So you’ve been in a car accident….What happens next?
It’s a scenario none of us want to be in – getting into a motor vehicle accident. If you manage to find yourself in this unfortunate circumstance, it is important for you to know the next steps you need to take. The most pertinent question immediately after the collision happens is, is it plainly obvious who was at fault?
The Steps You Need To Take
Be sure to exchange all the insurance information with the other driver and get the driver’s full name, address, contact information, licence plate and the name of his or her insurance provider. The best thing to do is to take a photo of his or her driver’s licence, licence plate and policy card assuming they have one on hand. You will then have to notify your own insurer about the collision and describe everything that happened, including the details about the other driver. Be sure to take photos of all the damage to the vehicles. You should also take note of what the other driver says when he or she gets out of the vehicle. Did he or she say sorry? That is an important piece of information that you can tell your adjuster. Saying sorry may suggests the driver is admitting liability. This also becomes important should this matter proceed to litigation. When the time comes for examination for discovery, you will probably want to mention this as well as it will then become evidence that can have a large impact on the outcome of the case.
Conversely, if YOU are the one who caused the accident, you should be very mindful of what you say to the other driver and avoid being apologetic and using words such as “sorry”. Although you may think you caused the accident, it may not entirely be your fault. Assuming the injuries are serious enough, the matter may proceed to litigation. At this point, your insurance provider will retain a lawyer of their choice.
A driver who is prepared for the worst can take a bad situation and make the best of it as long as he or she remembers what has to be done. The best driver is a responsible one!
