Rear End Accidents
Rear-end collisions are the auto accident that you often never see coming. One moment you are driving along as you always do, the next you are thrown forward violently. Pain, disorientation, and injury often quickly follow. A rear end collision can do significant damage to both your property and your body, leaving you with lasting injuries and the costs associated with such injuries.
What to Do after a Rear-End Collision
The first thing to do after any car accident is to pause and determine if you are in pain, injured, or hurt. Ideally, someone will have called emergency services. If you are in significant pain and/or you are certain you are injured, your first priority is always to get prompt medical attention. If you are not in any major discomfort, keep in mind that the damage may not become obvious until some time has passed.
If you are not in need of immediate medical care, you will want to gather all the information you can about the accident. Attorneys always recommend following the proper steps of documentation, as it can help you protect your legal rights after any auto accident. Remember: P.I.C.L. – Person, Insurance, Car & Location.
- Person – Get the personal information of the individual that hit you and any witnesses to the accident, including name, address, and phone number.
- Insurance – Obtain all insurance information from the other party. You can write it down or even snap a picture of the insurance card with your phone.
- Car – Record all relevant information about the automobile that hit you, including the make, model, color, license plate number, and damage to both your car and the other car. The camera on your phone is a great tool for this. Take as many pictures as you can from a variety of angles.
- Location – Take pictures of the location where the accident happened, again from a variety of angles. It will make it easier for your attorney to determine what happened and can provide valuable evidence if you pursue a case.
If it appears that neither you nor the other party is hurt or injured, you should contact your insurance provider to get compensation for the damages. Florida only allows you to seek compensation through legal channels for a car accident if someone has been permanently injured. However, if you suspect you may have sustained a permanent injury, it is advisable to discuss your accident with an attorney as soon as you can.
Fault, Compensation, and Settlements
When a permanent injury results from a rear end collision, the state of Florida then considers the car accident to be serious and complex. When this is the situation you find yourself in, you will want the help of an experienced legal adviser. You will need an attorney that can prove to the court that the other driver was at fault in the accident. If fault can be proven, you should be able to collect compensation for your injuries.
In most instances, you and your attorney will be pursuing compensation from the other driver’s insurance provider. Insurance companies, if they suspect they will lose the case, will often offer a settlement to the injured party. If the insurer offers you a settlement, it will be up to you – with guidance from your lawyer – whether to accept the settlement or to continue pursuing the case.
Talk with an Attorney
Talking with an attorney following a rear-end accident is the best way to determine if you have a case. Call our Miami law office at 305-372-0123 to see how we can help with your case.
