What to Do When Your Car is Rear-Ended?
3 Answers
Vehicle drivers should immediately stop, protect the scene, and call 110 to report to the traffic police, requesting a traffic accident liability determination form. Both parties should report to their respective insurance companies. It is best to wait for the insurance company to send personnel to the scene for inspection and fill out the on-site inspection record. Prepare valid vehicle registration, driver's license (both original and copy), and be sure to obtain a copy of the other party's compulsory traffic insurance policy. Directly hand over to the professional insurance staff at the 4S store.
When rear-ended, my experience is to take immediate action to ensure safety. The first thing is to drive the car to a safe spot on the roadside and turn on the hazard lights to alert following vehicles; this can prevent secondary accidents. Then, check yourself and passengers for any injuries—even if it's just mild discomfort, don’t hesitate to call an ambulance or go to the hospital. Next, I take out my phone to photograph the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage details, and road conditions. These photos are crucial for the police and insurance company. After that, exchange information with the other party: driver’s license number, license plate, insurance company name, and policy number. If the situation is serious, immediately call the police (122) to have them arrive and file a report. Finally, contact your own insurance company to start the claims process. Throughout the entire process, stay calm and prioritize safety.
After being rear-ended that time, I handled it quite methodically. First, I stopped the car to ensure no one was injured, then communicated with the other driver, exchanging documents and insurance details politely but firmly. I took photos from multiple angles to capture damage evidence, including wheel positions and the other vehicle's license plate. Next, I immediately called 122 to report the accident, describing the situation and waiting for the police to arrive and document it. Then, I called my insurance company to report the accident, providing all the necessary information for a smooth claim process. Don’t forget to arrange for the car to be towed to a repair shop afterward to check for hidden internal damage. The core of the entire process is protecting evidence to avoid liability disputes and ensure smooth compensation.
