Steps to Take After a Rear-End Car Accident in Florida

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The causes and locations of rear-end car crashes are many. If the car in front of you doesn't stop or release the brake pedal prematurely, you can be halted at a stop sign, red light, or crosswalk.

Car accidents happen. However, what you choose to do after the accident has occurred is very important– and could involve breaking the law unknowingly. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the key steps you should take after a rear-end car accident.

What to Do After a Rear-End Car Accident

Although you can't control what other drivers may do, you can take safety measures to assist prevent being hit from behind. By allowing yourself more time and alternatives to respond when the unexpected arises, you should aim to avoid such crashes. Keep at least two to three car widths between you and the vehicle in front of you at all times. Follow at a safe distance, and if the road is slick, increase this gap.

However, rear-end accidents do happen. Here’s what to do when it happens.

You Were Rear-Ended?

Breathe deeply, and keep calm. To begin with, look for wounds. Find medical help for everyone who has been hurt. After that, make a police complaint about the collision. Don't forget to document the locations of the cars using photos. Tell the policeman what happened to cause the accident. Obtain a copy of the accident report afterward. The next step is for you to get in touch with your insurance provider.

Although the other driver's auto insurance carrier will probably cover the costs of rear-end accident damage, your policy could also be applicable. Your personal injury protection insurance would be applicable if you reside in a state with no-fault insurance, such as Florida. Your uninsured motorist vehicle policy may be able to assist in covering your medical bills and other related costs if the at-fault driver lacks liability insurance or cannot be located. Regardless of who is at blame, medical payments coverage is an optional benefit that might assist in covering medical or hospital costs incurred by you and the others covered by your policy. If you have collision insurance, you may be able to use it to help with the cost of your car's repairs.

You Rear-Ended Someone

There is no such thing as a driver who is flawless at everything. Accidents do occur now and then. Due to how often rear-end crashes occur, there is a risk that you may experience one or have already had one. You should act in the same way you would after any other kind of auto accident if you unintentionally rear-end someone.

Take a deep breath, try not to panic, and most definitely don't leave the accident scene. Look for injuries and get individuals who have them medical help. After that, make a police report about the incident. As always, record the locations of the cars using photos. Tell the policeman what happened to cause the accident. Obtain a copy of the accident report afterward. Finally, you must get in touch with your insurance provider. The other driver's medical costs and car damage will be covered in part by your liability for bodily injury and property damage.

The Aftermath of a Rear-End Collision

A wide range of losses may be covered by compensation following an automobile accident. You and your attorney will need to assemble convincing evidence in order to obtain the full extent of damages in your case.

You can take the following actions to substantiate your claim for damages. Start by keeping all invoices, benefit explanation statements, and receipts for medical care. Collect your most recent pay stubs and any other documents that demonstrate the amount of money you would have made had the injury not hindered your capacity to work. Save the receipts for any additional costs incurred as a result of the accident, such as those for domestic services, medical devices, and travel to see the doctor. Keep track of any estimates or invoices for house or car upgrades (such as wheelchair accessibility). Keep track of all of your daily symptoms, including pain, disability, trouble sleeping, psychological problems, etc.

All of these things can be used as evidence of the harm you sustained when you were rear-ended. You will be able to provide a compelling case for compensation if you give your lawyer access to all documents and notes.

Should I Contact an Attorney?

When considering hiring a lawyer, individuals who have never been in a rear-end collision make two frequent errors: first, they believe their insurance will cover everything. Additionally, they think that a rear-end collision is always the fault of the motorist in the rear.

Unfortunately, the initial assumption is wishful thinking. You can potentially file a claim against the driver who was at fault in order to recover damages for medical costs and other potential losses connected to your injuries, but your car insurance will typically only pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle up to your policy limits (a lawyer can assist with a property damage claim).

Although the second premise is often accurate, it won't stop the insurance provider for the motorist who caused the collision from trying to find a method to underpay your claim. Common strategies include challenging who was at fault for the accident, the extent of your losses, and more.

The best method to deal with these and other issues is to hire a car accident lawyer. A lawyer can defend your rights, inform you of your alternatives for seeking compensation, determine the extent of your case's damages, and more.

Was our guide on what to do after a rear-end accident helpful? If you've recently been in such an accident, be sure to call a Daytona Beach car accident lawyer that can provide more guidance on what to do in the aftermath.

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