A rear-end collision, also known as a fender bender, is typically a minor crash involving two or more motor vehicles. According to a recent Washington Post article, over 30% of all car accidents in the United States are fender benders.
While rear-end collisions are typically minor in comparison to other types of vehicle crashes, that doesn’t mean that victims of these accidents don’t suffer injuries. In fact, fender benders can result in back and neck strain, whiplash, or other soft tissue injuries that are not felt on impact, but rather a few days later. These injuries may subside with time or they may cause chronic pain.
Insurance companies may convince accident victims that injuries suffered in rear-end collisions are minor and therefore injured victims are not entitled to compensation. They may try to prove that if there was only minimal damage to the motor vehicle, there was negligible injury to the victim.
When fender bender victims submit claims, insurance companies may fight the medical costs by insisting that there were no visible injuries nor broken bones as determined by x-ray at the time of the crash. When insurance companies play “hardball” with teams of experienced legal staff, it can be exasperating for the victim who suffered soft tissue injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured in a fender bender, we can help you confront your insurance company, manage the complexities of the legal system, and recover the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain or suffering.
If you were in a rear-end collision or any type of motor vehicle crash, follow these steps:
If someone is injured, immediately call 911. Request emergency medical services.
1. Take notes and photos. Take photos of the damages to your vehicle and the positioning of the vehicles (including the other person’s license plate). Take notes on what happened, the road conditions, and vehicle condition. This information may be important to the investigative process if the vehicles are moved, or if there is a dispute about the accident or your injuries.
2. Get their names. Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any individual who witnessed the incident. If you spoke to someone after the injury, get their contact information as well.
3. Talk with EMS. As soon as emergency services arrive, explain the accident to the police and any injuries to EMS/Fire Rescue. Do not discuss the accident details nor fault. Ask the police officer for the police accident report and case number.
4. Call your Attorney. Once you have left the accident scene or the Emergency Room, contact an experienced attorney such as Goldman and Daszkal, P.A. at (954) 428-9333 for a free consultation about your rights and obligations.*
5. Call your Insurance Company. Report that you were in a vehicle accident. IMPORTANT: Provide them any information needed to set up your claim (individuals involved, brief accident details, brief summary of the location of your injury), but DO NOT allow them to take a recorded statement. Do not discuss the accident details nor fault. Reputable insurance companies will walk you through the process to report an accident. They may request a police accident report. If the police didn’t provide this at the accident scene, it should be available within 7-10 days.
6. Call the other person’s Insurance Company. Provide them any information needed to set up your claim (individuals involved, brief accident details, brief summary of the location of your injury), but DO NOT allow them to take a recorded statement. Do not discuss the accident details nor fault.
7. Do not discuss details of the accident nor fault with anyone other than the police, emergency medical services, and your attorney. You may receive calls and solicitations from individuals claiming to be a representative of your insurance agency or a lawyer. If the calls are not from your ACTUAL LAWYER, HANG UP. DO NOT DISCUSS ANYTHING about the ACCIDENT. Soliciting accident victims is illegal!
When you meet with your attorney, bring the photos, notes, and contact information for any witnesses. Bring the case number and police accident report provided by the police officer as well as any communications you received from insurance companies. Additionally, bring any bills related to EMS, hospitals, healthcare professionals, medicines or medical treatment that you received since the accident. Finally, be sure to bring any damage estimates or receipts from vehicle repair shops.
*Find an experienced personal injury attorney to represent you and recover the lost wages and injury compensation to which you are entitled. Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., a reputable Florida-based law firm specializes in rear-end collisions, motor vehicle accidents and personal injury cases. When you contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., the firm will provide a free consultation to help you understand your rights and obligations. A firm representative can meet with you at the law office or at a convenient location for you. If you select Goldman & Daszkal, P.A.to represent you, the team will take the lead and contact all necessary individuals, allowing you to have peace of mind while you recover.
Were you or a family member injured in a rear-end collision? Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help. Contact us at (954) 428-9333 or www.goldmandaszkal.com.
Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle and boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work. Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury. For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at (954) 428-9333.