What to Do After a Rear-End Car Accident - Step-by-Step Guide

One of the most common types of car accidents in Iowa is a rear-end crash. In most cases, these accidents occur at intersections, during times of heavy traffic, or when a driver is distracted and doesn't stop in time. Many rear-end crashes result in more than damage to a vehicle; they can also cause very serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, spinal cord damage, head trauma, or even death. 

Knowing what to do following a rear end accident is extremely important for those who were in an auto accident, and it's also important to protect your rights. 

Thankfully, an attorney can help from Tom Fowler Law. Immediately after a rear-end collision, start doing the following, and then call Tom Fowler Law. They can help with what to do after a hit-and-run accident.

Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries After a Rear-End Accident

The first priority following a rear end collision is to ensure safety and check for injuries. Vehicle damage should come second. If possible, all vehicles should be moved to the side of the road, and you should turn on your hazard lights.

You need to report the accident, of course, and get medical attention, but getting out of the way of oncoming traffic is important to ensure no one else gets hit. 

Check for injuries, and even if people don't seem seriously hurt, adrenaline will be rushing through everyone's bodies, and that will mask pain. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and back injuries may not appear until several hours or days after.

Call 911 and Contact Law Enforcement After a Car Accident - Get a Police Report After a Crash

As soon as the accident scene is quickly assessed, it's important to get police and medical assistance on their way. Even if an accident seems minor, it is always a good idea to reach out to law enforcement. The police report of the incident will be an important piece of evidence, which can help when seeking compensation after a rear-end accident. In Iowa, it is against the law not to report accidents that involve injury, death, or significant property damage. 

In regard to ensuring fair compensation after a rear-end crash, a police report will serve as an unbiased account of the scene. This is why it's so important to call the police. That report will be integral to any personal injury claim or insurance claim you file, even if the accident is minor. 

Exchange Information with the Other Driver When Rear-Ended

When police have arrived and medical staff are checking out any injuries, the drivers should exchange contact information. Some of the things that should be shared following a rear-end accident include: 

• Full name and contact information

• Driver’s license number

• Insurance provider and policy number

• License plate number and vehicle description

Sharing info is one of the essential steps to take after an accident, but it's important to stay calm. No one should admit fault in the accident, especially if you are injured in a rear-end collision. Any driver involved, including the rear driver, will file an insurance claim, unless the driver is uninsured. In that case, things can get complicated, and an accident attorney will definitely need to step in. 

Just keep in mind that anything said on the scene can be used when you file a claim, and you shouldn't speak about the details of the crash to anyone but the police or EMTs without legal advice. This especially includes any auto insurance agent or adjuster. 

Document the Accident Scene and Gather Evidence After You Get Rear-Ended

As mentioned, when it's safe to do so, it's important to take photos and videos of the scene. This can make a very big difference when you are trying to get compensation for medical expenses or other damages. When you take photos of the damage, you have documentation of what happened. It's also important to take photos and videos of skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and injuries. 

It's also important to speak to any witnesses to the accident, get their full name and contact information, and give that information to an attorney when you get legal help. This can also be important information to have if you've been rear-ended and the other driver's insurance company is disputing the claim. 

Move to a Safe Location and Seek Medical Attention 

One of the biggest mistakes people make following rear-end auto accidents is assuming that they don't need medical care. As mentioned, some injuries don't show up for several hours or even days. 

Rear-end accidents frequently cause:

• Whiplash and neck strain

• Herniated or bulging discs

• Concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries

• Shoulder or back injuries

Quick medical attention not only protects your health, but it also serves as proof that an accident caused injuries. Dealing with insurance companies is never easy, but when they are disputing injuries, you definitely want proof that it happened as soon as possible. 

Notify Your Insurance Company to Report the Accident

Insurance policies can be confusing, too, and one of the steps you should take is to contact your own insurance company. Most policies require timely notice, and delays here may result in the denial of the claim. Also, if you have been involved in a rear-end collision, you should avoid giving too many details to the at-fault driver's insurance. Stick to the facts, only, such as the time and date of the accident when speaking to an insurance adjuster or representative.

Even when you report the accident to your insurance company, it's important not to speculate about fault or minimize any injuries. Insurance companies will not help your car accident claim. They will want to get it done as soon as they can, which means you might not get the compensation you deserve. 

Track Expenses and Damages to Improve a Rear-End Accident Claim

You know what happens if you've been rear-ended ...the costs quickly start to pile up. It's more than just medical bills, too. For instance, you might lose wages from missing work, you may need to pay for a rental car, and of course, the cost of vehicle repairs. 

Some of the things you should keep a record of include: 

• Medical bills and records

• Prescription receipts

• Vehicle repair invoices or estimates

• Pay stubs showing lost income

• A journal of pain, limitations, and daily struggles

These records form the foundation of a strong compensation claim.

Avoid Common Mistakes After a Rear-End Collision

Many accident victims make unintentional mistakes that hurt their claims. Some of the most common include:

• Failing to seek medical care right away

• Accepting a quick settlement from the insurance company

• Posting accident details or photos on social media

• Ignoring treatment recommendations or missing appointments

Each of these mistakes can weaken the link between the accident and the injuries or suggest to insurers that the injuries are less severe than claimed. Staying cautious and following professional advice from a car accident law firm in Des Moines IA may help protect your right to full compensation.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney in Des Moines

While some rear-end accidents result in minor property damage, others leave victims with lasting injuries and financial burdens. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney ensures that victims understand their rights and options.

A skilled attorney can:

• Investigate the accident and gather additional evidence

• Handle communication with insurance companies

• Negotiate for fair compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

• File a lawsuit if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached

Working with a local attorney familiar with Iowa’s personal injury laws and courts provides a significant advantage.

Get Help After a Rear-End Car Accident - Contact Tom Fowler Law, a Car Accident Lawyer, for a Free Consultation

Call 911 immediately following a crash is the first step, and then contact an attorney such as Tom Fowler Law in Des Moines. This team can guide clients through the legal process while protecting their interests every step of the way. Reach out for a free consultation.