Rear-End Collisions
A subtype of Motor Vehicle Accidents
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What insurance companies won't tell you
The first offer is usually low
Adjusters' first offers are often on the low side, and many people accept without knowing. Before you sign anything, it's worth hearing a lawyer out.
Your calls may be recorded
Anything you say to the insurance company can be recorded and affect your claim. Once you have a lawyer, the insurer generally has to communicate with your lawyer instead.
Delay is a common tactic
Medical bills keep growing while they wait for you to get anxious. A lawyer keeps following up and applying pressure so your claim doesn't stall.
What to do right now
Don't talk to the other driver's insurance alone
The other side's adjuster aims to pay as little as possible. Until you have a lawyer, you don't have to give a recorded statement or sign anything.
Photograph everything at the scene with your phone
Vehicles, road conditions, injuries, the other driver's plate and insurance — photos and video are the strongest evidence.
See a doctor soon, even if you feel fine
Injuries can show up days later, and timely medical records matter a great deal to your claim.
Keep every receipt and report
Medical bills, the police report, proof of missed work — every document can affect your compensation.
Talk to a lawyer as early as you can
The earlier a lawyer gets involved, the more completely the evidence is preserved. The consultation is free.
Your call is answered directly by the named member-attorney team — never sold to third parties.
Frequently asked questions
Is the rear driver always at fault in a rear-end collision?
Usually but not automatically. California requires a safe following distance (Veh. Code §21703), so the rear driver is typically presumed negligent — but sudden unexplained braking, reversing, or broken brake lights can shift part of the fault. Under pure comparative negligence you can still recover even if you share fault.
I felt fine at the scene but my neck hurts days later — can I still claim?
Yes. Soft-tissue injuries like whiplash often surface 24–72 hours later. See a doctor promptly so the symptoms enter your medical record — delayed treatment is the most common reason insurers discount claims.
Will a claim be denied because my car damage looks minor?
Not necessarily. Low-speed rear-end crashes can cause real injuries, especially to the neck. Insurers argue "minor damage = minor injury," but compensation follows the medical evidence, not photos of your bumper.
What does a rear-end claim typically cover?
Medical bills (including physical therapy and future care), lost wages, vehicle repair, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering — depending on the injuries, treatment records, and available policy limits.
General information, not legal advice.
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