The United States suffers from around six million car accidents yearly, although many of these are minor bumps and scrapes. Still, it is important to exchange insurance data after a car accident to ensure that it resolves properly regardless of fault. But what if you did not get this information, either due to forgetfulness or if the other person refuses and leaves?
Below are several steps you should take to ensure that you act legally and sensibly following an accident. By taking these steps, you can cover yourself in case anyone questions you about the incident. With luck, you might even find the other person in the accident to get those details off them.
Call the Police
You must inform the police of everything that happened. An accident is something that you should record for the sake of legal posterity, and the word of a police officer can be very important. They may even be able to make a thorough examination of the scene to find information that you otherwise might not know about.
If there are any injuries or major property damage, you need to phone the police. Leaving the scene without doing so may count as a crime.
On top of this, there is every chance that the other participant in the crash does not share their driver information but waits. The police will have the capacity to explain to them why they must do this after an auto accident.
Write Everything Down
Make sure that you write everything that happened down. Do this Regardless of if the other party chooses to exchange insurance details.
Start the timeline before the incident, and write a detailed list of the actions you took before, during and after the crash. Do not put details of your emotions or opinions in this, as companies and the police use this to work out the specifics of the events of the crash.
As you do this, also write down the make, model and license plate number of the other driver’s vehicle.
Talk To Your Car Insurance
You should report the incident to your car insurance company at your earliest convenience. This is especially important in case the other person decides to file a claim and inform them of different information from you.
Your insurance company will also have resources available to them if you cannot get the information about the other driver. The earlier they can start this process, the easier it will be for everyone involved.
What to Do After a Car Accident
With the above information, you should have a much better idea of what to do after a car accident. Still, if you want more protection, it makes sense to contact a legal professional.
Lucky for you, we are on-call to talk to you about what we offer. We can listen to you and your situation, and then give you the best advice to help you move forward. All you need to do is give us a call, and we can begin your free case evaluation with our auto insurance claim attorney.