• Take photos of your vehicle in the location of the impact before moving your car only if it is safe to do so.
• Take photos of the other vehicle at the scene of the accident.
• Call the police and wait for the police
• Seek Medical attention if you have pain

Figures posted from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), show that of the approximately 6 million car accidents that happen in the United States each year, over 40% of them (2.5 million) are rear-end collisions.  According to the Washington Post, About 1,700 people die in rear-end collisions and another 500,000 are hurt yearly. That means the odds are that if you or a loved one is involved in an auto collision that it will likely be a rear-end type auto collision.  Sometimes, rear-end collisions involve a minor impact where no one is hurt. Sometimes, they involve a substantial impact with serious injuries.  Regardless of the type of collision you are in, there are certain steps that you will always want to take to preserve and document evidence and information at the scene of the accident that will be lost if it is not preserved.  Sometimes, the stress of being involved in the accident can affect your recollection of the events.   Try to stay calm and take the following steps to protect yourself:

First, if it is safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles immediately following the collision before they are moved.  This is important in case the adverse driver has a different recollection of the event at a later date and to document how the collision occurred. Even if you have to pull off the road, take pictures of cars, the other driver, the road conditions, and the location of the accident.  Take a lot of photos.  This will be the only proof you have regarding the accident.

Second, always call the police to the scene of the accident.  Establishing an official record protects everyone. Determining what happened and noting important factors such as weather and property damage are important. The police know exactly what questions to ask and what details should be captured. Compiling all witness statements, photos and contributing factors into an official police report ensures that an accurate record of the incident will be available later to your insurance company or attorney.

Third, seek medical attention quickly.  It is important for you to know that often times pain and injuries inflicted from a rear-end collision may not felt at the time of the collision.  Pain and discomfort may take 24 hours to set in following your accident. That’s why you want to seek medical treatment immediately after being hit in a rear-end impact.   The sooner you seek medical help,  the easier it will be to prove your pain and injuries are a result of the rear-end auto collision and  not your everyday activities as the insurance company will want to argue.   If you have pain or stiffness, go to a quick care or your family chiropractor.  If you do not know where to go for medical help, call the Law Offices of Laura Hunt, PC today.

Fourth, if there are any witnesses, be sure to obtain their name, address and phone number.  You may need to contact them at a later time to be a witness and give a statement.

It is important to take the right steps following a rear-end collision and contact an attorney.   If you or a loved one is involved in a rear end auto accident while you’re out of town feel free to call the Law offices of Laura Hunt, PC. We are available 24/7 via phone and text message at 702-600-0032 to answer questions that you have at the time of your accident. We have been helping people injured in car accidents for the last decade and recovered millions of dollars for our clients.

Rear-auto accidents are a very common occurrence. At some point, the odds are that most drivers will be involved in such a collision.  Especially given the level of distractions drivers have such as cell phones, text messaging, iPods and general stress.   Unfortunately, many drivers will have had the difficult experience of dealing with a serious rear-end collision.  That is when an attorney can help by dealing with all the unpleasant aspects of an accident, like getting your car fixed and paying your doctors.   While there are some exceptions and unusual circumstances based on differences in state law, as a general rule, the driver of the rear-ending car is at fault for rear-end collisions.  Therefore, the driver of the rear-ending car will be liable for the damage caused in the accident, which will be paid by his insurance company.

If you are involved in a rear-end automobile collision, contact our offices today.  By contacting a lawyer immediately, you can receive the most money for your damages. At my office, we are experienced to handle all types of automobile injury claims and property damage claims.  Having worked for an insurance company as an attorney for 9 years before opening my boutique law firm specializing in helping injured people, I reviewed thousands of auto accident claims.   With extensive experience in the insurance field, I can help you review all of the coverages available in order to maximize the money you receive.

At the Law Offices of Laura Hunt we are here to help you and your family in the event that accidents and tragedies occur. For any of your legal needs, do not hesitate to contact our offices.  The Law Offices of Laura Hunt is a boutique, family owned law firm in Henderson that specializes in helping injured people and the community with legal issues involving auto accidents, wrongful deaths, slip and falls, truck accidents, injuries to children, bicycle accidents, dog bites, and all types of injury claims.  Please do not hesitate to call us anytime you have a legal question or you or a loved one has sustained an injury at 702-450-(HUNT) 4868 and text 24/7 at 702-600-0032.

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