Personal Injury Law Blog

What To Do After A Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault

What to do after a car accident that's not your fault

Being involved in a car accident can be a frightening experience, especially when it’s not your fault. The shock and confusion at the crash site can make it hard to think clearly. However, knowing the right steps can safeguard your rights and help you recover damages. This guide will walk you through what to do after such an incident.

At Glotzer and Leib, LLP, our experienced car accident lawyers know the challenges you face following a collision. We are here to help you work through the difficult process of dealing with insurance companies and legal claims.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you gather the necessary evidence and protect your interests. Let us help you understand your rights and options after a car accident.

Prioritize Safety by Moving to a Safe Spot

Your first priority after a car accident is safety. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe spot. Switch on your emergency lights to signal other drivers. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call for medical assistance if needed.

Call 911 to Report the Accident and Request Medical Assistance

Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance

Even if the collision seems minor, be sure to call 911. Reporting the car accident ensures that police and medical professionals arrive on the scene. The police report they create will be crucial for your insurance claim.

Medical attention is vital, even if you don’t feel injured immediately, as some car accident injuries may not show symptoms right away.

Gather Evidence, Including Photos, Witness Contacts, and Insurance Information

Collecting evidence at the crash scene is critical. Take photos of the vehicles, damage, skid marks, and any relevant road conditions.

Swap contact and insurance information with the at-fault driver. Also, get contact details from any witnesses who saw the incident happen.

Reporting the Accident to Relevant Parties

Reporting the accidents to relevant parties

After ensuring everyone’s safety and gathering evidence, it is time to report the car accident to the relevant parties. Proper reporting helps protect your rights and aids in the claims process. Below are the key steps you should take.

Filing a Police Report and Obtaining a Copy for Your Records

The police report is an official record of the car accident. Make sure to file a report with the responding officer at the scene. This document will include important details and the officer’s assessment of fault.

Request a copy of the report for your records, as it will be valuable when dealing with the insurance company.

Notifying Your Insurance Provider Even if You’re Not at Fault

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the car accident. Your policy may require prompt notification even if you are not at fault. Provide them with the details of the incident and the information of the at-fault driver.

Early communication helps ensure your insurance coverage remains in effect and can assist in processing any claims.

Informing the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company

You should also notify the at-fault driver’s insurance company about the car accident. Provide them with the necessary information and be honest about what happened.

Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting blame without consulting a car accident attorney. The other driver’s insurer will begin their investigation, and your cooperation can help speed up the process.

How To Protect Your Rights After an Accident

  • Avoid admitting fault. Do not admit fault or say you’re sorry at the accident scene. These statements can be used against you when assigning liability.
  • Seek medical attention promptly. Visit a doctor even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and medical records are essential for your car accident claim.
  • Document everything. Keep all records related to the car accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with the insurance company.
  • Limit communication with the other party’s insurer. Be cautious when speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurer. They may try to get you to settle quickly for less than you deserve.
  • Consult a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can protect your rights. They can handle negotiations and help you get fair compensation.

Our Lawyer Helps You File a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver

Our lawyer helps you file a claim against the at-fault driver

At Glotzer and Leib, LLP, our car accident attorneys are committed to helping you work through the claims process. We know the challenges you must overcome when dealing with insurance companies. Here’s how we assist you in pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver.

Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claim

We help you collect all the pertinent evidence to strengthen your case. This includes police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Our team may also work with experts to reconstruct the accident scene. Comprehensive evidence increases the likelihood of a successful insurance claim.

Negotiating With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company

Dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurer can be stressful. Our legal team handles all communications with the insurance company. We fight aggressively to recover a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If needed, we are prepared to take your case to court.

Understanding the Role of Comparative Negligence in California

California adheres to a comparative negligence rule, which means fault can be shared between parties. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover damages. Our attorneys work to minimize any assigned fault to maximize your compensation.

After a car crash, we can even negotiate your car insurance claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Let us handle your car accident claim on your behalf.

How Much Is Your Claim Worth?

  • Medical expenses. This provides compensation for all medical bills related to your injuries. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs.
  • Lost wages. You can demand reimbursement for income lost due to the car accident. If you cannot work, you deserve compensation for your financial losses.
  • Property damage. This covers the expenses of repairing or replacing your vehicle. This ensures you are not out-of-pocket for damage caused by the at-fault driver.
  • Pain and suffering. This is compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. These damages recognize the impact on your quality of life.
  • Punitive damages. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be granted. These serve to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior.

When Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit Necessary?

When is a personal injury lawsuit necessary

Sometimes, insurance settlements are insufficient or unfair. A personal injury lawsuit may be necessary if the at-fault driver’s insurer refuses to offer adequate compensation. Filing a lawsuit allows you to pursue the full extent of your damages. Our attorneys evaluate your case to determine the best course of action.

Additionally, a lawsuit may be appropriate if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. In such cases, recovering damages through insurance claims alone may not be possible. Our legal team can explore alternative avenues for compensation. We are committed to fighting for your rights in court if needed.

Always Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident

After a collision, legal guidance is invaluable. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. They handle the complex legal and insurance processes on your behalf. This allows you to focus on recovery while ensuring your interests are protected.

At Glotzer and Leib, LLP, we have the expertise to address car accident claims. We offer personalized attention and aggressive representation. We aim to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t face the insurance companies alone—let us advocate for you.

Call Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney For a Free Case Consultation

Call our Los Angeles car accident attorney for a free case consultation

If you’ve been in a car accident that’s not your fault, you don’t have to recover alone. Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys are here to help. At Glotzer and Leib, LLP, we offer a free case consultation to discuss your situation and legal options.

Contact us today, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers today by filling out the form below, or call us at 747-241-8288


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