Got rear-ended at a red light yesterday — feeling totally lost on what to do next

Oh man, I was in almost this exact situation about a year ago — rear-ended at a stoplight, stiff neck the next morning, completely confused about who to call. First thing I'd tell you: go see a doctor TODAY. Not next week, today. That morning stiffness can turn into something that lingers for months, and having it documented right away matters more than you'd think. I waited three days and it caused me headaches (pun intended) later with the claim.

Be really careful about calling the at-fault driver's insurance before you know what you're dealing with medically. Their adjuster is going to be friendly, fast, and eager to get you to sign something or accept a quick offer. That's not because they like you — it's because a fast close is a cheap close. Get checked out first. Figure out what's actually wrong. There's no rule that says you have to call them back within 24 hours.

The neck stiffness you're describing is super common after rear-end impacts — it's often whiplash and it genuinely can take 24-48 hours to fully show up. Please don't brush it off just because you felt okay at the scene. Go to urgent care or your primary care doctor and describe exactly what happened and where you feel it. Get it in writing. Even if it turns out to be nothing serious, you want that visit on record.

To answer your specific questions: you can go through either insurance, but a lot of people start with the at-fault driver's carrier since you're not at fault and shouldn't have to use your own collision coverage. That said, your own insurer can sometimes move faster on repairs and the rental while they sort out subrogation on the backend — just depends on your policy. On the rental: typically the at-fault carrier owes you a rental while your car is being repaired, but don't just go book something expensive without confirming with them first or you might have a fight about reimbursement. And yes, diminished value is a real thing — basically your car is worth less after an accident even after repairs, and you can sometimes claim that difference. Not legal advice, just stuff I've picked up.

I used to work claims for a large carrier so let me give you a little peek behind the curtain. Adjusters are measured on cycle time and reserves — meaning they're motivated to close your file fast and cheap. If you call them up right now with a sore neck and they ask 'how are you feeling?' and you say 'a little sore but probably fine,' that answer will end up in the notes and they'll use it. Not saying they're evil, it's just the system. Get your medical stuff documented first, THEN have that conversation.

Here's the short version: see a doctor, call your own insurance to report it, let them deal with the other carrier, don't sign or accept anything until you know your car and body are actually okay. That's it. Everything else can wait a couple of days.

I'm so sorry this happened to you, that sounds really stressful. Please don't try to push through the neck pain thinking it'll just go away on its own — take care of yourself first, the insurance stuff can be sorted out later. Sending good vibes your way 💙

Not legal advice, but a couple of things worth knowing: in a clear-cut rear-end situation like yours, liability is usually not the hard part — it's documenting damages (both vehicle and injury) properly that determines the outcome. The gap between what you could get with proper documentation versus a rushed claim can be significant. At minimum, talk to a PI attorney before you accept anything — most do free consults and you're under no obligation. Not saying you need one, just saying it costs you nothing to have that conversation.

Few questions before anyone gives you too much direction — do you know for sure the other driver's insurance is active? Did you actually get their policy info at the scene or just their name and plate? And was any of the fault question discussed on the police report, or did the officer just document the exchange of info? Those details can change some of the advice here.