If you’re involved in an auto crash that isn’t your fault, you have the right to seek compensation for any damage suffered, including injuries, property damage, and more. However, the success of your personal injury claim significantly depends on the steps you take following the vehicle accident. While you may be overwhelmed and have painful injuries, knowing what to do can help ensure you’re fairly compensated. Discussed below are five things to do after a car accident that is not your fault.
1. Notify your insurance company
While you may hesitate to call your insurer after an accident that isn’t your fault, failure to inform them may have severe consequences. Insurance policies often call for prompt notification of any accidents. Failure to report results in the violation of this requirement, which can lead to your insurer denying your claim. Calling your insurance company after an auto accident that isn’t your fault offers numerous benefits, including:
- Coverage for the accident: Calling your insurance company enables you to understand the coverage or benefits that apply to your circumstances and how they can help you get compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Avoid paying your defense: Even in an accident that wasn’t your fault, the other driver may file a claim against you. Informing your insurer about the crash promptly ensures you don’t pay for your defense if such a situation arises. Your insurance company pays for your legal defense
If you were involved in a car accident without insurance but not at fault, you’re still eligible for compensation for personal injuries. This is because whether you’re uninsured or insured doesn’t impact the outcome of the case. However, you may be penalized or have your license suspended for not driving without insurance. A personal injury attorney can help determine the value of your claim, compile the necessary proof, and more to ensure fair compensation.
2. Call the police
Calling the police following an auto crash, regardless of its severity, is vital for insurance and legal purposes. Prompt action ensures the authorities file an official report, impartially and accurately documenting the accident. Some of the reasons to call the police after a car accident that wasn’t your fault include:
- Complying with state laws: Most jurisdictions require that accidents be reported if there are injuries and property damages. Failure to do so can lead to penalties like fines
- Ensuring accurate documentation: Police officers document the accident scene with photos, videos, written observations, and more. They also collect statements and interview witnesses, creating an impartial record of events
- Police reports act as crucial proof in legal proceedings: Courts and insurance companies heavily depend on police reports to determine liability or fault. They contain comprehensive accounts of witness statements, the accident, and police observations, which makes them a reliable source of evidence
3. Seek prompt medical assistance
Seeking immediate medical assistance following an auto crash that was due to someone else’s negligence not only safeguards your health but your personal injury claim’s integrity as well. Since not all injuries in car accidents are evident, getting immediate medical care ensures all injuries are identified, and proper treatment begins early enough, reducing the risk of complications while boosting your chances of complete recovery. Seeking medical assistance right away helps establish a link between your injuries and the car accident.
Insurance providers and legal experts depend on your medical records to determine the extent of the damages suffered in a vehicle crash. Failure to seek immediate medical care may result in insurance adjusters or the at-fault driver’s attorney claiming that your injuries weren’t as severe or aren’t as a result of the accident. Getting treated right away following an accident helps strengthen your personal injury claim.
4. Hire a personal injury lawyer
If you’re injured or suffer losses in an auto crash, hiring a personal injury attorney is key to ensuring a successful claim. Their knowledge of the law makes it easier to navigate compensation cases, increasing the possibility of winning your claim. Other reasons to hire a car accident lawyer include:
- Dealing with insurance companies: Dealing with insurers without legal support can lead to little or no compensation at all. A knowledgeable lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurers to ensure maximum compensation
- Valuing your claim: A personal injury lawyer will calculate the value of your claim to determine the amount of compensation you’re entitled to. They’ll ensure you’re reimbursed for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, vehicle repairs, and more
- Proving liability: The success of your car accident claim depends on whether liability can be proven in court, which can be tricky. An attorney helps prove liability, boosting the chances of winning your lawsuit
5. Gather relevant proof
Gathering proof after an accident is crucial for a successful car accident claim. Solid, relevant evidence helps determine fault in a car accident and strengthen your case while helping showcase the extent of your damages. Insurance companies also depend on evidence to evaluate the severity of your damages and calculate the compensation they’re ready to offer. Your evidence may include:
- Photos of the accident scene, your injuries, vehicle damages, and more
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Police report
Endnote
What you do following an auto crash significantly impacts the outcome of your personal injury case. Familiarize yourself with the things to do after a car accident that is not your fault to ensure success.