Car accidents are stressful, especially when you’re not at fault. After all, dealing with insurance companies is bad enough when it’s your own. If you have to call the at-fault driver’s insurer, you could be in for a real headache. Here are the steps to take after a car accident that wasn’t your fault to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Stay Calm and Safe
The first step is to keep calm and check for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s wise to seek medical attention as some injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
Contact the Police
Always call the police to report the accident. An official police report is crucial for your insurance claim and can help establish fault. When the police arrive, provide accurate information but avoid admitting fault or placing blame.
Gather Evidence
Collect as much evidence as possible before leaving the accident scene. This includes:
- Photos of vehicle damage and any surrounding property damage
- Photos of any visible injuries
- Photos of the accident scene, including road conditions and traffic signs
- Contact information of the other driver(s), including their insurance details
- Contact information of any witnesses
Make Detailed Notes
As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about the accident, including the time, location, weather conditions, and any conversations you had. Detailed notes can help refresh your memory later and support your case.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, even if it wasn’t your fault. Provide the necessary details but avoid assigning blame. Let them know you have contacted the police and gathered evidence.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Before speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, it’s wise to contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process, help you know what to expect, and handle communications with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Follow Up on Medical Treatment
Heed your healthcare provider’s recommendations and follow through with any medical treatments they advise. Hold onto all your medical records and bills as proof of your expenses when filing a personal injury claim.
Repair and Compensation
Work with your attorney to handle vehicle repair estimates and compensation negotiations. They can help ensure you receive fair compensation for vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other accident-related expenses.
Get Help from Nava Law Group
If you have been hurt in a car accident that’s not your fault, reach out to Nava Law Group for advice. We’ll help you take the right steps to protect your interests and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, so contact us at 713.661.9900 today to schedule a free consultation. Our car accident lawyers operate out of four personal injury law offices in Houston, Bellaire, Edinburg, and Austin, TX.
