Rear-Ended on a Highway in California? Five Steps That You Should Take

March 16, 2023 by admin Blog
Home | Blog | Rear-Ended on a Highway in California? Five Steps That You Should Take

Were you involved in a rear-end crash in San Diego County? You are certainly not alone. An analysis from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds that rear-end collisions are the most common cause of multi-vehicle crashes nationwide. You need to know how to protect your rights and interests after being in a rear-end crash on a freeway. Here, our San Diego auto accident lawyer highlights five important steps that you should take after a rear-end collision in California.

1. Stop Your Car, Exchange Information

If you were rear-ended or if you rear-ended another vehicle, the first thing you should do is stop your car and exchange information with the other driver. It is the law in California. Failure to do so could lead to criminal charges. Get the information from all parties to the rear-end collision, including name, contact information, vehicle information, and insurance policy details.

2. Report the Rear-End Collision to Law Enforcement

Promptly report the crash to the police. Pursuant to California state law, a rear-end accident must be reported if any person sustains a physical injury or major property damages. It is in your best interests to report the crash—especially if you were not at fault. You may report it to the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, or another agency.

3. Seek Medical Attention for Any Injuries (Emergency Needs First)

All rear-end collision injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. Of course, emergency medical needs always come before anything else. Beyond that, Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying medical treatment could worsen your condition. Make sure to follow up with any recommended treatments or follow-up appointments.

4. Document the Rear-End Accident

California is an at-fault motor vehicle accident state. The rear driver is usually—but not automatically—the one who is liable for this type of crash. A comprehensive investigation is a must. Gather all relevant evidence related to the cause of the accident and your damages, including photographs, videos witness statements, medical bills, and personal notes.

5. Speak to a San Diego Lawyer Before an Insurance Adjuster

The most important thing to understand about the rear-end collision claims process is that the insurance company is not on your side. Insurance adjusters are looking for ways to devalue or even deny your claim. The best step that you can take to protect yourself is to speak to a San Diego, CA, rear-end collision attorney before giving any statement to an insurance company representative.

Call Our San Diego, CA, Rear-End Collision Attorney for Immediate Help

At The Law Office of Kris Mukherji, our San Diego auto accident lawyer has the skills and experience to take on all types of rear-end collision claims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash, we are here to help. Give us a call now or connect with us online to set up a confidential, no-obligation review of your case. We handle rear-end collision claims throughout all of San Diego County.

error: Content is protected !!