Getting rear ended can be shocking and painful—and expensive. In just seconds, your whole day takes a new direction, and you have a list of things to do. Where do you start?
Follow these steps after a rear end accident to get this unfortunate incident behind you as soon as possible. Learn when you call the authorities—and a lawyer—and what you’ll need to make a full report for a future rear end accident settlement.
1. Get Somewhere Safe
The first thing to do after being rear-ended in a car accident is to get yourself safe. If possible, pull over the shoulder of the road or into a nearby parking lot. Signal to the person who hit you that they should follow.
If the car accident is severe enough that you can’t drive safely, turn on your hazard lights and have the other driver do the same. That way, cars can move around you.
2. Check For Injuries
Next, assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Possible rear end accident injuries may include pain in your neck, back, chest, or stomach. Determine if you or your passengers hit their head or another body part. If your airbag was deployed, you may also feel pain in your face or head.
If your phone is handy, turn on a voice memo and record yourself documenting injuries. Include who was in the car, whether everyone was wearing a seat belt, what time it happened, and the injuries everyone sustained. For serious injuries, call an ambulance for emergency medical attention.
3. Document the Scene (and the Other Car)
Before speaking to the other driver, take a photo of their car, making sure to capture their license plate. Some drivers panic after causing a rear end accident and drive away, resulting in a hit-and-run situation. Unless you have uninsured driver insurance, you may need evidence of the other car to file an insurance claim.
If the driver doesn’t drive away, spend a moment documenting the scene, including any relevant street signs, signals, car placements, and vehicle damage. Distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence are the causes of most rear end accidents, so any evidence you can gather will help your future insurance claim.
4. Call the Police
After you’re in a safe place, have determined whether you or your passengers sustained injuries, and have taken pictures of the scene, call the police. A police report can help in your documentation. Police are trained to document specific details of each collision. They can also de-escalate a situation if the other driver is contentious.
Calling the police isn’t required if no one was injured or the accident was minor. However, it’s an option if you need documentation to hold up in a lawsuit, insurance claim, or rear end accident settlement.
5. Check for Damage
While you wait for the police, take the time to check for damage to your vehicle. Take additional photos of your car—and the other car involved in the accident—or walk around the scene while taking a video. Look under the car for leaking fluid, check your tires, and ensure your trunk opens and closes.
Turn on your car and make sure the electrical system works. If you see a “Check Engine” light, the collision may have been strong enough to shift or damage your engine. Modern cars may have damage you can’t see, so find an approved mechanic to check it more thoroughly.
6. Exchange Information
Take a picture of the other driver’s insurance card, driver’s license, business card, or any other information they offer. Note the make, model, and year of their car, and let them do the same for yours. Text it to them so you have an electronic copy of their information as well as their phone number.
Sometimes, the other driver may be uncooperative after a rear end collision. Wait for the police to gather their information in these cases to stay safe and out of conflict.
7. Call a Lawyer
Many drivers wonder if they should get a lawyer for a rear-end car accident. The answer is usually yes, especially if you’re injured or your car sustained significant damage. A lawyer can help you handle insurance claims, compile documentation, and ensure fair compensation after you’ve been rear-ended.
Legal assistance is especially important if the other insurance company does not want to pay or if the other driver is uninsured. A skilled lawyer can navigate these stressful details so you can focus on recovering after your accident.
8. Call Your Insurance Agency
Once you have all the documentation you need, report your accident to your insurance company (unless your lawyer has already done so). They’ll start the process of filing your insurance claim, so any details and documentation you can give will be helpful.
Most insurance companies allow you to file claims online or over the phone. Choose the method that’s easiest for you. Your insurance agent can help you navigate the next steps, including finding and approving a mechanic.
9. Take Care of Your Car
Your lawyer or insurance company can arrange for your car to be towed if it’s not driveable. If you can drive your car out of the area, take it to the mechanic preferred by your insurance company for an extensive damage check.
Many insurance policies cover the cost of a rental car for a period of time while they assess and fix your car. If your policy does not, document how much you spend on your car rental so your lawyer can include it in the list of damages.
10. Get Medical Attention
Even if you’re feeling fine after your rear end accident, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not reveal themselves for hours or days after your collision, and others may be more serious than they appear. Include your doctor’s report in your documentation and send it to your lawyer and insurance company.
Call Burrow & Associates After Being Rear Ended
Have more questions about what to do when you get rear ended? Contact the legal team at Burrow & Associates for a free consultation to discuss your case. We have extensive experience in personal injury cases and car accidents and can help with your rear end accident settlement.
Have questions or need assistance? Reach out to us by calling (678) 323-2394 or by using our online contact form, and we’ll ensure you get the help you’re looking for.