At the Frederick Law Firm, we know that car accidents can often cause immense stress, property damage, and injuries. It may be especially confusing and stressful if someone else causes the accident. Perhaps you don’t know how to preserve your rights and take care of your safety in the wake of a serious accident.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of what to do after a car accident when it’s not your fault. Following the steps below will aid you in taking care of yourself and demonstrating that you were not at fault in the accident. If you want further guidance, the attorneys at the Frederick Law Firm are here to help. Contact us today.
What to Do After a Car Accident When It’s Not Your Fault
After a car accident, you may not know what to do, especially if you’re injured. Below are the steps you can take after a car accident that wasn’t your fault to preserve your health, safety and potential compensation claim.
Call for Emergency Services
First, you should call 9-1-1. After a car accident, even if you are only hurting slightly, it is crucial to get medical attention immediately. A doctor can check you for any hidden injuries. The shock of a car accident can often mask symptoms of injuries, so visiting a doctor is essential. Plus, medical records can be beneficial when filing your injury claim.
If you are physically stable, request to have the police come to the accident scene, even if the accident was only minor. The officers will compile a police report detailing all the relevant information about the collision. They will typically interview you and other parties involved as a part of the report. The report usually also contains a diagram of the accident and details about people and property connected to the crash. You can ask police officers at the scene where to get a copy later on, as insurance companies will often request it.
Collect Information
Many of our clients wonder, What should I do if a car accident wasn’t my fault? You should gather information from the other driver and anyone else involved in the accident. Some information you should collect includes:
- The responsible driver’s name,
- Their driver’s license number,
- Their insurance policy number and insurance company,
- The license plate number of their car.
Make sure not to discuss fault or apologize when speaking with the other parties involved in the crash.
Take Photos of the Accident
You should take pictures of the scene of the accident as soon as you can after a collision. If you have significant injuries and are taken to the hospital, ask a friend or family member to take pictures of the scene as soon as possible. Photos are a critical piece of evidence when filing a claim. Pictures can illustrate:
- Vehicle damage,
- Road signs,
- Weather conditions,
- Road conditions, and
- Skid marks.
Taking videos of any damage at the accident scene is also useful.
Speak to Witnesses
You should also attempt to gather contact information from any witnesses to the accident. It is a good idea to have them write down their version of events to help you prove that you were not at fault. It is best to speak with witnesses as soon as possible after the accident. Ask them if you can follow up with them after the accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You are usually required to call your car insurance company after an accident. Try to call your insurance company on the same day of the collision. Be prepared to let them know the contact information of the party you believe is at fault. Do not make any comprehensive statements. Simply give the basic facts they need to investigate your claim.
Avoid giving them recorded or written statements before discussing your situation with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to twist your words and use them against you. It is better to speak with an experienced attorney before discussing details with your car insurance company.
Keep Documentation
When filing a claim, you must save all copies of information related to your losses and expenses. For instance, you should gather copies of diagnostic records, medical bills, and treatment plans. You should also note how many days of work you had to miss due to the collision.
Get in Touch with an Experienced Attorney
Insurance companies do not always offer victims the settlement amount they deserve. That is where a high-quality lawyer at the Frederick Law Firm can help. We can negotiate with your insurance company and aid you in receiving a fair settlement amount. If the insurance company doesn’t compensate you adequately, we are not afraid to go to court to get your fair compensation.
Do I Need a Lawyer If the Accident Was Not My Fault?
You may wonder, What should you do if a car accident wasn’t your fault? Having a talented attorney by your side can be extremely helpful, even if another person causes the accident. A lawyer at the Frederick Law Firm can assist you in filing your claim. Furthermore, we can help you to recover damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses.
If fault for the crash is in dispute, an attorney can help you navigate California’s liability laws, gather evidence, and fight for you. If you need a skillful attorney, the team at the Frederick Law Firm is here to advocate for you.
Car Accident Liability in California
It is crucial to know state fault rules when filing a claim after a car accident. These vary widely from state to state. California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that if the injured party is partly liable for the accident, their potential compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Having a skillful attorney representing you is critical, especially when examining liability in your case.
How Our Attorneys Can Assist You
After sustaining injuries in a car accident that was not your fault, you need aggressive attorneys to fight for you and your fair compensation. At the Frederick Law Firm, we answer all your questions about what to do after a car accident when it’s not your fault. Our team is here to aid you in filing your claim and obtaining the compensation you need. At our award-winning trial attorney firm, we have more than 40 years of experience. We put every client first and will strive to obtain the best results for you. Contact us today for further information.
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