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Victims of accidents should always call the police, get checked out, and let their insurance company know what happened. To recover damages if you weren’t at fault, you could file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. While the time after an accident that wasn’t your fault might be terrifying, the attorneys at Redkey Gordon Law Corp. can explain your rights and the steps you need to take to safeguard them.

What To Do Immediately Following a Non-Fault Accident

Maintaining composure and remembering next steps after an automobile accident can be difficult, especially if the event was not your fault. Put together a checklist in your car’s glove box outlining these first steps.

  • A Short Time After the Accident

Try to find safeguards for yourself and people you care about. Possible approaches to accomplishing this include the following:

  • You should pull over as safely as possible if you have to.
  • Please contact emergency services at 911 if anyone is hurt.
  • If the accident has occurred, it is important to contact the police.

Priority should be given to ensuring the well-being of others and limiting any harm done to anyone else.

  • Make The Most of Your Education

If the accident wasn’t your fault, proving what caused it is crucial. Fixing the damage from accidents could result in hefty repair bills. It may be necessary to record the events immediately following an accident in order to make the negligent motorist financially liable for the harm they have caused.

The time immediately following an accident is of the essence for gathering information that may prove useful later. Some possible instances of this are shown in the examples section.

  • Documentation of accident passengers and eyewitnesses
  • Pictures of the accident scene and the smashed cars
  • Ways to contact the responding police
  • If possible, please include a copy of the relevant police report.

Since it may be impossible or difficult to obtain this information after some time has passed, it is essential to collect as much data as possible at the site.

When A Car Accident Occurs, What You Should Do Right Away

Injuries from car accidents are possible even at low speeds. A person’s physical condition after a crash may not show immediate signs of damage. Through a comprehensive medical examination, any issues can be identified. This could increase the likelihood that you will get help quickly. Proof of your injuries is crucial if you intend to seek compensation from the other motorist.

Limitations On Liability and Other Provisions Required By Law For Insurance

Each state has its own laws on who is responsible for accident damages.

In no-fault states, your insurance company might foot the bill for your medical bills and lost wages if the accident wasn’t too serious and the damages weren’t too costly. Where this is the case, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will only pay out a maximum sum, usually $10,000, to the other driver in the event of an accident.

If you are involved in a car accident in one of these states, it doesn’t matter who was at fault; the procedures you follow will be very similar. The careless driver can still be held financially responsible for the property damage they cause, even in no-fault states.

However, in other regions, the negligent driver is responsible for compensating the victim for their injuries and property damage.

Whether you can expect compensation from your own insurer or the insurer of the at-fault driver depends on whether or not you know the likely rules that apply to your scenario.

Identify Your Specific Insurance Company and Contact Them Directly

After a car collision, even if you think the other driver should pay, you should still notify your insurance company as quickly as possible.

Even if the other driver acknowledges fault and offers compensation after a small mishap, you should still contact your insurance carrier. Doing so is important for a number of reasons. Reason enough to always notify your insurance provider after an accident:

  • Expenses can pile up quickly even after a seemingly small mishap. In certain cases, drivers who have agreed to payment terms may lack the resources to really carry them out.
  • The insurance firm will help you file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurer and collect the money you’re owed.

It is possible that your insurance company will have to foot the bill for your vehicle repair costs if you live in a state that does not require proof of fault in traffic accidents or if the other motorist does not have enough insurance to cover them. If the negligent driver does not have enough insurance to cover your damages, your insurance company will pay up the difference if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

If you don’t tell your insurance provider right away, you could lose your eligibility to make use of the coverage the company has promised you. Serious problems may arise if the negligent party is not held financially responsible for the mishap.