If you have recently been rear-ended, you might be wondering what to do next. Understanding the next steps is important, but it is also crucial to know what actions to avoid at all costs. Here are the mistakes you must avoid after being rear-ended while stopped.
Overlooking the Importance of Pictures
A rear-end collision can be traumatic for anyone. At the moment, you may not know what to do. It is important to overcome the initial shock of the situation and take pictures of the scene while you wait for the police or ambulance to arrive.
Take as many pictures and videos of the scene as possible from different viewpoints. Instead of focusing on the vehicle alone, you must also document the intersection, the road markings, skid marks, the stop signs, and any speed limit signs.
You cannot expect the police to do this work on your behalf. Instead, you will have to take care of gathering media evidence on your own.
Forgetting to Call the Police
If you have been rear-ended while stopped and want to seek compensation for your losses, it is very important for you to gather the necessary evidence and document it. Yes, you can take pictures by yourself and ask eyewitnesses for their accounts of the event. However, this may not be enough to help your case.
Calling an officer on the scene can be the best way to confirm the party at fault. You can ask the officers to provide you with a copy of the police report. This report can go a long way to help you deal with insurance companies and litigation if needed.
Remember, the eyewitnesses may change their statements from time to time based on several factors, but a police report will remain unchanged till your claim is settled.
While police officers cover such incidents hundreds of times, you must always review the police report before it is finalized. Just like other humans, officers can also make mistakes sometimes, and reviewing your report can help you fix these issues in time.
Delaying Medical Treatment
Not all injuries from being rear-ended result in bruises or bleeding. Some serious injuries can be internal, leading to significant health problems if left untreated. You do not have to man up and walk it off. You must never hold back from seeking medical attention.
Seeking medical attention in a timely manner not only helps you figure out and treat any significant health conditions but also strengthens your claim. In case you delay healthcare, insurance may use this information against you. It is important not to withhold any information from your doctor.
You can trust them to be by your side. A doctor’s report can help you stay on top of your health and also provide the necessary evidence for the loss you faced by being rear-ended.
Hiring a Doctor without Relevant Experience
If you are injured or facing severe pain after being rear-ended, your first thought would be to visit your primary healthcare provider. It can be a great idea if they experience car accident injuries. If not, you may need to find someone with experience in this area.
Car accident victims face different types of injuries that an inexperienced doctor may miss out on. Only a specialized doctor who has prior experience in handling these types of injuries can diagnose and treat these types of injuries properly.
Forgetting about Car Insurance for Medical Treatment
Any injuries that you face after getting rear-ended must be paid under your auto insurance benefits. You must also keep the importance of insurance coverage in mind after facing an accident.
After an accident, you must quickly report the incident to your insurance provider and seek medical attention. Taking some time for this step ensures that your healthcare providers are aware that your car insurance may cover the expenses.
Following the said approach can help you make the claim process easier through detailed records. This way, you can alleviate the financial burden of medical treatment following a car accident.
Losing the Pictures
One of the most unfortunate things that can happen while seeking compensation after getting rear-ended is losing the pictures that you collected as evidence. Finding a settlement for your losses can take time, and people often struggle to keep the evidence protected.
In addition to the risk of accidentally deleting your pictures, there is always a risk of your phone being stolen or broken. Therefore, it is the best idea to back up your pictures in a secure cloud or a hard drive. This way, you will always be able to access your pictures without any limitations.
Failing to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Getting rear-ended can be a life-changing event. Some people face severe injuries and property damage, leading to financial and emotional challenges. In such circumstances, failing to hire a car accident lawyer can make things worse for you.
After the accident, it is likely that insurance adjusters will contact you. They will act friendly just to make you comfortable and get the information they need from you. Anything you say to them can be used to weaken your claim. An experienced car accident attorney can save you from saying anything harmful to your case.
Expert car accident attorneys have the necessary experience and expertise to handle your communication effectively and maximize your compensation.
Giving a Recorded Statement to the Opposing Insurance Company
After being rear-ended, you will not be the only one contacting your insurance company. It is highly likely that the other driver will do the same. Eventually, their insurance company will contact you. The last thing you want to do is give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Every word you say to the opposing insurance company can be used against you. They can bend the truth or exaggerate an issue to add to their evidence. Therefore, it is always recommended that your car accident lawyer handle the communication after getting rear-ended while stopped.
