What to do After an Auto Accident
What should I do After a Auto Accident?
Auto accidents are unfortunately a prevalent occurrence. Because of their ubiquity, it is essential to understand the auto accident claim process. Having a grasp for the filing process and the legality attached will mitigate anxiety if you are involved in a crash.
After an auto accident, the drivers must exchange information. Driver's licenses, insurance papers and contact information must be exchanged to initiate the foundation for the claim process. That being said, an auto accident claim will only be filed if the underlying accident necessitates it. This is to say that, only sever auto accidents--ones that displace significant damage on the drivers or the automobiles--will mandate the filing of a claim. The filing is required to secure compensation for damages sustained; the monies are used towards convalescence and repair costs. The party responsible for providing compensation is determined after an evaluation of fault. The guilty party--the driver who caused the accident--will provide compensation through their respective insurance companies.
The determination of fault is carried-out by the insurance providers. The companies will use several resources, including, witness testimonials, statistics (angles, skid-marks etc.) and police reports to elucidate on liability. The party determined at fault (typically fault is given in percentages) is required to provide compensation to the other driver or victims of the accident.
The role of the Insurance Company and Police After Auto Accident:
The insurance companies, upon review of the accident and a determination of liability, will provide compensation to the damaged parties. Although the guilty driver does not pay the victim directly, the brunt of their bad decision is felt in the form of increased insurance premiums.
After the auto accident, the drivers are required to exchange personal and insurance information; in addition to these documents, the drivers should obtain a copy of the police report. Filed by the officer called to the scene, the official police report is used to document the specifics associated with the accident. The information latent in the report will be viewed by the respective providers to determine fault.
