What to Do If Your Car Is Rear-Ended?
3 Answers
The driver should stop immediately and secure the scene. If necessary, call the police promptly. Specific steps to take when rear-ended: In the event of a rear-end collision on the road, the driver must stop immediately and secure the scene. If there are no personal injuries, the parties involved may negotiate compensation matters on their own. If personal injuries occur, the injured must be rescued immediately, and the incident should be promptly reported to the traffic police on duty or the traffic management department of the public security authority. After the accident, the hazard warning lights should remain on, and warning signs should be set up in the direction of oncoming traffic to increase the warning distance. If necessary, call the police promptly. Common liability determinations for rear-end collisions: If a rear vehicle collides with a moving front vehicle, causing a rear-end accident, the rear vehicle bears full responsibility. If the front vehicle lacks taillights at night, leading to a rear-end collision, the front vehicle bears secondary liability, while the rear vehicle bears primary liability. If the front vehicle stops on the road without activating hazard warning lights or setting up warning signs as required, resulting in a rear-end collision, the front vehicle bears secondary liability, and the rear vehicle bears primary liability.
My car got rear-ended. As someone who drives frequently, I’ve encountered this situation a few times. The key is to stay calm every time. First, move the car to the roadside or a safe area, and turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers. Then, check if anyone is injured. If there are minor injuries, call 120 for help immediately. If everyone is fine, communicate politely with the other driver, exchange names, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers. It’s best to take photos of the scene with your phone, including the positions of the vehicles and the damage. Don’t forget to call the police or traffic police to handle the scene, as this helps determine liability. Afterward, notify your insurance company as soon as possible—they’ll guide you through the next steps, such as arranging repairs. Remember, avoid settling privately, as it can lead to complications. Finally, take your car to a 4S shop or repair shop for a thorough inspection, as the rear lights and bumper are the most vulnerable. Stay composed throughout the process—don’t rush. Safety comes first, and next time, pay extra attention to maintaining a safe following distance.
I'm a new driver, just got my license six months ago. Once, I got rear-ended on the road and my hands were shaking. But recalling what I learned, I first slowly pulled over to the side to avoid blocking traffic. Then I checked myself and the passengers—thankfully, everyone was fine. I also checked on the other driver; if anyone was injured, I would have called an ambulance. When exchanging information with the other driver, I kept a polite attitude and took photos for evidence, including their license plate and insurance documents. Next, I contacted the traffic police or dialed 110 to report the accident and filled out the accident report form. I immediately reported it to my insurance company, who handled the compensation, saving me from paying out of pocket. My car took a few days to repair, and I also noticed the rearview mirror was loose. I recommend everyone to maintain their vehicles regularly to avoid similar troubles. In short, don’t panic after a rear-end collision—take it step by step. The key is to protect the scene and ensure personal safety. Drive more carefully in the future.
