Important Steps After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault

It’s essential to know the proper steps to take after an accident to ensure your safety and rights are protected and how you can secure any potential compensation. Accidents are always an overwhelming experience, and figuring out where to start can feel confusing.

We’ve made a guide to walk you through the immediate actions you should take right after an accident, why you should seek out medical attention, how to start a claim with your insurance, the different claims you may be entitled to, and why you should never ignore any damages regardless how minor they may seem.

Steps to Take After the Accident

When involved in an accident, you should take these crucial steps to ensure your safety and that of others and protect your rights.

Step #1 — Safety First

Stop the car, turn off the engine, and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself or any passengers for injuries, and try to move to the safest location if possible. Failing to stop after an accident is a serious offence.

Step #2 — Call Emergency Services

Dial emergency services to report the crash, especially if there are any injuries, significant damages, or if you suspect an offence has been committed. Provide as accurate details as possible and listen to the operator’s instructions. Call an ambulance if medical assistance is needed.

Step #3 — Exchange Contact Information

Share contact information and insurance details with everyone involved in the accident. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers.

Step #4 — Document the Scene

Take photos and videos of the accident site, focusing on vehicle damage, licence plates, road signs, traffic signals, and the surrounding environment. Note important details like road conditions and weather.

Step #5 — Obtain Witness Information

If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. Their statements can be important later when determining fault.

Step #6 — Avoid Admitting Fault

When you discuss the accident, only speak to the facts and avoid admitting fault. You should also keep from saying something that one could view as an admission of guilt. 

Step #7 — Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurer about the crash as soon as possible. Provide accurate details, but try not to make assumptions or statements that could jeopardise your claim. If you weren’t able to exchange information at the scene of the accident, make sure to inform the police.

What Can You Claim After a Non-Fault Accident?

After you’ve addressed all immediate concerns after an accident, you may be eligible to claim compensation for various damages if you are not at fault, including:

• Medical Expenses – Covering the costs related to hospitalisation, surgeries, medications, or any ongoing treatments
• Property Damage – Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle or any other personal belongings damaged in the accident
• Lost Wages – Reimbursement for income lost due to taking time off work for medical treatment and recovery
• Pain and Suffering – Non-economic damages that account for physical and emotional distress from the accident
• Future Medical Expenses – Anticipated costs for ongoing medical care or rehabilitation
• Diminished Earning Capacity – Compensation for any reduction in your ability to earn income due to long-term injuries

Getting the appropriate information after an accident is crucial so you can get the compensation you deserve and support your recovery process. In non-fault accidents, your insurance company will work with the at-fault driver’s insurance to seek compensation for the damages caused.

Repairs After a Non-Fault Accident

After an accident, it is essential to assess any damage to your vehicle and have repairs completed right away. Even if damages seem minor, there can be underlying damage that can have immediate risks to your safety on the road or more significant issues for your vehicle later.

After a non-fault accident, working with a trusted car repair shop that works with your insurance can help you claim any monetary losses, claim for the repair or total replacement of your vehicle, and get a replacement vehicle during repairs. You have a right to choose your repairer after an accident, so find a repairer you trust for convenience and high-quality work.

Let Caversham Coachworks Get You Back on the Road After a Non-Fault Accident

At Caversham Coachworks, we want to help you get back on the road after an accident. We offer a variety of services like alloy wheel refurbishment, cooling systems and air-conditioning maintenance, paintless dent removal, swift same-day repairs, steering component repairs, the use of genuine parts, and electrical system maintenance and refurbishment. We have experience working with insurance companies and can reduce the stress that comes with repairs and their costs.

Visit one of our convenient locations in Caversham and Abingdon. We are here to help with traditional, modern, hybrid, and EV vehicles with our state-of-the-art equipment. 

Contact us today or use our free and easy estimator tool.