Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that 33% of all traffic accidents in 2015 were rear-end accidents. So, you’re not alone, but you may be wondering what you do next.
What to do After a Rear-end Accident
Here are some guidelines to assist you after a rear-end accident:
- Remain calm. This is hard to do in such a situation, but staying relaxed will help make sure you don’t say or do something that you regret and ensure that you are using good judgement when making decisions.
- Check for injuries. If either you or the other party is injured, don’t move and wait for the ambulance.
- Move vehicles. If neither party involved is injured, move your vehicles to the side of the road and out of traffic. Turn on your hazards and set up cones if you have them. This will reduce your chances of being hit or injured after the accident.
- Call the police. Even if the accident is minor or the other party wants to pay for damages without involving the insurance company, call the police. This way the accident is properly documented in case there is legal trouble later on.
- Exchange information. Make sure you get the other driver’s name, address, drivers license number, insurance information and license plate. If there is a discrepancy between the name on the insurance policy and the driver’s name, make a note of the relationship between the driver and the insurance holder.
- Document the accident. If you have a camera on your phone, take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to your car and the others from all angles, any marks on the road and the license plate of the other car.
- Contact your insurance company. Call your insurer as soon as possible to inform them about the car accident. This will ensure that any repairs are taken care of quickly.
- See your doctor. Even if the doctor does not find anything wrong, it’s important to go to the doctor as soon as possible. This will help document any injury. Sometime injuries in rear-end accidents, such as whiplash, do not show up until later.