You're Safe with Drake - California's Premier Personal Injury Attorneys
Rear-end collisions are one of the most frequent types of car accidents and are on the rise in the Van Nuys area. These collisions happen when one vehicle is struck from behind ("rear-ended") by another car. These accidents can result in major injuries. A rear-end accident lawyer helps those injuries in a rear-end accident 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 accident attorneys in Van Nuys.
Who is at Fault?
If you have been rear-ended by a vehicle behind you, it is very 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 car.
Other Motorist
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 vehicle, it may be presumed that the driver of that vehicle was not driving as safely as they could have been.
Proving Fault
There are many ways to establish liability in a rear end collision. One way is turning to eyewitness testimony from people that were at the scene when the collision took place. Another good way of supporting a claim is to look to the police report for an explanation of the collision. Lastly, physical evidence such as damage to the car and skid marks on the street can help determine fault.
What To Do After Being Rear-Ended by Another Vehicle
In the moments after a car collision, it is likely that you will be under a lot of stress. You might be confused, lightheaded, or even physically injured. It is therefore essential that you know what to do in advance to increase your odds at a quick recovery.
1. Get Medical Care
After you have been rear-ended by another vehicle, it is essential that you contact emergency services right away. In plenty of rear-end accident cases, the motorist of the front vehicle does not experience pain right away after the accident takes place. However, it is possible for pain and aching to set in hours or even days after the collision. Getting medical care after a rear-end accident 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 verify the injuries you sustained.
2. Report the Collision
The next step is to report the accident to the authorities. Police officers will submit an accident report which will record all relevant aspects of the collision, including the parties involved, the location of the collision, and the time and date of the collision. Importantly, police officers might be able to collect statements from onlookers who managed to witness the rear end collision.
3. Document the Collision
A crucial step that is frequently 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 crash. 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 case against the party that rear-ended you.
4. Get in Touch with a Car Accident Attorney
Finally, you should get in touch with a vehicle accident attorney. The recovery and settlement process with the other driver or the other motorist's insurer is usually time-consuming and frustrating. A car accident attorney can relieve the burden of this process by taking care of essential tasks such as talking to witnesses and performing investigations into the collision. A vehicle collision attorney will also be able to assist you through the settlement or litigation process and will be there to offer you legal guidance regarding complex legal issues such as negligence.
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