If you get rear-ended while stopped on a Texas road, remaining calm and promptly calling for assistance is the most important first step. Start by checking yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries and calling 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Regardless of whether or not anyone is hurt, it is essential to contact the police and report the crash.
While waiting for help to arrive, move your vehicle to a secure location. If moving your vehicle is impossible, turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers. Additionally, exchange essential information with the other driver or drivers involved, including names, phone numbers, and insurance details.
Regardless of whether or not anyone is hurt, it is essential to contact the police and report the crash.
You may have experienced the accident as a passenger, in which case you are probably asking, “What are my rights as a passenger in a car accident?“. Once the police arrive, they will document the car accident and create an accident report. Be sure to give the police your side of the story and provide any evidence you have, such as pictures or videos of the accident scene and damage to your vehicle as well as evidence of your injuries. It is also important to seek medical attention after getting rear-ended while stopped, or at all, even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort. Some injuries may not become apparent until hours or days after the collision.
Rear-End Accident Claims in Texas
The claims process for rear-end collisions, typically involves several steps, including filing a claim with the insurance company, gathering evidence to support the claim, negotiating with the insurance company, and potentially filing a lawsuit. The process can be lengthy and complex, but an experienced car accident attorney like Julie Wolf can help ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Factors That Affect the Outcome of a Rear-End Collision Claim
Several factors can affect the outcome of a rear-end collision or highway accident claim, including the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment, the extent of property damage, whether or not a commercial vehicle was involved, and whether the injured party was partially at fault for the accident.
The more severe the injuries and damages, the more compensation the injured party may receive. However, every case is unique, and the outcome of a claim will depend on the specific circumstances of the car accident. However, dealing with insurance companies and filing claims can be complex and overwhelming. This is where an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer can help.
Compensation for a Rear-End Collision in Texas
In Texas, you can seek compensation for damages related to medical expenses such as the cost of medical treatments, hospital bills, doctors’ visits, and medication, among other related expenses. Similar to a t bone accident, rear-end collisions can cause various injuries, ranging from minor to severe, including:
- Whiplash: The most prevalent injury resulting from rear-end collisions is caused by a sudden and forceful jerking of the head forward and backward, damaging the neck and spine.
- Back injuries: Rear-end collisions can cause sprains, strains, fractures, and herniated discs in the back, resulting in chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Neck injuries: Whiplash is the most common neck injury resulting from rear-end collisions, but crashes can also cause other injuries such as strains and sprains, nerve damage, and fractures.
- Head injuries: Rear-end collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries, concussions, skull fractures, and other car accident head injuries resulting in long-term damage or disability.
- Spinal cord injuries: Rear-end collisions can cause severe spinal cord injuries, such as partial or complete paralysis, which can be life-changing and require ongoing medical care and support.
It is essential to seek medical attention after a rear-end collision, even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort. Some injuries may not become apparent until hours or days after the accident, and seeking medical attention can help identify any injuries so that you can receive the proper treatment timely.
Determining Liability in Rear-End Collisions
When it comes to a car accident injury claim, typically, a driver who rear-ends another vehicle is found responsible for the accident; however, there are certain situations where this may not be the case. For instance, if the driver in front unexpectedly hits the brakes without a valid reason, they may share partial responsibility for the car wreck. Ascertaining fault in rear-end collisions can be a complicated matter and often necessitates the assistance of a car accident lawyer.
If you experience getting rear-ended while stopped you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact Julie Wolf today for a free consultation or to find out what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault or to find out your rights as a passenger in a car accident.