It is important to be aware of the laws and regulations governing drivers involved in automobile accidents, especially if one driver rear-ends another. Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle is hit from behind by another vehicle and typically result in extensive damage, injury, or worse. Knowing what to do should you be involved in this type of accident with the help of an Atlanta rear-end collision lawyer is essential for protecting your rights and recovering any damages that you may be entitled to.
After a rear-end collision, it is important to assess the damage incurred by both parties in order to determine who is responsible for any repairs and/or medical costs. Take clear photos of the damage done to both vehicles as well as any injuries you may have. Once you have documented everything, it is important to report the accident to your insurance company.
Reporting the Accident
It is important to contact your local law enforcement authorities anytime you are involved in an auto accident that results in injury or property damage. Depending on the severity of the collision, it may be necessary to contact both local police and state highway patrol for assistance.
- Make sure all parties exchange insurance information and driver’s license numbers so that each can identify all drivers involved and their respective carriers.
- Your officers will likely also request proof of insurance from any party that is found at fault or liable for damages caused by the collision. Keep this documentation with you during the course of your legal proceedings just in case a dispute arises in your personal injury claim or property damage claim.
- Seek medical attention right away if needed, as some injuries associated with rear-end collisions may not surface for hours or days after the incident has occurred.
Filing a Claim
When filing an insurance claim, it’s important to ensure the process is completed properly. Depending on the laws of your state, you may or may not need to file a police report before you submit a claim. In general, it’s a good idea to take the following steps:
- Gather information from both drivers. Exchange personal information as well as contact details for insurance companies and any potential witnesses at the scene of the accident.
- Take photos of the accident scene and any damages caused by it. Evidence is essential when submitting a claim and photos can be used to back up your story of what happened during the collision.
- Notify your insurer in writing about the accident as soon as possible and provide them with any necessary documentation or evidence you have collected from witnesses and/or photographs of damages caused by the collision.
- File a police report if necessary. Some states may require that accidents involving certain types of damage/injuries must be reported within 24 hours or two business days depending on state laws; being proactive will help ensure you don’t forget this step during an already hectic time!
- Keep track of the progress of your claim through regular communication with both your insurer and other involved parties or legal representatives before all relevant medical bills are paid in full, including those related to repairs on all vehicles involved in the collision, treatment for injuries caused by the accident, etc., so that there are no delays with getting compensated for your losses!
Seeking Legal Representation
Whether or not you find yourself at fault for the accident, speaking to a lawyer is key. A lawyer can review your case, assess all damages and help build a case against the negligent party who hit you from behind.
In addition, your attorney will be able to determine whether or not you are considered partially at fault for the accident so that you are appropriately compensated with diminished liability insurance coverage. An experienced attorney will also advise you on potential negotiation strategies and represent your best interests in court if necessary.
Choosing an attorney who is qualified and familiar with rear-end accidents is imperative to obtain the fair compensation that you deserve. Make sure to ask questions about his or her experience with cases such as yours and look into his or her track record for success in similar cases before making any decisions about the representation.
Finally, ask them how they would approach your situation differently than other lawyers as research shows that specialized attorneys typically get better results at mediation and trial than general practice attorneys do in personal injury cases.
Conclusion
Rear-end collisions can be scary, and the aftermath of such an incident is often confusing. However, by understanding the legal steps to take after a rear-end collision, you will be better prepared to handle any situation that arises. These steps are essential for ensuring your safety and protecting yourself from potential liability.