What to Do After a Rear-End Collision in Connecticut

By Robert A. Avena

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Car Accidents

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Last Modified on May 08, 2026

Picture this: You have stopped at a stop sign or red light in accordance with the traffic laws of Connecticut, when all of a sudden, something slams into the back of your vehicle, and your head and neck are sent cracking forward, then back in a violent jerking motion.

This injury, better known as whiplash, can be debilitating, and it is important you know what to do after a rear-end collision in Connecticut. At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law, our Connecticut car accident attorneys are here to help.

Steps to Take in the Aftermath of a Connecticut Rear-End Collision

Every day, across the United States, around 6,500 people are injured in car accidents, and 40.1% of all car crashes are considered rear-end collisions. At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law, our dedicated personal injury lawyers in Connecticut are here to protect victims’ rights to compensation and justice following a rear-end accident that occurred through no fault of their own.

When it comes to protecting your own rights, however, everything hinges on the steps you take in the immediate aftermath of your accident. The moments following these accidents are critical, and whether a driver rear-ended you or you rear-ended another vehicle because that vehicle’s driver was acting negligently, making a mistake after the accident could make it more difficult for you to demonstrate your right to compensation.

Following a rear-end collision in Connecticut, whether it occurred along I-95 in Branford or Highland Avenue in Middletown, you need to take certain steps to strengthen your future claim. These steps include:

• Check for injuries and seek medical attention. Nothing can truly prepare you for a car accident. Thanks to the adrenaline that is likely flooding your body, it is important that you check yourself over for injuries and seek medical attention right away.
  Even if you do not feel physically injured, being checked over by medical professionals could make all the difference in saving you from life-threatening and invisible injuries like internal bleeding.

• Move to a safe location. In most cases, a rear-end collision will involve a stopped or stalled vehicle. To avoid the risk of any further or additional injury, it is important that you move to a safe location, such as onto the shoulder, into a nearby parking lot, or onto a nearby sidewalk. However, try not to move your vehicle, as the positioning of the vehicles will play a significant role in your future claim.
• Contact the police. To report the collision, you need to contact the police right away. However, keep in mind that you do not discuss any kind of fault or even say a seemingly innocent, “I’m sorry,” as this could be taken as an admission of fault. Instead, allow the police to come to the scene and create an official report that could be used as a strong form of evidence in a future claim.
• Document the accident. Many insurance companies will do whatever they can to deny your claim. Collecting evidence and providing it with strong documentation may help overcome these tactics. Immediately following the accident, if you are physically able to do so, it is important to collect evidence like pictures and videos from the scene of the accident as well as of your injuries and other property damages.
• Collect insurance and contact information. Following your car accident, you should calmly approach the liable driver and ask to obtain their name, their address, contact information, driver’s license number, and license plate number. You should also request to copy down their insurance information. Likewise, seeking the contact details of any eyewitnesses can be crucial.
• See your physician. Injuries are not always apparent right away, even if you have received emergency medical care following an accident. It is important that you seek follow-up care from your primary doctor, who may be able to identify further forms of injury that were not present at the time of your accident.
• Contact your insurance company. Following a rear-end collision in Connecticut, you need to contact your insurance company. Stick to the facts when reporting the accident to your insurance provider and do not discuss any kind of fault. Allow your attorney to handle all communications with the liable driver’s insurance company.
• Speak with a car accident lawyer. Car accidents can drastically change the entire course of your life. Even a simple fender-bender can cause horrible and devastating injuries and forms of property loss. As a result of the stress you are dealing with, you are more likely to make mistakes or take unsound advice when trying to recover compensation.

FAQs

Why Do Rear-End Collisions Take Place?

Rear-end collisions typically take place due to distracted driving. In fact, in 2024, 3,208 people were killed due to actions of distracted driving. These actions can include texting while driving, eating or drinking, grooming, or interacting with the radio or temperature controls. Other causes of rear-end accidents include tailgating, speeding, and poor weather conditions.

What Injuries Are Most Common in a Rear-End Collision?

In a rear-end collision, the most common injuries can include whiplash, tissue strains, herniated disks, and concussions. All these injuries can result in chronic pain conditions that can last for the rest of your life. You may also face chest and rib injuries from slamming into the steering wheel or damage to your body’s soft tissues.

What Mistakes Should I Avoid Making Following a Car Accident?

Following a car accident in Connecticut, there are several mistakes that you should try to avoid making. First, do not admit to any kind of fault at the scene. Do not skip important and prompt medical visits, and do not provide any kind of recorded statement to insurance companies without first receiving legal counsel.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in CT?

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for most car accident claims currently stands at two years. This means you have exactly two years from the date of your accident to file an official legal claim; you will likely lose your chances of compensation recovery, and your case will be dismissed.

Hire a Rear-End Collision Lawyer Today

When you need to hire a rear-end collision lawyer, call Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law and schedule a consultation. Whatever your case entails, we are here to serve you.