Rear-end collisions are, unfortunately, a common occurrence on the busy roads of Austin, Texas, often leaving victims not only with damaged vehicles but also with physical injuries and emotional distress. The steps you take immediately following the collision are crucial for safeguarding your health, legal rights, and financial well-being.
At The Stewart Law Firm, we understand how these incidents can disrupt your life. Our team of personal injury attorneys, led by Stephen Stewart, is here to provide compassionate and personalized support to help you through this challenging time. In this blog, we’ll outline key steps to take after a rear-end collision, from ensuring safety at the scene to protecting your rights and maximizing your potential compensation.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Understanding the causes of rear-end collisions can help determine fault. These accidents, depending on the cause and impact, can be fatal. It often occurs due to:
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or using in-car technology
- Speeding: Following too closely or driving too fast in adverse or unsafe conditions, such as heavy traffic, poor weather, or construction zones
- Sudden stops: The lead driver braking abruptly
- Weather conditions: Rain or fog reducing visibility and traction
- Mechanical failures: Issues like brake or tire malfunctions
Steps to Take After a Rear-End Collision in Austin, Texas
Taking the right steps after a rear-end collision is essential to protect your health, legal rights, and financial interests. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call for Help
Your first priority after a rear-end collision is ensuring everyone’s safety:
- Check for injuries: Assess yourself, passengers, and others involved for signs of injury. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately.
- Move to safety: If your vehicle is drivable, pull it to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Use hazard lights to alert other drivers
Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention. Conditions like whiplash or soft tissue damage may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time.
Step 2: Call the Police
What to do when speaking to the police:
- Provide accurate details, but do not admit fault or speculate about the accident.
- Request a copy of the police report or obtain the case number so you and your legal team can access it later.
Step 3: Exchange Information
- Name, contact information, and driver’s license number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Their testimony could be crucial if fault is disputed.
Step 4: Document the Scene
Take photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- License plates and identifying marks
- The accident location, including traffic signals, signs, and road conditions
- Any visible injuries
This evidence will help establish fault and demonstrate the extent of damages.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly. Share:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Information about the other driver
- A summary of the incident and any injuries or damages
Be cautious when speaking to adjusters, as they may try to minimize your claim. Consider consulting an attorney before giving a recorded statement.
Step 6: Seek Medical Attention
Prompt medical attention is crucial, even if you don’t feel immediate pain. Common injuries from rear-end collisions include:
- Whiplash: A neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement
- Soft tissue injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons
- Back injuries: Including herniated discs or spinal fractures
- Head injuries: Such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Medical documentation is essential for your claim and ensures timely treatment.
By considering these steps, you can safeguard your health and legal interests after a rear-end collision in Austin, Texas.
Determining Fault in a Rear-End Collision
- The lead driver stopped suddenly without cause
- The lead driver reversed into the rear vehicle
- A third party causing a chain-reaction crash
An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the circumstances to ensure fault is accurately determined.
in Austin, Texas.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
- Medical expenses: Covering treatments, therapy, and medications
- Lost wages: Compensation for missed work
- Pain and suffering: For physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle
The Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.0105 limits recoverable medical expenses to the amounts actually incurred, not the amounts billed. This statute plays a role in how damages are calculated in personal injury claims.
Statute of Limitations for Rear-End Collision Cases in Austin
Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file a lawsuit within this timeframe to seek compensation. Missing this deadline could bar your claim entirely.
Contact Our Experience Car Accident Lawyers at The Stewart Law Firm Today
At The Stewart Law Firm, we take pride in our reputation for providing compassionate and dedicated legal representation to clients throughout Austin and beyond. With a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for personal injury cases, we are committed to standing up for the rights of those who have been harmed due to someone else’s negligence. Supporting our fellow Texans in their time of need is at the heart of what we do.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, let us guide you in pursuing the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today at (512) 326-3200 or send us details about your case through our website to schedule your free consultation.
