What Do You Do After You Get Rear-Ended?

Updated 3 days ago
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Rear-end accidents are scary. But after experiencing one, you want to check for any injuries, contact the police, and document the scene. It's also a good idea to see a doctor shortly after the incident, even if you feel all right, in case you suffered any injuries.

What types of injuries result from being rear-ended?

Rear-end collisions are all too common. Even minor fender benders can result in injuries, so you want to make sure you go through the proper insurance process even for small cases.

Some of the injuries that tend to come up after getting rear-ended include:

  • Whiplash
  • Back injuries
  • Concussions
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Herniation
  • Brain damage

5 steps to take after getting in a car accident

No one wants to end up in an accident. But sooner or later, many people find themselves involved in a collision.

At these moments, it's vital to keep your cool. You don't want to panic because there's quite a lot you need to do in the immediate aftermath. Instead, follow these steps:

  1. Check for injuries - Talk with everyone in your car as well as people in the other vehicle. If anyone is seriously injured, then get an ambulance to the scene immediately.
  1. Contact the police - Call 9-1-1 right away. The cops file a police report, which helps immensely with your insurance claim.
  1. Exchange insurance - As you wait for the police, exchange insurance information with the other driver. This is also an excellent time to get his or her contact information.
  1. Take photos - Document the scene, taking note of any dents or notable damage. You can also take pictures of any noticeable injuries you've sustained.
  1. Call your insurance provider - You want to contact your insurance agency within 24 hours of the crash. This gets the claims process started.

How to file an insurance claim

You should never delay filing an insurance claim. Even if the accident seems minor, your insurance can save you from out-of-pocket expenses related to repairs. Plus, you don't know the full extent of the damage until you take your car to an auto shop for a thorough inspection.

  1. Contact your insurance agency - A representative asks you questions related to the crash. Answer them to the best of your ability, but never guess.
  1. Speak with a claim specialist - Your insurance agency assigns a claim specialist to the case. This person reviews evidence and talks to you about your experience further.
  1. File an accident report - Report the accident to your local DMV.
  1. Collect evidence related to the accident - Various parties may ask you for pictures related to the incident.

Does my insurance premium go up if I'm rear-ended?

Many people worry about filing insurance claims because they don't want their premiums to increase. However, if you are not at-fault, then your insurance rates should stay the same.

Your insurance agency wants to figure out who's at-fault. If it shows you're not to blame, then you generally have nothing to fear.

But what if you are to blame? That's when it pays off to have auto insurance with accident forgiveness. Many companies offer policies where your rates don't go up just because of an accident, even if you're 100 percent at-fault. If your current insurance provider doesn't offer small and large accident forgiveness, we can connect you with insurers that do!

When the time arises, is my insurance going to be enough?

When it comes to car insurance, there are several factors to consider beyond monthly cost. A policy that covers you when you need it, has a low deductible, and offers several discounts can be hard to find - which is why we've done the work for you.

Get instant quotes tailored to your needs - fill out our short form, today!

Get cheap insurance quotes, today!
Our team will help you find the lowest insurance prices.
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