Rear-end collisions are one of the most common kinds of vehicle accidents and are on the rise in the Encino area. These accidents happen when one vehicle is struck from behind ("rear-ended") by another vehicle. These collisions can lead to severe injuries. A rear-end collision attorney helps those injuries in a rear-end collision get compensation.

If you or a loved one has been hurt, call Drake Law Firm at (844) 513-7253 for a free consultation with our rear-end car accident attorneys in Encino, CA.

Who is at Fault?

If you have been rear-ended by a car behind you, it is very likely that the other driver is at fault. If you rear-ended a vehicle in front of you, you might be at fault, unless the motorist behind you hit you and caused you to rear-end another car.

Other Motorist

The motorist behind you could be considered liable if they failed to stop in time as traffic slowed down or stopped. This is because the rules of the road require a vehicle to be able to stop safely if traffic in front of it slows down or comes to a complete stop. If a car is not able to stop without rear-ending another car, it might be presumed that the driver of that car was not driving as safely as they could have been.

Proving Fault

There are many ways to establish liability in a rear end accident. One way is relying on eyewitness testimony from individuals that were at the scene when the accident took place. Another good way of supporting a claim is to look to the police report for a description of the accident. Finally, physical evidence such as damage to the car and skid marks on the road can help determine fault.

What to Do After Being Rear-Ended by Another Vehicle

In the moments following a car accident, it is likely that you will be under a lot of stress. You may be confused, lightheaded, or even physically injured. It is for that reason essential that you understand what to do ahead of time to increase your chances at a fast recovery.

1. Seek Medical Care

After you have been rear-ended by another vehicle, it is essential that you contact emergency services as soon as possible. In many rear-end accident cases, the motorist of the front car does not experience pain instantly after the accident occurs. However, it is possible for pain and aching to arise hours or even days after the crash. Getting medical attention after a rear-end accident is therefore very important for preventing and maintaining your health and well-being. It will also be useful when making a claim as your medical reports will show the injuries you sustained.

2. Report the Collision

The next step is to report the collision to the authorities. Police officers will submit an accident report which will document all pertinent elements of the accident, including the parties involved, the location of the accident, and the time and date of the accident. Importantly, police officers may be able to collect statements from bystanders that managed to witness the rear end collision.

3. Document the Collision

An important step that is often overlooked by individuals who were rear-ended is to document the accident and to maintain a thorough and organized record of all documents or materials associated with the accident. If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident 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. Contact a Car Collision Lawyer

Lastly, you should call a car accident attorney. The recovery and settlement process with the other driver or the other driver's insurance company is usually time-consuming and frustrating. A car accident attorney can relieve the stress of this process by handling important tasks such as speaking to witnesses and performing investigations into the collision. A car collision lawyer will also be able to guide you through the settlement or litigation process and will be there to give you legal guidance concerning complicated legal issues such as negligence.