What to Do After a Rear End Accident?

What to Do After a Rear End Accident?

Did you know that rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents, accounting for about 30% of crashes involving moving vehicles? According to CrashStats, 1.7 million rear-end collisions take place in the United States each year. Of these accidents, about 1,700 people die and another 500,000 are injured in the crashes.

Rear-end accident lawyer William R. Elam says that the first thing to do after a rear-end accident is to check yourself for injuries. 

Here are the other steps you should take following a rear-end accident. more actions that can make a difference right after an accident.

Check for Injuries

Pomona car accident lawyer Christian Amendt advises people to prioritize checking themselves and others for injuries. Keep still until aid arrives if you’re in pain. Do not ignore any signs of pain since it can be a symptom of a more serious health problem. 

Only approach others after you have determined that it is safe to do so. Inquire about their health and condition. In case of an injury, avoid moving them, especially if there is a presence of other hazards, such as fire or another vehicle’s imminent approach. Call medical assistance immediately instead.

Move to Safety

After assessing injuries, move away from the accident seen as soon as possible. Drive gently to the roadside or nearest parking lot if the vehicle still works. This will prevent other incidents from adding to the damage and assure safety. You can activate the hazard lights to alert other cars.

If the vehicle cannot be driven, remain in the car with a seatbelt attached and wait for assistance. This is usually the safest course of action, especially on congested roads. If you must get out of the vehicle, do so with caution. Check for oncoming traffic and try to position yourself away from the road.

Gather people and lead them away. Since a second collision is possible, stay away from the affected automobiles. Use flares or warning triangles to alert other vehicles in low light.

Call Emergency Services

Calling the emergency authorities is among the steps you should take when a rear-end crash occurs. Calling 911 allows professional personnel to assess and provide medical attention. Emergency responders can help control traffic around the accident.

During the call, stay calm and provide the dispatcher with essential information. Describe your location clearly, mention the nature of the accident, and state if anyone’s injured. This helps them dispatch the appropriate services quickly.

If you are unable to make the call by yourself, look for bystanders willing to assist. Don’t leave the scene until authorities have arrived and checked a patient. Your knowledge of the incident can provide more context for the emergency responders.  

Document the Scene

Begin documenting the scene immediately after checking everyone’s safety. Start by taking clear photographs of the vehicles involved from multiple angles. Capture the damage, license plates, and any relevant road conditions.

Identify the accident site. Use landmarks, street signs, or GPS locations for context. Record the incident’s time and date. These details shed light on what happened and when. Look for skid marks, debris, and other physical evidence of the crash. Record wet pavement and limited visibility.

Document any unusual activity by other drivers, such as stumbling or mumbling. This can be used to determine liability. Try to record witness accounts. Their observations may support your account. You can strengthen your argument by gathering this information.

Exchange Information

Exchanging information with the other drivers can be beneficial for future records and claims. Introduce yourself quietly and ask for their name, phone number, and insurance. Get their policy number and insurer information.

Determine the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate. Obtain the contact information of witnesses if possible. Be nice but don’t apologize or discuss the accident. Avoid emotional debate and stick to facts. If the other motorist is uncooperative, stay calm and get as much information as possible without escalating.

Notify Your Insurance

The insurance company will ask for accident details after being notified of what happened. Tell them the date, time, and place of the incident. 

Be honest and very thorough in your description since the information you will provide can influence your claim. Prepare your policy number and the other driver’s insurance details information when you call your insurance company. 

Sometimes, insurance companies will require a written report of the accident. Keep in mind that your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect damages. This is needed to evaluate liability and policy coverage.

Seek Medical Attention

Do not delay seeing a medical professional after a rear-end accident. Headaches, neck pain, and stiffness may indicate whiplash or more significant injuries, so it is important to immediately consult a physician to check on your condition. 

Get to a doctor or urgent care center for a full exam, documentation of injuries, and immediate treatment. Not seeing a doctor early can harm your health and jeopardize claims. Record medical appointments, therapy, and medicines. These will be useful if you need to claim medical expenses or seek reimbursement.

Follow the recovery plan as prescribed by your doctor, whether it’s physical therapy, resting, or taking medication. It helps improve your health and strengthens any case you may have against the insurance company and even potential legal matters.

Conclusion

Knowing what to do after a rear-end accident is important to protect your health and well-being. Being prepared after an accident has a significant impact on how smoothly your recovery will go. Following the steps outlined in this article will help you avoid potential lawsuits and receive fair compensation. 

Disclaimer: The content on Wellness Derive is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical concerns.

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