22 Aug What to Do If the Other Driver Doesn’t Report the Accident
Getting in a car accident is a stressful experience, but it can be even more jarring if the other driver involved refuses to provide their information at the scene of the crash. It is not uncommon for drivers to have differing accounts of what happened leading to an accident, and in some cases, drivers may be completely uncooperative when it comes to exchanging information and properly reporting the accident. Another driver’s refusal to report the accident or admit fault could hold up your vehicle repairs at your local auto body shop by delaying your insurance claim. If the other driver is being difficult or unresponsive after an accident, here are the steps you should take.
Document the Scene of the Accident
You may be shaken up after an accident, but it is important to document the scene in as much detail as possible. Take photos; write down the make, model, and license plate number of the other vehicle; identify any nearby businesses that may have security footage of the accident; and talk to witnesses.
Call the Police
It is always beneficial to have a police report of the accident when you are reporting the incident to your insurance provider. Call 911 immediately after the accident and ask for an officer to come to the scene. The presence of law enforcement may be enough to get the other driver talking and sharing their information as needed. If the other driver flees the scene before the police arrive, they may face criminal charges. Try to jot down as much identifying information about the other driver as possible before they have a chance to leave the scene of the accident.
Contact Your Auto Insurance Provider Immediately
After any accident, you should contact your insurance company right away and report the accident. Let them know if the other driver refused to provide their information. Your insurance provider may do their own research and legwork to track down and contact the other driver on your behalf. You may also be able to begin auto body repair right away if you have collision coverage.
Consider Legal Action
If you have not been able to hold the other driver accountable after working with local law enforcement and your insurance company, you may need to take legal action with the help of a car accident attorney. Most auto accident attorneys work on contingency, so you will not owe any legal fees upfront. A skilled attorney can help you uphold your rights and hold the uncooperative driver accountable for their role in the collision.
At National Auto Collision Centers, we understand that getting into a car accident is a stressful event, so we will work to minimize your stress and get your vehicle back to pre-accident condition as quickly as possible. Our collision repair center will help you navigate the insurance claims process and keep you informed throughout your vehicle repairs with regular updates and exceptional customer service. Contact us today to get in touch with one of our three Tucson auto body repair shops.