What To Do When You're In A Car Accident That Wasn't Your Fault
No matter how experienced of a driver you are, car accidents can happen in an instant. It's important to know what steps to take if it turns out that the accident wasn't your fault. Jot down all contact and insurance information for everybody involved and document any visible damage at the scene (if possible). If no one is hurt, call up law enforcement and make sure they fill out a report - giving you legal protection against potential expenses later on. Remember: preparation goes a long way with these types of incidents!
Gather Information And Document The Scene
Other drivers’ name,
Contact information
License plate number
Insurance Company & Policy Number
Stay Calm And Safe
It's normal to feel overwhelmed by the suddenness and severity of the situation, but panicking won't help resolve it any quicker. Before doing anything else, assess if anyone needs medical attention and ensure that they receive the necessary care. Once that's been taken care of, take a deep breath to collect your thoughts and start recording evidence of what happened. Take photos of the scene and both vehicles involved - including insurance details - before calling the police to create an official report. Knowing how to respond in an emergency like this could save you and others from further serious harm.
Steps to take with your vehicle after a car wreck
Safely position your vehicle off the road, if possible
If you cannot move it, contact authorities to ensure that traffic can flow safely
Contact a tow truck or roadside assistance to get your vehicle back on the road
Take photos of damage to both vehicles for insurance purposes
Get any dents and bodywork repairs done, as necessary
Replace any broken or damaged parts if needed.
Not-At-Fault Accidents
Filing a not-at-fault claim with your insurance company after a car wreck may not be the best idea for you. You may be held liable for any future damages that arise from the incident and your insurance rates may go up as a result of it. Furthermore, you might end up paying out of pocket for repairs since another driver is at fault and this could be far cheaper than the long term costs associated with filing an insurance claim. The process could take a while to receive a settlement and it could also be difficult to get full coverage of your costs if the other driver's insurance isn't sufficient.
How we’re different
At Holt Insurance agency, we understand that dealing with an insurance claim can be a daunting task. That's why our friendly staff will go the extra mile to ensure your experience is as pain-free and stress-free as possible! Our expertise in contacting other parties means when you're filing a not-at fault claim, it doesn't have to mean long wait times or frustrating conversations; we'll conference in the appropriate team at the liable company so you won't need to chase them down yourself. We never forget – even though this process isn’t always under our control -that ultimately, minimizing disruption for ourselves equates too less grief for YOU - because no one deserves unnecessary hassle during such an important procedure.
Conclusion
Nobody likes being involved in a car accident, and filing a not-at-fault claim can be stressful and could potentially have long-term impacts on your insurance premiums. While it's best to avoid filing a claim, consulting with your insurance agent can give you valuable advice as to what the next steps should be when dealing with both your insurance policy and the at-fault party's insurance. No matter the outcome, it is important to make sure you are adequately covered if something similar were ever to happen again.
