Insurance Claims: Car Accidents And You

If you've hit another vehicle, you should call the police and your insurance company. Even if you believe you're not at fault, it's important to contact your insurer as soon as possible to explain what happened and get your claim started. Your insurer will then be able to handle your claim and interact with the other driver's insurer. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, having uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of your policy can help pay for damages.

Notify your insurance company, even if you're not at fault

Even if you are not at fault, it is important to notify your insurance company after hitting another vehicle. This is because your insurance company will be able to help you with your claim and get it started as soon as possible. They will also be able to help you get back on the road more quickly. For example, if you are waiting for the other driver's insurance company to pay for your car repair, you may be waiting for several weeks or months. By contacting your insurance company, you may be able to arrange to get your car repaired faster.

Additionally, your insurance policy may contain other types of coverage or benefits that can help you after an accident, such as medical payments coverage. You may also have to pay out of pocket for some medical services, and contacting your insurer may give you access to coverage for medical treatment faster than waiting for the other driver's insurance company to compensate you.

It is also important to note that almost every provider requires you to contact them if your vehicle has been damaged. If you fail to do so, you may be penalized by a rate increase or even have your coverage cancelled.

Finally, notifying your insurance company will help protect you financially. For example, if the other driver does not have insurance or enough insurance to cover the costs of the accident, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for the damages.

File a police report

If you hit another vehicle, you should file a police report. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

• Stop at the scene of the crash: It is against the law to leave the scene of an accident. Use your hazard warning lights to alert other road users to the danger.
• Assist anyone who is injured: If there is a danger, such as a fire, or if someone is injured, call emergency services immediately.
• Call the police: If emergency services are not required, you should still call the police for assistance. In non-urgent situations, you can call the police assistance line.
• Move your vehicle: If the police are not attending the scene, move your vehicle off the road and to a safe location. If you need to, you can call a tow truck to move your vehicle.
• Exchange information with the other driver: Make sure to exchange information with the other driver, including name, address, vehicle registration number, and any other relevant details.
• Report the crash to the police: If someone was injured or killed, you must report the accident to the police immediately. Even if there are no injuries, you should still report the accident to the police as soon as possible, and usually within 24 hours. You will need to provide your personal details, driver's license, vehicle registration, location of the crash, and other relevant information. After filing a report, you will be given a Motor Vehicle Collision (MVC) number for future reference.
• Get a copy of the police report: You may need a copy of the police report for insurance purposes. You can apply for a Motor Vehicle Collision Report from your local police station or online. There may be a fee for this service, and you will need to provide proof of identity.

Remember, it is important to remain calm and follow these steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to properly document the accident for insurance and legal purposes.

Exchange information with the other driver

Exchanging information with the other driver is a crucial step following a car accident. This process can be stressful and overwhelming, but it is important to remain calm and collect the necessary details to ensure proper documentation and facilitate insurance claims. Here is a detailed guide on what information to exchange:

Contact Information:

Provide your full name, phone number, and address to the other driver, and request the same information from them. It is important to have accurate and up-to-date contact details to ensure effective communication during the insurance claim process.

Insurance Information:

Share the name of your insurance company, policy number, and their contact information with the other driver. Similarly, obtain their insurance details, including the name of their insurer, policy number, and contact information. This exchange will help both parties initiate the insurance claim process and coordinate with the respective insurers.

Driver's License Information:

Exchange driver's license numbers, including the issuing state, and ensure that both licenses are valid. This information is essential for identification purposes and can impact insurance coverage and liability determination.

Vehicle Information:

Share specific details about your vehicle, such as the make, model, year, and license plate number. Collect the same information from the other driver. This exchange will assist in identifying the vehicles involved, assessing damage, and facilitating insurance and repair processes.

Avoid Discussing Fault:

It is important to refrain from discussing fault or blaming the other driver during the information exchange. Statements like "It was your fault" can escalate tensions and hinder cooperation. Instead, focus on gathering the necessary information calmly and collaboratively.

Witness Details:

If there are witnesses to the accident, obtain their names, contact information, and brief statements about what they observed. Witness accounts can provide valuable third-party perspectives and support insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Accident Location:

Note the exact location of the accident, including the street name, nearby landmarks, and the direction both vehicles were travelling. This information helps in reconstructing the incident and understanding the context of the collision.

Remember, exchanging information with the other driver is a vital step to protect your rights and ensure a smooth insurance claim process. Remain calm, provide accurate information, and avoid making statements that may compromise your position.

Document the damage and accident scene

Documenting the damage and accident scene is crucial when you hit another vehicle. Here are some detailed steps to follow:

Take Photos and Videos:

• Document the damage to your vehicle from every angle, including the interior. Take photos of any damage to other vehicles involved, and get their owners' permission to photograph their vehicles.
• Capture damage to nearby buildings, objects, or property, such as a building, sign, or an individual's yard.
• Photograph any visible injuries sustained by you or others involved in the accident. These photos provide valuable evidence of physical harm.
• Take pictures of other parties involved, such as drivers, passengers, witnesses, emergency responders, and police officers. These photos can help you recall the events and individuals present at the scene.
• Document the area surrounding the accident scene, including structures, traffic signs, and lights. These details can provide crucial context about the crash, such as sight obstructions or driving conditions.
• Capture license plates of all vehicles involved, as they can help track down witnesses or identify vehicles in a hit-and-run situation.
• Take pictures of any other relevant evidence, such as skid marks, fallen cargo, or debris from the collision.

Write Down Contact Information:

• Collect and record contact information from all drivers involved, including phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses.
• Obtain license plate numbers and states, make and model of involved vehicles, and insurance company names and policy numbers.
• If you are unable to write down this information, use your phone to take photos or videos of the relevant documents.

Collect Witness Information:

• Identify and approach witnesses who seem credible and unbiased. Look for individuals who saw the entire accident, do not have a personal stake in the outcome, and do not appear to have hearing or sight issues.
• Obtain witness statements by recording audio or video with their permission, or by asking them to write down their account of the events.
• Collect witness contact information, including phone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses, as your lawyer may need to contact them later.

Create a Car Accident Journal:

• Write down a detailed description of the accident, including the date, location, time, weather and road conditions, and the names and contact information of those involved.
• Record your perspective of how the accident happened, as well as the other driver's perspective.
• Include any relevant details, such as witness statements, vehicle information, and insurance details.
• Update the journal with any new injuries, issues, or expenses that arise over time.

Keep Records of Expenses:

• Save all receipts and records related to the accident, including estimates for car repairs, medical bills, rental car fees, and any other expenses incurred due to the accident.
• Keep letters from the insurance company, official accident reports, and pay stubs to calculate lost wages.
• Retain records of any additional costs, such as childcare, house cleaning services, hotel stays, and meals during medical appointments.

Remember, the goal of documenting the damage and accident scene is to accurately capture what happened, who was involved, and any resulting damages or injuries. This information will be crucial when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.

Contact a lawyer

If you've been in a car accident, it's important to know your rights and responsibilities. While you're not legally required to hire an attorney when seeking compensation, doing so can help you focus on your health and recovery while pursuing legal action. Here are some reasons why contacting a lawyer after hitting another vehicle can be beneficial:

Legal Expertise and Experience

Car accident attorneys are well-versed in local, state, and federal traffic laws, insurance laws, and procedural rules. They can help you navigate the complex world of insurance claims and settlement negotiations. Their expertise includes:

• Traffic Laws: Understanding the rules and regulations governing vehicle operations to determine liability.
• Insurance Laws: Deep knowledge of insurance policies, coverage limits, and negotiation tactics to maximize your compensation.
• Investigation Skills: Working with specialists to reconstruct the accident, examine evidence, and establish fault.
• Evidence Gathering: Collecting and preserving vital evidence such as witness statements, police reports, medical records, and surveillance footage.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Negotiating with insurers and opposing counsel, countering unsatisfactory offers, and advocating for your best interests.

Understanding Damages

Car accident attorneys can accurately evaluate your losses, including medical bills, rehabilitative care, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also project future damages for long-term injuries or disabilities, ensuring you receive ongoing compensation.

Litigation Skills

If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, a skilled car accident lawyer will pursue litigation and present your case in court. They understand relevant court procedures, employ successful legal strategies, and make decisions in your best interests.

Peace of Mind

Handling a car accident claim on your own can be risky, especially if you have serious injuries or shared fault is involved. A lawyer will act as your advocate, ethically required to act in your best interests at every stage of the claim process. They will ensure your side of the story is heard, and you receive fair compensation.

No Upfront Fees

Most injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully resolve your claim. This means you can focus on your recovery without worrying about legal fees.

When to Contact a Lawyer

It is recommended to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. They can guide you through the initial steps, such as gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and filing a police report. However, even if some time has passed since the accident, you still have the right to seek legal counsel at any point in the process.

Frequently asked questions