Distraction.
From text messaging a friend to reaching for the last French fries in a sack of delicious fast food, distraction is one of the most common causes of rear end auto accidents. It can happen during a quick trip to the store or happen at a four-way intersection during a weekend getaway.
The fact that rear end collisions unfold at an alarming rate is not the issue; the issue now is you were rear ended while driving someone else’s car. Even if you did not cause the rear end car accident, assigning blame for it can be confusing at best, and downright complicated at worst.
Damages and Injuries
Rear end car crashes trigger a wide variety of property damages, as well as a number of personal injuries. The bumper of your car most likely took a huge hit, but you also have to deal with the damage inflicted on anything stored in the trunk of the vehicle. Stronger impact rear end accidents can push the back seats off the support system. Personal injuries run the gamut of typical car crash injuries. Whiplash, head contusions, and cracked ribs are just a few of the injuries associated with rear end collisions.
Assigning Liability in a Rear End Crash
The answer to the question “Who is liable in a rear end crash while driving someone else’s car” often boils down to the type of auto insurance policy taken out by the owner of the vehicle. Some auto insurance policies put the legal onus on paying for insurance claims on the driver of the vehicle.
However, most car insurance policies operate on the principle of ‘Follow the car,” which means the owner of the vehicle assumes 100 percent of the legal responsibility for settling any claims filed that concern a rear end collision. You also have to take state law into account when it comes to assigning fiscal responsibility for paying an auto insurance claim.
How to Handle the Aftermath of a Rear End Crash
Like most car accidents, the amount of damage caused to both the body and the vehicle is a function of speed. Minor fender benders require just the exchange of contact and insurance information. Major rear end accidents require the presence of a law enforcement official not only to determine what happened, but also to direct traffic and call for support from an emergency responding agency.
With or without the presence of the police, you need to collect as much information as possible for your attorney to review. Take photographs of the accident scene, with a focus on detailing the road and weather conditions at the time of the rear end collision. Take pics of the damage done to your car, as well as to the damage caused to the vehicle that rear ended you.
Speak with witnesses to create supporting information about your role in the rear end accident. At some point, reaching out to your auto insurance company is a must do to start the claim process.
How an Attorney Can Help
A state licensed lawyer can help process your auto insurance claim. He or she communicates with the other driver’s car insurer, as well as collects the evidence needed to demonstrate liability. Above all, your attorney keeps the insurance claims process moving along by interacting with your car insurance carrier.
Speak with an experienced lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation that initiates the auto insurance claim process.
