The truth is that dealing with a car accident can be pretty challenging, whether it is your fault or someone else’s fault. However, things can be even worse when you are 100% sure that the crash happened due to someone else’s negligence.
What To Do After a Car Accident That Is Not Your Fault?
If you find yourself in such a situation, knowing what to do to protect your rights is essential. Keep in mind that whatever you do after the accident will play a significant in determining whether you are compensated for your losses or not.
So, are you wondering what to do after a car accident not your fault? Here are some tips to help you protect your legal rights.
Stop Right There
The first thing you need to do if you have been involved in a car accident is to stop. You may be accused of committing a hit-and-run if you don’t stop. Be sure to stop even if the other driver doesn’t stop.
Stopping will help you assess any damage to your car and injuries you may have sustained. This will play a critical role in ensuring your safety and protecting your rights.
Once you have stopped, move your car out of the flow of traffic if possible and turn on your hazards.
Check for any injuries you may have suffered (both you and your passengers) and compose yourself before you step out of the vehicle.
Call the Police
It is essential to call the police after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. The police will create an accident report that can later be used as evidence in court.
In addition, the police will also help keep everyone safe by directing traffic away from the accident scene and keeping tempers from flaring.
Get Information from the Other Driver
When talking to the other driver, be sure to get their name, contact information, insurance company name, and policy number.
It is also a good idea to take photos of their driver’s license and insurance card. While you are at it, you should also write down their license plate number.
In addition, don’t forget to take note of what happened leading up to the accident. This will come in handy when making your case to the insurance company or court.
Take Clear Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene
Photographs and videos form crucial pieces of evidence that you will need when arguing your case against the at-fault driver for fair compensation. In fact, they provide the most effective way of proving who was liable for the accident.
So, if you have a smartphone or digital camera in your car, make sure you capture clear photographs and video showing the extent of damage to your vehicle, the exact positions of the two cars, the surrounding area, and the license plates of both vehicles.
If you are badly injured and cannot take the photos/videos yourself, you can still find crucial visual evidence by speaking with witnesses and finding out whether there are any surveillance cameras in the area where the accident occurred.
Get Information from Witnesses
If there were any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their names and contact information.
If the police are called to the scene, they will also get information from these witnesses. However, it is always best to get this information yourself just in case.
The statements given by these witnesses can come in handy when filing an insurance claim or taking legal action against the at-fault driver.
When speaking to the witnesses, try to establish the reliability of their statements. For instance, did they see the whole accident or just part of it?
Also, try to get a written statement from each witness if possible. This will make it easier to use their testimony as evidence later on.
See a Doctor Even If You Feel Fine
It is essential to see a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine. This is because some injuries, such as whiplash, may not present themselves immediately.
Getting prompt medical attention will also help document your injuries and establish a connection between the accident and your injuries. This will be important when filing an insurance claim or taking legal action against the at-fault driver.
Keep Track of All Your Expenses Related to the Accident
Be sure to keep track of all your expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, etc.
This will be important when filing an insurance claim or taking legal action against the at-fault driver.
In fact, it is one of the most crucial things that must be on your to-do- list if you are wondering what to do after a car accident not your fault.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Last but not least, it is always a good idea to hire a car accident attorney. A good attorney will help you navigate the complex legal system, deal with the insurance company and build a strong case against the at-fault driver.
And if you decide to take legal action, having an attorney on your side will increase your chances of getting fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Summary
If you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault, it’s essential to take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Make sure to stop at the scene, call the police, and gather information from everyone involved. Take clear photos and videos of the scene, and be sure to keep track of all your expenses related to the accident.
Contact a car accident attorney if you need help filing a claim or negotiating with insurance companies.
