The screech of tires and clunk of metal is terrifying. If you’ve been involved in an accident, then you know exactly what we mean! Nothing can prepare you for that awful moment, and your body goes into shock. A car accident can happen at any time. Whether you’re going 70mph on the motorway, or reversing out of your drive, another car can easily drive straight into you. If you’re reading this post, then you’ve probably been involved in a collision just like this. You know the crash wasn’t your fault, and you’re wondering what you can do about it. Well, we’re here to help provide expert advice in case you find yourself in this position.
Gather information to prove it wasn’t your fault
We know that your head will be spinning after a collision. It’s not always easy to act calm and rationally. But, it’s so important that you keep your wits about you. Stay calm, and start recording all the relevant details. Remember, any details you write down at the scene of the accident are more credible than recalling them later on. If possible, take photos of the immediate damage. Take photos of the final positions of the car, and draw a sketch of the accident as it happened. Include any useful information about weather or noticeable reasons for blame (i.e., running a red light).
Get witness statements
If there were any witnesses in the area, ask them for a quick statement to confirm the blame. If they can confirm that the offending party ran a red light, your case will be much stronger. Don’t forget to take their name, address and phone number. If necessary, ask the police to corroborate this statement, and pass the details onto the insurance company.
Ask the police to investigate
No matter how small the collision or accident, the police will always be the first on the scene. They’ll take details of the incident, and begin to put together an investigation. They have more experience with assigning blame, and their decision will carry more weight with an insurance company. Give them all the details they need to come to the right decision, and assist their investigation where possible.
Pick up a courtesy car
If your car was badly damaged during the collision, you’re going to need a short-term replacement. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you’re entitled to a free rental car. You can apply for one at Acorn Rentals, and they won’t charge you for the courtesy car. Instead, they’ll go to the offender’s insurance company to pick up the cheque. Meanwhile, you should notify both your insurer, and the third party’s insurer. Explain the situation, and give them all the necessary details.
Visit a doctor
Finally, make sure that you haven’t incurred any serious injuries by visiting your doctor. If there are any problems, ensure that you obtain a qualified doctor’s note. You can then present this to the insurance company to seek adequate compensation and damages.
Don’t pay for something that wasn’t your fault. Remain calm, follow this advice, and get the compensation you deserve.