Particularly if you are not at fault, auto accidents can be extremely upsetting and stressful. Knowing what to do straight away in these circumstances can assist safeguard your rights, keep you safe, and facilitate the incident’s resolution. Here are crucial actions to do if you were in an accident that wasn’t your fault, regardless of how little the collision was or how bad it was.
1. Prioritize safety
Safety should be your top priority after the accident. Examine yourself and any passengers in your car for injuries if you are able to move safely. Check on the other driver and passengers to make sure everyone is alright. If someone is seriously hurt, call emergency services right away and don’t try to transfer them.
If your automobile is still in working order and you’re on a busy road, move it cautiously to the side to prevent more collisions or traffic jams. To warn other drivers, turn on your warning lights.
2. Make a Call to the Authorities
Reporting incidents to the police is required by law in many places, particularly where there are serious injuries or substantial property damage. It is advised to call the police, even in cases of small accidents. For the purpose of establishing fault and filing insurance claims, a police report will act as an official record of the incident.
Make careful you provide the police precise and understandable details about what transpired when they come. Remain true to the facts and refrain from assuming anything about the accident’s cause or acknowledging fault.
3. Record the Scene
Collect as much evidence as you can while you wait for the police. Taking photos of the incident, your vehicle, the other vehicle, and any damage is one way to do this. Note everything about the neighborhood, such as the lights, traffic signs, and weather.
Additionally, it is crucial to record the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number. Obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses who could have been present at the accident as well.
4. Information on Insurance Exchange
Exchange insurance details with the other motorist once your safety and paperwork are in order. This contains their policy number, insurance company, and contact information. Do not leave the scene before exchanging this information, even if the other motorist acknowledges fault.
Try to take a picture of the other driver’s license plate and any other identifying information if they refuse to give you their insurance information or become uncooperative. Then, call the police right away.
5. Refrain from Taking Credit
Even if you think the other motorist was at fault, it’s crucial to refrain from pointing fingers or having a detailed conversation about the collision with them at the site. It could be perceived as an admission of liability to say something like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you,” which could make your case more difficult in the future.
Instead, concentrate on keeping your cool, obtaining proof, and biding your time until the authorities step in. Based on the information at hand, your insurance provider will carry out its own inquiry to establish fault.
6. Get Medical Help
It’s wise to get medical help as soon as you can, even if you don’t feel hurt right away after the accident. Internal injuries and whiplash are two examples of injuries that could not cause symptoms straight away.
In addition to ensuring your safety, having a medical examination can offer a record of any injuries you may have received in the collision. If you need to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries or make a personal injury claim, this documentation may be essential.
7. Inform Your Insurance Provider
Regardless of whether you were at fault or not, get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can following the accident. Give them all the information, including the other driver’s insurance information, the police report number, and any supporting documentation you have collected, like witness statements or photographs.
If the other driver was at fault, your insurance provider may assist you in submitting claims to their insurer after starting an inquiry into the collision. To guarantee a seamless claims procedure, it’s critical to keep in mind that you should always be truthful and open with your insurance.
8. Submit a Claim
Depending on the situation, you should either make a claim with your own insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company if you weren’t at fault for the accident. Depending on the conditions of both your and their policies, the other driver’s insurance company should pay for any damages to your car and any associated medical costs if they are at fault.
You may be covered by your own insurance policy if the other motorist is underfunded or uninsured. Your health insurance can help pay for medical bills, while comprehensive or collision coverage may help with auto repairs.
9. Monitor Expenses and Damages
Maintain a thorough log of every expense you incur as a result of the mishap. This covers medical expenses, auto repairs, rental car fees, and any missed income in the case that your injuries keep you from working. Keeping track of these costs will be crucial if you need to file a lawsuit or negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance provider.
In order to support your claim and show how the accident continues to affect your health and well-being, you might also wish to document any follow-up doctor’s visits or physical therapy sessions you require.
10. If necessary, think about taking legal action.
In certain situations, the other driver may contest their liability or their insurance may not adequately compensate for your losses. You might wish to speak with a personal injury and auto accident lawyer if this occurs.
A lawyer can assist you in determining if it makes sense to take legal action in order to get more damages, such as pain and suffering. If necessary, they can represent you in court or in talks, and they can help you through the case filing procedure.
In conclusion
It can be a stressful and perplexing experience to be in an unintentional vehicle accident, but understanding what to do in the aftermath can help you handle the situation well. You can safeguard your rights and make sure that the process of recouping losses goes as smoothly as possible by making sure you’re safe, recording the incident, exchanging insurance information, and getting in touch with your insurance provider. Keep in mind that in order to shield yourself from the financial and physical effects of the accident, you must get medical help, refrain from assuming responsibility, and, if need, think about taking legal action.