What To Do If You’re at Fault In a Car Accident?

It only takes a minor distraction to divert your focus away from the road. You might assume that it was your fault if you hit another automobile at the junction. Now, what do you do?
What you do next will depend on where you live, the extent of your auto insurance, and how much of an accident you were at fault for. An attorney can assist you regardless of how much blame you bear for the disaster.
A report recorded that the number of crashes reported in Q1 2022 grew by 1.33% year over year. According to classification, 26% of the 3,345 crashes that occurred in Q1 of this year were fatal, while 62.8% were categorised as serious. Only 374 cases, or 11.2%, were classified as mild cases.
Get A Car Accident Lawyer if You Caused a Car Accident
Getting into a car accident might have serious repercussions. Both personal injuries and auto repairs can be very expensive. The other drivers may seize your asset if you don’t have adequate insurance to pay all the damages. You must safeguard your interests. Get help from a car accident lawyer.
You should speak with a car accident lawyer if you believe you may be to blame for the collision. A lawyer can represent you in court if you are being sued or assist you in settling your case. You can be given access to a lawyer by your auto insurance provider. You can make a free connection with a lawyer right from this page.
So, if you have been in a car accident, get in touch with Tulsa Attorneys right once to talk about your case. We can assist you in obtaining all the damages you are due.
To get the greatest outcomes for our clients, Tulsa Attorneys also offer the following services.
What To Do After an Accident
You can be in a car accident no matter how careful you are. To safeguard your rights and avoid future hassles, keep in mind these procedures.
1. Call the police: You are usually compelled to do so in many states after an accident. Calling the police is crucial, and in certain places, it’s required by law, regardless of whether the accident is regarded as a little fender-bender or a severe collision. The responding officers will record the situation and fill out an accident report.
You can travel to the closest police station and complete a report on your own if the authorities cannot respond to the accident scene. Your insurance could request a copy of the police report when you submit a claim so they can expedite the claims procedure.
2. Look for wounds: If you are unsure about the extent of the injuries, call an ambulance.
- Get the other driver’s contact information and insurance details: If you have any passengers, ensure they are not hurt. Then, exchange contact and insurance information with the other motorist. The following details are crucial for drivers to share after an accident:
- Name in full and contact details
- Company name and policy number
- Licence plate number and driver’s licence
- Model, kind, and colour of the car
- Place of the accident
When discussing the details with the other motorist, avoid assigning blame. When you make an insurance claim, the adjuster will examine the damaged property and use that information to decide who is at fault.
3. Avoid impeding traffic: Move your car off the road if the collision is mild.
To alert other drivers to slow down, turn off your engine, turn on your hazard lights, and use the road flares in your emergency car kit.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau also cautions against bandit tow trucks. These tow truck drivers stop and offer help even though you didn’t call them. It might be a con. They have been known to convince victims to allow them to tow their vehicles to shady locations where the vehicle is held captive in exchange for an improbable reward.
4. Take pictures: Document the accident site and the car damage using the camera on your smartphone. You can help safeguard yourself by doing the following:
- Name the policemen.
- Obtain each responding officer’s name and badge number when the police arrive.
- Obtain one.
- Find out where you may get a copy of the accident report by asking the on-duty police officers. When you submit a claim for your auto insurance, your insurer might request a report copy.
- Take photos.
- You can capture the accident’s details by photographing your vehicle from several perspectives. Taking images of the license plate of the opposing vehicle can also be a good idea.
- Record names.
Include any passengers in the other car when you provide the names and addresses of everyone involved.
5. Report the incident: report it to the police or the department of motor vehicles. Even online mechanisms for reporting auto accidents are available in some areas.
6. Contact your insurance provider: report all accidents to your auto insurance provider.
Tulsa Attorneys Also Offer the Following Services:
1. Protecting Your Interest in Court
It is crucial that you choose the best car accident lawyers who will protect your interests even when you are not present. This is so that the verdict you receive at the end of the legal process doesn’t further enhance your good or bad reputation. So, choose a vehicle accident lawyer from Tulsa Attorneys who is always willing to fight for his client’s rights.
2. Talking About a Settlement.
We observe that insurance companies act rashly when making settlement offers that are far less than what the client deserves. In this situation, a car accident lawyer can assist you in negotiating a fair settlement.
3. Making a Claim Against a Party That Is Faulty or an Insurance Entity.
Tulsa automobile accident attorneys can assist you in filing a claim with the insurance provider as soon as an accident occurs. You will be able to receive adequate compensation for your losses and injuries as a result.
What Losses will my insurance pay for?
Losses brought on by a car accident are intended to be covered by all types of car insurance. The specifics of what is covered vary depending on your policy choice and the state in which you live.
Your liability insurance will pay for the following:
- the injured party’s medical expenses associated with their car accident injuries,
- financial harm (lost wages, diminished earning capacity),
- “general damages” like pain and suffering, up to your coverage limits if you are at fault for the collision. Most states need liability insurance. Your collision insurance will pay for your own damages.
No-fault insurance (PIP). Drivers who are not at fault use their own PIP insurance to cover medical expenses and other costs. Car repair damages are often not covered by PIP. Thus, motorists in not at fault get collision insurance besides PIP.
What Not to Do if You’re at Fault in a Car Accident
Leave the scene of the accident –
It is against the law for anyone involved in an automobile accident to continue driving.
Forget to contact the authorities –
Some people believe that the police should only be notified if an accident results in a fatality. Simply said, this is untrue. No matter the extent of the losses, it is crucial to report the collision to the police.
Become angry –
It is, indeed, upsetting to witness your prized item, your car, ruined as a result of an accident that was not your fault. But keep in mind not to lose your composure at this moment. Do not vent your frustration on the relevant third party.
Forget to take notes on the incident –
Before leaving the accident scene, you should try to take notes about the occurrence as much as possible.
Make Excuses –
Never apologise the moment it happens. Avoid making excuses for your actions when speaking with an insurance provider. It is best to be truthful and describe the accident’s actual events.
Disregard the follow-ups-
You will need to contact your insurance provider. You might need to make calls to the third party’s insurance provider.
Accept a settlement –
You should avoid engaging in a settlement without legal counsel.
File a claim with the tribunal –
It is vital to seek legal counsel before submitting a claim to the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. For particular events, your insurance provider might also represent you in court.
Last but not least, reject any offers of direct payment from third parties. Direct payment might not be as helpful as it first appears.
Contact Lacourse law, which has handled a variety of car accident claims. Let us assist you in obtaining the highest compensation.
Conclusion
Following an accident that you believe was your fault, you would take the actions outlined above and claim with your insurance provider. Even if you believe you are at fault, the insurance adjuster’s inquiry will first evaluate your legal liability. Repairs may be covered regardless of fault if you have comprehensive and collision insurance.