litigation. Following these steps is important to avoid being responsible for the many expenses as a result of rear end collision damage.
Call the Police
With all car accidents, there are a few things that should always happen. The first is to call the police. When you are involved in an accident with another car, the other driver may try to convince you not to call the police, but doing so protects both of you from wrongful lawsuits. The police report is your first important piece of evidence that documents the crash. If you or the other driver is injured, you should tell the police that medical assistance is needed and provide any details of potential injuries.
Make Your Own Report
After calling the police, you should begin gathering your own evidence to document all rear end collision damage. Take photos of all vehicles involved including any car parts that may have fallen off. Make a note of the weather conditions and time of day. Check the surroundings and take photos to show the full setting of the accident. This is important because if you do end up going to court, these details help protect you if the other driver makes claims that are incorrect. Along the same lines, you should document any and all injuries with photos. Also make a note if the other driver does not have any injuries. This is particularly important if the other driver claims that they have injuries at a later date. Your photographic evidence will help protect you.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Your insurance company will ask you for many details about the other driver, so you should make sure to exchange all information. This will include the driver’s name, license number, and insurance information. You should also gather their contact details like their phone number, home address, and email. If you haven’t already, you should also make a note of their car’s license plate number as well. If there are any other passengers or bystanders, you should speak with them and ask if they have any details to share as well. Someone on the street or in a nearby shop might have seen something you may have missed.
Check In With Your Doctor
If you experience any injuries or pain after the accident, seek medical attention immediately. This is incredibly important, especially if you feel any injuries that involve your head or neck. Muscle soreness and whiplash are very common after accidents. Even the slightest pain can be a sign of a larger injury. You may not feel pain immediately, but it can arise even weeks after an accident, so you should be careful to closely monitor your health.
Call an Attorney
One of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself is to hire a lawyer. This is important to do immediately after an accident. There are many things involved in documenting and sorting through the details of a car accident. The laws of each state are different. Hiring a lawyer will help you to make sure you haven’t missed anything and will speed the process of recovery. Having a lawyer, in particular a rear end collision specialist, on your side is important if the other party makes claims that are not supported by the evidence of the accident. Your attorney will work on your behalf to protect you and make sure you receive your compensation.
Car accidents are unfortunate, but common, parts of everyday life. Dealing with all of the steps after a car accident can be stressful and drawn out over months. Protect yourself by taking these steps and make sure to have a trusted attorney, specifically a rear end collision specialist, on your side.