What To Do When You Get Rear Ended: A Step-By-Step Guide After A Rear-End Collision
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Getting rear-ended is one of the most common types of car accidents—and one of the most confusing to navigate. If you’re unsure what to do when you get rear ended, you’re not alone. Whether the impact seemed minor or your vehicle suffered severe damage, knowing the proper steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your personal injury claim.
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, this guide will walk you through what to do, what not to do, and how to position yourself for the best possible outcome. For immediate legal help, call Allbee Law Firm at (972) 848-4848. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
What Happens If You’ve Been Rear-Ended?
Rear-end collisions usually happen when one driver fails to stop in time and crashes into the vehicle ahead. These accidents often occur at stoplights, intersections, or in congested traffic, and even low-speed crashes can result in serious injuries.
The force of the impact can lead to vehicle damage, neck pain, and other accident injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage. If you’ve been rear-ended, assume the crash has caused more than just cosmetic issues and take steps to protect yourself.
Check for Injuries and Contact Emergency Services
Your first priority after a rear-end accident should be safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, or even if you’re unsure, call 911 immediately.
Many rear-end crashes result in hidden or delayed injuries. It’s crucial to seek medical attention, even if you feel fine initially. Not only does this protect your health, but it also creates medical documentation that may be essential in a personal injury case.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights and Move to Safety
To prevent further accidents, turn on your hazard lights and move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road if it’s safe to do so. This alerts other drivers and helps keep the accident scene under control.
Call the Police and File a Police Report
No matter how minor the crash may seem, you should call the police and wait for them to arrive. The responding officer will create an official police report, which is a crucial piece of evidence in a personal injury claim or insurance settlement.
When the police arrive, stick to the facts. Avoid speculating or admitting fault. Let the officer evaluate the scene and determine what to include in the report.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
It’s essential to exchange information with the other driver involved in the collision. Make sure to collect:
- Name and contact details
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Liability insurance policy information
- Make and model of their vehicle
If the driver is without insurance, don’t panic. You may still be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance or a personal injury claim.
Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
Use your phone to take pictures of the accident from different angles. Include close-ups of vehicle damage, skid marks, road signs, and any visible injuries.
These images can be vital during the claims process and can help prove fault or show the extent of the vehicle damage and serious injuries you sustained.
Avoid Admitting Fault or Discussing the Crash With Insurance Companies
Be careful what you say at the accident scene and during phone calls with insurance companies. Even casual statements like “I didn’t see you” can be interpreted as an admission of fault.
Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts. If they call you after the crash, don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything without consulting our Dallas personal injury attorneys.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Symptoms of neck pain, whiplash, or even traumatic brain injuries may not show up right away. That’s why it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine initially.
Delaying treatment can worsen your injuries and harm your personal injury claim, as insurers may argue your injuries weren’t related to the crash.
File a Claim and Contact Your Insurance Company
After a rear-end collision, it’s essential to notify your insurance provider, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Let your rear-end accident lawyer at Allbee Law Firm take care of setting up the claim and communicating directly with the insurance carrier on your behalf.
We’ll guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim for your property damage, medical bills, and any lost wages due to time missed from work. Our Dallas rear-end accident attorneys will also review your insurance policy to identify all available coverage. If the at-fault driver has limited insurance coverage, your underinsured motorist coverage may help bridge the gap in coverage.
Get Legal Help From a Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with insurance companies after a rear-end car accident can be frustrating. If you’ve experienced significant injuries, missed work, or are unsure about your rights, speaking with a Dallas car accident lawyer can make all the difference.
At Allbee Law Firm, we help car accident victims navigate every part of the process. During your free consultation, we’ll explain your legal options and make sure your rights are protected.
Get Legal Help After a Rear-End Collision
If you’ve been rear-ended in a car accident, don’t try to deal with the car insurance companies or legal system on your own. At Allbee Law Firm, we’ll guide you through every step of your personal injury claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (972) 848-4848 to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights.
FAQs About What To Do When You Get Rear Ended
What if I was rear-ended and the other driver doesn't have insurance?
If the at-fault driver doesn’t carry insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage can help pay for medical bills, property damage, and other accident-related losses. In some accident cases, you may also be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver to recover damages directly, but that is not common.
Do I need a police report to file an insurance claim?
A police report isn’t always required, but it can be one of the most critical pieces of evidence in your insurance claim. It documents the details of the crash, identifies the parties involved, and often includes the officer’s initial assessment of fault. Having an official report helps prevent disputes and strengthens your position during the claims process.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.
What are common rear-end accident injuries that may not show up right away?
Some rear-end accident injuries don’t present symptoms immediately, especially if adrenaline masks the pain. Common delayed injuries include whiplash, soft tissue damage, neck pain, and even traumatic brain injuries. It’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention at the first sign of discomfort.
Should I still see a doctor if I feel okay after getting rear-ended?
Absolutely. Even if you feel fine, you could have underlying injuries that won’t show symptoms for hours or even days. Getting a prompt medical evaluation helps protect your health and ensures any injuries are documented, which is vital if you decide to file a personal injury claim.