We all know the basics of car accident etiquette. Remain calm, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. And of course, swap contact information with the other driver(s) involved. But what additional information should you obtain from the other driver after a car accident? Further, how do you obtain that information during a stressful situation?
What Basic Information Is Needed From The Other Driver?
There is no doubt that car accidents are stressful and still, incredibly common. According to Driver Knowledge, more than 90 people die in car accidents every day.
Be it from distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding, road conditions, etc., when a car collision occurs, drivers need to be prepared to take action immediately.
In general, insurance companies will request the following information from the involved drivers at the accident scene:
- Driver's name and contact information
- Name and contact information of the driver's insurance company
- Insurance policy number and expiration date
- Vehicle details (make, model, color, license plate number, etc.)
- Evidence of damage at the scene including photos and/or videos
Taking pictures of each other's information can save even more time, allowing involved parties to make necessary arrangements to leave the scene, get a rental, or tow away their vehicle.
When all parties are cooperative, getting this information is a relatively easy, though incredibly important process.
Unfortunately, an easy exchange is not always possible.
What Happens If the Other Driver(s) Is Not Cooperative?
Unfortunately, not all drivers are cooperative in sharing information with all involved parties following a car accident. Take a look at the various situations that may occur and how to still get the information you need to move forward.
If the Driver Leaves the Scene
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, you are likely worried you'll never be able to hold the at-fault party accountable. However, you do have options.
The first is to try to take a picture of the license plate number of the vehicle. If that's not possible, make note of the make, model, and color of the car and report the hit-and-run to the police. If there are witnesses, ask them to give a description of the event and involved parties to the police.
If the Driver Won't Give You Information
If this is not a driver's first offense, or perhaps they have more on their record than a few fender benders, they may not be willing to give you the information needed to file a claim.
In those cases, do not confront the other driver(s). Instead, call the police. From there, a police report will be used to move forward with your claim. If it is safe to do so, take photos of the damage the car caused, and of the vehicle itself along with the license plate number. This can also be used by your insurance company to get information about the driver.
If there are witnesses, gather their contact information so they can confirm the details of the wreck with the police and your insurance company.
If the Information Doesn't Match
Sometimes the driver involved in the collision isn't driving a car that is theirs. This can be for a variety of reasons such as borrowing a friend or family member's vehicle. In those cases especially, while it is good to have the information of the driver, you'll still need the license plate number of the vehicle involved as well as any other identifying information.
If the Driver Doesn't Have Insurance Information
In cases where the driver doesn't have insurance or does not have the proper documentation for their insurance, ask for their name, address, phone number, and driver's license number. Your insurance company can use that information to look up if the driver has insurance. You will still also need the vehicle information including the license plate number.
If the driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation under collision insurance for car repairs or uninsured motorist coverage for medical treatment. Check with your insurance policy to see what you have available.
If the Driver(s) Is Injured
If there are injuries, the police will report to the accident scene once notified. Be sure to get the name of the responding officers and to request a copy of the accident report. This will have all the information about the parties involved so you can file a claim with your insurance.
How Can I Be Prepared For a Potential Car Accident?
It is estimated that 77% of drivers have been in at least one car accident in their lifetime. That being said, it is always good to prepare for the unexpected so if it happens to you, you are ready.
Before ever being involved in a car accident, take charge of your future by:
- Reviewing your insurance policy and any available add ons
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
- Know the information you need to have on hand
- Know the right questions to ask
- Understand your rights and responsibilities
Further, know that if you are involved in a car accident and become injured, keeping a log of any medical treatment will be necessary for the value of your claim.
Accidents happen and car accidents, in particular, are common. That doesn't mean you have to tackle it alone.
How Can Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Help Me After a Car Accident?
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, no matter how minor or serious the injuries, the car accident attorney you chose will be critical to the success of your claim.
At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we have helped car accident victims file auto accident claims for more than 60 years, and we can do the same for you.
When you are represented by a Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys attorney, we can help through the car accident claims process by:
- Negotiating with the insurance companies
- Calculating damages including future losses
- Represent you in court
Not all car accident cases require legal representation. However, if you developed severe injuries, were not at fault for the accident, or the insurance company denied your claim, an attorney can help.
Our attorneys work diligently to determine the cause of the accident, calculate your level of fault (if any), and can represent you in communications if you are too injured to do so yourself.
Hurt in A Car Accident? Call Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we help car accident victims recover losses for:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident, do not delay in contacting a compassionate car wreck attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. We know how stressful these situations can be, which is why we will serve as your advocate to answer any questions you may have, and to get to the bottom of the accident's cause, allowing you to move forward.
For a no-obligation, free consultation, contact Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys today by calling (570) 213-9759 or use our online form to schedule your free consultation. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis which means you pay nothing until a settlement or verdict is reached. Further, you'll never pay more than what was awarded to you.
