What to Do When Rear-Ended at a Traffic Light?
4 Answers
After a rear-end collision, the driver should immediately stop the vehicle and secure the scene. Continuously turn on the hazard warning lights and set up warning signs in the direction of oncoming traffic to increase the warning distance. If necessary, call the police promptly. If there are no casualties, the parties involved may negotiate the compensation for damages on their own. If there are casualties, immediate medical attention should be provided to the injured. When there is no dispute about the facts of the accident and no casualties, the parties involved can record the time, location, and contact information of the accident.
When I get rear-ended at a traffic light, I immediately pull the handbrake and turn on the hazard lights. After ensuring my safety, I slowly exit the vehicle without rushing to move it to prevent secondary accidents. First, I look around to check for any pedestrians or vehicles in danger, then quickly approach the other driver to ask if they're injured. If both parties are okay, I set up a warning triangle at a safe distance behind the cars to alert other drivers. Calling the police (122) is essential—I provide them with the exact location and details of the incident. I also take photos of the scene, including the distance between the vehicles, damage details, and road marks, to help establish liability later. After the accident, I exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other party—this step is crucial for accountability in case of disputes. I also check myself for any injuries and call 120 if I feel unwell, as safety always comes first. Finally, I arrange for a family member or friend to pick me up instead of driving away alone. A lesson learned: Once, I forgot to set up the warning triangle after a rear-end collision, which almost caused a bigger accident—details matter so much.
After being rear-ended, the process is straightforward. Reporting to the police is the first step because traffic officers can impartially determine liability—rear-end collisions usually place full responsibility on the following vehicle. Avoid private settlements to prevent disputes. While waiting for the police, I’ll use my phone to document all accident details, including license plates, the full view of the collision point, and the surrounding environment. Obtaining the accident report is the golden key. Then, exchange driver’s licenses and insurance information, and ask for the other party’s contact details—this step can’t be skipped to prevent them from fleeing or retracting statements. Clearly record the accident’s time, location, and the other vehicle’s brand for traceability. If there are any signs of injury, I’ll see a doctor and keep records, or else subsequent claims will be hard to handle. After the process, notify the insurance company to start the claims process—since the other party is at fault, they’ll cover all costs. Stay calm throughout, state the facts clearly, and avoid anger to prevent escalating conflicts.
After an accident, I will quickly take photos and videos as evidence, call 122 to report to the police for handling, and exchange information. Then, I will contact the insurance company to report the situation and be guided through the claims process. If the other party is at fault, they will be responsible for compensating the vehicle damage. Collect the other party's phone number, license plate, and insurance company name—don't miss these details as they are crucial for post-accident claims. Before repairing the car, check for hidden damages to avoid leaving potential issues unresolved.
