If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver hitting you from behind, you may be concerned about what you should look for after a rear-end collision. You will need to gather evidence that supports your account of events.
Evidence you may need to gather after a rear-end collision includes:
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos of the accident scene itself (e.g., skid marks on the road or a lack thereof [as this can establish that the other driver did not use their brakes], a broken traffic light, or downed stop sign)
- The police report
- Eyewitness testimony
You should also:
- Seek medical attention
- Call 911 or report the accident to law enforcement
- Obtain the contact information of all involved parties
- Note the location of any traffic cameras in the area
After a rear-end collision, you may not be able to pursue compensation on your own. For instance, if you suffered serious injuries, collecting evidence may seem like an insurmountable task. You should consider working with a Connecticut rear-end collision lawyer. They can gather evidence to build your personal injury case while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Considerations After Getting Hurt in a Rear-End Collision
As noted, your personal injury case will be built on evidence. The actions you take in your case's infancy could ultimately impact its outcome. You reasonably want to do all that you can to protect your right to compensation.
You should:
Make a Note of the Accident Scene and Its Surroundings
If you are able and it is safe to do so, be sure to take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Take photos of the involved vehicles' license plates numbers as well. If you notice any traffic cameras that may have recorded the accident, make a note of their location. Your personal injury lawyer may be able to subpoena this footage later on.
Seek Medical Attention
We mentioned earlier that following a collision, you should be evaluated by a medical professional. The information you receive from your health care provider could help your case. You should keep copies of your lab test results, imaging scans, the names of your prescribed medications, and the dates of your medical visits.
Keep All Correspondence Between Yourself and the Insurance Company
The liable insurance company may contact you soon after the accident. You should keep records of any phone calls, text messages, and emails that you receive from them. This could protect you against any bad faith insurance practices later on. Under no circumstances should you make a statement to another driver's insurance company.
Many Rear-End Collisions Are Caused by Negligence
Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that rear-end collisions account for 29% of all crashes.
Factors that may cause rear-end collisions might include:
- Distracted driving, such as using a smartphone or in-car technology
- Driving while fatigued
- Aggressive driving practices, such as speeding and tailgating
- Impaired driving
- Driver inexperience
- Poor weather conditions
Your rear-end collision may have been caused by other factors than those listed here. When you work with a Florida rear-end collisions lawyer, they can determine the cause of your accident. Their findings could help them determine fault and liability for your accident-related losses.
Possible Injuries Stemming from Your Rear-End Collision
According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the most common injuries that arise from rear-end collisions is whiplash. This can cause injury to a victim's neck, shoulders, and upper arms.
As a result of your accident, you may have also suffered:
- A traumatic brain injury
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken or fractured bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal bleeding
A Farmington, CT personal injury lawyer can help you pursue a fair settlement for your damages.
You Could Recover Compensation After a Rear-End Collision
You may be struggling with serious injuries that affect your ability to work and spend time with your family. To relieve your financial burdens, you may be interested in pursuing compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
You may be able to recover the cost of the following damages:
- Current and ongoing medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and inconvenience
- Disability
.
We Can Help You Determine Your Legal Options Today
At The Law Offices of James F. Aspell, P.C. we are dedicated to helping our clients secure the compensation to which they are entitled. By taking the time to understand your needs, we can channel our knowledge and resources to meet your unique circumstances.
We provide a free case evaluation and offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis. For more information about how we can help, call us 24/7 at 860-500-1414. We are happy to discuss your case and what you should look for after a rear-end collision.