A Car Accident That Isn’t Your Fault – Now What?

Last updated on July 19th, 2024 at 03:11 am

A car accident can happen anytime without warning and cause devastating consequences for those involved and their loved ones. It is important to be prepared for such an occurrence, whether it is your fault or not.

If you have been involved in an automobile accident, it is best to consider what steps should be taken to keep yourself safe and the costs of the accident under control. You should remember that you are responsible for damage done to your car or truck by someone else.

If you feel safe and can communicate with those involved, call the police and file a report and any witnesses. Here are the steps to take after an accident that isn’t your fault.

1. Contact the Police

If you can do so, contact the police immediately. The police can assist with identifying those involved and making sure the situation is under control. If the police arrive and everyone is OK, which is most likely the case, fill out a report with their information. However, if someone appears not OK or there is any other problem on-site, contact an ambulance and remain on scene until police arrive or simply leave and follow up with your doctor.

2. Get Medical Help

If you or another person involved in the accident appear to be injured, seek professional help. Even if a doctor says you are OK, your injuries may not be immediately apparent. Make sure a doctor looks at you after an accident that wasn’t your fault. You may need further medical attention to avoid further injury or death.

3. Gather the Necessary Evidence

If enough damage is done to a car or truck to require repairs, it is a good idea to take pictures of the damage. This would be important evidence if the driver involved claims they did not damage your vehicle. You can’t prove that the driver damaged your vehicle if you don’t have the evidence. You may also want to write down the license plate number of the vehicle, as well as other important details like the driver’s name, address, and phone number.

It is also a good idea to take pictures of yourself after an accident that wasn’t your fault. The pictures taken after a car accident will help with any claims you make.

4. Call Your Insurance Agent

If you have auto insurance, call your agent as soon as possible. Provide details of your accident that is not your fault and the contact information of those involved. Some companies will immediately provide you with a claim number, which will be important to keep on file. If there is a possibility of litigation after the car accident, call a lawyer in advance so they can take the necessary steps to protect you.

Your insurance company will investigate to find out the cause of the accident. They will accept or reject your claim based on witness information, evidence, and injuries. If they consider the accident was not your fault, you may get compensation for some or all of your damages.

5. Consider Suing the Insurance Company Covering the Other Driver Who Caused the Accident

If you are at fault, your insurance company may protect you and settle with the other drivers or their companies to avoid additional expenses. However, if you are not at fault and the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you will have to sue them directly. You will have better chances of winning a lawsuit if your injuries are not minor. For example, if the car accident left you permanently disabled, this could be enough for a court to award damages for medical bills and pain and suffering.

6. Contact an Attorney

If you want to report the accident to the police and are not at fault, it is best to contact an attorney immediately. You should expect an attorney to provide a free consultation with information about your legal options and how much a suit would likely cost. If you hire an attorney, make sure they are knowledgeable about auto accidents that are not your fault and that they will advance your case appropriately.

Car accident lawyers are not paid until your case is settled and you get compensated. Some will advance a certain percentage of the total amount they expect to recover, but this may come at a high-interest rate of up to 24%. It is best to deal with an attorney who will not charge you any fees until you recover compensation.

Benefits of Getting a Car Accident Lawyer if You Were Not at Fault in an Accident

The amount of benefits you and your loved ones can recover after an accident that is not your fault is surprisingly large. Some of these benefits include the following.

— Medical expenses required for treatment after the accident

— Physical therapy costs

— Mental health counseling and prescription medication costs

— Income loss if you were unable to work for a period after the accident

— Property damage to your vehicle

When you need legal counsel for your auto accident, you want to be sure you are working with a law firm that does not charge upfront costs before you recover compensation. When dealing with an attorney, ensure they are licensed to practice in your state and have experience representing clients who were not at fault in an accident.

Another factor to consider when choosing an attorney for your car accident is availability. Ensure they can provide you with quick responses to questions and case updates. You will want to be able to contact them, and your attorney will want to contact you anytime.

Remember that you may have the option of a lawsuit after an accident that is not your fault. If you want compensation for your injuries and damaged property, a lawyer can help determine if this is your best option. Your attorney will advise you regarding your chances of winning a lawsuit and help you prepare for the potential costs of litigating the case.

Conclusion

When you have been in a car accident that was not your fault, it is important to take the proper actions. The first step is to call 911 if you and others involved are injured or something dangerous is happening on the scene. After this, follow up with your doctor for a full examination and contact your insurance agent to report the incident. You can then pursue litigation against the other parties to recover compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.