What Is Next? What to do When Your at Fault in a Car Accident
Did you crash into someone’s car? You’re not alone. Every year about 3 million Americans sustain injuries from car crashes. While getting into an accident can be a terrifying experience, things will only get worse if you don’t know the right steps to take afterwards.
Luckily for you, we’ve created this short, but complete guide, detailing exactly what to do after causing a car accident. So take a peek! You owe it to yourself to protect your rights.
Stay at the Car Accident Scene
First, let’s look at what to do immediately following the crash. Right after the crash happens do a quick body scan to see if you have any visible injuries. If you or any of your passengers have injuries, get an ambulance to the scene immediately.
Next, make sure your vehicle is in a safe area. If your car’s totalled and you can’t move it, see if you can safely exit the vehicle when there isn’t any traffic. When you talk to the other driver, stay calm and be polite. Let them have your name and insurance information, while also gathering theirs.
Always Call the Police
Even if the vehicle damage seems mild and there aren’t any injuries, you should always call the police. Never try to negotiate with the other driver since this will only cause you more problems down the road.
For example, let’s say you offer the other driver $500 for the damages instead of calling the police. The other driver can still use your license plate to file an insurance claim against you. You’ll have no way to prove you already paid for the damages, and now you’ll be on the hook to pay twice!
Never Say You’re Sorry
Causing a car accident is an emotional experience, especially if you’re involved in a serious crash like the ones you see on the local news. If you think you’re at fault for the crash, it’s natural to want to apologize.
However, you should never say sorry or admit guilt in any way. You don’t have all the facts, and the accident might not be completely your fault. There may have been a road hazard or faulty traffic light that caused the crash. For serious accidents, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to explore all of your available options.
Handling Insurance Companies
When it comes to talking to car insurance companies, remember to stick to the facts. Keep it simple and only answer the questions the insurance company asks. Never volunteer extra information, and always take notes so you can remember exactly what you said.
Get Your Life Back on Track
There you have it. A quick peek at what to do after getting into a car accident where you’re at fault. Remember to stay calm and be polite, while resisting the urge to apologize.
We hope you follow our tips in this article to help get your life back on track as quickly as possible. For more pro tips, go ahead and explore the rest of this site.
