After being involved in a rear-end collision in Vancouver, WA, there are certain steps you need to take. Although rear-end accidents are not usually severe, you still need to make sure you do the right things afterward to support your claim.
If you have suffered injuries from a rear-end collision, you need to hire a rear-end accident attorney in Vancouver, WA. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of auto accident attorneys has extensive experience handling rear-end cases and can help you file a strong claim to get the compensation you deserve.
Keep reading to find out what to do after a rear-end accident and how to file a PIP claim after a rear-end crash.
Dangers of Rear-End Collisions
In terms of different types of auto accidents, rear-end collisions are usually quite minor, resulting in minimal damage and injuries. However, that doesn’t guarantee that you will walk away unscathed, as this is very dependent on the types of vehicles and how fast the at fault driver was going.
Not only can rear-end collisions result in damage to both vehicles, but it can also result in different types of injuries. The most common types of rear-end injuries include things like:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Internal damage
- Fractures
Medical Steps to Take After a Rear-End Collision
One of the auto accident legal steps in Washington that should always be followed is seeking medical attention after a collision. Even for relatively minor collisions, such as rear-end accidents, you may still have some injuries that you may not even be aware of. It is very common for individuals to not realize they are injured due to delayed symptoms and adrenaline.
It is also strongly recommended that you get immediate medical attention so that any injuries can be directly linked back to the collision.
So, to protect your health as well as build a strong foundation for your auto accident, there are certain things you need to do directly after the accident:
- Call 911.
- Get examined by a medical professional.
- Go to the ER if you are experiencing severe symptoms.
- Follow-up with your primary physician.
- Have tests done for an accurate diagnosis.
It’s also essential that you hang onto any medical evidence that you can include with your claim later on. This includes things like doctor’s notes, medical receipts, receipts for treatment, healthcare diagnosis, etc.
Legal Steps to Take After a Rear-End Collision
Aside from looking after your health after a rear-end collision in Vancouver, WA, there are also certain legal steps you should take. These legal steps will help you to create a strong claim that proves that the other driver was at fault and substantiates your right to receive compensation.
Here is a breakdown of what you should do directly after a rear-end collision, as long as you are not severely injured:
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Take photos or video evidence of property damage and injuries.
- Report the accident to your insurance carrier.
- Get access to the police report.
Another step you should take as soon as possible after a collision is to hire a personal injury attorney in Vancouver, Washington. An attorney will be able to help you track down additional evidence to support your claim as well as negotiate on your behalf. This will save you from having to go back and forth with insurance carriers, especially when it comes to a fair settlement amount.
Also, it is crucial that you limit communication with anyone other than your lawyer. Avoid discussing the accident with insurance carriers or the other driver and never admit fault.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in Vancouver, Washington
In Washington state, drivers are responsible for maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles to prevent rear-end collisions. That is why rear-end collisions in Vancouver, WA, are quite straightforward since fault will usually be placed on the vehicle that initiated the impact. Only in rare instances will the front driver hold some responsibility, and in those cases, responsibility will usually be divided between both drivers.
To file a strong claim, you will need to gather evidence that helps to prove fault and the amount of compensation you should receive. Keep in mind that insurance coverage will have a significant impact on this.
When you hire an attorney, they can help you gather evidence, file your claim, and communicate with the other involved parties. In most rear-end cases, a settlement will be agreed-upon quite quickly, but various factors can impact this. Your attorney will handle negotiations on your behalf so that you do not accidentally admit fault or accept an unfair settlement amount.
Hire an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
If you have sustained any injuries or property damage from a rear-end collision in Vancouver, WA, you have every right to seek compensation. By taking the correct steps and filing a strong rear-end crash insurance claim, you can get the compensation you need to cover things like car repairs or medical bills.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our experienced car accident lawyers in Vancouver, WA, are committed to defending the downtrodden and providing car accident victims with dependable representation. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ:
Do I need to see a doctor after a minor rear-end collision?
Yes, this is usually recommended as you may have injuries without realizing it. And, if that is the case, it is essential that you have medical evidence documenting how the injury occurred and its severity.
Is the rear driver always at fault in Washington?
Although responsibility is usually allocated to the rear driver in a rear-end collision, this isn’t always a guarantee. There are still situations where the driver in front may be held partially responsible, which would reduce the amount of compensation they could receive.
How soon should I contact a car accident lawyer in Vancouver?
Ideally, you should hire an attorney as soon as possible, especially if you plan on filing a claim soon after the accident.