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Rear-end accidents are one of the most prevalent types of car accidents and are on the rise in the Encino area. These accidents take place when one car is struck from behind ("rear-ended") by another car. These accidents can cause severe injuries. A rear-end collision attorney helps those injuries in a rear-end collision get compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured, call Drake Law Firm at (844) 513-7253 for a free consultation with our rear-end vehicle collision attorneys in Encino.
Who Is at Fault?
If you have been rear-ended by a vehicle behind you, it is very likely that the other motorist is at fault. If you rear-ended a vehicle in front of you, you may be at fault, unless the driver behind you hit you and caused you to rear-end another car.
Other Driver
The driver behind you may be deemed responsible if they failed to stop in time as traffic slowed down or stopped. This is because the rules of the road require a vehicle to be able to stop safely if traffic in front of it slows down or comes to a complete stop. If a car is not able to stop without rear-ending another vehicle, it may be assumed that the driver of that car was not driving as safely as he or she should have been.
Proving Fault
There are several ways to prove liability in a rear end accident. One way is relying on eyewitness testimony from individuals that were at the scene when the accident happened. Another good way of supporting a claim is to look to the police report for a description of the accident. Lastly, physical evidence such as damage to the car and skid marks on the road can help establish fault.
What to Do After Being Rear-Ended by Another Vehicle
In the moments following a car collision, it is likely that you will be under much stress. You might be confused, dizzy, or even physically injured. It is for that reason imperative that you know what to do ahead of time to increase your odds at a fast recovery.
1. Seek Medical Care
After you have been rear-ended by another car, it is essential that you contact emergency services right away. In a number of rear-end collision situations, the driver of the front car does not experience pain instantly after the collision takes place. However, it is possible for pain and aching to arise hours or even days after the crash. Getting medical care after a rear-end collision is therefore very important for preventing and maintaining your health and well-being. It will also be useful when making a claim as your medical reports will prove the injuries you sustained.
2. Report the Accident
The next step is to report the accident to the authorities. Police officers will file an accident report which will document all relevant aspects of the collision, including the parties involved, the location of the accident, as well as the time and date of the accident. Importantly, police officers might be able to collect statements from onlookers that managed to witness the rear end accident.
3. Document the Accident
An essential step that is often overlooked by individuals who were rear-ended is to document the collision and to maintain a detailed and organized record of all documents or materials pertaining to the accident. Ideally, take photos of the scene of the collision after it occurred. Keep copies of police reports, medical records, and vehicle repair shop estimates in an organized file. Recording this evidence will make it much easier to establish your claim against the party that rear-ended you.
4. Call a Car Accident Attorney
Finally, you need to get in touch with a car collision attorney. The recovery and negotiation process with the other motorist or the other driver's insurance company is often time-consuming and aggravating. A vehicle collision lawyer can relieve the stress of this process by taking care of important tasks such as contacting witnesses and performing investigations into the collision. A car collision lawyer will also be able to guide you with the settlement or litigation process and will be there to give you legal guidance concerning complex legal issues such as negligence.
Contact Drake Law Firm so I can answer any questions you may have and let you know what I can do to help. If you’re unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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