Even though the other driver is at fault, your own insurance company should be your first call after a rear-end collision.
They can guide you through the claims process.
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Your insurance rates typically won't go up after a rear-end accident where you were the innocent party, as long as you file the claim through the other driver's insurance.
If the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance or flees the scene, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your policy can help pay for the damages.
Getting a police report is crucial, as it documents the accident details and establishes fault, which your insurance company will need to file the claim.
Rear-end collisions account for nearly 30% of all car accidents in the U.S., making them the most common type of crash.
The driver who rear-ends you is usually presumed to be at-fault, unless there are extenuating circumstances like you abruptly stopping without cause.
Even a low-speed rear-end accident can cause significant vehicle damage and personal injuries like whiplash, so it's important to get medical attention.
Your insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the damage to your vehicle and determine the repair costs they will cover from the at-fault driver's policy.
If the other driver disputes fault or their insurance denies the claim, your own insurer can intervene on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement.
Bodily injury liability coverage from the at-fault driver's policy can help pay for your medical expenses related to the accident.
Some states have "no-fault" insurance laws that require your own policy to cover damages regardless of who caused the rear-end collision.
Rear-end crashes often happen due to distracted or inattentive driving, so it's important to keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
In some cases, the driver who was rear-ended may share partial fault if they were driving erratically or brake-checking the other vehicle.
Recording details of the accident, including photos of the damage, can strengthen your insurance claim and help prove the other driver's liability.
If the at-fault driver's insurance refuses to cooperate, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
Rental car coverage on your own policy can help pay for a temporary replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired.
Comprehensive claims related to a rear-end accident, such as broken windshields, are typically handled through your own insurer.
Rear-end collisions are more common in stop-and-go traffic, on highways, and at intersections where drivers are more likely to be distracted or following too closely.
The scientific principle of inertia helps explain why rear-end crashes occur - the vehicle that is struck is suddenly propelled forward, while the striking vehicle is rapidly slowed.