This is because, most of the time, it's the rear car that causes the accident. Insurance claims involving multiple vehicles can be complicated and require thorough documentation. These damages represent easily ascertainable, out-of-pocket losses like: Non-Economic Damagesare more subjective and less easy to prove than economic damages. Officer who put woman in police car hit by train didn't know it was on Determine whether anyone is hurt Never leave the scene of an accident, even a minor one. Figures posted from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), show that of the approximately 6 million car accidents that happen in the United States each year, over 40% of them (2.5 million) are rear-end collisions. You suffered an injury in the rear-end accident; Any insurance company (yours or the other drivers) disputes the other, The other drivers insurance company contacts you, especially if they ask for a recorded statement from you or offer you a quick cash settlement; or. Don't just shake hands and walk away - you'll risk jeopardizing your claim against the at-fault driver's auto insurance. Rear-end collisionsare dangerous and common, representing nearly one-third of all accidents that result in serious injury. Dashner Law Firm. Have you been injured in a rear-end collision? It also allows you to document injuries in case you need to make a claim against the other driver for compensation. Accidents can cause serious and expensive damages. Activity restrictions and treatment plans can feel like a major inconvenience. There are approximately6 millioncaraccidents each year in the United States. Emotions can run high after a car accident, so if you believe the other driver is impaired or aggressive, trust your instincts, Luna advises. This applies to the driver behind you, as well, and if they are too close, the risk of a rear-end collision increases. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has given what appears to be his first interview since his aborted mutiny; Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline have been spotted using "seized" North Korean rockets . Almost always, it will be the driver of the rear vehicle. However, this is not always the case. At my office, we are experienced to handle all types of automobile injury claims and property damage claims. Its vital to your health and your legal rights. Representatives of the other drivers insurance company may try to contact you if they think their policyholder was at-fault and may have financial exposure to you. The impact of a rear-end accident can be physically, cognitively, and emotionally difficult, with long-lasting and far-reaching financial consequences. "Check the impact to the car: Was it on the front side, driver's side, rear? Personal injury lawyers go beyond answering the question, what to do after a car accident thats not your fault. The information contained in this website is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship nor is it intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney. Seek medical attention : Your first concern following being hit from behind is to seek medical attention. By contacting a lawyer immediately, you can receive the most money for your damages. Because Georgia is a comparative fault state, you may still be able to recover compensation for an accident even if you were partially at fault. A driver who promised to pay may not have the money to do so, Your insurer can help you to fight to obtain compensation from the at-fault drivers insurer, Your insurer may pay for losses if you live in a no-fault state or if the other motorist has insufficient coverage. If you hit a car from behind, theres a handful of steps that youll need to take, but not everyones sure how to go about it. Neither the State Bar of Nevada nor any agency of the State Bar has certified any lawyer as a specialist or as an expert. Trauma from a car crash can rupture a disc or cause it to "slip.". I Was Hit From Behind in My Car by Another Driver, What Should I Do If you hire an attorney, they can handle negotiations with the other insurance company. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. AARP Auto Buying Program powered by TrueCar, Find a car with the safety features you want and get upfront pricing information, $300-$7,200 benefit on home purchases and sales, AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford, AARP Online Fitness powered by LIFT session, Customized workouts designed around your goals and schedule, SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS. Signs and symptoms of whiplash usually develop within days of the injury, and may include: Neck pain and stiffness. Your health and legal rights depend on it. However, there is the chance that you could end up permanently disabled after the crash. Now what? 2023 Forbes Media LLC. Rear-Ended: Accident Liability and Compensation - AllLaw These bills should be covered. But if its denied, call and talk to our office. The car crash into the insurance store was prompted by a driver running a red light and hitting another car. Try not to say anything that even potentially suggests you were at fault-many people tend to self-blame, but it doesnt help you say, I should have seen him coming if theres nothing you could have done to avoid the collision. Our Georgia law office offers a free consultation to answer your questions and explain your legal options. Car accident advice - don't get caught out | RAC Drive Then, she learned the driver who had hit her had rock-bottom insurance coverage. 35% of people killed and injured in vehicles were occupants of passenger cars. Is it Always Your Fault if You Hit a Car from Behind? In this guide, well walk you through the steps you can take after an accident thats not your fault to help you protect yourself and get the compensation you deserve. Click to contactourpersonal injury lawyerstoday. So, the standard now is that you should be at least three seconds behind the driver in front of you. Lost future earnings Most rear-end car accidents dont cause terribly serious injuries. Join today for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal, Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams. For a free legal consultation, call 516-451-7900, "I highly recommend the firm of Rosenberg & Gluck. Even serious injuries common to rear-end collisions-like whiplash, spinal injury, and brain trauma-may not show symptoms immediately. We were shaking, but no one was hurt.". This may be referred to as a chain reaction or pileup accident. By Curtis Lee One of the trickiest aspects of any car accident case is figuring out fault. Evidence at the scene, such as skid marks and debris, can also be helpful (thats why you always want to take pictures of your scene). If you are involved in a rear-end automobile collision, contact a collision center immediately. Best Credit Cards for International Travel, First Steps When a Car Accident Isnt Your Fault, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Move yourself and your vehicle to the side of the road if it is safe to do so, Contact the police to provide notice of the accident, The name, address, telephone number, drivers license, and license plate number from any individuals involved in the accident, The names and contact details of passengers or accident witnesses, Photographs of the damage to the vehicles and to the scene of the accident, A copy of the accident report from the responding police, if applicable and available, Minor accidents can sometimes turn out to cause serious damage. In the wake of a rear-end collision, taking photos or video of the accident scene can help to preserve important evidence of what happened and who should be held accountable. Depending on how much damage your car sustained, it may need to be towed to a collision repair center, Luna says. So, the standard now is that you should be at least three seconds behind the driver in front of you. Hosted by Natalie Kitroeff. Sign in to My Account Learn About the Law Explore Legal Topics Accidents & Injuries Bankruptcy Car Accidents Let's get started with your consultation. How To Prove You Aren't at Fault for Your Car Accident | Nolo This distance represents only the minimum safe space between cars. A driver has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., that killed a pedestrian this month, U.S. Park Police said . If you fail to follow your medical teams instructions, you may worsen your injuries or delay your healing process. Our attorneys will evaluate the case details and make sure you understand your rights and options before moving forward. In the majority of cases, the driver in the car in front is not at fault for a rear-end collision. Theyll gather the evidence to prove that you werent the one who caused the accident. 2016, Limerick Auto Body. While it may be tempting to negotiate a cash deal to avoid making an insurance claim, not notifying your insurance company after a crash can leave you liable for damages stemming from the accident. The driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You could be stopped at a stop sign, red light, or crosswalk when the driver behind you doesn't stop or they take their foot off the brake pedal a little too soon. Intentional car accidents may be due to road rage or with the intent of fraudulently pursuing an insurance claim. If the police do not come, you can request a copy of the report from the law enforcement office, or through the insurance adjuster handling your claim. Its not going to be easy for your car accident lawyer in Texas to prove the other driver was at fault. Use your cellphone camera to take pictures of documents or, with pen and paper, get the name, address, phone number and driver's license number of everyone involved in the accident. Liability may be obvious in a rear-end collision where another driver was distracted or negligent. While many people disregard these collisions as minor fender benders, victims can suffer serious and costly injuries in a rear-endcar accident. Christy Bieber is a personal finance and legal writer with more than a decade of experience. PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A teen was hit and killed on Friday morning while riding a bike in Northeast Philadelphia. It is important to understand what rules are likely to apply to your situation so you can find out if you should expect payment to come from your insurer or the at-fault drivers insurer. Second, always call the police to the scene of the accident. 14% were . Our awards, both local and national, are numerous, our community involvement is unrelenting and our presence as an expert on the national news or in the courtroom is to be reckoned with. If you can do so safely and without getting in the way of police and first responders doing their jobs, use your phone to capture images of: You also have a legal obligation to exchange information with the other driver in most rear-end accidents. Remember, though, that no matter how much the jury awards in damages, the insurer will only pay money up to policy limits. to answer questions that you have at the time of your accident. Our offices span the United States and we are considered the epitome of the 21st century practice, tenacious, and highly successful for our clients. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. What To Do If Someone Hits Your Car - Policygenius Sketch a diagram of the crash scene. The average price for a new car as of June . What Happens When A Car Hits You From Behind In New York? I was treated with respect and patience. What To Do After A Car Accident - Forbes Advisor Sometimes, rear-end crashes involve a minor impact where no one is hurt. These experts can examine and explain the physical evidence to determine specific facts about the accident. Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms. If so, see if you can get that persons name and contact information so that your attorney can follow up with them. Investigate the accident to identify all of the at-fault parties who may owe you financial compensation; Evaluate the amount of financial compensation you have the right to receive; Answer your questions and explain your options in a language you can understand; Advise you on how to make important decisions that could affect your future and your finances; Prepare and file official claims for compensation from the at-fault parties and/or their insurance carriers; Negotiate top-dollar settlements of your claims if possible; Go to court on your behalf to prove your right to receive money damages in a trial; Collect the money owed to you through a settlement, judgment, or jury award. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Here, well explore whether having a car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Thank you. 6 Common Back Injuries from Car Accidents: Treatment and Compensation Determining what happened and noting important factors such as weather and property damage are important. Delhi: Police Inspector Dies After Truck Hits His Car From Behind Many people have motor club memberships, and roadside assistance is one of the benefits. Herniated Discs. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. Most rear end collisions are caused by a distracted driver who is not paying attention to what is in front of them. This is a common question after a rear end accident. Yes, you should hire an attorney. You feel confused or overwhelmed by decisions you need to make that could affect your life, health, or finances. No. The driver was intentionally trying to cause a car accident. Did a bystander witness the crash? Rear-end collisions are common and usually happen because of speeding, distracted driving, traffic congestion, brake failure, and DUIs. Designate a spot in your car to keep your registration, proof of insurance card, contact information and a list of key things you need to remember at the scene of an accident. Use your phone to snap a picture of the other drivers license and insurance information. Depending on the circumstances, a skilled lawyer can often: Of course, a lawyer cant take any of these steps on your behalf until you reach out. Brent Coon & Associates was founded in 2001 and has accomplished a lot in only 15 years, recently crossing the one billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. However, the majority of states are at-fault states. What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident - The Balance If you are injured or suspect you are injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. By visiting a doctor immediately after a rear-end collision, you ensure that you spot those injuries and prevent them from getting worse. One of the most common type of auto accident is a rear-end collision. Sometimes, they involve a substantial impact with serious injuries. Do you see any security or traffic cameras in the area? Report the Accident and Wait for Help to Arrive. We have been helping people injured in car accidents for the last decade and recovered millions of dollars for our clients. The easiest way to do this is to call 911 and ask law enforcement to come to the scene. Rear End Collisions: 7 Things To Do If You Get Hit From Behind Take a few minutes to take videos and photos of the crash scene, including damage to vehicles and surrounding areas. Ideally, you will be able to give the license plate number of the hit-and-run driver's car. A few years ago, Denise Schipani, 54, and her son were stopped at a traffic light near her home in Huntington Station, New York, when a car slammed into theirs from behind. (The Answer Is No! Your insurance company will ask for lots of information about the accident, and may even prompt you to use a remote inspection tool via your smartphone. Youll probably also need to fix your car. Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster movie "Oppenheimer" has sparked controversy among the Hindu-right in India, with some calling for a boycott and demanding the removal of a sex scene in . Rather, punitive damages punish the at-fault driver and deter others from engaging in the same bad conduct. This is why the victims of rear-end crashes should consider turning to the services available from the Levitksy Law Firm. The accident took place in the early hours today on Rohtak Road, near Madipur metro station, in which a Ciaz car was hit by a truck from behind, a senior police officer said. Once your attorney proves you werent at fault, theyll demand that you be compensated. Do not stress if you cant collect information. [contact-form-7 id=29 title=Contact form 1], 2831 St. Rose Parkway, #200 Henderson NV 89052 | TheOneLawyer.com, PLLC Personal Injury Law Firm. Try to stay calm and take the following steps to protect yourself: First, if it is safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles immediately following the collision before they are moved. Never share your Social Security number, the coverage limits on your insurance policy or other personal information. In either event, always prioritize human safety over the safety of vehicles and other property. At some point, the odds are that most drivers will be involved in such a collision. Follow those instructions carefully. Don't assume a tow truck that magically shows up at the crash is reputable; always verify its credentials and take down all contact information, Luna adds. What To Do If You Are in A Car Accident With No Damage The sooner you seek medical help, the easier it will be to prover your pain and injuries are a result of the rear-end auto collision and not your everyday activities as the insurance company will want to argue. Find exclusive interviews, smart advice, free novels, full documentaries, fun daily features and much more all a benefit of your AARP membership on Members Only Access. Immediately following an accident, make getting to safety a priority. Car accidents occur in a variety of ways. But rear-end collisions are one of the most common kinds of car accidents. The at-fault drivers insurance company may offer to settle your case. There are several key reasons why you should always report accidents to insurance, even if they seem minor or even if the other driver has admitted fault and agrees to compensate you. In other states, however, the driver who caused the crash is required to provide compensation for property damage, medical bills and other losses resulting from injuries such as lost wages and emotional distress. Your first priority is safety; everything else can wait, says Rob Luna, group manager of auto claims at the American Automobile Association in Costa Mesa, California. All Rights Reserved. When a car hits you from behind in New York , you may experience whiplash, a common injury from this type of collision. You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. When you think of a rear-end collision, you probably think of hitting someone in bumper to bumper traffic. That is when an attorney can help by dealing with all the unpleasant aspects of an accident, like getting your car fixed and paying your doctors. 5 Early Signs That You Need To Replace Your Tires. In a consultation, you can learn about your legal rights and options for seeking money damages from the other driver and anyone else answerable for the accident. THE TIME IS ALWAYS RIGHT TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT. And, if the front car isnt moving, it makes sense that the rear driver caused the crash. How so? Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. But thats a potentially costly, dangerous mistake. The police report may include evidence that supports your position, particularly if it contains drawings. What to Do After Getting Rear-Ended: Avoid These Mistakes What To Do After Being Hit from Behind | CT Car Accident Lawyer Distractions also can lead to these accidents - most often, using a cell phone, talking to passengers, or adjusting the radio. Afterward, youll likely be able to finally leave the scene as long as the other driver doesnt have an issue with you doing so. More space is better when available, especially if road conditions are less than ideal. "One thing that often gets missed is the position of the cars [relative] to the street. All rights Reserved Blog / Articles | Henderson car accident lawyer | What to do in an accident | Google | Photo Policy, __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. In most rear-end car accidents, the trailing driver will usually be at fault for the accident and have to pay damages to the lead driver. Is it Always Your Fault if You Hit a Car from Behind? Although it may seem liketoxic behavior, its for your own protection. Your attorney is going to demand that you be compensated for your damages. They can help you to fight for the money you need to rebuild after you become a crash victim. The crash happened at about 4:35 a.m. on the 3300 block of Woodhaven Road near . You may need to contact them at a later time to be a witness and give a statement. Well, Texas courts have allowed victims of sexual harassment to recover a wide range of damagesfrom back pay to emotional distressif their claims are proven true. However, it happens all the time. We have been helping people injured in car accidents for the last decade and recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Be careful of making statements like "I'm fine," as they can be used later to devalue your claim and discount the severity of your injuries. This is the case for any crashes in fault states. The car was so badly damaged that it was towed from the scene of the accident to the body shop. This will be the only proof you have regarding the accident. 1. This can help you to get prompt treatment. Rear-end collisions almost always end with the rear car paying damages out to the person they hit. However, a car accident attorney in Brooklyn will strive for the best possible outcome in such personal injury cases. Absent a medical emergency, always wait at the accident scene for the police and first responders to arrive. The driver who caused the crash may still be expected to cover property damage. In addition to writing for the web, she has also designed educational courses and written textbooks focused on a variety of legal subjects. After a rear-end traffic accident, compensation from the guilty party should not be taken for granted. In general it is best not to speak to the other insurance company other than to give them the contact information for your insurance company or attorney. Make a quick assessment of the other party or parties involved and if they appear to be injured. 4111 W. Alameda AvenueSuite 611Burbank, California 91505, 3801 E. Florida Ave.Suite 905Denver, CO 80210-2500, 1500 Walnut StreetSuite 2000Philadelphia, PA 19102, 1102 17th Avenue, SouthSuite 305Nashville, TN 37212. A few situations exist where the driver in the front vehicle could be found responsible for a crash: If you believe a vehicle accident you were involved in was not your fault, speak to an experienced personal injury attorney about the specific facts of your case right away. Notice to the Public:Nothing contained on this Web site or communicated through it by any means, including e-mail, by the prospective client, will create an attorney-client relationship. Insurance plays a large role in paying for any rear-end collision. If a rear end accident was caused by another driver's negligence, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your medical care expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. As long as the other driver is responsible for the crash, you will be entitled to certain damages. Accidents occur quickly, and recollections are often unreliable. These are natural reactions to a scary situation, but it's crucial to keep a level head. Record as much detail about the accident as possible using your smartphone's camera, video and voice memo features, Luna advises. If you delay seeing a doctor for several days, the insurance adjuster may question why you delayed seeking medical care and even if your injuries are as serious as you claim. In these states, every driver relies on their own insurer for compensation up to a set limit, such as $10,000, regardless of who was to blame for the crash. 1. In certain jurisdictions, called no-fault states, your own insurer may cover medical bills and partial lost wages in cases where the damage from a crash is minor. Therefore, the driver of the rear-ending car will be liable for the damage caused in the accident, which will be paid by his insurance company. Greg is co-founder of PERENICH Law and has been a forceful champion for the injured for more than 30 years. While it's important to report the accident, in some areas the police may not respond to a minor collision, Luna says. . Try to ensure your own safety and the safety of others. The representative may seem friendly, but their goal is to undermine the strength or value of your potential claim for financial compensation. Loss of range of motion in the neck. Our Texas car accident lawyers know how to get you the compensation you deserve. Finally, your lawyer can present expert testimony about vehicle design or defects if there is a question about one of the vehicles involved. Call 999 Call 999 or 112 in the event of injuries to ensure that medical services will get there as quickly as possible. The police may call a tow truck company, and some car manufacturers offer driver assistance programs, too. Nonetheless, injuries do occur, and the more common ones include: The law recognizes three types of damages in personal injury cases. Here's what to do at the scene and afterward to make the claims process easier. Rear End Collision Settlement Guide | Average Rear Ended Settlements Using the voice memo app on your phone, dictate what happened while the details are still fresh in your mind. This is important in case the adverse driver has a different recollection of the event at a later date and to document how the collision occurred. William McWilliams death: Teen hit, killed while trying to cross The police know exactly what questions to ask and what details should be captured. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Get off the road to a safe location as soon as possible. The more information you can collect at the scene of a rear-end collision, the better. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, your insurer stands in for the at-fault driver if that motorist cant pay as required. Even if you don't think you've been injured, be extra careful when getting out of your car, especially if the accident took place on a highway or busy street. Property damages, including possible replacement of the vehicle, Disfigurement and related psychological issues, Failing to use hazard lights when necessary, Not removing a disabled vehicle from travel lanes, Fatigue that isnt related to your activity, Numbness or tenderness in the shoulders, upper back, arms, or fingers. But what if the person in front of you slammed on their brakes for no reason? Here is what you should do after being hit. 8 Signs Your Car Accident Gave You a Concussion | Car Crash These occurrences often happen so fast that its difficult to retrace the order of events. In more serious collisions, victims may suffer concussions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or other soft-tissue injuries. What to Do If a Car Hits You From Behind? , as a general rule, the driver of the rear-ending car is at fault for rear-end collisions. Privacy Policy Sitemap Disclaimer: Information provided on this site is general legal information, not formal legal advice.
