Important things you should do if you get hit from behind include seeking medical care, documenting your symptoms, reporting the accident, notifying your insurance company, and keeping copies of related documents. You should also avoid discussing the accident on social media or with people not directly involved in your case.
Finally, contact our legal team for advice. We will work hard to help you hold the at-fault driver financially accountable for your damages.
Jones & Swanson has won more than $50 million for our injured clients. We will help you understand what actions to take in the hours and days after your rear-end crash. Find out what our Marietta rear-end collision lawyers will do for you when you call to schedule your free consultation.
1. Get Medical Attention
After a crash, you may have been taken to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center or another hospital for emergency care. If not, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel relatively well after the collision, some injuries may not become apparent until hours or days later.
A medical assessment can help detect injuries as early as possible and create a medical record that links them to the collision. It is also important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations after your initial appointments. Jones & Swanson will help you show you are serious about your care.
2. Document Your Symptoms
Monitor your condition in the days and weeks after your accident; your symptoms may change over time, and aspects that seem insignificant at the moment may prove important later. Make a note of when your symptoms first started and whether your condition is improving or worsening.
Writing down your symptoms, even after a relatively minor crash, can provide important documentation of how the accident has affected you. It can also help our Marietta car accident lawyers at Jones & Swanson evaluate the damages you may be entitled to for your injuries.
3. Report the Accident to the Police
Georgia law requires all accidents causing injury, death, or at least $500 in property damage to be reported immediately to the Georgia State Patrol or another relevant agency. A police report can record the important details of the collision and might become useful evidence at a later stage.
We recommend obtaining a copy of the report when it becomes available and reviewing it for accuracy. If you believe important information is missing or incorrect, let our attorneys at Jones & Swanson know.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as your policy requires. Don’t speculate about anything you’re unsure of or discuss your injuries. Jones & Swanson will help you understand how to talk to insurers while protecting your interests.
If another driver’s insurance company contacts you, you do not necessarily have to accept its assessment of your injuries or the value of your claim.
5. Keep All Receipts and Records
Documents related to your accident can show how the crash affected you financially and support your claim. Also, save copies of documents about your medical treatment and any other expenses from the accident.
Organized records will make it easier for us to understand the full impact of your accident and document the losses associated with your claim. In multi-vehicle car accidents, Jones & Swanson will seek damages from every party who played a role in your accident.
6. Avoid Discussing the Details of Your Case
Be careful about discussing your accident or injuries with people outside of your legal and medical team. You should also avoid posting about the accident or your recovery on social media. Anything you say or post could potentially be taken out of context.
Insurance companies may twist your words to deny or reduce your claim. When you are unsure whether something is appropriate to share, it is best to speak with our attorneys first. Jones & Swanson will help you understand what information should remain private while your claim is being evaluated.
7. Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Jones & Swanson
If you were hurt in the accident, call Jones & Swanson as soon as possible. Our rear-end accident attorneys will help you understand your legal rights and what to do next. We will examine what happened in your accident and look for evidence that may be important for your claim.
It is often helpful to speak with our attorneys before making statements about your injuries or accepting an offer from the insurer. Insurance companies have their own interests to protect. We will help you understand your options before you make decisions that could affect your claim.
Get Help When You Are Hit from Behind
If you have been hit from behind in a car crash, you should get medical care as soon as possible. Then, connect with our legal team. We will advise you on additional steps such as filing a police report and speaking with your insurer. If another person caused your crash, we will help you pursue a claim.
Our team at Jones & Swanson has more than 50 years of combined legal experience. It costs you nothing to call for a consultation, and we work on a contingency fee basis so you don’t owe our fees until we win. Contact us today if you have been rear-ended in a car accident and tell us what happened.
