Whether at traffic lights, when turning or simply in the middle of traffic, a rear-end collision can happen quickly and is an everyday occurrence on German roads. But what should I do if the person behind me has rear-ended me? Do I have to call the police? And who actually pays for the damage?
What to do in the event of a rear-end collision?
It often happens unexpectedly: the car behind fails to brake in time, is distracted or overlooks the applicable traffic regulations. There is a crash and the other car is rear-ended, has dented the bumper and boot and caused minor or major damage. The shock runs deep and the adrenaline rushes through the body. Many of those affected are unsure how best to behave in such a situation.
The first thing to do is to keep calm. This is because rear-end collisions often only involve fender benders and damage to the vehicle. The occupants are rarely injured. However, the collision can of course result in injury to you. You should therefore also check whether something has happened to you. Neck pain and foot injuries are often possible as a result of the crush.
Secure the accident site
If you are OK so far, activate the hazard warning lights to make it clear to other road users that something is wrong with your vehicle. Then get out carefully to inspect the damage to your vehicle. But be careful: watch out for other traffic and only leave your car if it is safe for you to do so.
If your vehicle only has minor damage, it may be advisable to clear the accident site and drive onto the hard shoulder or to the side of the road, for example. This ensures that other traffic is not hindered any more than necessary, but also secures you so that you can take the next steps in peace.
If possible, you should take some photos of the accident scene before moving the vehicles to document the course of the accident. Of course, this is only possible if you do not endanger yourself or other road users.
If possible, set up the warning triangle to draw attention to yourself and the accident and put on a high-visibility waistcoat. This is particularly important if your or the other party's vehicle is so badly damaged that it cannot clear the scene of the accident. However, always pay attention to your own safety and do not take any unnecessary risks. Were there any casualties? Notify the police and the emergency services and provide first aid.
Document damage correctly
Take lots of photos of the scene of the accident and of the damage to the vehicles involved.
Take photos from different perspectives so that everything important (lanes, access roads, road signs, vehicle positions) can be easily understood later.
It's better to take too many photos than too few!
Do I have to call the police in the event of a rear-end collision?
Whether or not you should call the police after a rear-end collision depends on the situation. This is generally not necessary in the case of bodywork and minor damage and where the question of fault is clear. In this case, you can also clarify all formalities directly with the person who caused the accident. However, in the case of major damage - for example, damage that renders one or more vehicles unroadworthy - or if the question of fault is unclear, the police are often necessary.
If people were injured in the rear-end collision, you must call in the officers. This is because calling the police is mandatory.
If you are driving a hire car or a leased vehicle, calling the police may be contractually stipulated in all cases. It is best to check the conditions imposed by the respective companies in the event of a (rear-end) collision before you start driving for the first time.
Automobile clubs also advise that the police should always be informed in order to document the accident and its course of events.
This can help if there are later disagreements with the person who caused the accident or their insurance company. But regardless of whether you notify the police or not, in the event of a rear-end collision through no fault of your own, we will help you not only to get compensation for the damage, but also with all other questions and disagreements. Just get in touch with us.
Who pays for the damage after a rear-end collision?
As with almost all accidents, the insurance company of the person responsible for the accident is responsible for settling the claim. So if the person behind you rear-ended you because he was distracted by the children in the back seat or overlooked the red light in front of you, he or his motor vehicle liability insurer will also pay for the damage to your car. Any additional benefits such as Rental car or an alternative Compensation for loss of useif you are unable to use your car for a period of time as a result of the accident. Depending on the situation, you also have Further services to. For example, compensation for pain and suffering, reduction in value or reimbursement of towing costs. This means that there is no special rear-end collision insurance, but all benefits are covered by the motor vehicle liability insurance.
Don't risk any reductions from the other party's insurance company - have your accident free of charge and without obligation by our regulation specialists.
Who is at fault in a rear-end collision?
In the event of a rear-end collision, the driver behind is often at fault for the accident, but the question of fault cannot always be clearly answered. This is because there are many factors that determine whether the rear-end driver is solely at fault for the accident or whether the vehicle in front is partially at fault. However, it is often the rear driver who is at fault. This is because many courts, for example, assume so-called prima facie evidence. This means that it is assumed that the person behind was not keeping enough distance, was not paying enough attention or was simply travelling too fast. In short, that he has breached his duty of care.
However, there are of course situations that can shatter this prima facie evidence. For example, if the vehicle in front has suddenly braked without a valid reason or has otherwise not behaved in a manner typical for traffic. In this case, the vehicle in front may be partially at fault, although the amount depends on the individual situation.
How can rear-end collisions be avoided?
You can do a lot yourself to avoid a rear-end collision. Because if you drive in an adapted manner in road traffic, you will often not get into a rear-end collision. Take these measures, for example:
- Maintain a safe distance in order to have enough time to brake (the rule of thumb is half the speedometer value in metres)
- Drive with foresight and without risky driving manoeuvres
- If possible, do not brake suddenly and unexpectedly
- Also observe the safety distances of other road users and do not merge into them after overtaking (for example on the motorway)
The right steps for fair claims settlement
Have you been involved in a rear-end collision through no fault of your own? Then play it safe and contact us directly:
- Our competent team of experts will discuss with you the right course of action for you.
- If required, we can organise an expert to come to your home. He will prepare the valuable independent expert report
- Your complete claims are calculated and requested by specialised teams of lawyers using our software.
- If required, our network of tested, reliable specialist workshops and replacement vehicles will support you.
- You will be kept up to date on all regulatory progress via our innovative HIS (customer information system).
We can't undo your accident. But we will make the best of it for you, we promise!
Accident victims in your situation simply get the best support from fairforce.one.
Depending on the cause of the accident, customers receive an average of €4802 Additional payment
Callback within 5 minutes.
FAQ on rear-end collisions
How much is the fine for a rear-end collision?
This depends on the situation. For example, if you have not kept the necessary distance from the vehicle in front, the fine can be as low as 35 euros, but in the case of serious misconduct, the fine can be as high as 400 euros.
What to do in the event of a rear-end collision with insurance?
In the event of a rear-end collision for which you are not at fault, the damage incurred will be borne by the insurance company of the party responsible for the accident. We will be happy to assist you with the settlement. Please contact us.
How do I apply for compensation after a rear-end collision?
Compensation for pain and suffering is also paid by the opposing insurance company. However, the amount - and whether compensation for pain and suffering is paid at all - depends on various factors. Would you like to make a claim and are unsure how to do this? Our experts will be happy to help you.
Who is at fault in a rear-end collision?
In principle, so-called prima facie evidence is assumed here. In other words, it is assumed that the person in front is at fault for the accident. However, due to various factors in the behaviour of the vehicle in front, partial blame can be attributed to it.
