What to Do After a Rear-End Collision

Colburn Law

Posted by Greg Colburn in Car Accidents on March 21, 2025

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common and stressful types of car accidents. However, knowing what to do afterward can make all the difference. Whether you’re stuck in Seattle traffic or driving along I-90, it’s crucial to take the right steps to stay safe, protect your legal rights, and handle potential insurance claims effectively.

This comprehensive guide from Colburn Law—Accident and Injury Lawyers explains what to do when you get rear-ended and offers valuable insights to help you navigate the aftermath of such an accident. From assessing injuries and documenting the scene to understanding Washington’s insurance processes, this guide provides clear steps to protect your rights and ensure a smooth claims process.

What Is a Rear-End Collision?

A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle or road user crashes into the back of another. This often happens when the front vehicle slows down or stops or when the following vehicle travels at a higher speed.

Rear-end crashes are common, however, they are generally less severe than other types of collisions. This is because the vehicles involved typically move in the same direction at similar speeds and may have already begun braking, reducing the force of impact and minimizing secondary collisions with the surrounding environment.

However, the severity increases when vehicles of different sizes collide (e.g., a car and a bicyclist or a truck and a car). The risk is further heightened because many passenger vehicles lack a rear crumple zone, exposing rear-seat passengers to the full impact. In cases where a truck fails to stop—such as on a downhill slope due to braking issues—it can crush a smaller vehicle, leading to severe casualties.

What Causes Most Rear-End Collisions?

Understanding the common causes of rear-end collisions can provide clarity on what might have happened and whether negligence was involved. Here are some common factors contributing to these types of accidents:

• Distracted Driving: Engaging in activities such as using a phone, texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or even chatting with passengers takes attention away from the road. These distractions can delay reaction times, impair decision-making, and significantly increase the risk of accidents. Distracted driving endangers not only the driver but also passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers sharing the road.
• Sudden Stops: When a driver brakes suddenly or without warning, it can catch the car behind off guard. This situation often leads to rear-end collisions, especially if the following driver isn’t maintaining a safe distance.
• Tailgating: Driving too closely behind another vehicle provides little room to react if the lead car stops suddenly. This aggressive behavior increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly in heavy traffic or during unexpected road hazards.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather like rain, fog, or icy roads can severely impact driving safety by reducing visibility and increasing stopping distances. These conditions demand slower speeds and heightened attention to avoid accidents.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit significantly reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly to sudden changes or emergencies on the road. It increases stopping distances, making it harder to avoid accidents. Additionally, higher speeds amplify the force of collisions, leading to more severe injuries or fatalities for both the driver and others sharing the road. Always prioritize safety.

If negligence, such as distracted driving or tailgating, led to your rear-end collision, it could influence your ability to claim compensation.

I Got Rear-Ended—What Do I Do?

Navigating the aftermath of a rear-end accident can seem overwhelming. However, following these steps can help protect your health and ensure you have all the necessary information for insurers or legal proceedings.

1. Check for Injuries

Your safety is the priority, so assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt or in pain, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Remember that some injuries, like whiplash, may not present symptoms immediately.

2. Move to a Safe Location to Minimize Risk (If Possible)

If your vehicle is mobile, move it to the shoulder or a safe area off the road. Staying in the flow of traffic increases the risk of further accidents, especially in busy areas like Seattle.

3. Contact Law Enforcement

Call the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor. A police report provides an official record, which may be useful when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal claims.

4. Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. Make sure to collect:

• Full name and contact information
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate number

If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.

5. Document the Scene

Take detailed photos of the damage to both vehicles, the accident’s location, and any visible injuries. Notes about weather conditions, road layouts, or any traffic signals near the accident could also be helpful.

6. Seek Medical Help

Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor ensures any hidden injuries, such as internal bruising or whiplash, are treated promptly. Delaying treatment affects your health and complicates future insurance claims.

7. Consult With a Car Accident Lawyer

Rear-end collisions might seem straightforward. However, legal complexities often arise—especially when insurance claims involve significant medical bills or disputed liability. Speaking with a Seattle-based car accident attorney, like those at Colburn Law, can clarify your options and protect your rights.

8. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate details, including any photos and documentation you’ve collected.

Understanding No-Fault Insurance & Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

If you’re in Washington, understanding the state’s insurance requirements can help you handle claims efficiently after a collision.

No-Fault Insurance System vs At-Fault

Washington is an at-fault insurance state (RCW 46.29.090), meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance covers damages. Unlike no-fault states, Washington allows injured parties to file lawsuits without restrictions, provided they can prove negligence.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Washington is optional. It can be a valuable safety net. PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs following an accident, regardless of who caused it. While not mandatory, having PIP can provide financial security and faster relief during stressful, injury-related situations after an accident.

Thresholds for Suing Outside the No-Fault System

Since Washington doesn’t operate under a no-fault insurance system, there are no specific thresholds for filing personal injury lawsuits. Injured parties can pursue legal claims if they prove negligence or liability. This system provides more flexibility but also requires strong evidence to recover compensation for damages caused successfully.

Stepping Outside the No-Fault System

If you’re injured in a collision and face costs not covered by insurance, you can pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Consulting a WA car accident lawyer can help determine liability, calculate damages, and build a strong case. This step ensures injured parties receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

Hurt in a Rear-End Collision? Our Attorneys Can Help

Rear-end accidents are all too common in Seattle’s busy streets; however, you don’t have to face the challenges alone. Colburn Law specializes in car accident and personal injury cases, helping clients recover compensation for damages and injuries caused by another’s negligence.

If you’ve been rear-ended anywhere in the Seattle area and need legal guidance, call Colburn Law at 206-823-4953 or visit us at 22500 SE 64th Place #200, Issaquah, WA.

Our team is here to ensure that you don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.

 

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