Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Thousand Oaks

Rear-end accidents are one of the most frequent types of vehicle accidents and are on the rise in the Thousand Oaks area. These accidents take place when one car is struck from behind (" rear-ended") by another vehicle. These collisions can lead to 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 vehicle collision attorneys in Thousand Oaks.

Who Is at Fault?

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

Other Driver

The motorist 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 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 might be assumed that the motorist of that vehicle was not acting as safely as he or she should have been.

Proving Fault

There are a number of ways to prove liability in a rear end collision. One way is turning to eyewitness testimony from people that were at the scene when the accident happened. Another good way of supporting a claim is to look to the police report for an explanation of the accident. Lastly, physical evidence such as damage to the car and skid marks on the street can help establish 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 much stress. You might be confused, dizzy, or even physically hurt. It is for that reason important that you know what to do ahead of time to increase your odds at a fast recovery.

1. Seek Medical Attention

After you have been rear-ended by another car, it is essential that you contact emergency services immediately. In many rear-end collision situations, 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 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 confirm the injuries you received.

2. Report the Collision

The next step is to report the accident 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 collision, as well as the time and date of the collision. Notably, police officers might 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 forgotten by people that were rear-ended is to document the accident and to maintain a detailed and organized record of all documents or materials associated with the accident. Ideally, take pictures of the scene of the accident after it occurred. Keep copies of police reports, medical records, and vehicle repair shop estimates in an organized file. Recording this evidence will make it a lot easier to establish your case against the party that rear-ended you.

4. Get In Touch with a Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Finally, you should call a car accident attorney. The recovery and settlement process with the other driver or the other driver's insurance company is often time-consuming and aggravating. A car accident attorney can alleviate the burden of this process by dealing with important tasks such as speaking to witnesses and performing investigations into the collision. A car collision attorney will also be able to help you with the settlement or litigation process and will be there to offer you legal advice concerning complex legal issues such as negligence.