Car accidents happen every day across the nation, with over 5.9 million car accidents occurring in 2022. Car accidents can range in severity from a minor fender bender to a serious accident that can cause death. One of the most common car accidents is a rear end accident, in fact roughly 1.7 million rear end accidents occur each year in the U.S.
A rear end is the most common type of motor vehicle accident and it is often the result of tailgating, distracted driving, or a sudden stop. These accidents can range in severity and the actions that you take after the accident are essential in protecting your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests.
As Utah personal injury lawyers we have seen our fair share of rear end accidents, and we understand how difficult it can be to act after a car accident. In this article we aim to create a step by step guide on what you should do after a rear end accident, so that you will be able to act carefully and protect your rights if you have unfortunately been involved in a car accident.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Assess Injuries
Immediately after the collision remember to prioritize your safety and the safety of anyone else involved. If your vehicle is still operable try to move it out of the flow of traffic and to a safer place on the side of the road to prevent more potential accidents. Make sure that your hazard lights are active to alert other drivers of a stopped vehicle.
Next, remember to check yourself and any other passengers for injuries. Even if no injuries are apparent that does not mean you are injury free. Your body will release a large amount of adrenaline after an accident and this can mask pain or injuries, so make sure to give yourself a thorough self assessment. If anyone at the accident scene appears to be injured then do not attempt to move them unless there is an immediate threat, such as a fire.
Remember to call emergency services (911) immediately if there were any visible injuries or pain, as well as if the accident involves significant vehicle damage.
Step 2: Contact Law Enforcement
After your injury assessment make sure that you have reported your accident to the police, regardless of how severe the accident may seem. In fact, here in Utah it is required by law for the police to be called to the accident scene if there was a car crash. When speaking with the dispatcher on the phone make sure to provide them with accurate details about the location of the accident, how many vehicles were involved, and if there were any injuries involved.
Once the officers arrive at the scene, cooperate fully. Give the officer a factual account of the events of the accident, and if you were not at fault do not give any indication that you may be liable for the accident. These police reports are essential in a personal injury claim as an insurance company will use the report to establish who is at fault for the accident.
Step 3: Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Exchanging information with the other driver involved in the accident is essential to your case. Make sure that you approach them calmly and professionally and exchange the following information:
- Full names and contact details (phone number, email address)
- A photo of their driver’s license, or their driver’s license numbers
- Vehicle registration (VIN numbers) and license plate numbers
- The other drivers insurance company name, policy number, and contact information
If there were several parties involved in the accident, collect this information from all of the relevant parties. Try your best to avoid discussing fault or liability at the scene of the accident. These statements can be used against you later so be careful with what you say.
Step 4: Document the Scene Thoroughly
Evidence is essential for a personal injury case so try your best to gather as much evidence as possible while you are at the site of the car accident. If it is safe to do so, use your cell phone to take photos and videos of:
- All the vehicles involved. Make sure to capture any of the damage done to the vehicles.
- The scene of the accident including, road conditions, traffic signs, road signs, skid marks, and debris. If the accident happened during poor weather conditions make sure to gather evidence of this.
- Any visible injuries you have received or others have suffered.
- License plates of all vehicles, and surrounding landmarks for context of where the accident occurred.
If there were any witnesses of the accident try to talk with them and obtain their names, contact information, and a brief statement about what they saw. These third party reports can be helpful to your case as they are an unbiased account of what happened.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
As Utah personal injury lawyers we feel it necessary to stress seeking medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you don’t feel hurt. The injuries received from a rear end collision can manifest later, such as whiplash, concussions, or spinal issues, and they may not manifest for hours or days after the accident.
Take yourself and anyone else who was hurt to an emergency room, urgent care, or your primary doctor for a comprehensive medical evaluation. Your doctor will be able to uncover any of the injuries that you have received and start to create a treatment plan for your path to recovery.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
You will have to contact your auto insurance provider promptly after the accident to report that you have been involved in a car accident. Provide them with details of the incident, including the police report number and details from the other driver. Be truthful but concise in your description, avoiding speculation about fault.
If you have retained a Utah personal injury lawyer they will do this step on your behalf, but if you have not. Remember to review your policy to understand your coverage for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and potential rental car reimbursement. If the other driver was at fault for the accident, their insurance may cover your damages.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
A rear end accident can often involve questions of liability, and the at fault party (typically the rear driver) may be responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. These claims can be difficult to manage on your own and retaining a qualified Utah personal injury lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and your recovery is maximized.
Your Utah Personal Injury Lawyer can:
- Work your case for you, handling communication with an insurance company and negotiate with them to avoid undervalued settlements.
- Evaluate your case and advise on treatments to undergo and the potential for compensation.
- Gather evidence on your behalf including witness statements, police reports, medical records, expert testimonies, and accident reconstructions.
- Fight for you in settlement negotiations, and go to court on your behalf if necessary.
Our Utah personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation for your case, allowing us to evaluate your accident and see if a personal injury lawsuit is the right step for you. Our attorneys also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will pay no upfront costs. We instead take a percentage of the settlement you have received, this means we do not get paid until we get you the settlement that you deserve.
By adhering to these steps, you will be able to mitigate the risks of harming your case and build a strong foundation for an insurance claim. If you or someone you know has been injured and you don’t know what to do next give the car accident experts at LifeLaw a call today. We will proudly fight for your rights and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Let our team handle the nitty gritty of your case so that you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation!