Being rear-ended when you least expected it can be very stressful. The shock of the moment can restrict you from being able to think and take action. The adrenaline rush can paralyze you for a little while, which can feel like an eternity.
Once you gain your sense, you may start thinking about what to do next. At the moment, you may feel concerned about the injuries, but in a few days, you will find yourself thinking about whose insurance to call and how to get compensated for your loss.
If you ever find yourself rear-ended in a car accident, here are some of the best steps to take in the situation.
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Prioritize Your Well-Being
Your safety and well-being come before anything else. As soon as you are jolted from behind, the first thing you should be concerned about is everyone’s well-being, especially if you have other people with you in the car.
Visually examine yourself and then ask everyone else in the car if they are okay. If you or someone else is bleeding or are losing consciousness, it is best to call an ambulance to the spot. Timely action in this endeavor can save lives and avoid further damage.
Remember, you are not bound to seek medical attention only if you have physical damage. Some injuries, such as whiplash and concussion, may not show but can take a toll on your well-being if left unchecked for a long period.
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Clear the Way
After you have checked for the need for medical attention and taken the necessary steps, the next important thing you must do is to clear the way for traffic and move to safety. However, you can call a tow truck for assistance if your car is not drivable.
Moving your damaged car out of the way can prevent any further damage to your property. In addition, it will also open up the way for the rest of the traffic so that it can keep on flowing smoothly without making you feel rushed.
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Report the Accident
After you have moved your vehicle out of harm’s way, the next important step is to report the accident. Whether your car has faced minimum damage or you have had to call an ambulance, calling the police holds great importance. This step must be taken regardless of the extent of the injuries or damage to your car.
The police can document the car accident scene and take statements from not only all the parties involved but also from the witnesses to create an accident report. This report can be shared with a reputable car accident lawyer for insurance claims and maximum compensation for your losses.
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Exchange the Necessary Information
From here on, the next most important step you must take is to exchange information with the other driver. Take a deep breath, step out of your vehicle, and get the attention of the other driver in a calm and cool manner. Ask them for the necessary importation you need, including the following:
- Driver’s Name
- Full Addresses
- Contact Numbers
- Email Addresses
- Insurance Company Information
- License Plate Number
You do not have to hesitate to provide your own information as well. Exchanging this crucial information means that both parties have the necessary details to get in touch if needed and have the right details to file for insurance claims.
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Gather Evidence Yourself
You do not have to rely on police or insurance companies to gather evidence on your behalf. While their expertise plays a crucial role in gathering the right evidence, you should not miss out on an opportunity to document the scene by yourself.
Gather some energy and take photos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Do not just limit your documentation to the car. Instead, make sure that you also cover the damage and road conditions to help you create a sequence of events.
This evidence can play a crucial role in determining who was at fault and helping you maximize your compensation if you are considering pursuing legal action.
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Ask Witnesses for Assistance
Another important thing you must do after your car has been rear-ended is to gather the necessary information from the witnesses. If there were any people nearby at the time of the accident, you must ask them to provide important information such as their names and contact numbers.
The contact information of witnesses can be very helpful if you are considering pursuing legal action. Their statements can corroborate your version of events, which can be very helpful in maximizing your compensation. This especially applies to the situation if there is a dispute about fault.
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Inform Your Insurance Company
The next important step for you to take is to get in touch with your insurance company to report the accident. Getting in touch with the insurance company is essential for you to start the claim process in time and achieve the best outcome in your favor.
Make sure you provide all the details of your accident to the insurance company. You can also share the details of your witnesses with the insurance company. This information can also play a crucial role in helping you find a settlement for your losses.
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Do not Admit Fault
One of the worst mistakes you can make after being rear-ended by someone is to admit fault under pressure. Whenever you are involved in an accident, it is likely that both parties will not want to admit fault. You should not try to become the bigger person in this situation.
Whether you are talking to the other driver involved in the situation or the witnesses, do not admit fault to anyone. Even the lightest indication of admitting fault can be used against you. Hence, you can leave this determination to law enforcement and insurance companies.
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Wrapping it Up
Dealing with the aftermath of being rear-ended can be very challenging in emotional, financial, and physical terms. While no one can anticipate such incidents in life, being mentally prepared for the worst circumstances can do wonders for you.
