What Should I Do in a Car Accident That Was Not My Fault?

Sometimes accidents occur, and innocent people are involved. They may sustain personal injuries and damages to their vehicles when they were not at fault. No one is completely immune from this potentially happening to them.

If you were in a car accident that wasn't your fault, it is essential to know what steps to take. This article will highlight some critical and informative steps in this process.  Be sure to keep reading to learn how to navigate this challenging situation.

What to Do When Involved in a Car Accident You Didn't Cause

Below are our recommended steps to follow if you are a victim of an accident that was not your fault:

• Ensure Safety

After an accident occurs, a victim should ensure their safety first. Be sure to turn on the vehicle's hazard lights to notify other drivers of the accident. The car should also be moved out of the way of traffic if possible.

The driver and other people involved need to be be checked for injuries. If any injuries are detected, they should call 911 immediately.

• Contact the Police

When involved in an accident and you are not at fault, you should call the police. This will provide you with a police report which is helpful for your insurance claim. Only consider this first when no visible injuries require immediate medical attention.

A police report will detail when and where the accident happened, the drivers involved, and eyewitness accounts. A police report is important because your insurance company will not accept a claim without one.

• Gather All Necessary Information

After a car accident, exchanging information with other drivers is important. Usually, a driver at fault should report the incident to their insurance agency. However, some at-fault drivers do not make a report.

Exchanging information helps you when the driver who caused the accident fails to report it. If you have their information, you can make a report instead. As a result, you can recover compensation for medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, etc.

The information should include the name, phone number, current address, license plate information, and the driver's car model. You would also get the insurance provider's name and policy number. Documenting the damage with photos and collecting contacts of witnesses is also advisable.

• Be Cautious While Giving Statements

Be careful with what you say to other drivers after the accident. Do not admit responsibility or offer to pay for any damages or injuries. Avoid statements that could be used against you by the insurance agency.

• Seek Medical Attention

Injuries often occur during car accidents. While it sounds like common advice to seek medical attention, many people neglect this, especially when the injuries are not visible. Unfortunately, not all injuries are noticed immediately after a car accident.

“Some symptoms could surface after an accident and should not be neglected. If you experience this, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor or go to the Emergency Room. It is also advisable to record the symptoms, which can help in the compensation process,” says accident attorney Cheryl Perkins.

Conclusion

People who are victims of accidents may not know what steps to take. In this article, we have given tips on what to do if you are in such a situation. You will also need legal help, so we recommend getting an injury lawyer to help you understand better.