You’re driving down the road, minding your own business when, out of nowhere, another vehicle collides with yours. You weren’t doing anything wrong, and you were following the rules of the road. In the moment, this situation is scary, especially if you have loved ones in the car. Additionally, in our increasingly technology-driven world, it’s essential to consider the potential technology-related aspects of the incident. Afterwards, it can be frustrating since you were driving safely, and now you have a damaged vehicle, possibly with integrated tech systems affected.
Know that you’ve been involved in something called a non-fault accident. So, what do you do next? In this guide, we’re here to walk you through the complete checklist of steps to take after a non-fault accident, with a focus on addressing any technology-related concerns. Stay calm, and follow this checklist to know the best way to act.
Ensure Safety First
The first and foremost rule after an accident is safety. Check for injuries, both yours and anyone else involved. If there are injuries, call for medical assistance immediately. Even if you think that you’ll be fine after some movement, it’s best to get checked by professionals. Some injuries don’t manifest straight away because of adrenaline. So, it’s best for an expert to see you.
If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicles out of the way of traffic and use hazard lights or warning triangles to ensure visibility. You want other cars coming along the road to see you. If you’re on a motorway, make sure that you stay far away from the car for your own safety.
Contact Law Enforcement
Even for non-fault accidents, it’s crucial to get the police involved. Why? Because a police report provides an official record of the incident. They’ll collect information from all parties involved, and this report can be immensely helpful down the road when dealing with insurance companies.
If you’re starting to panic at this stage about handling a claim, don’t worry. There are services you can use to help and streamline the process. On RTA Claims, you can get started on the claims process and get back on the road quickly. After all, if you’ve got a job you need to travel to or a lot of responsibilities, you need to deal with the financial loss and move on.
Exchange Information
After ensuring safety and contacting the police, it’s time to exchange information with the other party. What to share? Names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information are key. Stay polite and cooperative while doing so. No need for a heated exchange of words; that won’t help anyone. It might make them defensive, which is not what you want.
Gather Evidence
Now, here’s where your smartphone becomes your trusty sidekick. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions. These visuals can be a lifesaver when proving your case. If there are any witnesses, gather their statements as well. Every bit of evidence counts. Don’t forget to take any photographs of your injuries and what they looked like after the incident. This can help to back up your story and what’s happened.
Seek Medical Attention
Don’t be a hero. Even if your injuries seem minor, schedule a medical examination. Some injuries can have delayed symptoms, and it’s better to catch them early. Plus, medical records will play a crucial role in your non-fault accident claim. As we touched upon earlier, some injuries can take a while to manifest. So, you might think that you’re absolutely fine after the accident, and then a couple of days later, you experience discomfort and pain. Allow a doctor to look over you to ensure you don’t have any hidden injuries.
Consult with an Attorney
Are you thinking about legal help? In some cases, it’s a smart move, especially for complex non-fault accidents. An attorney can be your shield and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. This can be particularly true if you feel like the other driver is going to try to blame the incident on you, and you know they were in the wrong.
Document All Expenses
Your financial well-being matters too. It’s important to document every expense related to the accident. These expenses can be claimed in your non-fault accident case, so keep those receipts safe. For example, this might include any prescriptions you’ve had to pay for or repairs you’ve needed for the car. It can even include taxi rides to the hospital.
Stay Informed
Your case is in motion, and it’s essential to stay in the know. Keep track of all your communication with insurance companies, and we’ll discuss the reasons why. Being informed is your best defence.
Prepare for a Potential Lawsuit
Last but not least, we’ll discuss the elephant in the room: the possibility of a lawsuit. Some cases might lead to this, And you need to be prepared. Make sure you read about the legal process and what you can expect.
Conclusion
Remember, staying prepared and informed is your best bet when dealing with a non-fault accident. Hopefully, you’ll never be involved in one. But, the roads are getting busier, and you have to be prepared for the worst. Follow these steps, stay cool under pressure, and you’ll be on the road to resolving your non-fault accident claim successfully.
