If you’re looking for advice about rear end collision claims, you’re in the right place. At Car Accident Compensation Advice, our panel of experienced road traffic accident solicitors specialises in helping people like you claim compensation. Whether you’ve suffered whiplash or a head injury as a result of being hit from behind by a negligent driver, their expertise means they understand exactly what’s needed to build a well-supported case.
Our panel know that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can feel overwhelming. That’s why they are ready to guide you through every step, from gathering evidence to negotiating compensation.
Carry on reading to find out more about the claims process, or call the number above to speak with one of our advisors directly. If you prefer, you can complete our contact us form, and they’ll call you back at a time that suits you.
Can I Claim Compensation For A Rear End Collision?
You could be eligible to claim compensation after a rear end collision if you’ve suffered injury due to another road user’s negligent actions. You’ll need to show that:
- Another road user had a legal responsibility to travel safely and avoid causing harm to themselves or others. The Road Traffic Act 1988 establishes this requirement, and the Highway Code must also be followed by all road users.
- They failed to meet that responsibility, such as by speeding towards stationary traffic or looking at their mobile phone instead of watching the road.
- As a consequence, you sustained injuries.
If your claim is valid, one of the solicitors on our panel will guide you at each step. You’ll receive advice on your eligibility, have your evidence assessed promptly, and get support calculating the value of your losses. They will also keep your injuries and losses central to negotiations so that the settlement sought is reflective of the ongoing impact of the rear end collision.
Wondering if your circumstances qualify for compensation following a rear end collision? Get in touch now to find out whether an advisor can connect you with our panel of solicitors to help you start your claim.
Common Causes Of Rear End Collisions
Common causes of rear end collisions include driver negligence and environmental factors. These incidents often result from:
- Tailgating: Following another vehicle so closely that there is insufficient room to stop safely if traffic slows or comes to a halt. Highway Code Rule 126 requires drivers to leave enough space to stop safely.
- Distracted driving: Drivers may be using their mobile phone instead of watching the road, failing to notice the vehicle ahead has stopped until it is too late to avoid a collision.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for the traffic conditions can prevent a motorist from stopping before reaching a queue of vehicles.
- Failing to adjust to poor weather: Continuing at an unsafe speed or following too closely on a wet or icy road can leave a driver unable to stop before colliding with the vehicle ahead.
If you believe that you have a valid rear end collision claim, why not contact our advisory team for free guidance about your options today?
If I’m Hit From Behind, Is The Other Driver Automatically To Blame?
No, the driver who hits your vehicle from behind is not automatically at fault, although there is often a strong inference that they were negligent. Drivers are expected to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and pay attention to changing traffic conditions. If someone collides with the back of your car, this can provide persuasive evidence that they failed to meet those responsibilities.
However, the circumstances still matter. For example, the driver in front may have braked unnecessarily and without warning, or another motorist may have caused an unexpected hazard. In these situations, the evidence must be considered to establish whether the following driver, another road user or more than one person was responsible for the collision.
The best way to check if you have a valid rear end collision compensation claim is to call one of our advisors today.
Steps To Take After A Rear End Collision
Knowing what to do straight after a rear end collision protects your health, strengthens your compensation claim, and speeds up the entire process. Our panel of solicitors will guide you through every crucial step and be attentive to key evidence or reporting requirements.
Gathering Evidence
Collecting clear evidence after a rear-end collision is crucial for building a strong claim. If it is safe to do so, try to:
- Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries.
- Gather dashcam or CCTV footage.
- Secure contact details of witnesses.
- Keep a record of expenses and treatment.
Your solicitor will review all evidence to ensure it is properly presented for your claim. Would you like advice on collecting evidence for your rear-end collision claim?
Reporting The Incident
After a rear-end collision, you may need to:
- Contact the police if you need to report the accident.
- Notify your insurer.
- Obtain the insurance details and vehicle registrations for everyone involved, together with their contact information.
If the police attended or the accident was reported, keep any reference number provided, as the record may help support your account of the collision.
Seeking Medical Treatment
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, getting appropriate medical attention will be a priority. Your medical records can also document your injuries, a key part of any rear-end collision claim. Our panel of solicitors will:
- Request copies of your healthcare documentation.
- Arrange an independent medical assessment if needed.
Unsure about your eligibility to claim compensation? Ask our advisors for tailored guidance on rear-end collision claims.
How Long Do I Have To Begin A Claim?
The standard window is three years from the date of your road traffic accident, as outlined in the Limitation Act 1980. Certain exceptions exist for children or those lacking mental capacity, as they cannot pursue a claim on their own. Therefore, this period doesn’t start until the individual’s 18th birthday or the date of mental recovery (if this occurs).
Our panel of solicitors will:
- Assess your case details to calculate your specific deadline.
- Explain exceptions that could apply to your situation.
- Gather the necessary documentation and lodge the paperwork on time.
- Monitor the legal process for critical dates.
You’ll receive reminders about important deadlines and personalised advice tailored to your unique circumstances. Have questions about making a rear end collision claim before your time limit expires? Contact one of our advisors to confirm your claim deadline and get started.
Calculating Compensation For Rear End Collision Claims
In rear-end collision claims, compensation is calculated by assessing the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Factors such as the type of injury, recovery time, and any long-term effects are considered. Legal professionals often refer to the Judicial College Guidelines to value general damages, the part of a claim that covers your injuries, as the document lists indicative compensation brackets for various forms of harm.
Additionally, the calculation may include special damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Such losses can only be claimed for if there is supporting evidence, whether that is payslips detailing earnings or invoices for privately funded physiotherapy.
If you suffered a whiplash injury in the rear-end collision, either as an adult driver or a passenger, the Whiplash Reform Programme may apply. These reforms changed how certain road traffic accidents are handled and valued in England and Wales, with qualifying whiplash injuries assessed using a fixed tariff when symptoms last no longer than two years. Any additional injuries that are not subject to the tariff, including serious head trauma and complex fractures, are valued separately.
A solicitor from our panel will provide a more personalised compensation assessment once your case has been reviewed in detail.
No Win No Fee Rear End Collision Claims Explained
No Win No Fee rear end collision claims let you pursue compensation without any service fees being charged upfront or while the case moves forward. It also means that if your claim does not succeed, you will not be charged those fees for the work carried out by your solicitor under the Conditional Fee Agreement.
You’ll pay part of your compensation to the solicitor if the claim succeeds. This is their success fee, and it is calculated as a legally capped percentage. Your solicitor will provide expert support throughout the process and will:
- Explain your rights, guiding you through every step of your compensation claim.
- Help gather evidence such as medical records, police reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements.
- Manage all communication and negotiate compensation.
Want to know whether your rear end collision claim qualifies for No Win No Fee support? Contact our advisors today to find out how to start your claim.
Call Today For Free Claims Advice
If you’ve been involved in a rear end collision, you don’t have to face the claims process alone. With expert guidance and a No Win No Fee option, you can pursue fair compensation with confidence today.
To start the claims process today, why not call the number above to tell our advice team about your accident? If you’d like to arrange a call back from an advisor, you can send details about your case via our contact us page.
Reach out today for a free consultation and see if one of the experienced solicitors from our panel can help you pursue compensation.