If you get rear-ended in a car accident, the other driver is likely to get blamed. You should still take steps to protect yourself and build a case though, even if the crash happened at a low speed. A car accident lawyer in Queens can tell you why you must keep your options open and how these types of accidents can cause a surprising amount of damage.
What Should I Do After Getting Rear-Ended?
You should treat getting rear-ended like any other car accident. Pull the vehicles over somewhere safe and:
- Take pictures of the accident scene and damaged vehicles
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Talk to any witnesses, if someone witnessed the crash
- Call the police so that they can make a report
Now, some people think that calling the cops is overkill, but we recommend having them make a report anyway. Cops are supposed to be called to the scene if there is a certain amount of damage or if someone is injured, and it’s possible that someone is injured but they just don’t know it yet.
Can I Really Be Injured If I’m Rear-Ended at a Low Speed?
It may seem silly to say that someone won’t notice that they are injured after an accident, but this is a very real phenomenon. Getting into a crash can be stressful and you might not notice any pain right away.
This is why it’s important to get to a doctor right away, even if you were rear-ended at a low speed. The main worry is an injury called whiplash. This can occur when your head “whips” forward and then backward after your car gets hit from behind. Whiplash can cause all sorts of issues, from pain and loss of motion to trouble sleeping. It’s something that you’ll want to have treated properly.
When Can I Sue For Damages?
New York is a no-fault state, which means that you are supposed to use your own personal injury protection coverage for things like medical bills and other expenses stemming from an accident first. If you believe that the other driver was negligent and you can show that you have a serious injury, you can sue for damages.
It can be tough to meet this serious injury threshold, but a lawyer can help you build a convincing case. Then you can recover compensation that can make up for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment
- Mental health issues, like PTSD or anxiety
- Any other pain and suffering
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Don’t just assume that you’re fine because you were rear-ended at a low speed. Go to the doctor and then call the Law Offices of George Poulos. We can schedule a case consultation and tell you more about your legal options.
