Rear end collisions are some of the commonest accidents because it is too easy to be distracted when behind the wheel of a vehicle. When the driver realizes s/he cannot stop then the inevitable is going to happen and that is a rear-ender when the vehicle whose driver was distracted runs hard into the rear of the vehicle in front.
The damage done and the injuries to the other driver will depend how fast the at-fault driver was moving at the time. It could be anything from whiplash to crushed torso and internal organ injury. As long as you are able to provide the evidence to prove the accident wasn’t your fault, you should be entitled to claim personal injury compensation from the at-fault driver.
1. Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
There are several key bits of evidence that are required before filing a PI claim for a rear-end collision. These are:
- getting a police report from the officer who attended the accident;
- taking photographs of the accident scene including the position of the vehicles and the damage done;
- obtaining eye-witness statements including their contact details or at least obtaining contact details and names for further use.
2. Get a Medical Examination
If you were injured, such as damage to your internal organs caused by the impact of the accident, you should be sure to seek medical help. Depending on the seriousness of the injury this could mean going by ambulance to the nearest emergency room to get the treatment you need. While you are there and assuming can do so, you should collect any doctor’s notes and medical bills so you can use them as evidence when you file your PI claim.
3. Arrange for Auto Repairs
Take your vehicle to a mechanic and have it inspected for damage and ask for a written quote for repairs. The type of damage will depend on the speed of the impact but the whole rear end of your vehicle may have been totaled. You may have been lucky and only have damaged the rear windshield, trunk and lights.
4. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you contact a PI lawyer who is experienced with these sorts of claims s/he will know how best to create a strong claim that is likely to end up with a favorable PI settlement. This will help to compensate you for the financial hardship caused by the rear-end collision.
5. File a Claim
By the time you have contacted a PI lawyer you should have sufficient evidence available that will help the PI lawyer to mount a PI claim on your behalf. The lawyer will endeavor to build a case based on the evidence you have provided and file the claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. Legal fees are usually deferred until the lawyer is able to win a settlement for you which will cover the cost of vehicle repairs, lost earnings and medical treatment.
