Rear-end collisions are one of the most common kinds of vehicle collisions and are on the rise in the Studio City area. These accidents happen when one vehicle is struck from behind ("rear-ended") by another car. These accidents can cause serious 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 collision lawyers in Studio City.
Who Is at Fault?
If you have been rear-ended by a vehicle behind you, it is most likely that the other driver is at fault. If you rear-ended a car in front of you, you may be at fault, unless the individual behind you hit you and caused you to rear-end another vehicle.
Other Driver
The driver behind you could be considered responsible 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 vehicle is not able to stop without rear-ending another vehicle, it might be assumed that the driver of that car was not driving as safely as he or she could have been.
Proving Fault
There are many ways to establish responsibility in a rear end collision. One way is turning to eyewitness testimony from people who were at the scene when the collision happened. Another good way of supporting a claim is to look to the police report for a description of the collision. Finally, physical evidence such as damage to the vehicle and skid marks on the street can help determine fault.
What to Do After Being Rear-Ended by Another Vehicle
In the moments following a vehicle collision, it is likely that you will be under a lot of stress. You might be confused, dizzy, or even physically hurt. It is therefore essential that you know what to do in advance to increase your odds at a fast recovery.
1. Get Medical Attention
After you have been rear-ended by another car, it is essential that you contact emergency services immediately. In a number of rear-end collision situations, the driver 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 accident. Seeking medical attention after a rear-end accident is therefore very important for preventing and maintaining your health and well-being. It will also be helpful when making a claim as your medical records will confirm the injuries you received.
2. Report the Collision
The next step is to report the collision to the police. Police officers will submit an accident report which will record all pertinent elements of the collision, including the parties involved, the location of the accident, as well as the time and date of the collision. Importantly, police officers may be able to gather statements from bystanders who managed to witness the rear end accident.
3. Document the Collision
An important step that is often overlooked by individuals who were rear-ended is to document the collision and to maintain a thorough and organized record of all documents or materials associating with the collision. If possible, take pictures of the scene of the collision after it happened. Keep copies of police reports, medical records, and vehicle repair shop estimates in an organized file. Documenting this evidence will make it much easier to establish your case against the party that rear-ended you.
4. Get In Touch with a Car Accident Attorney
Finally, you need to get in touch with a car collision lawyer. The recovery and settlement process with the other motorist or the other driver's insurer is usually time-consuming and aggravating. A car accident lawyer can ease the burden of this process by taking care of important tasks such as speaking to witnesses and conducting investigations into the accident. A vehicle accident lawyer will also be able to guide you through the settlement or litigation process and will be there to provide you legal advice regarding complex legal issues such as negligence.