Hit a Car From Behind? Here’s What You Should Do!

There are approximately 6 million car accidents each year in the United States. Unfortunately, though, there will be times where you’re the one at fault.

If you hit a car from behind, there’s a handful of steps that you’ll need to take, but not everyone’s sure how to go about it.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

Don’t Go Anywhere

You can be attempting to leave the scene of the accident. However, you run the risk of being charged with a felony in some states is the damage is costly enough.

Committing a hit-and-run also comes with the consequences of increased insurance premiums.

So, it’s important that you remain at the location of the incident to prevent further complications later on. If the other driver pulls into a side street or parking lot, though, you should follow them.

They’re likely relocating to a safer area to assess the damage.

Exchange Information

You’ll need to provide the other driver with certain information after the incident. This typically includes:

Your name
Address
Phone number
Your insurance information

It’s important to know that you shouldn’t be quick to admit fault. Although it may seem like toxic behavior, it’s for your own protection. Anything that you say to the other driver to later be used against you if they decide to take action.

When explaining the incident to them, simply say something along the lines of ‘I hit the back of your car, I need to give you my information.’ Apologizing for the inconvenience is fine, but never say anything like ‘I looked down for just a second’ or ‘I didn’t see you’ etc.

Gather Evidence

Taking photographs of the scene is essential when it comes to documenting the incident. You can also make use of your phone’s video camera to take walk-through footage of the damage to both vehicles.

These occurrences often happen so fast that it’s difficult to retrace the order of events. Additionally, you may have rear-ended the other person due to other factors that weren’t immediately obvious.

For example, you may have rear-ended the person in front of you because another driver had cut them off seconds beforehand. In order to get as much evidence as possible, you should also speak to any witnesses who may have been present.

Ask them how they would describe the incident based on what they saw. Remember to also get their contact info and to document the time you spoke with them.

Afterward, you’ll likely be able to finally leave the scene as long as the other driver doesn’t have an issue with you doing so.

Knowing What to After You Hit a Car Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the above information in mind about what to do if you hit a car, you’ll be well on your way to handling the situation as quickly and responsibly as possible.

After a collision, it’s important to get your car assessed for any damage it may have. Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.

Is Hydroplaning My Fault? (The Answer Is No!)

What would you say is the most dangerous driving weather? You might be surprised to learn that it’s not snow or ice, but simply wet pavement.

In fact, 70% of weather-related car crashes are a direct result of wet pavement, which can cause your car to skid out of control. This is also known as hydroplaning.

All car accidents are scary, but hydroplaning is especially terrifying. It can leave you feeling helpless and like you have no control over your car. But remember, if your car hydroplanes, it’s not your fault!

Keep reading to learn more about what causes hydroplaning and how to take precautions when driving in dangerous conditions.

What Causes Hydroplaning?

When water builds up on the road, either from rain or melting snow, it can come between your tires and the road, causing your vehicle to lose traction. That’s what causes the sliding feeling associated with hydroplaning.

And, because your tires aren’t in contact with the road, it means that steering and braking have no effect on helping you stop once you begin to hydroplane.

Surprisingly, roads can be the most dangerous when it first starts raining since the water mixes with oil residue from cars, leaving a slippery surface behind. Speed plays a factor as well; the faster you’re driving, the more likely you are to hydroplane in wet road conditions.

Who’s at Fault in a Hydroplaning Accident?

In most cases, the driver is not at fault in a hydroplaning accident. However, if he or she was driving recklessly and knowingly drove with low-tread or under-inflated tires, they could be seen as at-fault.

Oftentimes, road defects, like improper draining and poor maintenance can increase the likelihood of hydroplaning. In these cases, the driver would not be held responsible for the accident.

While there are steps you can take to drive cautiously in the rain, most of the time hydroplaning occurs through no fault of your own. Unfortunately, even if all precautions are taken, in some cases it’s impossible to avoid hydroplaning.

What Can You Do to Prevent Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning directly affects your tires. So, the best thing you can do is to have your tires checked often to ensure they have proper air, tread, and traction. 1 in 4 cars has an underinflated tire, which means the drivers of those vehicles are more susceptible to hydroplaning.

Make sure you have your tires rotated, aligned, and replaced according to your manufacturer’s recommendations.

Also, when driving in wet conditions, slow down your speed, keep a safe distance between yourself and the car in front of you, and avoid puddles and standing water. And, if you do get into an accident, follow our checklist to get through it with minimal stress.

Need Auto Repairs?

If your car has been damaged as a result of hydroplaning, we’re here to help! Our team offers comprehensive auto body and collision repairs to get your car back in working order with the least possible stress on your part.

We’ll make the whole process simple for you, handling every step from picking up your car, to dealing with your insurance company, performing high-quality repairs and everything in between.

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