Rear-end collisions are one of the most prevalent types of vehicle collisions and are on the rise in the Montebello area. These accidents happen when one vehicle is struck from behind (" rear-ended") by another vehicle. These accidents can result in serious injuries. A rear-end collision lawyer helps those injuries in a rear-end collision seek compensation.
If you or a loved one has been hurt, call Mendez & Sanchez at (323) 838-1444 for a free consultation with our rear-end car collision attorneys in Montebello.
Who Is at Fault?
If you have been rear-ended by a vehicle behind you, it is very likely that the other driver is at fault. If you rear-ended a vehicle in front of you, you may be at fault, unless the motorist behind you hit you and caused you to rear-end another car.
Other Driver
The motorist behind you may be considered at fault if they failed to stop in time as traffic slowed down or stopped. This is because the rules of the road require a car to be able to stop safely if traffic in front of it slows down or comes to a complete stop. If a vehicle is unable to stop without rear-ending another car, it may be assumed that the motorist of that vehicle was not acting as safely as they could have been.
Proving Fault
There are many ways to establish responsibility in a rear end accident. One way is turning to eyewitness testimony from people that were at the scene when the accident occurred. Another good way of supporting a claim is to look to the police report for a description of the accident. Lastly, physical evidence such as damage to the car and skid marks on the street can help determine fault.
What to Do After Being Rear-Ended by Another Car
In the moments following a car collision, it is likely that you will be under a lot of stress. You may be confused, lightheaded, or even physically injured. It is therefore essential that you know what to do ahead of time to increase your chances at a quick recovery.
1. Get Medical Attention
After you have been rear-ended by another vehicle, it is important that you contact emergency services as soon as possible. In a lot of rear-end accident cases, the motorist of the front car does not experience pain instantly after the collision takes place. However, it is possible for pain and aching to set in hours or even days after the crash. Seeking medical attention after a rear-end collision is therefore very important for preventing and preserving your health and well-being. It will also be helpful when making a claim as your medical records will verify the injuries you received.
2. Report the Accident
The next step is to report the collision to the authorities. Police officers will submit an accident report which will record all relevant elements of the collision, including the parties involved, the location of the collision, as well as the time and date of the collision. Importantly, police officers may be able to gather statements from onlookers who were able to witness the rear end collision.
3. Document the Accident
An essential step that is frequently forgotten by people that were rear-ended is to document the collision and to maintain a thorough and organized record of all documents or materials relating to the crash. If possible, take pictures of the scene of the collision after it happened. Keep copies of police reports, medical records, and car repair shop estimates in an organized file. Documenting this evidence will make it much easier to establish your claim against the party that rear-ended you.
4. Call a Car Accident Attorney
Lastly, you should call a car accident attorney. The recovery and settlement process with the other motorist or the other driver's insurance company is commonly time-consuming and aggravating. A car accident attorney can ease the burden of this process by handling essential tasks such as contacting witnesses and performing investigations into the accident. A car collision attorney will also be able to guide you through the settlement or litigation process and will be there to offer you legal guidance regarding complex legal issues such as negligence.
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While other firms just handle your bodily injury claim, we offer a complimentary full-service package where we will also handle your property damage for no fee!
