28 Jul What to Do if You’re Rear-Ended
Rear-end collisions are very common, and can cause major damage. Being prepared and knowing what to do if you’re rear-ended can protect your safety and finances. Here’s a quick guide on what to do if you’re rear-ended.
Do a Safety Assessment
Check for injuries and determine if your car is in danger of another collision. If you can do so safely, move your car to the side of the road, onto a side street, or into a parking lot. If you can’t move your car, try to turn on your hazard lights to increase your visibility. Make sure that when you do exit the car, you do so on the opposite side of traffic.
Call 911
If you or anyone else involved in the accident have injuries, call 911 right away to get medical attention. Even if you don’t have injuries, it’s a good idea to report the accident to the police. In most states, police won’t respond if there are no injuries, but calling them will establish a record of the time, location, and circumstances of the accident.
Take Photos and/or Videos of the Damage
Your insurance company will want evidence of the damage to your car and the other party’s car. You will also need this documentation if you plan on filing a personal injury claim against the other driver. Take clear photos of the damage to the inside and outside of both cars. Make sure you get the other driver’s license plate in at least one photo. You might also consider taking a video of the cars and crash scene.
Exchange Information With the Other Party
Even if the damage to your car is minor and no one is injured, you should exchange contact information and insurance information with the other party. If there is major damage or injury, you should also get contact information from witnesses and take note of the location of any security cameras or traffic cameras in the area.
Take Your Car in for Repairs
If your car isn’t totaled, you will need to take it to an auto collision repair center as soon as possible. Ignoring damage will only give it time to get worse, and more expensive to repair. Most auto collision repair shops can either give you a loaner car to use, or arrange a rental car through your insurance company. The auto repair shop can also give you an official estimate for the cost of car repairs, which you can provide to your insurance company.
If you were rear-ended and your car needs minor or major collision repair in Tucson, AZ, come see us at National Auto Collision Centers. We can fix frame and body damage, dents and dings, and do auto paint touch-ups or full vehicle paint jobs. We can have your vehicle towed to one of our locations, and either arrange for a rental car through your insurance company or provide you with a free loaner vehicle. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call us today or contact us online.