Accidents can happen at any time and may result in severe damages even if you are not at fault. If you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault, you may be at a loss of what to do. However, you should take some essential steps immediately after the accident to make the legal process easier for you.
There are some cases where the party at fault may be uncooperative after the accident or may give another account of events, thereby complicating the whole process. To protect your interests after an accident where you are not at fault, follow the steps we’ll list in this article.
What to Do When You Are Not at Fault
Immediately after a car accident, ensure you remain calm and not make rash decisions. Once you’ve pulled yourself together, take the following steps:
1. Get Medical Attention
Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need medical attention, even if it’s just minor injuries. If there are other passengers or multiple drivers involved in the crash, check those who need emergency care, and contact the authorities. If you sustain wounds, ensure you do not move about.
Instead, stay until medical help arrives. After you get medical attention, ensure you keep the necessary details. For example, your medical expenses, details of your injuries, if any, and the doctor’s report are part of the information to keep as they will be important when making a claim against the guilty party.
2. Take Down All Necessary Information
If you have not sustained serious injuries during the accident and can take down information, ensure you do so. Although you are not at fault, it is still essential to take down the details immediately after the accident happens.
The details of the crash, the preceding and succeeding events, time and date, and eyewitness accounts are all you should write down. If you can take the photos and videos, ensure you do so to support your claim for damages.
Also, if you sustained injuries during the accident, ensure you write down the type and severity in detail. It is better to get everyone’s statements in writing as soon as possible, as it can significantly help your case.
If you also suffered economic or financial losses, record the details as you may be eligible for compensation. The damages may include damaged property, lost working hours, or missed appointments. Also, try to get the name, insurance company, address, and telephone number of the driver at fault.
3. Contact the Authorities
Regardless of the fact that you are not at fault in a crash, it is a good idea to contact the police. The police report may be useful during insurance company settlements. It usually involves details such as the time, location, date of the accident, the assessment of fault, and other information that may be useful during settlement discussions. Police reports can also contain eyewitness information and immediate accounts of the event.
4. Notify the Insurance Company
After the first three steps, you should consider notifying the other party’s insurance provider. Provide the necessary details and enough evidence to show their driver was at fault in the accident.
Based on the evidence, the insurance company will determine who is at fault. Ensure the insurer has accepted liability before you take your vehicle for repairs. Furthermore, in some cases, the at-fault party’s insurer may deny the claim and refuse a settlement.
If that happens, you will need the services of an attorney who will help you navigate the case. It is also advisable to report the incident to your insurer as they may offer a collision settlement till the other insurer covers the damages. Your insurer may also help during the fight against the other insurer if they deny liability.
5. Consult an Attorney
This is very important, and you must not overlook it. As the driver who is not at fault, an attorney will help a lot with your case. They will advise you on the best course of action to take if things get complicated.
An attorney will also review your case and the available evidence and help you demand the right settlement to cover your damages. If the case heads to court, the lawyer will help you through the process.
Get Help From Calvin Smith Law!
If you suffered an accident and were not at fault, you may be eligible to receive compensation. However, it is easy for the process to get complicated, making it difficult to get the settlement you deserve. Consult a motor accident attorney at Calvin Smith Law today to get the help you need.
