What to Do After a Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions are the most common car accidents in the United States. The National Safety Council found that 40.8% of all crashes with other motor vehicles in 2022 were rear-end collisions. Almost every state requires drivers to have some form of car insurance. In Pennsylvania, all motor vehicles must have liability insurance to comply with the law.
Rear-end collisions can happen due to poor weather conditions, someone slamming on the brakes to avoid hitting a pedestrian, texting while driving and countless other situations. The accident’s severity will largely depend on the speed and position of each vehicle.
In some cases, physical damage to the car and drivers may not be immediately evident. If you get rear-ended by another car or rear-end someone, don’t panic. Follow these tips to get through the crash’s immediate aftermath and protect yourself in the longer term.
What Is a Rear-End Collision?
A rear-end collision is when a driver crashes their car into the back of another vehicle. Whether a minor fender bender or serious impact, knowing what to do in a rear-end collision can protect your rights and strengthen your case.
Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?
Who is considered at fault in a rear-end collision depends on many factors, but the rear car’s driver is usually fully at fault. There are rare exceptions where the front car might break too quickly to reasonably expect the driver behind to stop, in which case the fault might be split between the drivers.
Rear-end collisions are often due to the driver of the rear vehicle driving while distracted or multitasking, not leaving an adequate following distance or driving while under the influence of mind-altering substances.
What to Do if You Rear-End Someone
If you rear-end someone, your first step should be to assess yourself and your passengers for injuries and call for help if you need it. Then, you should contact the police to report the accident, exchange information with the other driver and phone your insurance company.
If you’re stressed about what happens if you rear-end someone and the financial implications, remember that your insurance should cover some of the charges. Being partnered with a reputable insurance company and following the correct process can alleviate the stress and financial strain of the situation.
Here are the details of the immediate steps you should take if you rear-end another vehicle:
Check for Injuries and Take Safety Precautions
Immediately after a collision, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other cars. If your position on the road puts you in further danger, move yourself and your passengers to the side of the road.
Call 911
The sooner emergency services can get to the scene, the better. Whether you need police officers to cordon off the accident area and redirect traffic or an ambulance, alerting the authorities is key. Even if the accident is minor and you don’t require emergency assistance, tell the police what happened, and be honest. While making excuses or leaving out some details may be tempting, these inconsistencies can come to light later and impact your liability for the accident. Explain exactly what occurred.
Take Pictures of the Crash
If you rear-end someone, you should take pictures of the accident site to document damage to your car and the other vehicle. It’s important to note that even if there’s no apparent damage, it’s still necessary to take pictures. Be sure to carefully inspect both vehicles, as damage may appear in areas you don’t expect. Take photos safely and quickly so you can move your car if necessary.
Move to a Nearby Safe Location
Once you have documented the scene, move your car to a safer place on the side of the road. In some more serious cases, you may be unable to move your car. If your car has to stay on the road, leave your hazards on, stay out of the vehicle in a safe area and wait for emergency services.
Swap Insurance Details With the Other Driver
Make sure you swap insurance information with the person you hit. You should also get their name, contact information, driver’s license number and vehicle registration details.
Contact Your Car Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Reporting the accident allows your insurance company to begin the process of paying the other driver for damages, if necessary.
What Not to Do if You Rear-End Another Vehicle
If you rear-end another vehicle, you should never flee the scene or say anything that might be considered an admission of fault. Getting into a motor vehicle accident is stressful and sometimes traumatic.
Your instinct might be to leave if the car damage isn’t too bad or you’re scared of repercussions. Or you might want to apologize if the other person is angry.
Do Not Leave
Even the most careful drivers get into accidents. Do not drive away from the scene, no matter how scared you may be or how little damage you think was caused. Leaving could place you in criminal jeopardy and reduce the chance of proving you were not 100% at fault.
Do Not Admit Fault
After the crash, don’t suggest the accident was your fault to the police or the driver of the other car. While the driver of the rear vehicle is usually considered to be at fault, you don’t know all the circumstances yet. Apologizing or showing guilt could hurt your case and reduce your chances of reaching a fair settlement agreement.
What to Do When Rear-Ended by Another Vehicle
If you’ve been rear-ended and don’t know what to do, check for injuries, call the police, take photos, exchange information with the other driver and call your insurance company.
Follow all the same steps as you would if you rear-ended someone. Even if it looks like no damage has been done to your car, there could still be problems.
Gather as much evidence as possible to prove your version of events. The proof you collect can include pictures and witness statements, both of which can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
What to Do After a Rear-End Collision With No Damage
You should still report the accident and exchange information with the other driver if you are in a rear-end collision and can’t see any damage. Even if you’re involved in a minor car accident, you should take the same precautions as if it were serious. This exchange of information is essential for insurance purposes because you might not be able to view damages such as:
- Radiator or oil pan leak.
- Wheel alignment issues.
- Battery short-circuit.
- Sensor damage.
If you discover damages after leaving the scene, you’ll want to have the other driver’s details so your insurance company can help you come to a just settlement.
Contact Strock Insurance for More Information
Every car accident is different. Speaking to a reputable car insurance company can help you handle a collision successfully. If you still have questions about what to do if you have been rear-ended or have rear-ended someone else, talk to Strock Insurance.
We’ve been providing our services to customers since 1983, giving Pennsylvania locals access to competitive insurance coverage from a company they can trust.
To learn more, you can contact us online or call our offices in Harrisburg, Lebanon or Camp Hill. If you’re curious about affordable auto insurance, you can also get a free quote from our team.
