A vehicular accident can be a stressful and traumatic event for anyone. If you end up at fault for the ordeal, whether it’s entirely or partially, you’ll feel anxious and start to panic about what’ll happen next. Although you can’t prevent accidents, it’s crucial to hold yourself accountable for any wrongdoings you’ve committed.
The events that’ll follow after the accident will depend on your location, your degree of fault in the accident, and the coverage of your car insurance. Whether you’re fully or partially responsible for the accident, it’s best to work with an attorney to ensure that the case will proceed smoothly for both parties involved.
If you think you don’t qualify for any compensation if you’re at fault for a vehicular accident, it’s best to turn to an attorney who can scrutinize your case and provide insight on how to proceed and what to include in the claim. Additionally, if you’re partially at fault, you can still be eligible for damages. If you’re eager to learn more about filing a claim, checking out the websites of reliable legal professionals would be of great help to you.
What Happens If A Vehicular Accident Is Your Fault?
With car accidents, the location serves as a determining factor on how one ends up at fault. It’s crucial to remember that there are fault and no-fault states.
► In fault states, the individual at fault for the ordeal is responsible for the damages of those involved in the accident.
►In no-fault states, the car insurance provider of every party involved in the accident is responsible for covering any damages.
Most states are fault states. With this in mind, if you’re to blame in a vehicular accident and residing in a fault state, you’re accountable for all the damages incurred by other drivers or any other parties involved in the ordeal. The other drivers can file a claim with the insurance company.
What To Do If At Fault In A Car Accident
Although accidents can happen even if you’re extra careful while driving, there are considerations you must be familiar with to protect your rights if you’re at fault for the ordeal.
1. Stop Your Vehicle And Prioritize Safety
Although most people find themselves in a state of shock after getting into a car accident, especially if it’s a serious one, try your best to stay calm and move your vehicle out of the road. Park it in a safe area and out of the traffic. Carefully check for damage on your car and the other vehicles. Call for emergency services if a person has sustained serious injuries or a fatality occurs.
2. Report The Accident
Get in touch with law enforcement to report what happened. Stay at the scene of the accident until the arrival of the police. Remember that attempting to leave might result in a hit-and-run charge.
3. Obtain Information
Ensure that you’ll obtain information by exchanging names, contact information such as phone numbers or email addresses, and insurance details with the other drivers involved. It’s also best to note down the vehicles’ license plate numbers, model, and make.
4. Document The Scene
After the incident, you should take photos of the accident site and the exact location of the vehicles, damage to the cars, and injuries to all parties involved. When you have evidence in the form of photos, this can prevent anyone from altering the story in any way.
5. File A Report
If law enforcement did not arrive at the accident site, make the right move by filing a report with the police department or the Department of Motor Vehicles. In some states, you can utilize an online reporting system for vehicular accidents.
6. Call Your Insurance Provider
Contact your insurance company so they’ll know about the vehicular accident you’re involved in. The majority of policies will require you to report an accident right away. Unable to do so might cause you to miss out on coverage.
What To Avoid If You Are At Fault For A Car Accident
Aside from the crucial considerations you need to make if you’re at fault for a vehicular accident, you should avoid these actions:
Don’t admit fault.
Even if you’re well aware that you’re responsible for the accident, avoid saying that you caused it. Additionally, avoid apologizing for what happened. Remember that the other driver might be partly at fault for the accident or some of the damage.
Avoid shouting or panicking at the scene.
Although emotions are off the roof after a stressful situation, try to stay calm and control your emotions. Don’t get mad or go into a panicked state as it’ll only make matters worse. Additionally, don’t accuse the other driver of causing the accident.
Avoid negotiating.
While at the scene of the accident, don’t start any negotiations yet with the other driver. Remember that it’s not a suitable place or time to sign statements regarding fault or promises to pay for the damages. It’s the task of the insurance companies to tackle such processes.
Avoid discussing the accident.
It’s not the right time to discuss the details of the accident with the other party, their attorney, or their insurance company. Make sure that you’re honest by providing the facts to the police and your insurance provider. It’s best to consult an attorney so that the case will proceed in the best way possible.
Don’t leave the site.
Once the police have already made a report, you should wait at the accident site until the other driver has gone before you leave.
Conclusion
If you’re accountable for a recent car accident, there are certain consequences you need to face. Depending on the circumstances, whether you’re entirely or partially at fault for the vehicular collision, knowing what to do afterward will be an advantage on your part. Being familiar with all of the essential considerations if you’re at fault after an accident is vital to protect your rights. Additionally, make sure to work with a seasoned attorney so that the case will go smoothly for both parties.