A rear end collision is one of the most common types of car accidents in the US. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear end collisions account for approximately 29% of all collision types each year. Getting rear ended typically involves an incoming vehicle from behind crashing into your rear. Usual factors in causing this type of accident include:
- Distracted driving (i.e. texting, reading, eating, adjusting mirrors, etc.)
- Poor road conditions
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
Depending on the severity of the rear end accident, injuries to the back, head, and spinal cord can result. A rear end car accident can even cause death in the worst of cases. If you’ve found yourself in a rear end accident, we’ll go through useful information, such as what to do after the accident, who is at fault, and how to get compensation for losses.
What to do after being rear ended?
The procedure after being rear ended in a car is essentially the same as what you’d do for any automobile accident. Here are the steps to take following a rear end collision:
1. Remain calm and check for injuries
Any car accident, no matter how minor, can be quite startling. Take a couple of breaths right after being rear ended and try to reorient yourself. Next, check for any injuries, first yourself, and then those within your vehicle. Often symptoms of injuries can show up after the incident, so always seek medical attention even if you feel fine.
2. Call 911
Call 911 after a rear end collision. Depending on the severity of the accident, the emergency crew may or may not decide to show up. If the police do show up, you’ll need to provide them with all the relevant information for the police report. If the rear end was minor enough, the police might not show up. In this case, exchange information such as name, contact info, and insurance details with the other driver.
3. Call your insurance company
Ideally, your personal injury attorney will handle this step for you. However, in the event you decide to call, let your insurance company know that you were rear ended in a car accident. Don’t allow the other driver to pressure you into dealing with the incident privately. Going through the proper channels protects you from losing out on claims you may be entitled to.
4. Take photos and document the scene
Use your cellphone to take photos of the accident scene. The more pictures you take, the easier it’d be for you when you make an insurance claim. Document everything that transpired to the best of your abilities. Throughout the entire process, never discuss fault with the other driver. Keep the interactions at a minimum, only to exchange the required information or to see if they are okay.
Who is at fault for a rear end accident?
Depending on the situation, various rear ending laws identify three parties who could potentially be at fault. These three parties include:
- Rear driver: The most common of the cases is when the rear driver is at fault for a rear end accident. This typically occurs when the rear driver is distracted, tailgating, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Tailgating generally is the most frequent cause of rear end collisions. By law, drivers must maintain a reasonable amount of distance between themselves and the car in front.
- Front driver: Even though their car is rear ended, the fault could still be on the front driver. For example, if you rear ended someone who stopped suddenly in front of you, it is the front driver who’s at fault in this case. Other instances when the rear end collision fault is placed on the front driver include when he or she:
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- Abruptly changes lanes
- Mistakenly presses on brakes instead of gas
- Mistakenly had the car in reverse
- Has broken tail lights
- Knowingly had defective brakes
- Third party: There may have been other reasons, besides the two drivers involved, that caused the accident. If the road conditions were poor (i.e. icy roads or limited visibility), for example, the rear and front drivers are not liable. Similarly, neither would be at fault if there was a mechanical failure due to a manufacturer defect.
How to get compensation for losses
Once notified about the accident, your insurance company will investigate the case and, with all the facts, come up with compensation for losses. There are generally two components to each motor vehicle accident case:
- Property damage: Vehicle damages are relatively straightforward. The damage on your vehicle will be assessed, and insurance companies will pay you the amount to get it fixed.
- Bodily Injury: Depending on the extent of the injuries, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, rehab, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Common injuries sustained from a rear end accident include:
- Whiplash
- Soft-tissue damage
- Broken leg/arm
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Certain injuries, such as whiplash or soft-tissue damage, are often subjective in nature and can be tricky to quantify in terms of compensation. Insurance companies can be skeptical of such claims, so it’s especially vital to properly document all medical records if you sustain such an injury.
Valiente Mott
Navigating through the legal and insurance processes can be a huge challenge, especially while dealing with any potential injuries or damages from a rear end collision. The Valiente Mott Las Vegas personal injury attorney team specializes in all matters related to personal injury resulting from rear end crashes, defective products, and other catastrophic injuries. No matter the case, we are here to help. If you were rear ended or you rear ended someone, contact us today for a free consultation!