Rear-end collision accidents usually happen out of nowhere. You may be waiting at a red light or sitting in traffic when a vehicle rams your vehicle from behind. Because most of them are unexpected, rear-end accidents can be frightening.
Driver negligence, vehicle defects, and bad weather are the most common causes of rear-end accidents. Victims could pursue a car accident claim for compensation, particularly when negligence is involved. Our car accident lawyers in La Porte help victims get their rightful justice.
I Was Rear-Ended. What Do I Do?
Taking the right actions in a timely manner after a rear-end collision can set you apart, especially for legal purposes. Our La Porte personal injury lawyers recommend the following measures to ensure your safety while protecting your rights:
Call the Police
When a rear-end collision occurs, some motorists want to settle the matter quickly, so they go about their activities. This is primarily the case for minor fender-benders.
In such scenarios, agreeing with the other driver about the way forward is possible. But when there is extensive damage to your vehicle, or someone is severely injured or killed, involving the local police is necessary. Besides being a legal requirement that such accidents be reported to authorities, it also helps protect your rights.
The police will document the crash, making it a public record. Their investigations are also an invaluable source of crucial evidence or information you can use to pursue legal action for compensation.
Seek Medical Evaluation
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries following a rear-end collision. While they are not catastrophic, they can cause untold pain and suffering, altering the victim’s way of life indefinitely.
Seeking immediate medical evaluation and treatment is vital for optimal recovery. It also allows qualified doctors to evaluate the extent of your injuries for necessary medical intervention.
Some injuries following a car accident may not show immediately, so seeing a doctor is necessary for early diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, medical documentation provides reliable evidence to prove an injury claim for compensation.
Notify Your Insurer
Notifying your insurance company is one of the most critical steps after a rear-end collision in La Porte. First, doing so allows your insurer to commence investigations into the crash for settlement purposes.
This timely action ensures a smooth claim process, thus avoiding potential delays. When calling your insurer, stick to facts only. Provide information on the day, time, and location of the crash.
Report injuries and parties involved, too. Refrain from admitting fault even if your actions contributed to the accident. Hire a lawyer to handle insurance companies on your behalf so your rights are protected.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer
Consulting a La Porte rear-end collision lawyer after a crash is beneficial for several reasons. Because they specialize in personal injury law, they have a better understanding of the complexities involved in the car accident claim process.
This means they can professionally assess the strength of your case based on available details and evidence. Another reason to consider working with an attorney is that they put your interests first, unlike insurance companies.
A skilled rear-end collision lawyer will only settle for what you deserve. Generally, an attorney handles the legal aspects of your case as you focus on recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collision lawyer serving La Porte, call (832) 449-8230
What Happens If the Other Driver is Not Insured?
Although all motorists in Texas must have valid insurance when operating a vehicle, some may still disregard this rule. This means you could find yourself in a crash with an uninsured motorist.
In this scenario, you may find it challenging to recover compensation. Another difficult situation is when the other driver flees the scene immediately without providing their contact and insurance information.
In these scenarios, the assistance of a qualified car accident attorney is necessary. When the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you could pursue a claim from your own insurer.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC) kicks in to compensate victims where the at-fault party does not have a valid policy. On the other hand, Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) covers motorists whose insurance is not enough to cover damages fully.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical bills, lost wages, and other losses when someone is injured in a crash. In this case, you qualify for compensation regardless of fault.
You must contact your insurance company and report the accident to file a claim successfully. An experienced La Porte rear-end collision attorney can guide you on settling a car accident case when the other driver is underinsured or uninsured.
La Porte Rear-end Collision Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Contact a La Porte Rear-End Collision Lawyer
Call our attorneys today if you have been involved in a rear-end collision anywhere in La Porte. We will help you understand your rights and lead the way to ensure justice is served. Please fill out our contact form today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form