Picture this: you’re on a leisurely weekend drive when suddenly you’re caught up in a car accident. It’s a very stressful, jarring experience – especially if the accident wasn’t your fault. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to make the experience more bearable. Here are six key things to do after a not my fault accident.
1. Don’t panic
After an accident, the most important thing to do is to stay calm. Ensure everyone involved is safe and uninjured. Then, check to see if any of the vehicles involved are damaged and how extensive the damage is.
2. Get information from the other driver
If the at fault driver has stopped at the scene, try to gather as much information as possible, including the driver’s:
• Name
• Phone number
• Car registration information
• Insurance information (i.e. insurance provider and policy number and details)
• Driver’s licence number.
To assist them with their insurance claim, ensure you provide them with this information as well.
3. Don’t admit fault
When talking to the other driver, choose your words wisely. By simply saying “sorry”, you could inadvertently be taking responsibility. This accidental admission could be used against you when the other driver is lodging their insurance claim.
4. Take photos
Clear photographic evidence of the damage can be quite useful. Taking pictures of the damage caused in an accident can help you in a case where who is at fault is disputed. Photos can also show your insurance provider how extensive the damage is.
5. Contact the police
Any car accident must be reported to the police. So, make sure that you call them and provide accurate details of what has happened. The police will want to know things like the time and date of the accident, the location, the extent of your injuries, and the contact details of all parties involved.
6. Call your insurer
To ensure your claim goes through quickly, we recommend calling your insurance provider as soon as possible.
Have you been caught up in a not my fault accident? Call or email us today, so the Not My Fault team can help you through every step of the way.
