What If Someone Hits Me but Blames Me When They Talk to Their Insurance?
If someone hits you but then blames you when they talk to their insurance company, the other insurance carrier may put you at fault for the collision. How frustrating and unjust, right? The sad truth is, it is not uncommon. In these situations, insurance adjusters will likely believe their insured over you, concluding this is a “word v. word” situation. Ultimately, if it is a “word v. word” situation, with no other evidence, the other carrier will likely deny your claim.
How do you overcome “word v. word” situations? Evidence like eye witness statements, black box data, surveillance footage near the collision, OR YOU CAN SIMPLY CONTROL YOUR DESTINY AND INSTALL A DASH CAM TO PROVE THE TRUTH AND COMPLETELY AVOID WORD V. WORD SITUATIONS.
Here’s what you should do in the event of an auto collision to ensure you can prove your innocence and refute any false accusations from the at fault party.
Call the Police
After ensuring your safety, you should call the police to report the accident and request an officer to come to the scene. At the scene, the police officer can take statements from you, the at fault party, and any witnesses who saw the collision. These statements along with documentation of the area of impact on the vehicles can be useful for determining fault.
Collect Evidence
At the scene, gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the damage to both vehicles, photos of the license plate of the other vehicle, photos of accident scene, photos of any relevant road conditions or traffic signs, and witness contact information. Note the time, date, and weather conditions. If there are traffic cameras or nearby businesses with security cameras, try to obtain footage of the accident. Video footage are invaluable in any injury case.
Dash Cam
DASH CAM FOOTAGE TO THE RESCUE!
Immediately download and save your dash cam footage. This unbiased, real-time video evidence captures the exact moments leading up to and during the collision, providing a clear and accurate account of the incident. Dash cam footage can help refute false claims and establish the true sequence of events, showing who was at fault. When presented to insurance companies or even in court, this footage can significantly strengthen your case, ensuring that the responsible party is held accountable and you receive the proper compensation for damages and injuries.
Exchange Information
As with any accident, it is important to get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and year, make, and model of the vehicle.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s crucial to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, may not manifest symptoms right away. Delayed symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, pain, or discomfort that might appear hours or even days later. A thorough medical evaluation can identify any hidden injuries and provide documentation for your insurance claim or any potential legal action. Seeking prompt medical attention safeguards your health and helps establish a clear record of your condition following the accident.
We can’t stress this enough: don’t downplay your own pain and injuries. Although toughing it out can be a core value for some of us, when it comes to our health, we should always take the brave approach of looking honestly and vulnerably at our condition. You can’t get help to heal if you’re “fine”.
Consult an Attorney
If the other driver disputes fault or if there are significant damages or injuries, it is wise to consider consulting an injury attorney.
An experienced attorney can provide valuable guidance on navigating the complex claim and legal process. They can help gather and present evidence, such as witness statements, medical records, and accident scene photos, to build a strong case on your behalf. Additionally, an attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. They can also represent you in court, if necessary, advocating for your rights and aiming to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Consulting an injury attorney can provide peace of mind and ensure that you have a knowledgeable advocate fighting for your interests throughout the legal process.
Have you been in an accident and it wasn’t your fault?
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