Rear-End Collision? What to Do, and What Insurance Companies Don’t Tell You
If you have been in a rear-end collision, you need to preserve your right to file a claim. Following a rear-end collision, getting medical help will ensure that your injuries are treated, increasing your chances of making a full physical recovery. You will also want to contact the police and take other measures to ensure that you have enough evidence to prove the other driver’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end collision, our Greensburg car accident lawyer is happy to answer any questions or concerns you have.
Call 911
If you have sustained any injuries, your first call should be 911. The paramedics who arrive at the scene will assess your injuries and stabilize you for transport. Once you are at the hospital, an ER doctor will evaluate your condition and order X-rays, CT scans, and other medical imaging. Our Greensburg car accident attorney recommends that you be evaluated by a medical professional within three days of the accident. Seeking medical attention will give you the greatest likelihood that your injuries will not be permanent or worsen, while also preserving your claim.
Contact the Police
According to Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3746, you must call the police following any motor vehicle collision that results in injuries, fatalities, or vehicle damage to the extent that the vehicle must be towed from the scene. The police officer who responds to the scene will take down your name, contact information, insurance information, and information from the other drivers. The officer will interview the other drivers and eyewitnesses, write a brief description of the accident, and note weather and road conditions as part of the crash report. Even if your rear-end accident was only a fender-bender, we recommend that you contact the police.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Following any type of crash, you should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. This includes the driver’s full name, mailing address, driver’s license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), name of his or her auto insurer, and policy number. The names of any passengers should be shared as well. Since Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, you will need to first file medical claims through your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. However, if your medical bills exceed your PIP limits, you may then file a third-party claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance. So, having the other driver’s information may be beneficial in this situation.
Gather Evidence
In the panic of the moment, you may not think of gathering evidence. If you have not suffered injuries, you should collect information related to the collision. Evidence in a rear-end collision may include photographs of vehicle debris, skid marks, and the final resting position of both vehicles. If there were any eyewitnesses to the accident, take down their name and phone number. Ask if they are willing to provide a brief statement of what they saw or heard. If a witness took a video of the incident, this can show the accident occurring in real-time, which can be crucial to determining liability.
A Fast Settlement Will Not Be In Your Favor
Even if you take all the appropriate steps, what the insurance company will not tell you is that a quick settlement will not necessarily be a fair settlement. Determining fault is only one piece of the puzzle, with a fair settlement hinging on proof of your losses or damages. An insurance settlement is intended to compensate you for accident-incurred expenses, making you “whole” again.
Common damages in a rear-end accident include medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. Medical expenses can be the most challenging to determine since future medical costs should be considered if you have suffered serious or long-term injuries. Thankfully, our Greensburg car accident attorney is available to assess your case to decide what compensation is most suitable.
Injured? Reach Out to Our Greensburg Car Accident Lawyer Today
At Stine & Associates, P.C., our Greensburg car accident attorney is devoted to helping the citizens of Western Pennsylvania recover personal injury damages. If you have recently been injured in a rear-end accident, our office is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Your physical and emotional suffering should not be compounded by financial distress. To arrange a free consultation, our office can be reached online or by calling (724) 837-0160 today.