Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents on a national level, accounting for about 40 percent of the average 6 million accidents that occur each year (according to reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
These collisions can occur in a wide variety of locations. They might happen while you are stopped at a traffic signal or crosswalk, or they could take place when you are on the freeway in a slowdown. In any case, here’s a general overview of the steps you should take when such an accident occurs:
- Get to the side of the road if able: Safely pull over your vehicle to the side of the road, take a breath and exit the vehicle when it’s safe to do so.
- Check for injuries: Check yourself and anyone else in your vehicle to see if you are injured at all. Call the police and report the accident as soon as you can, and make sure anyone who sustained an injury gets medical attention. Some injury symptoms might not show up for days after the accident, so do not necessarily assume you’re uninjured.
- Take pictures: Take photos of the damage and note the positions of the vehicles at the time of the collision, before you pulled off to the side of the road.
- Go over the accident with police: Be sure to explain to the officer honestly how the accident occurred. Stick to the facts and avoid conjecture. Get a copy of the accident report as soon as you can.
- Contact insurance: If the other driver was at fault, you can make a claim against his or her insurance policy to pay for the damages. Your coverage may also apply, especially if the accident occurs in Florida, which is a no-fault state. Your personal injury protection will be important for any accident that occurs within state boundaries.
To learn more about what to do if you are involved in a rear-end collision, consult an experienced Bradenton auto accident lawyer with Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh.