When you’re involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s crucial to ensure you’re not wrongfully held responsible. While the facts of the incident may seem clear to you, the insurance companies, police, or even other parties involved may not always see things the same way. Here’s a guide on how to protect yourself from being wrongly blamed for a non-fault accident and how to ensure that the responsibility lies where it belongs.
Always Report the Accident
One of the first steps to take after any accident, whether it’s your fault or not, is to report it to the police if necessary. If the accident involves injuries, damage to property, or any disputes about liability, the police will create a report that can be invaluable for clarifying what happened. Even if the damage is minor, you should still notify your insurer promptly.
- Why it matters: A police report can serve as official documentation that supports your version of events, protecting you from any false claims made by the other party.
- What to do: If the police don’t attend the scene, make sure to report the incident to them as soon as possible. Get a copy of the accident report or the reference number for your records.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
The more evidence you collect at the scene, the more likely you are to avoid being blamed for the accident. This evidence will be critical if there’s any dispute over who is at fault.
- Take photographs: Capture as many photos as possible of the accident scene, including the damage to vehicles, any relevant road signs or markings, skid marks, and the position of the vehicles after the collision.
- Document weather and road conditions: Sometimes, weather or road conditions can play a role in accidents. Make sure you note these, as they could help prove the other driver was at fault.
- Get witness statements: If there are any independent witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact details and, if possible, have them provide statements. Their testimony could support your case. RTA Claims can assist you with your case if you think the other driver will dispute what happened.
Make Use of Dashcam Footage
Having a dashcam in your vehicle can be one of the best ways to protect yourself in the event of an accident. Dashcam footage provides an unbiased account of the incident, showing the moments leading up to, during, and after the accident.
- Why it matters: Dashcam footage can prove that you weren’t at fault if the other driver tries to deny responsibility.
- What to do: If your dashcam captures the accident, share the footage with your insurance company as part of the claim process. If there’s a dispute about fault, the footage can be vital evidence.
Get a Comprehensive Accident Report
If the police attended the scene of the accident, they will typically create an accident report. This document includes details like witness statements, damage assessment, and any traffic violations or issues that contributed to the accident.
- Why it matters: A detailed accident report provides impartial documentation that can be used to demonstrate that the other party was at fault.
- What to do: Request a copy of the report from the police, especially if the other party is denying responsibility. If the police didn’t attend the scene, consider hiring an accident investigator who can recreate the events of the crash.
Stay Calm and Professional
In the heat of the moment, emotions can run high, but staying calm and professional is key to avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring that the facts are clear. Avoid arguing with the other driver or admitting fault, as this can be used against you later.
- Why it matters: Remaining calm will help you collect evidence and engage in productive conversations with other parties, police, and insurers. It also shows that you are handling the situation responsibly.
- What to do: If the other driver is aggressive or trying to pressure you into taking the blame, stay composed. Stick to the facts and avoid giving statements that could be misinterpreted.
How to Track Medical Costs
You shouldn’t have to pay any costs when the car accident wasn’t your fault. While NHS treatment can be free, there are other expenses that can add up along the way. For example, you might have to purchase over-the-counter medications, and you can have transport costs to appointments. In some instances, you may require private consultations. Again, you shouldn’t have to pay for this out of your own pocket, and it can be included in your claim. You just need to make sure that you track everything to get what you deserve. Here are some tips on how you can do that effectively.
Ask for Receipts
For every expense that you pay for, ask for a receipt. This is going to be your evidence and what’s going to prove that you’ve had certain treatment or services and that you paid for it. When you’re buying something, don’t rely on your credit card statement. Get the receipt to prove exactly what you’ve paid for. Then, this can be presented to the other side so that you can be reimbursed later on. While you think you might remember everything you’ve paid for, you still need to show evidence.
Calculate Everything
When you think about expenses, you probably consider the big bills first. In other words, any private treatment you needed or large payments for over-the-counter medication or transport. But, you should know that you can claim everything you’ve had to pay out for regarding the car accident and your injuries. So, don’t be afraid to calculate everything, no matter how small. Again, keep receipts for these amounts, and there should be no problem.
Compile Your Records
You don’t want to lose any receipts or records you have of your expenses. So, figure out a way that you’re going to keep it all together. For example, this could be by creating a special binder for all of your evidence. Some people like to scan the documents and keep them online. Either way, you want to compile your records somewhere safe so that you know where they are.
Conclusion
Avoiding being held responsible for a non-fault accident largely comes down to the steps you take immediately after the collision. By gathering evidence, reporting the incident promptly, and cooperating with your insurance company, you can significantly increase your chances of proving your innocence. Don’t forget to remain calm, seek legal advice if needed, and always be prepared with documentation that supports your side of the story. By taking these precautions, you can navigate the process of proving you’re not at fault and avoid unnecessary complications.