It happens to even the best of drivers: You got distracted by your phone. Or you had something on your mind and you weren’t paying attention for a few seconds.
Next thing you know, you slam your brakes to try and avoid hitting the car in front of you, but it’s too late. You crash, causing damage to both vehicles.
Clearly, the accident is your fault. So what happens next? Here are the first steps you should take following an accident that was your fault:
- First, you’ll want to make sure you and the other drivers and passengers involved in the crash are OK. If there are injuries, call 911.
- Second, call the police to see if you need a traffic officer to report to the scene. Depending on the severity of the accident, police may or may not respond.
It’s important that you properly document the crash as it happened – even before any law enforcement officers arrive.
Be sure to do the following:
- Identify the officers: Write down the names and badge numbers of all officers who respond to the scene.
- Get a copy of the accident report (this happens several days after the accident and is usually picked up from your local police station).
- Take pictures of any and all damage to any vehicle or other property involved, including the area where the accident occurred.
- Write down the names, contact information, and insurance policy numbers of all parties involved.
- Talk to witnesses who may have stopped at the scene and write down their statements and contact information.
If police don’t respond, you and the other drivers involved will need to exchange insurance information yourselves.
- Full name and contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Type, color and model of vehicle
- Location of accident
After you’ve gotten everything you need and leave the scene, it will be up to your insurance company to cover the losses of other drivers, passengers and anyone else who was hurt or harmed by the crash.
Coverage could include:
- Vehicle damage
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Yes. Even though you may have caused the crash, attorneys could be able to prove that the other driver’s or drivers’ actions played a role in the accident, as well.If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident – even if the accident was your fault – you could use the help of experienced personal injury attorneys.
Contact the office of Wright Gray today for your free initial consultation.