Rear-end accidents are very common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear end accidents account for 28% of all automobile accidents. This makes them the most frequent type of car accident in the United States. Fortunately for accident victims, the majority of rear-end collisions are not deadly. In fact, rear-end accidents only account for 6% of all fatal car accidents in the U.S. 

What causes rear-end accidents? Not surprisingly, the majority of rear-end accidents are caused by distracted driving, reckless driving, and speeding. A study done by the Transportation Research Center at Ohio State University found that drivers following behind other vehicles tend to get complacent while driving. This causes drivers to lose focus and glance away. When we glance away from the car in front of us and take our focus off of the road, serious car accidents can occur. 

If you are involved in a rear-end car accident, the steps you take can significantly impact your ability to collect the money you need to pay for your medical expenses, long-term care, lost wages, and car damages.  Here are the 5 steps to take after a rear-end car accident.

5 Steps to Take after a Rear-End Car Accident

• Fill out a Police Report – it is necessary to file a police report after a rear-end accident. Even if the police don’t come out to the accident scene, it is important to go to the station and fill out the report. 
• Get Other Driver’s Information – gather the other driver’s name, address, license plate number, and insurance card information. 
• Seek Medical Help – even if you do not believe that you are injured, it is important to seek medical help. Injuries, such as whiplash, can take days to become apparent. Obtaining a proper diagnosis is key to proving injury and collecting the money you need. Waiting too long to seek medical help after an accident only raises the insurance company’s suspicions. 
• Gather Evidence – if you are able, take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to your vehicles. Collecting eyewitness information is also critical. You may need photographic evidence or a third-party report to back up your account of what happened in the accident. 
• Contact an Attorney – rear-end accidents can be severe and can result in significant injury. After your accident, contact a car accident attorney immediately to protect your rights to full and complete compensation. 

Contact Our Experienced Arvada Car Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Arvada, Northglenn, Thornton, or anywhere in Northern Colorado, it is important to contact our experienced Arvada car accident attorneys immediately. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed injury lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.     

Our car accident lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.