What To Do If Someone Rear Ends You

Rear-end collisions are so common that many drivers almost expect them in stop-and-go traffic. But common doesn’t mean minor. A low-speed bump can still trigger whiplash injuries, soft tissue damage, a herniated disc, or even traumatic brain injuries, especially if your head snaps back and forth. 

National crash data shows the scale of the problem. Official data shows that in 2022, there were nearly 6 million crashes on U.S. roads. Sadly, these collisions caused injuries to about 2,382,771 people. That’s why knowing your next steps matters, whether you’re in Tulsa or anywhere else in Oklahoma.

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we’ve seen how a simple rear-end accident can turn into months of medical care, missed work, and fault disputes. The steps you take in the first hour can protect your health, your insurance claim, and your personal injury claim later. Our Tulsa personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that all necessary evidence is gathered and your rights are protected from the moment the accident occurs.

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene: Prioritizing Safety and Initial Actions

Right after a rear-end accident, your brain is racing. That’s normal. The goal is simple: stay safe, get help if needed, and set yourself up for a clean accident report and insurance claim later.

Prioritize Safety and Assess the Situation

Start with safety, before photos, before arguments, before anything else.

1. Turn on hazard lights right away.
2. Check for injuries in your car and the other vehicle.
3. If your car can move and it’s safe, pull to a safer spot (shoulder, nearby parking lot, or out of a traffic lane).
4. Watch for secondary crashes. After a rear-end collision, another vehicle crash can happen in seconds.

If you smell fuel, see smoke, or airbags deployed, treat it like a serious situation. Move away from traffic if you can do so safely.

Helpful tip: If it’s dark, rainy, or you’re near fast traffic, don’t stand between cars. That’s a dangerous place to be.

Contact Emergency Services and the Police

Call 911 if anyone is hurt, if traffic is blocked, or if you’re unsure what to do next. Even if it looks like a fender bender, injuries can show up later. Also, involving law enforcement often helps create a police report, which can matter during the claims process.

Oklahoma has legal reporting rules for crashes, including when there’s injury, death, or property damage over a certain amount. When in doubt, just call the police. It’s better to have the report than wish you did later.

What to request or confirm:

• The officer’s name and badge number
• The incident/report number
• When and how you can get a copy of the police report

Exchange Information with the Other Driver

Exchange the basics for an insurance claim. Keep it calm and factual. 

Get these details (and double-check them):

• Driver’s full name
• Driver’s license number
• Phone number and address
• Insurance company and policy info (insurance policy number if available)
• License plate number
• Car make and model

If the other driver mentions brake lights, traffic signs, or tries to blame you, don’t argue. Just collect as much information as you can. Fault can be sorted out later with evidence, witness statements, and sometimes accident reconstruction.

Thoroughly Documenting the Accident Scene for Your Claim

After a rear-end collision, evidence can disappear fast. Cars get towed away while skid marks fade or disappear over time. People may move homes. That’s why good documentation from the start helps your insurance claim and cuts down on “he said, she said” later.

Capture Comprehensive Photos and Videos

Use your phone like a tool kit. Take more than what you think you need.

Start with wide shots (the big picture):

• Both cars from multiple angles
• The full roadway (or parking lot), including lanes and traffic signs
• Where the vehicles ended up after the rear-end accident
• Weather, lighting, and road conditions

Then get close-ups (the details):

• Vehicle damage on both cars (bumper, trunk, tail lights, hood)
• Any broken glass or debris
• License plate number on the other vehicle
• Any visible injuries (bruises, cuts), if you’re comfortable
• Airbag deployment, if it happened

Video helps too:

• A slow walk-around video of the accident scene
• A quick clip showing traffic flow and where the impact happened

If you have dashcam footage, save it right away and back it up. Some dashcams overwrite files quickly.

Gather Witness Statements

Witnesses can help if the other driver later changes their story or if there’s a dispute regarding fault.

What to do:

• Ask for their name and phone number
• Ask what they saw, then write it down in your notes app
• If they’re willing, record a short voice memo or video of them speaking (keep it polite and brief)

Simple questions to ask:

• “Where were you when you saw the crash?”
• “Did you see the cars before impact?”
• “Did you notice distracted driving, speeding, or following too closely?”

In Tulsa and across Oklahoma, it’s common for people to drive off from an accident scene once they see everyone is standing. Try to get witness info before that happens.

Note Down Key Details and Leverage Technology

Small details matter later. Write them down while they’re fresh.

Details to note:

• Time and exact location (street name, nearby business, cross streets)
• Traffic signs or signals nearby
• Whether your brake lights were working (if you know)
• What the other driver said right after the crash (keep it word-for-word)
• Any signs of distraction (phone in hand, looking down, delayed reaction)

Here’s a quick cheat sheet you can follow:

If things get messy later, this is the kind of material accident reconstruction specialists and other experts may review to form expert opinions about how the crash happened.

When and Why to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Some rear-end accidents truly are minor. But many aren’t. If you’re dealing with injuries, missing work, or an insurance company that’s pushing you around, it may be time to talk with a personal injury lawyer. 

The Benefits of Legal Representation After a Rear-End Collision

Here are common reasons people call us after a rear-end accident in Oklahoma:

• You suffer injuries that don’t clear up in a week or two (whiplash, back pain, headaches).
• There are signs of a more serious injury (concussion / traumatic brain injury, herniated disc, spinal cord damage).
• There is a fault dispute (“You stopped short,” “Your brake lights were out,” “You merged too fast”).
• The other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
• The insurance company wants a recorded statement right away.
• You’re offered a settlement before you even finish medical treatment.
• You’re drowning in medical bills and paperwork.

A personal injury attorney can also help with:

• Getting and reviewing the police report and medical records
• Organizing evidence (dashcam footage, witness statements, traffic camera recordings)
• Communicating with insurance adjusters so you don’t get tripped up
• Working with experts when needed (accident reconstruction specialists, medical providers)

In some cases, expert opinions and accident reconstruction can clarify how a crash occurred, especially in multi-vehicle crashes or when stories conflict.

When To Call a Lawyer: a Simple Yes or No List

If you answer yes to any of these, it’s smart to talk with a personal injury lawyer:

1. Were you told you might need imaging, injections, or surgery?
2. Are you missing work or struggling to do normal activities?
3. Is the insurer blaming you (comparative fault arguments)?
4. Did you hit your head, feel dizzy, or have memory problems?
5. Is the at-fault driver uninsured or underinsured?
6. Are you being pressured to settle fast?

Calling a personal injury lawyer doesn’t mean you’re filing a lawsuit tomorrow. It means you’re getting clarity, protecting your claim, and avoiding expensive mistakes in the claims process. At Smith Barkett Law Group, we focus on the facts, the medical proof, and the real impact on your life so that you can move forward.

Post-Accident Do's and Don'ts for a Strong Claim Outcome

Rear-end accidents often look straightforward. Then the paperwork starts, symptoms show up, and the insurance company asks questions in a way that feels slippery. These do’s and don’ts help keep your personal injury claim (and your sanity) on track.

DO Keep Records and Documentation

Good documentation is like a seatbelt for your claim. You hope you don’t need it, but you’re glad it’s there.

Keep a folder (paper or digital) with:

• Police report or accident report number, and a copy when available
• Photos and videos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
• Witness statements and contact info
• Medical records, doctor’s report, and treatment plan
• Medical bills, pharmacy receipts, and mileage logs
• Notes on symptoms and limitations (short daily updates)
• Emails and letters with insurance adjusters

Tip: Take screenshots of claim updates in your insurer’s portal. Sometimes those “status notes” change later.

DON’T Admit Fault or Give Recorded Statements Prematurely

Right after a crash, people say things to be polite:

• “I’m sorry.”
• “I didn’t see you.”
• “I’m okay.”

Those phrases can get twisted into fault admissions or injury denials.

Instead, keep it simple:

• “Are you hurt?”
• “Let’s call the police.”
• “I’ll cooperate with the claims process.”

For recorded statements, it’s okay to pause. If you’re still getting medical evaluation, don’t guess about injuries or timelines. If you feel pressured, that’s often a sign to get guidance first.

DON’T Accept a Quick Settlement Offer

A fast settlement is often fast for one reason: it’s cheap.

Rear-end collision injuries like whiplash and soft tissue damage can take time to show their full impact. Accepting early money may mean signing a release that closes your claim before you know what your medical treatment will cost.

Before agreeing to any settlement:

• Know your diagnosis (or at least your current working diagnosis).
• Understand your treatment plan.
• Add up medical bills and lost wages so far.
• Consider what future care may be needed.

DO Be Mindful of Social Media Activity

This one surprises people. Insurance companies sometimes look at public posts and photos. A smiling picture at a birthday party can be spun as “They’re fine,” even if you were in pain the whole time.

Simple rule:

• Don’t post about the crash.
• Don’t post about symptoms.
• Tighten privacy settings.
• Don’t accept new friend requests from strangers right after the wreck.

Post-crash choices can either strengthen your claim or create problems you don’t see until later. Keep records, be careful with statements, don’t rush settlements, and treat social media like it’s a courtroom bulletin board.

FAQs About Rear-End Collisions in Oklahoma

Contact a Tulsa Rear-End Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

A rear-end collision can look minor at first, then turn into real pain, missed work, and surprise medical bills. Acting quickly can help protect crucial evidence, support your insurance claim, and give you space to focus on medical care while the claims process moves forward.

At Smith Barkett Law Group, we put clients first. If you were rear-ended in Tulsa or anywhere in Oklahoma, we’re ready to review what happened, explain your options in plain language, and deal with the insurance company so you’re not stuck fighting alone. If the case needs serious pressure, we’re prepared to push it.

Contact us today for a free consultation. The sooner we can evaluate the facts, the sooner you can move forward with confidence.