There are a variety of things you need to do immediately following a car accident. If you were involved in a crash that wasn’t your fault, here are some steps to take:
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries: Your health and well-being is top priority, so don’t attempt to do anything until you take this step.
- Gather all the necessary information: For example, you’ll want to exchange phone numbers and insurance details with the other driver. Don’t feel compelled to talk about any details of the accident, as there is time for this later.
- Call police to the scene: It’s often best to call for help, especially if one or more person is injured. With police on the scene, you can rest assured that a report will be filed with all the necessary information. This can work in your favor when filing an insurance claim.
- Contact your insurance company: You should do this as soon as possible, as you want them to know what happened. Also, they can provide advice and guidance on what you should do next.
- Let your insurance company do its job: It’s your hope that the other driver’s insurance company steps in and pays for any damages. Of course, this doesn’t always happen, but your insurance company can help facilitate the process.
Depending on what happens after the accident, you may need to learn more about your legal rights. It’s possible that the other driver’s insurance company will continue to fight back, arguing that the crash was your fault. You never want to sit back and be pushed around, so make sure you are ready for anything that comes your way.
Source: FindLaw, “What to Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault,” accessed May 24, 2018