You're Safe with Drake - California's Premier Personal Injury Attorneys
Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent types of car collisions and are on the rise in the Topanga area. These collisions occur when one car is struck from behind (" rear-ended") by another vehicle. These accidents can lead to severe injuries. A rear-end accident attorney helps those injuries in a rear-end collision seek compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured, call Drake Law Firm at (844) 513-7253 for a free consultation with our rear-end vehicle collision attorneys in Topanga.
Who Is at Fault?
If you have been rear-ended by a vehicle behind you, it is very likely that the other motorist is at fault. If you rear-ended a car in front of you, you might be at fault, unless the driver behind you hit you and caused you to rear-end another vehicle.
Other Motorist
The driver behind you might 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 full stop. If a vehicle is not able to stop without rear-ending another car, it might be presumed that the driver of that vehicle was not acting as safely as they could have been.
Proving Fault
There are a number of ways to prove liability in a rear end collision. One way is relying on eyewitness testimony from individuals who were at the scene when the accident took place. Another good way of supporting a claim is to look to the police report for an explanation 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 much stress. You might 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. Seek Medical Attention
After you have been rear-ended by another car, it is essential that you contact emergency services as soon as possible. In a lot of rear-end accident situations, the motorist of the front vehicle does not experience pain instantly after the collision takes place. However, it is possible for pain and aching to arise hours or even days after the accident. Getting medical care 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 show the injuries you sustained.
2. Report the Accident
The next step is to report the collision to the authorities. Police officers will file an accident report which will record all relevant elements of the collision, including the parties involved, the location of the accident, as well as the time and date of the collision. Notably, police officers may be able to gather statements from bystanders that managed to witness the rear end accident.
3. Document the Accident
A crucial step that is frequently forgotten by individuals who were rear-ended is to document the accident and to keep a thorough and organized record of all documents or materials pertaining to the crash. If possible, take photos of the scene of the collision after it occurred. Keep copies of police reports, medical records, and car repair shop estimates in an organized file. Documenting this evidence will make it a lot easier to establish your claim against the party that rear-ended you.
4. Get In Touch with a Vehicle Accident Attorney
Lastly, you need to get in touch with a vehicle collision lawyer. The recovery and negotiation process with the other driver or the other driver's insurance company is usually time-consuming and aggravating. A vehicle accident attorney can relieve the stress of this process by taking care of important tasks such as talking to witnesses and performing investigations into the collision. A car accident attorney will also be able to assist you through the settlement or litigation process and will be there to give you legal advice regarding complicated legal issues such as negligence.
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