A motor vehicle accident can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do. If you are involved in bumper bashing, chances are you will be able to assess the situation clearly and get the necessary information. A serious collision, on the other hand, could be confusing and frightening. Knowing what to do can be daunting. Following tips and instructions make the process less stressful.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Immediately after the accident, exchange details with the other driver provided there are no serious injuries that render either driver incapable of providing information. The information received at the accident scene is the basis for evaluating insurance claims.
Tip# 1: Obtain the Other Driver’s Information
Get the other driver’s full name, contact information, identification number, license plate
number, and insurance details. Ask to see the driver’s insurance card. Write the information
down and store it in a place you will remember and have easy access. Obtain an alternate
contact number, preferably a place of work.
Request information about the vehicle owner because the driver may not own the vehicle. Provide these details to your insurance company. Verify that the information is correct if the police cannot attend to the accident scene. Test whether the driver’s mobile number is correct; dial it and make sure you hear it ring.
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Tip#2: Wait for the Authorities If the Other Driver Won’t Cooperate
Wait until the authorities have arrived if the other driver refuses to provide information or withholds certain details.
Do not attempt to obtain information from someone who becomes aggressive or is incapable of providing information. Notify the authorities and wait for assistance if the other driver is intoxicated or under the influence of illegal substances.
Tip #3: Give Your Information to the Other Driver
Give the other driver all your details, preferably write them down for the driver. Include your full name, identification details, driver’s license number, insurance information, and contact details.
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Tip #4: Obtain Witnesses’ Details
Get the witnesses’ contact details as soon as possible. Witnesses may need to leave the scene of the accident before authorities arrive. Ask the witness if you may record any comments regarding the driver at fault’s behavior, such as excessive speeding or reckless or drunken driving.
Tip #5: Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
Use your mobile phone to take detailed pictures of the accident scene. Photograph both vehicles and the damage to the vehicles. Take pictures from all angles. Take as many pictures as possible, as you may need to remember details later. Get images of the inside of your vehicle if there is any damage.
Capture other important details on your mobile, such as stop signs, traffic lights, road signs, and other road markings. Include pictures of skid or brake marks.
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Contact the Authorities
Contacting the authorities is of paramount importance. Other than obtaining assistance at the scene of the collision, insurance providers will require police reports to process vehicle damage claims. The police also assess the accident and provide a report detailing their evaluation of the collision scene.
Tip #6: Contact the Police
Wait for the police to arrive; this may take a while if the police need to attend to other incidents. Please only leave the accident scene once you have given the police the necessary information and they have examined the accident scene.
Drive to the nearest police station to report the collision if the police cannot attend
to the accident. Report the accident within 24 hours.
Tip #7: Give a Brief Description of The Accident
Provide the police with a description of the accident. Specify details such as the date, time, the driver at fault’s actions, and your actions. Mention the direction from which the driver approached and where you were positioned on the road before the accident. State the direction in which you moved after the accident. Do not provide any comments or thoughts. Just state the facts.
Get the names and badge numbers of the police and any other authorities who visit the accident scene. This could assist in the future should any discrepancies or further action be required. Double-check that the police report is accurate and that all your details are recorded correctly.
Tip #8: Ask for an Accident Report
Request a copy of the accident report. Visit your local police station if the police cannot give you one at the accident scene. Take a picture of the report if one is not immediately available; this is an important document for insurance purposes and any injuries you may have sustained.
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Notify Your Insurance Company of The Accident
Your insurance company will require detailed information about the accident. It is imperative
that you call them to report the accident as soon as possible, failure to do this could result in
damage claims not covered by your insurance policy.
Tip #9: Provide Your Insurance Company With All the Details of the Accident
Inform your insurance provider of the accident, preferably while at the scene. Confirm their required details to obtain all the correct information for your insurance claims. Request specific instructions if your vehicle must be towed away.
Seek Medical Attention if you Were Injured in the accident
Injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, while they may not be evident at the time, could cause health problems further down the line. You will need a medical report to verify that you visited a doctor immediately after an accident to claim reimbursement for your medical expenses.
Tip #10: Visit the Nearest Hospital or Your Local Health Care Provider
Visit the nearest hospital immediately after the accident. Request a medical examination even if you were not seriously injured. Ask the doctor to provide a detailed report on your injuries. Request the medical practitioner to document any pain or discomfort you feel after the accident, even though injuries are not visible.
Tip #11: Document Any Medical Bills and Symptoms of Your Injuries
Document any further symptoms you may have after the medical examination. Keep track of all your medical expenses and copies of all the costs you incur. Ensure all invoices and documentation provide comprehensive details of your symptoms and treatment.
Tip #12: Follow the Instructions of Your Medical Provider
Request specific instructions from your medical provider and adhere to these. Do not miss appointments and follow-up examinations. Take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Hire an Attorney to Assist With Your Case
Hiring an attorney is invaluable, particularly if you suspect the driver at fault may dispute details of the collision or if the driver has no insurance. You may also need to request further compensation after the insurance claim has been settled or file a civil suit; an attorney will assist you with this.
Tip #13: Research Attorneys in Your Area
Find attorneys with relevant experience in your area. Investigate whether the attorneys have litigation experience in no-fault accidents. Please speak to your insurer, who may have pre-approved attorneys specializing in vehicle collision lawsuits.
Tip #14: Ask for Referrals from Friends, Family, and Colleagues
Please speak to your friends, family, and colleagues and determine whether they have recommendations for or experience with insurance claim lawyers.
Summary of Steps to Take After a Car Accident Not Your Fault
After a collision where you are not at fault, take down the other driver’s information, witness details, and photos. Contact the authorities and request that the police visit the scene and write a police report. Inform your insurer and confirm what information is required. Seek medical assistance, and keep medical reports and bills. Hire an attorney to assist you with claims or lawsuits.
Conclusion
If you obtain insufficient or incorrect information at an accident scene, this can jeopardize your insurance and medical claims. Claims may take a long time to finalize, and invariably you are responsible for payments during this time. Suppose you haven’t followed the correct process the case will take longer to wind up, and you may be up out of pocket.