27 Oct What to Do When You’ve Been in an Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault
Car accidents are one of the most common sources of injuries, and often, they’re completely out of your control. Whether a reckless driver T-boned your car at an intersection or was speeding and didn’t see your vehicle, there are countless ways you could be caught in a car accident that’s not your fault. In these situations, knowing what to do is critical to your continued well-being. Not only can it save you a lot of hassle down the road, but following the proper procedures can also help you receive your rightful compensation.
Step 1: Get to Safety
Right after a car accident, it’s essential to get to a safe location as quickly as possible. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road out of the way of oncoming traffic. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If someone is injured, do not attempt to move them unless they are actively in danger.
Step 2: Call 911
Once you’ve ensured your safety, be sure to call the relevant parties right away. This could include the police, your insurance company, and the paramedics in the event of an injury. You should contact the police even if the accident is minor—if you end up having to pursue an insurance claim, having an official record of the incident is critical. Plus, you’ll have written proof that the accident took place, as well as an indication of its location and the cause of the accident.
Step 3: Gather Information
After notifying the police, you’ll need to get some information from the other driver. This includes:
- The driver’s name, address, contact information, license plate number, and insurance information.
- Name and contact information of any passengers or witnesses.
- Contact information for the police who took your statement.
You should also take photographs or videos of the damage to your car, as your insurance company will need these as proof that the damage was caused by the accident and not through any fault of your own.
See Your Doctor
Many car accident injuries do not become apparent until weeks or even months after the crash—and by then, it could be too late to seek your rightful compensation if the statute of limitations has passed. Get checked out by a doctor even if you think you feel fine. You could be experiencing shock and not know that you were injured. Catching these problems early will increase your chances of getting successful treatment, and you’ll have official documentation that you were injured by the accident and you chose to seek medical care.
Contact National Auto Collision Centers Today
If you were involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s likely that your vehicle was damaged. At National Auto Collision Centers, we offer expert auto body repair services that are fast, efficient, and effective, meaning you can get back on the road as quickly as possible and be confident that your vehicle is up for the job. Contact our Broadway Blvd. location at (520) 760-5536 today to schedule your service appointment.