Hit By a Car from Behind

If you’re injured due to someone else's negligence or reckless driving, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages.

You also have the right to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and options, and to seek legal guidance.

What to do when hit by a car from behind 

If you are hit by a car from behind, it's important to take certain steps to ensure your safety, document the incident, and protect your rights. Here's what to do when you get rear-ended:

• Check for injuries: First and foremost, check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
• Move to a safe location: If your vehicle is still operable, move it to a safe location.
• Call the police: Even if the car accident seems minor, report it to the police. An official accident report can be valuable for insurance purposes and legal claims.
• Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver who rear-ended you. Be sure to obtain their name, phone number, address, driver's license number, and insurance details.
• Gather witness information: If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information. 
• Document the scene: Take photos of the crash scene, including the position of the vehicles, damage to both vehicles, skid marks, and any relevant road conditions.
• Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company to report the car accident and provide them with the necessary information. 
• Seek medical attention: Even if you don't feel injured immediately after the crash, it's best to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away.
• Keep detailed records: Maintain thorough records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any communication related to your crash.
• Consult an attorney: An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue a claim for compensation if necessary.

In the vast majority of cases, if your vehicle is rear-ended by another vehicle, the driver who struck you from behind is considered at fault. This is a general principle in traffic law, known as the "rear-end collision presumption." 

The presumption is based on the idea that the driver following behind has a legal duty to maintain a safe following distance and be prepared to stop or slow down if the vehicle in front of them does so.

However, there can be exceptions to this presumption, and the specific circumstances of the car accident may affect the determination of fault. Some situations in which you might share or bear partial liability for a rear-end collision include:

• Sudden or unpredictable stops: If you make a sudden and unexpected stop, the driver behind you might argue that they had no reasonable opportunity to avoid the collision.
• Reversing: If you are backing up without warning, you could be found at fault for a collision with a vehicle behind you.
• Non-operational brake lights: If your brake lights are not working, and you don't give proper warning of your intention to stop or slow down, you might share liability for the collision.
• Multiple vehicles involved: In a chain reaction accident, where one car rear-ends another and causes a chain of collisions, the issue of liability can be more complex. Multiple drivers may share responsibility.

In a rear-end collision, the occupants of the vehicle that is struck from behind typically experience the most significant impact and force. When a rear-end collision occurs, the striking vehicle collides with the rear of the vehicle in front.

The laws of physics dictate that the force of the impact is transferred through the vehicle that is struck, subjecting its occupants to the brunt of the collision's energy.

Modern vehicles are designed with safety features to help dissipate the energy of a collision, such as crumple zones and seatbelts. These features are intended to reduce the impact forces on the occupants, especially in head-on or front-end collisions. In a rear-end collision, the design of the vehicle does not provide the same level of protection.

Additionally, rear-end collisions are particularly known for causing whiplash injuries. The force of the impact can cause the struck vehicle to accelerate forward, which in turn can cause occupants' bodies to move backward, creating a whip-like motion.

In many rear-end collisions, the striking vehicle is traveling at a higher speed than the vehicle in front. This means that the occupants of the struck vehicle experience a greater differential in speed and force.

When to seek medical help after being hit by a car from behind?

If someone hit your car from behind, you should seek medical help after a rear-end collision as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Injuries such as whiplash and soft tissue injuries may not produce immediate symptoms, but they can manifest later.

A prompt medical evaluation can ensure that any hidden injuries are identified and treated early, preventing potential complications. Additionally, medical records can serve as important documentation if you need to file a car accident claim. Your health and well-being should be the top priority, so don't delay seeking medical attention after a rear-end collision.

Being rear-ended while stopped can often result in more severe injuries and vehicle damage compared to being rear-ended while both vehicles are in motion. When a stationary vehicle is hit from behind, there is no forward motion to help dissipate the force of the impact. This can lead to a more abrupt and direct transfer of energy to the occupants of the stopped vehicle. 

Additionally, in stationary rear-end collisions, there's a higher risk of being pushed into the vehicle ahead. This increases the chances of a multi-car collision, which can further increase the damage and injuries. While rear-end collisions at any speed can be dangerous, those involving a stationary vehicle often result in more significant harm.

Common auto accident injuries from being hit from behind

When hit by a car from behind, you could sustain the following injuries: 

• Whiplash: This is one of the most common injuries in rear-end collisions. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes blurred vision or fatigue.
• Back injuries: The impact of a rear-end collision can cause various back injuries. These range from sprains and strains to more severe injuries like spinal disc herniation or fractures. 
• Head injuries: In some cases, occupants might hit their heads against the steering wheel or dashboard. This can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or lacerations. Symptoms might include headaches, confusion, memory issues, and loss of consciousness.
• Seat belt injuries: While seat belts are crucial for safety, they can cause injuries in a high-impact rear-end collision. This might include bruising or abrasions across the chest and shoulder where

The amount of a car accident hit from behind settlement depends on the extent of your injuries, the impact they have on your life, and the degree of medical treatment you need. 

Your attorney will factor in your medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental trauma, and emotional anguish). 

Consult a Premier Lawyer for an Auto Accident near you

If you were hit by a car from behind, you have the right to pursue a claim against the other driver’s insurance company or your own (depending on which state you’re in). A Law.com Premier Attorney can handle your case from start to finish and fight for fair compensation. 

Can’t afford an attorney? No Problem! Our Premier Attorneys work on a contingency fee basis and won’t charge you any upfront or hidden fees. You only pay after you’re fully compensated. To get started, contact a lawyer in your area for a free consultation.