What should I do after a car accident if I‘m not at fault? After a car accident when you’re not at fault, call 911, document the scene, get the other driver’s information, and notify your insurance company.
In addition to these things, speak with a car accident lawyer in Corpus Christi from Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, and they can help you with a claim or lawsuit.
Dial 911 After a Car Accident in Which You’re Not at Fault
As you think about what to do after a car accident that is not your fault, err on the side of caution by calling for help. When you dial 911, you can report the incident, and medical professionals and the police can come to the scene. At this point, medical personnel can evaluate and treat your injuries, and the police can gather information about the incident.
Choosing not to dial 911 can have severe consequences. If left untreated, your accident injuries can get worse and affect you for a long time. Plus, you may have to cover some or most of your injury-related expenses out of pocket. Outside of this, if the police aren’t informed about your accident, the incident can go unreported, and you can get blamed for it.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, we offer legal guidance to those unsure how to respond to an auto accident that’s not their fault. We have also recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Let a personal injury lawyer in Corpus Christi from our team assist you with your auto accident case. To get started, request a free case consultation.
We have offices in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Victoria; and will travel to any corner of Texas if we are capable of preventing an injustice.
Collect Evidence from the Accident Scene
If you’re not at fault after a car accident, gathering evidence is essential. Take photos and videos of your injuries, traffic signs, vehicle damage, and other elements of the scene. Along with this, get the contact information of witnesses. If you file a lawsuit against a liable motorist, witnesses can make statements that support your case.
The car accident attorneys at Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC can provide insights into the evidence that you can obtain at the scene of an auto crash. We can also help you obtain police reports and other evidence and submit your compensation request within the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in Texas.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you generally have two years to sue someone for injuries. Based on this, if you want to file a lawsuit for an auto accident in which you suffer injuries, you typically have two years to do so, with certain exceptions.
Ask the Driver Involved in Your Accident for Their Contact and Insurance Information
When you think about what you need to do after a car accident that isn’t your fault, it’s paramount to obtain information from the at-fault driver. Otherwise, if you don’t have the driver’s contact and insurance information, it can be difficult to hold them accountable for the harm that they’ve caused.
The personal injury attorneys at Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC encourage you to ask a motorist for their driver’s license and insurance card. With this information in hand, you can take the first step toward seeking compensation from this individual or their insurer for your accident losses.
Our lawyers can detail the steps to take after a car accident in Texas. If you pursue an insurance claim against a liable motorist, our attorneys can negotiate settlement terms with their insurer. Alternatively, if you decide to sue, we can argue before a judge or jury why you should be awarded compensatory damages.
Representing the injured in all areas of Texas that extends back over 40 years
Tell Your Car Insurance Company About Your Accident, Even If You’re Not at Fault
For those who are worried about contacting their auto insurance company after a car accident in which they are not at fault, remember that your insurer won’t automatically blame you for the incident. Instead, your insurance provider can investigate the incident. If the other driver is found to be at fault, their insurer can compensate you for your accident losses.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, we fight for compensation on behalf of our clients. In a car accident insurance claim, we can handle settlement negotiations. We want you to get a settlement that covers your economic and non-economic damages. If this doesn’t happen, you can’t necessarily sue an insurance company. But you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault motorist.
In your lawsuit, your lawyer wants to prove negligence. They can use accident scene photos and videos, police reports, and other evidence to illustrate this point. Plus, they can contest any claims that the defendant makes against you. If your lawyer’s argument is successful, the court can rule favorably, and you can recover compensation that meets your expectations.
You need a skilled advocate to protect your legal rights and present your claim in such a way as to maximize your recovery.
A Look at the Things You Shouldn’t Do After an Auto Accident That Isn’t Your Fault
The Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC team wants you to make informed decisions as you consider what to do after an auto collision that’s not your fault. As part of our efforts to help you, we’ve put together the list below of things you shouldn’t do following a car crash that’s not your fault:
- Do not leave the scene. If you do, it can become exceedingly challenging to get compensation from the liable motorist. Also, this motorist can contact the police about the accident and try to blame you for it.
- Do not apologize or accept responsibility. What you say in the moments after an accident can indicate that you’re partly or primarily at fault and hurt your chances of recovering damages from any liable parties.
- Do not avoid calling the police. If you don’t notify the police, you won’t be able to get a police report detailing your accident and will miss out on evidence to use in your case for compensation.
Our auto accident attorneys can share tips, recommendations, and insights on dealing with the ramifications of a car crash caused by someone else. Any time you have concerns or questions regarding the steps to take after an auto accident, we’re here to help.
The Bottom Line on What You Should Do After an Auto Collision in Which You’re Not at Fault
Partner with the attorneys at Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC if you’re unsure about what you should do after an auto crash in which you are not at fault.
Our lawyers want you to prioritize your recovery from the accident while we pursue compensation from any responsible parties. Reach out to us today.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC we can talk to you about your options and rights.
