Rear-end collisions are incredibly dangerous events.
Thousands of pounds of force can be involved in even the smallest of accidents. This can put everyone involved at risk for broken bones, spinal injury, muscle tears and a plethora of injuries that can have lasting effects.
The NTSB cites that 1.7 million rear-end collisions happen each year in the United States. This makes them the leading type of automobile accident.
The good news is that being rear-ended in a collision does provide you with certain ways to recoup the things you have lost as a victim of a rear-end crash.
Let’s explore five of the things you need to do to begin that process to get back on track with your life.
#1. Document everything
While this step will not directly allow you to recoup your losses, it will facilitate the following steps. The most important thing you need to do is to keep receipts, records and logs of every dollar spent as a result of being rear-ended.
Medical treatment expenses, income you have lost due to being unable to work, car repair costs, pain and suffering, property loss and any other costs you incurred as a direct result of your accident should be tracked in detail.
As an added step, you may wish to keep notes with your logs. This will help to prove in a legal situation that you were forced to lose or spend money as the result of your accident.
#2. Get local law enforcement involved
The police can be incredibly helpful in recording witness statements, acquiring details, and, depending upon the circumstances, detaining the person who injured you if they lack valid insurance or have committed another criminal offense.
If you’re having trouble acquiring details from the other driver or a hit-and-run has occurred, then your first step should be to contact the police no matter how much damage has been done. Police involvement can significantly strengthen your ability to recoup losses in these situations.
If you have been involved in a minor collision, then it may still be a good idea to contact the police. Most law enforcement agencies will write an incident report, which can provide evidence if you are forced to undergo legal proceedings.
#3. Contact your insurance
Your car insurance company should be incredibly helpful with regards to recouping the expenses associated with your accident, especially if you were the victim of a rear-end collision.
Their adjusters should help you to document damage to your car and your person, record the details surrounding the accident, take witness statements and procure other necessary details for you.
Depending upon your insurance plan, they should also help you pay some of your expenses. The details of what expenses your insurance will pay depend entirely upon the details of your specific policy, but things like medical, the cost of car repairs and money lost from being unable to work may be covered.
4. Get second opinions
Insurance agencies and courts may be hard-pressed to rely on the first opinion you receive regarding the cost to fix anything. This can include everything from the cost to repair your car to the cost to treating your injuries.
When you seek an opinion, be prepared to get two or three others. This will help you determine a reasonable amount for the losses you might have incurred.
If the local judicial system or your insurance company tries to under-compensate you, then you may need to seek the help of a personal injury attorney.
Practices like the law office of Eric Harron, with car accident attorneys in Austin, TX, are accustomed to helping clients in situations like these, as their job is to ensure that you acquire the amount of compensation you deserve.
#5. Settling may not be enough
Rear-end accidents tend to be prone to settlements. While some of these can be fair, they can fall short of both the amount you are legally allowed to recoup and the amount of money you need to set your life back on track.
Before you consider settling your claim, ensure that you have a personal injury lawyer on your side. They can help you ensure that the amount you are settling for is fair while keeping your rights protected.
Recouping your losses
By having thorough documentation, supporting evidence and several estimates to support how much money you are entitled to as the victim of a rear-end collision, you will significantly strengthen any legal proceedings that may occur.
Finding an attorney may not be the first step you take, but it may be a necessary one. This is why it’s important that you do have legal protection when it comes to recouping any expenses you incur as the result of a rear-end car crash.
An attorney is there to help ensure your rights are protected while ensuring you can acquire compensation in a timely manner.
Anica Oaks
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