What to Do After a Car Accident Not Your Fault?

Any car accident is traumatizing and terrifying. However, if you are practicing road safety and suddenly get hit by a reckless driver, your shock may be enough to keep you from taking the necessary steps. When you get in a car accident not your fault, it’s important to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Fight for justice in your case by contacting a Bridgeport car accident lawyer to file your claim and receive fair compensation.

If you ask questions like, “What should I do after a car accident in Bridgeport?” or “What if I’m not at fault in Bridgeport?” We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list.

1. Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries

Practice accident safety in Bridgeport as you check for injuries. Your overall health is the most important thing, so be sure to move to a safe spot as you assess yourself and others for critical injuries.

Call 9-1-1 to gain access to immediate medical care. Visiting an ER or Urgent Care in Bridgeport after hours is better than hoping the pain resolves over time. Serious injuries result from car accidents, including internal bleeding, brain trauma, and concussions. Your health is the top priority.

As you wait for medical help, be aware of your surroundings. Many car accident victims get injured while waiting on the side of the road. If your accident is around a quick corner or due to hazardous road conditions, other vehicles may crash and veer off the road. Be aware of this and find a safe location far from the road to wait for the ambulance.

2. File a Report for the Car Accident Not Your Fault

As the victim of a car accident, your first action should be to call police not at fault in Bridgeport. You know you are not responsible for the accident, which is why it’s important to hold the other party liable for the damage. The Bridgeport police will visit the site, speak to all parties involved, and document the state of the accident.

If you don’t think you need to file police report in Bridgeport car accident, do it anyway. Even minor accidents need documentation. Be aware of these tips for filing a police report:

• Speak with the officer calmly and respectfully.
• Do not agree to a recorded statement. You are likely in a state of shock and do not want any details held against you later in the investigation.
• Do not admit fault. Wait until you are removed from the situation to process what happened clearly.
• Do not post any live videos on social media. These can be used against you later.
• Get the police report number from the officer on duty.

When you cooperate with the police officer, you can guarantee all the accident information is part of the official police report. The insurance company will reference this information later when reviewing your claim.

3. Collect Information from All Parties Involved

A car accident involves multiple parties. Everyone on the scene will feel stressed and overwhelmed. You must not leave the scene before you exchange details Bridgeport accident. Ask the other driver for their name, address, phone number, and insurance information.

When you talk to the other driver, be careful about what you say. It would be best if you did not admit fault in any way during this exchange. At the scene, stick to the facts and collect the information you need.

In addition, ask witnesses for their information in case you need to contact them further along in the case. The witness accounts are valuable third-party accounts. Witnesses are often more clear-minded and have a better view of what really happened.

If the other driver flees the scene without providing their personal information, record what you can about the vehicle: color, make, model, license plate, scratches, or missing lights. Also, describe the driver in detail: beard, long hair, hat, and clothing color. Most intersections have cameras. It’s always possible to find the other driver.

4. Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly

While the accident is fresh in your mind, document what you think happened. Take photos not at fault to make sure the other driver does not blame additional damage on you later. As you document accident in Bridgeport, think about details that the police report does not include.

Take pictures of the surrounding area where there may be cameras. Write down license plate numbers and police officer names. Take photos of your injuries and the state of the inside and outside of your vehicle.

If there is damage on the road or an absence of road signs warning of hazards, document that as well. All of this evidence will be used in your personal injury claim.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Is it necessary to notify insurance not at fault? Yes, your insurance company needs to know about the accident. As you report an accident in Bridgeport, CT, tell your insurance the date and location of the accident.

Detail your injuries and the damages to your vehicle. Explain your next steps as you file a claim with the other driver’s insurance. Stay in close contact with your insurance company as the case progresses.

6. Seek Medical Attention Even for Minor Symptoms

If you did not call 9-1-1 at the scene, you still need to see a doctor for a comprehensive medical examination. Internal bleeding, concussions, and whiplash symptoms need treatment. You may not always know how bad your injury symptoms not at fault are until a doctor evaluates you.

Additionally, the official medical examination is essential to your personal injury case. The insurance company will ask for proof of injury, and you can provide the necessary documents without scrambling.

7. Know Your Rights When Dealing with the Other Driver’s Insurance

When you deal with other insurance in Bridgeport, you may hit some roadblocks along the way. The other driver’s insurance company wants to pay the least amount possible. They may drag out the case until you are desperate for any compensation to help with your mounting medical and auto repair bills.

Recognize a lowball settlement and refuse it with the help of a trusted Bridgeport car accident lawyer. You have rights as the not-at-fault party in your Bridgeport car accident. So exercise your rights to get maximum compensation.

8. Speak with a Bridgeport Car Accident Attorney

After a car accident, these steps are necessary to make your case go as smoothly as possible. The earlier you contact a trusted car accident lawyer, the better. Your car wreck attorney will help you file a claim, collect evidence, and prove liability. If you cannot come to an agreement with the other driver’s insurance, your lawyer will prepare your case for court.

Brill Law Group has you covered when you’re in a panic after a car accident not your fault in Bridgeport. Let us relieve your stress by filing your claim and pursuing your case. We will communicate with you every step of the way. And you don’t have to pay us until we win your case.

Contact us to get started.