Rear-enders make up 23-30% of all crashes—so if you get into an accident, there’s a pretty good chance you will get slammed from behind by another car.

Anyone who’s been rear-ended knows that it’s far from a pleasant experience. You’re sitting at stoplight, minding your own business, jamming out to that new Pharrell song on the radio and when the song ends, you go to change the station and BAM!!!!

Here are some of the thoughts that might run through your head at this point:

1. “Damn”

It’s okay—we all think this initially.

2. “Am I dead? It wasn’t supposed to end this way!”

If you just got rear-ended, and you are not dead, then you probably will be o.k. eventually. Try to relax and check yourself out. How do you feel? Injured? Immediately seek medical attention. And take pictures of your injuries and the damages to your car. Lots of them. The pictures will help you get the compensation you deserve.

3. “Today must be my lucky day!” *Sarcasm* “This is going to take FOREVER to deal with.”

Again—relax. It’s not going to take that long. It might not even ruin your whole day. All you need to do is get out of the car, assuming you’re able, take pictures, and get all of the information you can about the other driver. Call the police, and report the accident. After this—you’re good to go. Seek immediate medical attention if you need it. If there’s something else you need to do, do it.

4. “I’m gonna strangle this idiot.”

You know this isn’t a good idea now, but emotions can flare up in the heat of the moment. I know I sound like a broken record, but seriously, relax. Take a couple of deep breaths. You don’t want to end up on the other side of a lawsuit or criminal case for assaulting the other driver.

5. “This can’t be my fault—can it?”

Probably not unless you were texting, drunk, or doing something else stupid. If this isn’t the case, don’t let the other driver tell you otherwise. They may come flying out of their car screaming and yelling that it was your fault. It’s a classic he said-she said. You may have to take this driver to court and it will come down to a factual determination.

6. “Did this guy really just flee the scene!?”

Hit and run? Quick—get his license plate number. Were you able? Great. Call the police—he’s going to be in trouble and you’ll get compensation. Weren’t able? Then you have no one to sue. But if you bought uninsured motorist coverage (“UM”), you can recover. No UM insurance = no coverage. You’re screwed. And UM is very inexpensive. BUY IT. I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone—but if it happens to you, be sure to react according and call us anytime and we can answer questions and give you the help you need.