Are you wondering what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault?
You’re in the right place.
With more than 200 million cars on the roads in the US, accidents happen — and being involved in one can be extremely distressing, no matter the severity or the circumstances.
Luckily, knowing exactly what to do makes the situation easier to deal with.
Following the right steps also gives you legal protection and ensures you have all the evidence you need when you come to file a claim.
Call the Police
You should always call the police after being involved in a car accident, even if it seems relatively minor. It’s just as important to call after a small bump as it is after a major collision.
The police will file an official report which will help with your insurance claim.
Speaking to them about what happened should help your case and is especially important if the accident wasn’t your fault. Tell the truth and don’t feel pressured into saying anything that isn’t true by the other driver.
Exchange Contact Details
To make an insurance claim, you’ll need to get the details of the other driver — and they should also ask for your details.
Write down their name and address, phone number, driver’s license number, and plate number. Finally, get a phone number for their insurer, as well as their policy number.
If you don’t have a pen to hand, just type their details into the notes section of your phone.
Having these details will make your insurance claim much quicker and easier to process, so be firm.
Photograph the Scene
When dealing with an accident that’s not your fault, having as much evidence as possible is key.
You should take photos of the scene of the accident from multiple angles. Make sure you capture the number plates of all the vehicles involved, along with details like skid marks, scratches, dents, and injuries.
If you’re not sure whether something is relevant, just take a photo anyway. It never hurts to have too much evidence and could be the difference between a failed claim and a successful one.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Once you’re home after the accident, you should get straight on the phone to a car wreck lawyer.
They’ll be able to talk you through the entire process of making a claim against the other driver. They’ll help recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, getting treatment for injuries, and any other associated costs.
A good lawyer will make the process as easy and painless as possible, helping you to recover and get back to your normal life.
Benefits of Knowing What to Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault
Knowing what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault protects you from any legal repercussions.
Following the advice above allows you to gather all the evidence you’ll need to file a strong insurance claim, giving you a much better chance of winning.
To learn more about choosing the right lawyer, visit the legal section of our blog today.