If you are involved in a car collision, and the other driver is clearly the one at fault, you may have to deal with their insurance company. It is very important that you remain calm and collected. Let’s look at the step by step process to follow when caught up in a car accident that’s not your fault.
Seek medical attention
If you are injured, it is important to get help. If there were other passengers or drivers involved in the accident, check on them and get help when necessary. Emergency care should be the number one priority in a car accident where people are injured. If the car is blocking other road users, you may need to move it to the side to avoid causing another crash or unnecessary traffic.
Collect critical information
Don’t just assume that because it’s the other driver’s fault, he/she will report to their insurer and provide accurate information. Do not hesitate to collect information such as the details of the other driver (name, address and telephone contacts), insurance company details of the driver and photographs of the accident scene. You may also want to get a few contacts of witnesses at the scene.
Get a police report
A police report is sometimes important if you want to obtain settlement from the insurance company of the other driver especially when there are physical injuries. In such cases, it is important to have a police officer come to the scene of the accident.
What to do after getting home
When you get home and notice you have injuries, make sure you keep detailed notes of them. If you end up spending any money for treatment, keep records of the receipts or medical bills. This might come in handy if you want to file for damages for any medical expenses incurred as a result of the car accident.
Inform your insurance company
In best case scenarios, the driver who is at fault will inform their insurance company of the accident and you will receive a check from their insurer to cater for all expenses or losses incurred. However, it may not be as straightforward as you’d like. There are instances where the other driver’s insurance company denies being responsible for the accident. Your own insurance company needs to know about the accident in order to prepare for a legal battle or process a claim. It’s also a sign of good-faith when you report the accident to your insurer in advance regardless of who is at fault.
Hire an attorney to evaluate the claim
If the other party’s insurance company refuses to take care of the damages or losses incurred, you may want to sue them. This can help you reach a settlement that is fair and complete. It is very important for you to understand your legal options if you have been involved in a car accident that is not your fault. Speak to a car accident attorney who can help you decide on what steps to take.