car accident question

[Kteacher]

This past Monday I was rear ended at a stop sign. Little damage to my car, I felt fine. The driver of the car that started the chain reaction is related to town police, and coincidently was not cited for anything on the accident report.
Fast forward to today. My lower back has been getting progressively sorer. It could be stress ( a lot going on right now for me )it could be the accident, it could be a combination, but right now I can barely bend over. I've never been in an accident in my entire 50 years, so I have no idea what my rights, if any are. I'm already looking at lost wages from my p/t job because I'm too sore to work, and I have no paid sick leave at that job. All this stemming from someone not paying attention while they're driving
So other than taking a ton of ibuprofen,what can I do?

 

[Illuminations_Rocks]

Did you file a claim with insurance? It doesn't matter whether or not the other person was cited on the PR, the insurance company has their own investigation and decision of fault.
You could file a bodily injury claim and a damage claim for your car, if the other person is found at fault (which they probably would be, cited on the PR or not). The BI claim would cover lost wages and doctor bills, and depending on your state and own insurance, "pain and suffering".

ETA: I'm not sure what coverage MA has, but you could also claim your own insurance if you have medpay or PIP coverage. I know they'd cover dr/chiropractor bills but I'm really not sure on the lost wages, thinking not - you wouldn't get "pain and suffering" with that though.

 

[usnuzuloose]

It usually takes a day or two to experience any pain. what you may be feeling is soft tissue damage. Did you exchange ins info? Her ins can pay for doctor visits even though no damage to your car. I would see a doctor. I cant tell you how many times I was rearended. But I saw a chiropractor. Please dont wait to long to see the doctor. I would contact her ins company and keep track of all the paper work for seeing the doctor. And just because she is related to whom ever doesnt mean the ins cant pay for your needs. Please get medical attention and keep us informed. Hope this helps. That is why we pay for ins. Jo

 

[robinb]

You should contact your insurance company to see what your options are. In the meantime you should probably see a doctor to get some help with the pain. I hope you feel better soon!

 

[golfgal]

Got to the doctor. If you wait too long they can deny the claim as they could site that something else could have happened between the accident and your doctor's appointment. Even if you just go to urgent care today and see your regular doctor sometime this week that will help the claims process.

If you are in a PIP state (personal injury protection) you file the claim with your OWN insurance company. You should also have your car checked out because often there is damage done that isn't noticeable. I would call your agent on Monday and let them know what happened and they will help you walk through the process.

Not all car accidents result in tickets or fines--many of them do not as a matter of fact. The police never determine fault either, they just report what happened and the insurance companies determine fault.

 

[lovesmurfs]

This past Monday I was rear ended at a stop sign. Little damage to my car, I felt fine. The driver of the car that started the chain reaction is related to town police, and coincidently was not cited for anything on the accident report.
Fast forward to today. My lower back has been getting progressively sorer. It could be stress ( a lot going on right now for me )it could be the accident, it could be a combination, but right now I can barely bend over. I've never been in an accident in my entire 50 years, so I have no idea what my rights, if any are. I'm already looking at lost wages from my p/t job because I'm too sore to work, and I have no paid sick leave at that job. All this stemming from someone not paying attention while they're driving
So other than taking a ton of ibuprofen,what can I do?

You need to call your insurance company as soon as possible, and explain the situation -- they will tell you what to do. Have the police report with you when you call -- they'll need much of the information to start the claim. You absolutely have rights. Your insurance company will handle everything and get the money back from the other driver's insurance company. You are entitled to having all medical bills related to the accident covered, as well as pay for any missed work (even if you use vacation, etc. to get paid for it).

Take care of yourself. In the future, be sure to call your company immediately after any accident: whether injured, damaged or no. And always, always get a police report, even if the other driver leaves.

 

[Brit17]

Sorry about your accident ... I know what it's like to get rear-ended at a stop sign ... I would definitely open/file a claim with your insurance company ... they will then provide you with all the information you should need regarding repairing your car and/or any medical expenses, lost wages you may incur, etc. ... just keep your insurance company updated with all your current information (medical condition, expenses, lost wages, etc.) and then just let the two insurance companies (your's and the other person's) work it all out ...

In regards to your back, I would definitely make an appointment with your doctor ASAP, whether it be your primary care physician or chiropractor ... they will be able to tell you what treatment will be best for you ... sometimes it's just rest and OTC meds, or a chiropractor can do some manipulations that may help relieve your pain quicker ... try not to worry about anything because that is why we have insurance ... and the stress can definitely make your back hurt more ... I hope you feel better soon ...

 

[robinb]

Got to the doctor. If you wait too long they can deny the claim as they could site that something else could have happened between the accident and your doctor's appointment. Even if you just go to urgent care today and see your regular doctor sometime this week that will help the claims process.

I forgot about that! I was a juror on a personal injury case the time that elapsed between the accident and when the injured person saw a doctor was very important. In her case, she saw the doctor right away BUT she took her sweet time in followups which worked against her.

 

[Kteacher]

Thanks for all the advice. I have all the contact info for the other driver's insurance co.. I also filled out an accident report form and mailed copies to my state RMV as well as the police dept. where the accident occured. I think the earliest I can get in to see my dr. is Monday after school. I probably should take Monday off, but it's the first day back after February vacation week, and that's hard enough on kindergarteners let alone with me out and having a sub there.
I am used to being the Energizer Bunny- 2 jobs, lots of committees, going to the gym 5-6 days a week-not being able to move without being in pain is very frustrating for me

 

[jama]

try ice on your back..20 minutes at a time several times a day..for couple days then switch to heat